Julia & Peter
The Wedding Party
Kelli Parrish
Maid of Honor
As Julia's older sister, Kelli has been like a second mom, mentor and best friend all in one. Kelli has been very supportive and entertained many crazy ideas over the years; from agreeing to be Julia's 1st grade show 'n tell prop, to teaching her how to drive at age 13, to encouraging Julia to move to NYC after college. Despite the difference in their height, Julia has always looked up to Kelli and valued her advice. Even though Kelli lives in Chicago with her family, neither their friendship, nor their crazy sister ideas have wavered.
Christopher Heim
Best Man
Peter and Heim, aka Co-Captains have been best friends since middle school. They've always had each others back, whether it was on the Willy North football field or on the beer pong table. Drinking a Blue Light at an 8am Bills tailgate will always be one of their favorite ways to start a Sunday. Thankfully, it's never too hard to accomplish since Heim lives nearby in Amherst with his wife Gabby.
Krista Becker
Bridesmaid
Krista and Julia have been good friends since elementary school. They struggled through awkward stages of uneven bangs and missing teeth, attempting to play the recorder, and Krista moving away to California in high school. Several visits between California and Buffalo kept their friendship strong until they both eventually moved to Manhattan. There wasn’t much they didn’t go through together as roommates in NYC, which made for the most ridiculous, amazing and unforgettable adventures. Krista continues to keep New Yorkers on their toes with her genuine and sassy personality.
Brandon Flanagan
Groomsman
Flanny and Peter met freshmen year in college at their first UB football training camp, where they decided it would be a good idea for two 300+ lb guys to share one small dorm room... Despite living in such close quarters, these two became an inseparable duo of shenanigans. Flanny now lives in Wakefield, MA with his family, which has reduced the shenanigans but hasn't weakened their brotherly bond.
Jessica Kruszka
Bridesmaid
Jessica and Julia grew up down the street from each other and have been good friends since preschool. Their friendship began with painting nails, neighborhood Christmas plays, lemonade stands and backyard night games. They have seen each other through many highs and lows...supplemented by many homemade margaritas, road trips, and gallons of ice cream. Thankfully, the margaritas are never too far away since Jess and her husband, Jay live nearby in Orchard Park.
Gio Ozkan
Groomsman
Peter and Gio first met at Gio's football recruiting visit to Buffalo. At the end of his first night, when Gio was asked if he was having a good time, he famously declared "I LOVE BUFFALO!!!" They are usually the first two people to start a dance party at any given moment and prove that big dudes can throw down on the dance floor. Even though Gio now resides in Boston, the dancing still continues...
Jamie Leberer
Officiant
Jamie and Pete have been friends since high school, sharing a few common interests. Jamie and Julia met a couple months after Julia and Pete started dating. Their friendship was almost instantaneous, bonding over wine, recently moving back to Buffalo, and their goofy new boyfriends. Jamie has been a support for Pete and Julia both individually and as a couple, whether it’s listening after a rough day or helping plan a beer olympics. Her gregarious, sincere, and thoughtful personality are just a few reasons why they are so excited for her to marry them. Jamie and her husband, Ian, live in the Buffalo area and are expecting their first baby in May!