Natalie and Jedrek
Wedding Party
Jedrek Woodarek
Groom
Jed arrived as a blessing to his parents from the start, even during birth! Somehow, he got the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and was born with clubbed feet. He spent the first 6 moths of his life with casts on his legs. Boy, did he love clicking those casts together during the night! Eventually, he was able to walk, run and play just like all his friends. Jed was never afraid to venture out on his own and always had a plan for success. He drove himself off to the UofA and graduated with a degree in mathematical statistics while making lifelong friendships. Jed attributes his success and empathy in life entirely to his parents. He witnessed them going above and beyond for the sake of the family. They set the example of working hard while showing care and compassion for others.
Natalie Ta
Bride
Natalie is a Vietnamese-American daughter of refugees. She is a Cancer sun and a Sagittarius moon which means that she is a nurturing and sensitive caretaker who has a free spirit, seeks out new experiences, loves to travel, and aims to take the road less traveled. In all seriousness, Natalie was born and raised in the great state of Colorado until 2018 when she took a huge leap of faith and moved to New York City. There, Natalie was swept away by the likes of a Jedrek Woodarek. In 2019, she moved with him to Tampa, Florida where they currently both live. She enjoys boating, BBQing on the beach, going to work (so weird, but she really loves what she does), and exploring this new city she calls home.
Brian Carroll
Best Man
The fact that Brian and Jed are friends to this day is a real testament to their brotherhood. In high school, Jed charged Brian $5 for approximately a 5-mile ride home. In turn, Brian placed a "boulder-sized" snow mound on the driver seat of his car sometime later. The hijinks only continued from there! As the years passed, they ended up living a walking distance away from each other in NYC where football Sundays and sharing beers in Astoria was the norm. Through the joys and the hardships, they were there for each other, and despite the miles that separate them today their brotherhood lasts for life. Jed has a deep sense of gratitude for the guidance and advice that Brian has always provided.
Amanda Ta
Maid of Honor
Amanda and Natalie have always been there to guide and support each other in all areas of life. A great example of this is in the early 2000s, Amanda and Natalie inherited their cousin's PlayStation1 and played Soul Blade for hours trying to beat it. They would support each other by passing off the controller whenever the other's hands were tired of "fighting." At the last level, the boss would turn into a flaming skeleton (super scary)!!! Natalie and Amanda would cheer each other on and direct each other on when and where to hit him for maximum effect! They would also coach each other on when to dodge his attacks. Now that's what you call teamwork!
Corey Weil
Best Man
Corey and Jed lived together with a group of friends for over 5 years across Albany and Brooklyn in their early 20s and have been friends ever since. They share a love of sports (both fantasy and reality), friendly sports wagering, and a good old-fashioned. Their journey evolved from making a life for themselves to "adulting" quite successfully now that they both live in Tampa Bay. Jed's beyond grateful to be nearby, witnessing the amazing Dad that Corey has become.
Ngoc Phan
Maid of Honor
Ngoc and Natalie have been best friends for more than 10 years. They met for the first time in 2010 at an Asian-American Leadership Pagent. Although they went to different Universities, the distance didn't stop them from being besties. Ngoc and Natalie's friendship is full of traveling and good food! They share a love for Korean food and Korean dramas. Throughout the years, they've also shared fries, ramen, boba tea, hotel rooms, taxis, dresses, secrets, laughter, successes, heartbreak, but more importantly a ton of unconditional love. Even though they are miles apart, their friendship continues to withstand the test of distance and time.
Martin & Kristen Woodarek
Parents of the Groom
Kristen and Martin Woodarek, the proud parents of the Groom, are originally from Ellicottville, NY, a ski resort town 1 hour south of Buffalo, NY. They are both of Polish, German and Russian descent. Their Great Grandparents immigrated to the US and established families in Western NY. They have been married for over 30 years and raised their family, consisting of big brother Jedrek Peter and identical twin sisters, Tiana Jade and Alena Jule Woodarek, in Springville, NY. After spending 30 years in corporate banking and corporate hospitality, respectively, they decided to semi-retire early and leave the WNY winters behind for the sun in Tampa, FL, where they own and operate I’ll Pump You Up, an eCommerce website and Brick & Mortar location that focuses on sports nutrition.
Huy & Trinh Ta
Parents of the Bride
Natalie's parents immigrated to the United States after the Vietnam War ended in 1975. Natalie credits her father for her work ethic and her mother for her strong will. Growing up, Huy worked odd hours, long days and nights, and overtime to provide for his family. In high school, Natalie was bullied and came home crying asking to switch schools. Trinh spent months looking for a top-rated high school for Natalie and was not going to fold. Trinh told Natalie, "Do not let anyone push you out of a space you belong. You do not leave because they make you, you leave because you want to. Be strong." Natalie has looked up to her parents all her life and is proud to be a child of refugees. She is eternally grateful for everything her parents sacrificed to give her the life they couldn't have.