We're Getting Married!
Wedding Party
Matthew Gwartz
co-Best Man
Often mistaken for the twin brother that I never had, Matt and I met working our first jobs in Yorba Linda, CA @ Lamppost Pizza. After teaching me how to make my first pizza, we quickly struck up a friendship over talking sports, spirited driveway basketball, and competitive games of “Over-the-line.” The hardest worker and most selfless person I’ve ever met, I’m blessed to call Matt a Best Man.
Lauren Cummings
Maid of Honor
My big, “little” sister. My first ever friend. We have so many sisterly memories. The first that comes to mind is the time I ‘stole the big crumb off her cake’. While teasing her is something I still do regularly, it’s only because I know that there is nothing that could come between the bond of sisters. Those lucky enough to know my sister, know she is one of the most kindhearted people you’ll ever meet. I am so blessed to experience this chapter of life with her by my side, as my Maid of Honor.
Alex Apter
co-Best Man
Known by many simply as “Crush,” Alex and I met playing baseball at NYU in 2003. A year younger than me, Alex’s humility and generous nature was apparent the first time we met. He’s one of those people you just want to be around, and thankfully, he’s been a best friend for nearly 20 years. We’ve shared countless nights cheering on our New York Rangers @ MSG & countless mornings @ Flannery’s mourning tough defeats by our beloved Tottenham Hotspur.
Tiffany Handsman
Bridesmaid
Tiffany and I met through her brother. My friend and I would frequently visit the Hayden house, and over time, I started ditching that crew to hang with Tiffany instead. Anyone who knows her, would understand why. Tiffany brings so much life to any room, her energy is infectious. To know her is to love her. 20 years and countless memories later, we are still best friends. I couldn’t imagine life any other way.
Jimmy Janeczek
Groomsman
My oldest friend, Jimmy and I started our educations together at William E. Cottle Elementary and ended them together at New York University. Down for anything, Jimmy has been by my side for countless nights out in the Village, College Hoops games at The Garden, and offered consistently sound financial advice. Undoubtedly the best basketball player in the wedding party.
Diana Severin
Bridesmaid
I am thankful for one thing NCC gave me, and that is Diana. Diana was introduced to me by Tiffany (in the NCC parking lot) and quickly became one of my closest friends. I could tell from the moment I met her, what a genuine, good person she was by the way she always prioritized her friends and family. It’s still one of the things I love most about her. Over the years, I feel like her and her little girls have become like family to me.
Nick Straabe
Groomsman
Truly one of the best people that you’ll ever meet, Nick “Big Cat” Straabe has been both a friend and mentor for over 20 years. Although only a year separates us in age, Nick has more wisdom, life experience, and useful knowledge than I’ll likely have in a lifetime. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Nick by Matt in 1999 and we’ve been building a friendship ever since, which has included everything from trips to France, long drives across the Bayou, to calling Nick when our apartment needed a dry wall touchup. There aren’t many people like Nick Straabe in this world and I’m so fortunate to have him in my life.
Meaghan O'Connor
Bridesmaid
It is certain to me that Meaghan and Dan come from the same family, as they share the same kind, graceful spirit. We’re the same age, and we both hate “stuff”. We’re pretty much perfect for each other! While we’re an entire country apart, it feels like she’s in our living room quite frequently thanks to FaceTime. I am so grateful to be joining such an incredible family. I look forward to many more memories to come, but as sisters.
Ryan Reott
Groomsman
Also a former Lamppost Pizza colleague, Ryan has been a key part of my life for over two decades. We’ve lived together, traveled together, and experienced just about everything together, and to date, I’ve still never seen him have a bad day. He approaches every day with an unmatched passion and zest for life that is infectious to anyone in his orbit. On our wedding night, I highly recommend everyone spend some time with Ryan – you’ll be certain to have the night of your life.
Ashley Collins
Bridesmaid
If you read the “How We Met” on our homepage, that total stranger who struck up a conversation with Dan (while I wasn’t even there), was Ashley. Any time I’ve shared that story with anyone, the most common reply is “wow, now that’s a good friend”. And they’re absolutely right. Ashley and I met as colleagues, but it feels like we were friends first. Nicknamed my down for anything friend, as she has always only been a phone call away, I cherish any opportunity we get to spend time together.
Josh Knapp
Groomsman
A trusted sage, legal counsel and tremendous friend, Josh and I met while playing on the NYU Baseball team in 2003. Together we’ve enjoyed some incredible times in NYC, SoCal, and places in between. Beyond his years, Josh has always been the first call when faced with an important question or search for guidance. He always seems to have the right answer!
Elise Saetta
Bridesmaid
I often forget that we were colleagues first, because Elise too, feels like a forever friend. One of the things I’ve always valued most about our friendship is the fact that we can talk about almost anything. She’s always taken care of me, from cooking me Homechef dinners after work, to giving me life advice. It’s no wonder she’s such a great mom. I am so lucky to have this beautiful soul in my life.
Stan Kuklick
Groomsman
Curious. Worldly. Generous. Those are just a few words to describe Stan Kuklick, Hailing from the City of Brotherly Love, Stan has always felt like a brother since we met at NYU in 2003. Together we’ve enjoyed some incredible overseas trips and unforgettable nights in South Philly taking in Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and ‘Nova games. With a smile that lights up any room, Stan’s upbeat personality and welcoming nature are infectious to anyone lucky enough to know him.
Christina Drummond
Bridesmaid
This photo pretty much sums up our relationship. From giggling at ridiculous memes, the latest being, 'dancing bigfoot bae', to singing Bruno Mars songs. There’s nobody that can make me laugh quite like Christina. From dance school circa 1999, cheer in high school & our first internship together, I am lucky to have been in Christina’s path all these years.
Frank DiCarlo
Groomsman
The forgotten borough’s finest, Frankie D and I met on 9.3.02 in the first class of my first day at NYU. We studied Sports Management together and instantly connected over our shared love of the sports business world, often working together on school projects, and eventually, helping one another secure internships and jobs in the industry. A father of 4 and a successful attorney, Frank is one of the hardest workers I know and always there to provide astute life advice.
Lana Donnelly
Bridesmaid
When Lana and I first met, she sat behind me at the office and was known as the girl who shook her salad loudly every day. Though we quickly bonded over our mutual connections and our love for NYC. Fast forward a few years, and we were roomies in apartment 3010. Lana is a true leo. Loving & loyal, with a big personality. And as a fellow Leo, we just get each other. Lana has one of the biggest hearts and is genuinely a great friend.
PJ Bovee
Groomsman
The brother that I never had, I’ve been honored to call PJ my brother-in-law for the past six years. He’s one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met, with an insatiable curiosity that makes him a certified expert in everything from 80’s Rock Bands to the world’s top microbrews. And how could I forget – he’s also on his way to becoming a Michelin Starred Chef! Always down for a good hang and an insightful conversation, I’m fortunate to call PJ my brother.
Danny Cummings
Groomsman
From the second Michelle told me on our first date that her little brother’s name was Danny, I knew we’d hit it off! Full of wit, Danny is one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and smartest people that you’ll ever meet. If you’re ever selecting teams for Game Night, make sure you pick him! He’s the GOAT. I couldn’t be more excited and honored to soon call Danny my brother.