Love in the Land of Enchantment
Wedding Party
Nick Bullock
Best Man
Mike’s original partner in crime, his one and only brother of blood. Nick and his beautiful family live outside of Nashville, where he recently completed the construction of his dream studio, Freda Recordings (named after their maternal grandmother). Nick works as a producer, engineer, and of course, musician extraordinaire. Nick & Mike have shared much over the years – the night life of Ithaca, NY; slaying it together in Nick’s band The Sound Awake and of course reminiscing about the absurdness of youth. They don’t get to see each other as often as they would like, but the bond of brotherhood is ever strong.
Mariah Melena
Maid of Honor
Mariah is a lawyer currently living in Nashville, TN. She enjoys scary movies, chatting and coffee. Mariah and Sam met their first year of college at the University of California Santa Cruz in 2010. Sam cornered Mariah at the bus stop in downtown Santa Cruz and promptly asked if she would like to walk to Petsmart to buy a beta fish because she was going through a break up and needed company. Francois the beta fish did not last, but the friendship did. There are no words to describe the laughter, tears, joys, and many heartaches Mariah and Sam have endured together. If talking was a job they would be billionaires. In recent times they spent 8 hours on the phone chatting (straight).
Michael Porter
Non-Virginal Patron of Honor
Meeting just months prior to Mike & Sam, Mike B and Mike P met in Farmington, NM, in February of 2015 where they both started the same day at the Bureau of Land Management. The night before their fateful meeting, they were both shopping at the same grocery store where a gentleman outside (selling his wares) told Mike B about another Mike who was starting for the BLM the next day; needless to say Mike B thought this was a marketing ploy and was skeptical about the veracity of this claim. It turned out to be true! Due to the high quantity of Mikes in the office, they simply became known as Porter and Bullock. Porter was instrumental to Bullock and Sam meeting and was a true friend (and still is) during Mike & Sam’s tumultuous years a la 2017. Porter and his wife, Sam (i.e. Mike and Sam 2.0), live in Denver where they are quietly amassing a real estate empire. Porter now works for the EPA where he uses his ever-expanding intelligence to mitigate environmental degradation. Porter has been a rock in Bullock’s life and is so grateful for his companionship, his loyalty, his love and affinity of the absurd. Porter is a one of a kind friend and Bullock isn't sure how he quite landed a best friend as great as he is.
Christine Howard
Bridesmaid
Christine currently works for Audible in Berlin, Germany. She loves: science fiction, French fries and forests. Christine and Sam met the summer of 2011 while working at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Christine and Sam had both just gone through some pretty terrible breakups and trauma bonded at a Santa Barbara Zoo employee softball game. Needless to say they began a rampage of processing their grief in the way young college youths do. They partied. Christine went to the University of California Santa Barbara and if you haven't heard they know how to party. For the record they both graduated college with 4.0s & job opportunities. They have been through highs and lows together over the many years they have been friends. Christine and Sam grew from party friends to the best of friends in no time and currently still keep up chatting and facetiming while Christine is in Germany with her wonderful husband and baby girl.
Alex Harris
Groomsman
Some of Mike’s earliest memories of his time at McQuaid Jesuit High School involve Alex and his reputation for being an all around badass - including inadvertently taking second place in New York State for a ski jump after filling in for a no-show. Mike and Alex were also in their first band during those McQuaid years, Pavilion, along with their best mates Joey Ziarko & Mike Vaiana. Many an hour were spent in Vaiana’s smelly basement crafting the original and very-adolescent sound for which the boys were known. Mike and Alex also attended college together; the groom at Ithaca College and the latter at Cornell University (along with Joey Ziarko!). The year living together at “918” was one of the funnest of Mike’s life; there was no shortage of adventure, music and late night discussions. Mike cherishes that year living next to Alex, and above Joey, with all his heart. The first time that Sam met Alex was actually at his wedding - where he somehow convinced his wife, Lisa, to marry him. Alex is one hell of a guy and Mike strongly encourages you to meet Alex at the wedding - his intelligence, his passion, his humor (albeit self-deprecating) and his easy-going nature really make him a keeper. Mike wishes everyone had an Alex Harris in his life. Alex and Lisa live in Rochester where they are raising their two wonderful boys.
James Ramsey
Bridesman
James Ramsey lives in Washington D.C. and currently works at John's Hopkins University as the Associate Director of Development. He loves: racoons, tiramisu and Taylor Swift. He still gets anxious when he thinks about Robert in Key West. James Ramsey was one of Sam's very first friends at the University of California Santa Cruz. They met in the fall of 2009 because James thought Sam had good style. Sam was so excited to eat lunch with James in the cafeteria and the rest is history. They lived together their sophomore year of college and they both (competitively) majored in History of Art and Visual Culture together. Post college Sam would make the drive from wherever she happened to be in the Southwest to Orange County to go to the annual Ramsey family Christmas party where many a wild memory was made. James and Sam continue to bond over planning weddings together since he will be getting married to his lovely fiancé, Sean, in October of 2025.
Julia Duffy
Groomswoman
Julia and Mike originally met at Siena Catholic Middle School when Mike was in eighth grade and Julia in seventh. Being the little shits that they were (especially then), it was like they were cut from the same cloth. Mike and Julia got into all kinds of trouble together - including one February break where they entered (the door was ajar!) a local middle school and “stole” ice cream sandwiches and chocolate milk, only to have a security guard point a gun at them and put them in the back of a cop car. Julia and Mike spent a lot of time with Julia’s father, “Duffman” and the three of them grew very close. Mike and Julia grew up together, went through the teenage angst years together and came out alive. Mike always appreciated how she had his back, even when he was acting a fool. They don’t get to see each other as often as they would like, but when reunited, it’s like nothing has changed. Of her multitude of good qualities - Mike so appreciates her sense of humor, her loyalty, her work ethic and her grace. Julia lives with her partner Lauren outside of Tampa Bay where she is a contractor. There is no hustle like the Duffy hustle!
Spencer Koobatian
Bridesman
Spencer Koobatian currently lives in Los Angeles, California and works as a television editor. He loves: photography, travel and the news. Spencer and Sam also became friends at the University of California Santa Cruz. Soon after James and Sam met, Spencer joined the group. There have never been two more sarcastic humans to join forces in friendship. Their friendship blossomed amongst the red woods of Santa Cruz and they spent many a night chatting, watching movies & attending a variety of questionable college parties. Post college Sam spent a fair bit of time couch surfing with Spencer in Los Angeles while she figured out her next steps. Spencer and Sam continue to hold each other accountable in ways only the sassiest and most sarcastic of friends can.
Carley Flynn
Groomswoman
Mike and Carley attended the same elementary school, St. John’s, where they would one day fabricate that they “dated” in first and second grade (Carley being a year wiser than Mike). It wasn’t until middle school, however, at Siena Catholic Academy where they became good friends. As you can imagine, Mike was quite the little squirt in seventh grade and still wonders how he befriended the “cool, alternative kids of eighth grade,” of which Carley was a member. Carley has been a rock in Mike’s life ever since - coining the phrase “Mamma Flynn” back in the highschool days. One memory in particular that sticks out was an epic new year’s spent in the Adirondacks where they braved the elements and literally melted snow and ice for drinking water, and thrice lost their water bottles only to “fish” them back using Mcguiver-like tactics. Carley is one of the kindest, wisest, strongest and most loving people that Mike has ever met. Carley has visited Mike in his adventures over the years and has gotten to know Sam very well - and they love to tease Mike for his ridiculousness (rightly so). Carley lives in Rochester where she helps to raise her niece and nephew and works in health insurance.
Diana Sousa
Bridesmaid
Diana currently lives in Los Angeles, California and owns her own small business, "Kindness and Koffee." She loves: iced matcha lattes, singing and tulips. She hopes Robert is living his best spirit life. Diana is Sam's, or shall I say Samantha's (Sam was not her name until the end of high school), longest standing friend. Sam could write a novel about their friendship, but she will attempt to make it brief (ish). Diana and Samantha met in middle school at Goleta Valley Junior High in Goleta, California. They met at the flagpole. The exact details of this meeting are fuzzy in our millennial brains, this was the early 2000s, but it means they have been friends since they were 12/13 years old which is too many years ago to count. Diana had the best birthday parties, where she would rent a jumper, and we would all jump around reliving the best days of childhood. Diana's house always had the best food. Diana's mom would make the best Filipino food and at the time Samantha didn't realize how lucky she was. Diana knows it all - awkward years and family drama; you name it, they have seen each other through it. Sam and Diana even have prom photos together with Sam's baby brother, Beckett, who wasn't even one year old in 2009 and is now 16 years old. They have allowed each other to grow over the years and change as humans which is such a beautiful thing to experience in a friendship. Sam was also a bridesmaid in Diana's wedding in October of 2022.
Michael Irimia
Groomsman
Mike B and Mike Irimia (so many Mikes!) met the day that Mike B moved to Portland in 2007. Without knowing him and through a mutual friend, Irimia picked him up from the airport with “welcome home balloons,” a flask of whiskey and a pack of cigarettes. It was love at first sight. Irimia and Bullock spent many an hour together in PDX playing pool and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Bullock appreciates his gentle nature, his intelligence, his open mindedness and his sense of style. Irimia and Bullock were able to rekindle their friendship in 2021 when Irimia moved to Santa Fe for a few months, partially due to Bullock’s presence. Unfortunately, Irimia won’t be able to make the wedding as he is obtaining citizenship in Uruguay and cannot leave the country at this time. He will be missed!
Brooke Wise
Bridesmaid
Brooke, aka Shields, currently lives in Kona, HI where she is a chef and master diver. She loves: unlikely friends, riding a motorcycle in a bikini and swimming in the ocean at night. Shields and Sass became friends in the fall of 2018 in Boulder, CO when they both decided to join the local roller derby team. Their bonding moment occurred when they both noticed each others gel manicures. Their friendship grew with every hit, block and roller skate drill. They processed so much together while life changed drastically around them. So many late night practices at an old drafty barn, complete with a barn cat, who was the unofficial mascot. Chatting for hours post practice as we nursed our bruises from practice with beer and laughter are some of Sass's most memorable times from her time spent in Boulder. They spent so much time chatting in Shield's van and processing life, laying the foundation for a lifelong friendship. Sass could not have made it through graduate school without Shields and her roller derby family. Shields and Sass still catch up regularly when Shields is in Boulder or on Marco Polo where they send each other very long videos about all the things, and it is absolutely perfect. Shields continues to tear it up on the track and is part of team Hawaii.
Noah Bullock
Ring Bearer
Noah Augustine Bullock is Mike’s oldest nephew and godchild. He and his two brothers live in Tennessee where they love to play with Legos and scrape it up in the outdoors. Noah has a passion for the military and loves to create designs for all kinds of gadgets. Mike is so honored to have Noah be a part of their special day!
Heather Seltzer-Rogers
Bridesmaid
Heather is currently a principle investigator at an archaeology firm in Albuquerque, NM. She loves: cats (specifically black ones), baking and gardening. Heather and Sam technically met the summer of 2015, but didn't become friends until they started graduate school together at the University of Colorado at Boulder in the Fall of 2015. They were able to brave the horrors and joys of graduate school together, mostly by hanging out, drinking beers and petting Heather's cat Sunny! Bonding over complicated professors, existential crises in the field of archaeology and their love of cats brought these two closer together. They also bonded over presenting on their research in Vancouver, Canada at the Society of American Archaeologists Conference on a Sunday morning and then flew back to Boulder right after presenting and woke up at 5 AM the next day (Monday) to take their graduate composition exams (which lasted for three days and included loads of essay writing). These two still see each other regularly even though it is not enough given how close they live to one another. Sam was also lucky enough to be in Heather's beautiful wedding in October of 2021!
Emily Assumpcao
Flower Girl
Emi is currently living her best life not working and living in Berlin. She loves: theme park rides, ice cream & playgrounds. Emi is the lovely, inquisitive, intelligent, free-spirited 2 year old daughter of Christine Howard.
Kristina Linford
Mother of the Bride
Kristina currently resides in Santa Barbara, CA and works at the Santa Barbara County Mental Health Services Division. She loves: mystery movies, old Hollywood, and figuring things out. Kristina has known Samantha Jo for almost 34 years give or take an extra nine months. Kristina almost exclusively ate Mexican food and mint chip ice cream when she was pregnant with Samantha, which explains a lot.
Lisa Hill-DiFusco
Mother of the Groom
Lisa has known Mike since he was a curly-haired cherub, and beyond. Lisa has always appreciated Michael’s gregariousness, his musical sensibilities and his love of life. She is a very classy lady who values leadership, family, lobster and a good laugh.
Kevin Derrick
Step-Father
Kevin currently works as a roofer in Santa Barbara, CA. He loves: poker, grilling and spending time with family. Kevin has known Sam since junior high and has played a pivotal role in Sam's life. He has been present for numerous big life events and Sam is so happy he's part of the family. He is a big goof ball with an even bigger heart.
Gerry DiFusco
Stepfather of the Groom
Gerry and Mike first met during Mike’s senior year of highschool, where he stayed up all night to make bread in an effort to successfully win over Mike’s love. Gerry loves motorcycles, is a world class chef, and is truly a jack of all trades. Gerry’s intelligence and loyalty have set a great example for Mike over the years!
Christian Linford
Father of the Bride
Christian currently works in real estate and is based out of northern California. He likes: coffee, ice cream and reading. Christian has ... you guessed it ... known the bride for almost 34 years. He was the one to name her Samantha Jo and pass on a passion for the rugged Southwest, ghost stories and treasure hunting (which influenced her to become an archaeologist, which to be clear has nothing to do with treasure hunting)!
Vicki Jo Campanero
Stepmother of the Groom
Vicki Jo and her three wonderful children are truly like family to Mike & Sam. Vicki is an ever abundant source of vitality, love, intelligence and wisdom - and has truly taken to Sam (who can blame her?). Vicki loves archaeology, strong coffee and intelligent conversations (not to be confused with “ignorant conversations”). She and Craig live in Rochester where they love to spoil their granddaughter, Marchese, and run the Assisi Institute, a non-profit spiritual center that teaches Kriya Yoga.
Kelsey Reese
Honor Attendant
Kelsey Reese currently works with the bride as an archaeologist at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She dislikes: being asked what she likes. They have know each other for just over 9 years and originally met at a camping archaeology conference (called Pecos) in the summer of 2015. They later found out they worked and lived in some of the same places throughout the years and seemed destined to eventually become good friends. They have always been able to chat it up and currently carpool to work in order to be able to get sufficient chat time.
Craig Bullock
Father of the Groom
Craig’s most recent sperm donation, Mike, is a source of pride to the father of the groom. Craig looms large in Mike’s life and has been a rock throughout the groom’s various life stages. He shared his love of sports, R&B music and his many anecdotes of growing up Italian in the city of Rochester. Craig will be presiding over the ceremony at the wedding and Mike and Sam are very grateful!
Jennica Killbride
Honor Attendant
Jennica is a nurse at the UNM hospital and is busy saving lives on the daily! She loves: Frankie (her puppy dog), bed, and plants. Jennica and Sam met through Kelsey Reese. Jennica is Kelsey's beautiful and intelligent wife! Jennica and Sam have become friends in their own right and share a strong passion for Hocus Pocus being one of the best movies to exist.
Kristen Diego
Honor Attendant
Kristen currently runs an entire Dallas based company called The Little Gym and lives in Santa Fe, NM. Kristen loves: her fur babies - Roo and Finlee and she loves being outside as much as possible. She loves the two awesome people she knows from the gym are getting married! Kristen and Sam became friends through their gym, Undisputed Fitness. Crossfit may be a cult, but it sure has wonderful humans. Kristen is the kindest, most thoughtful human who is always helping others. She is a beast both inside and outside the gym.
Leah Magidson
Honor Attendant
Leah currently works for the Santa Fe Institute and lives in Rio Rancho, NM. Leah and Sam met at the time honored establishment of Undisputed Fitness. They have been known to chat sober in cars on work nights until 3AM. They are know to laugh about anything and everything together, finding the literal joy in existence. Leah is part of the art night crew, which hangs almost weekly and includes Elena, Kristen and Sam. Art night is less about art and more about laughter, wine, processing, and looking at Leah's photos from her trip to India.
Elena Barranes
Honor Attendant
Elena is currently an architect and lives in Santa Fe, NM. Elena loves: unicorns, lemons, and fall. Elena and Sam met at ... you guessed it ... Undisputed Fitness. Crossfit really brings the best people together. Elena and Sam became friends easily with an ability to talk about anything. Elena always has the wisest words of wisdom and knows exactly how to quell Sam's worries! She is currently expecting her first baby girl and Sam is very excited despite her general mistrust of babies. Elena & Mike share a birthday, so maybe there's something to the Gemini/Libra connection.
Kevin Kurator
Honor Attendant
Kevin is currently a medical doctor in Los Angeles, CA. Kevin likes: the beach, rainy weather and dark chocolate. I also hear he enjoys a cup of warm milk now and then. Kevin and Sam technically met in college at the University of California Santa Cruz, but only started to become good friends after college when Spencer Koobatian, James Ramsey and Kevin lived together in Los Angeles. Kevin is easily the most grounded and hilarious of the group and Sam realized she might like him best.
