Meredith & Brett
Wedding Party
Meredith Eppers
Bride
Meredith fell madly in love with Brett the first day she laid eyes on the sweet handsome man who is thoughtful and funny. Meredith works at Grand Island High School as a Special Education Science teacher. She grew up in Orchard Park, NY, attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and Buffalo State College for graduate school. In her free time she enjoys staying active. She completed the 200 hour Baptiste Yoga teacher training. Since living with Brett, she has regularly attended classes at Rebel Ride, a spinning and exercise studio. Book Club keeps her current with titles, authors, and most importantly the happenings of her friends’ lives. Meredith looks forward to getting a puppy, building a family, and spending the rest of my life with Brett.
Brett Ruff
Groom
Brett grew up in many cities, but mostly in Clarence, NY where he graduated from Clarence High School and then received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management from Syracuse University. Brett followed his dad’s footsteps and is employed by the Buffalo Sabres. He currently works in Hockey Operations for the past 10 years. March 15, 2019 is a day that has forever changed Brett’s life. He logged onto the right dating app at the right time and did the seemingly impossible. Met and fell in love with the woman of his dreams. He is so incredibly lucky to have that supportive and loving person by his side nearly 3 and a half years later. He’s so excited to take his best friend Meredith’s hand in marriage!
Michelle Giancaterin
Maid of Honor
Michelle is a Speech Therapist, working with children 2-5 years old. She enjoys reading, and is a member of 3 book clubs. Michelle is dedicated to volunteering and devoted to her family, friends, and community. She enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, and hiking. Michelle and Meredith have known each other for many years and became particularly close when Meredith bought her house in Kenmore. They also enjoy walking, bike riding, and working out together . Michelle has enjoyed getting to know Brett over the last few years and looks forward to years of friendship to come!
Brian Ruff
Best Man
Brett’s younger but much taller brother. Brian was the first of the Ruff siblings to establish himself in Dallas, Texas in the medical sales business. He has a massive lovable dog named Jaxson. Brian enjoys living his best life traveling and attending concerts and sporting events.
Julie Winkelman
Maid of Honor
Julie works in HR at a bank near you. She has a great sense of adventure and if you even need a t-shirt logo or funky costume prop she’s your woman. Her 6 year old son Ben is a gem as a smart, curious, science kid. Julie and Meredith became fast friends after meeting through a former social club known as The Roaming Buffalo’s. Julie and Meredith have traveled, run races, and lived life’s ups and downs for over 10 years. In Kenmore, Meredith and Julie lived three houses away. Now living farther away, we still get together for exercise classes, dinner, and happy hours.
Larin Witsel
Groomsman
Larin and Brett have been good buddies for the past several years. They have spent summer family vacations together in Whitefish, Montana golfing, playing cribbage, and watching our favorite TV shows. Larin, his wife Lisa, and daughter Landree, currently reside in Lethbridge, Alberta. Larin works as a home inspector and has owned his own drywall company for the past 13 years.
Sarah Eppers
Bridesmaid
Sarah is Meredith's sister-in-law, married to the bride's younger brother, Carl. They met through mutual friends from SUNY College at Geneseo. Sarah is from Saratoga Springs, New York and works as a clinical research manager for Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City. She is a dog mom to her beloved Pomeranian, Holly.
Carl Eppers
Groomsman
Meredith’s younger brother works in New York City as a business consultant for technology startups. He met his wife, Sarah, through mutual SUNY Geneseo College friends. Carl and Brett went to an outdoor camp (Pathfinder) in Algonquin Park, Canada, for an overlapping summer. Carl and Brett bond over Buffalo sports.
Eryn Ruff
Bridesmaid
Eryn is Brett's younger sister and was the first to meet Meredith. This past summer, she relocated to Dallas from Charlotte to be closer to family. She teaches middle school science, which keeps her on her toes. She enjoys spending time with her rescue dog Levi, who loves going on walks and hikes. Eryn is an adventurous person. She loves to snowboard and wakesurf, and hopes to go skydiving again soon!
Christopher Pokornowski
Groomsman
Chris has been a childhood friend of Brett’s. They both attended Syracuse University and were roommates for two years, and two more years after graduating. He and Chris enjoy playing golf and attending Bills games together. Chris is newly married to Val and they have welcomed a sweet puppy into their lives this past year. Chis lives in Western New York and currently works for a family business.
Madeleine Ruff
Bridesmaid
Maddie is Brett’s youngest sibling. Maddie and Brett are referred to as the Ruff bookends since they are the oldest and the youngest children. Maddie moved to Dallas, to start her career in Occupational Therapy. She currently works at UT Southwestern in acute care and has enjoyed working with a variety of patients. Maddie is sweet and social and trying to start her own charcuterie board business “@boardsbyruff” as a side hustle.
Karen Calder
Ceremony Reader
Karen is Brett’s Aunt. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with her 3 rescue dogs and close to Liana Bye, Brett’s Aunt, and her family. She had a successful 30 year corporate career in HR and now has her own consulting and coaching company. Karen was with her sister, Gaye, the day Brett was brought home from the hospital when he was born. She’s loved being part of Brett’s life and many milestones. Karen looks forward to creating more memories with Meredith and Brett in their new life together.