Wedding Party
Inna Polis
Mother of the Bride
My Mom, Inna, is loving, supportive, and honest. I am thankful for my Mother's support through endless amounts of school, countless friendships, and even years of ice hockey (even though she had to close her eyes several times while I charged another player). When I told her about Martin and our relationship her support meant the world. Martin and my Mom have a very special relationship which has always meant the world to me. I am beyond grateful to have such an incredible mom who has supported our engagement and wedding more than I can ever thank her for.
David Polis
Father of the Bride
My Dad, David, is the most caring, positive and fun person in my family. My Dad is always the first person to think of a solution to a problem, bring the party into a room and joke with Martin that I can be stubborn. I have hundreds of memories playing Clue, Mario or Battleship together, which I never won, and now never let my friends win. My Dad has always support me and helped guide me through life's ups and downs. Together with my Mom, their support for Martin and I has allowed us to have such an incredible engagement and life together.
Joyce Gallagher
Mother of the Groom
My Mother, Joyce, has always been my number one fan and supporter. Joyce made sure to do everything she could to give us the best childhood growing up and beyond that to this day we have the best mother anyone could ask for! Her laughter fills any room she is in and all of us love that about her. Joyce’s personality makes her one of the most incredible people to know and spend time with. I am so blessed to be her son! She was thrilled to hear that I was going to be seeing such an amazing person as Tetyana and could not wait to meet her. There is never a shortage of conversation between the two of them whether it’s about Tetyana’s research, books they have read or passions they share.
Dermot Gallagher
Father of the Groom
My Father, Dermot, is and always has been one of the most brilliant people I know. He has always inspired me to work hard on whatever I am doing while doing it in a smart way. He comes from a family of very hard working people and the bar he set for hard work and honesty is what I always try to adhere to in my life. His passion for good food, gardening and general know-how are all things that I have also shared while growing up and continue to pursue on my own. I am very proud to say, that is my Dad! He has always been a fan of Tetyana since I introduced her to our family and they always get along so great when we are together. Tetyana is trying to compete with me as #1 fan of his cooking but I will firmly hold my title.
Jordan Michaels
Officiant
Jordan Michaels, yes like Michael Jordan but Jordan Michaels, is a friend of mine from highschool. Jordan and I have shared countless memories throughout the years. Jordan is always looking for the positives in any situation and is a great listener. He is selfless and compassionate. Jordan and I have never shared a dull moment even in the simplest of times. I can count on Jordan to have a thought provoking conversation with just the right amount of comedy mixed in. Having Jordan officiate our wedding means a lot to Tetyana and I, and we are so thankful for his support of our relationship.
Beth Kern
Maid of Honor
Beth couldn't deserve the title of MOH any more. A fellow PhD candidate at Drexel University, Beth is a dear friend of Martin and I. Her genuine, fun and loving spirit fills a room immediately when she enters. I remember calling Beth after getting engaged and her screams of joy could have filled the entire city of Barcelona. Beth has taken on a full-time job helping us plan our wedding on top of graduate school. I am so grateful for Beth and I can't wait to have Beth by my side for our wedding day.
Owen Gallagher
Best Man
My brother, Owen, is witty and compassionate. Owen has always been supportive and accountable. I know when I ask Owen a question he will always have an answer, and some sass. Owen has a special ability of easing people’s nerves, starting a fun conversation and leaving a great impression on people as a fun-loving guy. We have always enjoyed spending time with Owen and his fiancé, Carolyn, who have always been very supportive of my relationship with Tetyana. Having Owen by my side will ensure I am calm, cool and collective.
Carolyn Cushwa
Bridesmaid
Carolyn has the largest heart, sweetest intentions and is Owen's fiancé! As a new-bee in the Gallagher Family I never felt out of place because Lynnie was so inclusive. I am always so excited to sit next to Lynnie during family functions to chat about Martin and Owen, wedding planning and our cats. I know Lynnie will bring the party to the dance floor and the tissues to the ceremony. We can't wait!
Peter Gallagher
Best Man
My brother, Peter, had always been the one in our family to go by the beat of his own drum. Peter is passionate about his hobbies and incredibly hard working. I know those that know Peter can always count on him and understand that he will always do what he can to help out. Peter and Tetyana have always gotten along so well it is so nice to always see them laughing or having interesting discussions where they will usually learn from one another. Alongside Owen, I truly feel like we are the invincible trio.
Cara Grudziak
Matron of Honor
Cara is my dear friend from St. Joseph's University. When I asked her to be my roommate freshman year...she said no! (She was already taken) Regardless, our friendship has grown stronger over the past decade. Cara is a hard-working, selfless and accountable mother, wife, and friend. She has known Martin and I since college and I will never forget her unwavering support for our relationship.
Ryan Jendras
Groomsman
RJ or Ryan…. Ryan Jendras. RJ is a very special person that I came to know during my freshman year at Saint Joseph’s. During a time I was figuring out a lot in life, RJ was on the ride with me and together with our suitemates we had some of the best times of our lives at Saint Joseph’s. He also witnessed my friendship with Tetyana grow in that time. I’m sure he thought we might have been crazy in some moments but he always has our back! I regularly receive messages from RJ just saying, “I’m outside”, “are you free to pick me up? I need a ride,” or “want to mountain bike at Wissahickon creek?” and that’s something I really enjoy about a friend like RJ. He always keeps it real with me and he is always up to go out for an adventure.
Sam Pluymers
Bridesmaid
Sam is an incredibly talented, educated and passionate friend of both Martin and I from college. I remember her excitement when Martin and I were engaged and it was truly a moment of pure joy. Sam is a public defense attorney for the City of Philadelphia and even with her full schedule and busy personal life she has answered every call and looked at countless wedding paper goods with me (lol). I am so jazzed to have Sam by my side on our special day.
Billy Meed
Groomsman
Billy is a person we can call, “a brotha from anotha motha.” Billy and I are long time childhood friends. Billy is always great company and will somehow end up at most of our family outings which everyone could not be happier to have him at. A real stand up guy and spoken very highly of by all of his friends and family. When I had mentioned I was going to be having Tetyana come visit our apartment in Manhattan for the first time he was very happy for me, and witnessed as I scrubbed the floor with a toothbrush… Upon meeting Tetyana they got along great and we have only had better times all together with his fiance, Mary Beth. Billy will be the first or second (after Lynnie) on the dance floor and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him by my side.
Dan Kloeblen
Groomsman
Dan is a special friend of mine I came to know at Saint Joseph’s along with being roommates during that time. Dan is always up for figuring out fun activities, good meals or snowboard trips! Dan has also known Tetyana from college and these days you can catch them on the slopes, fighting for first place down the mountain, as the rest of us wait at the bottom. We have always enjoyed sharing an appreciation for sarcasm and you may find that is our main way of conversing. Dan has always been very determined and focuses hard on what he wants to achieve which is contagious to those around him! I know having Dan by my side will help me keep my cool.