Rebecca & Daniel
Wedding Party
Michael Lewis
Man of Honor
Michael and I met our first year of medical school. We had neighboring anatomy lab groups and apparently both have voices that....let's use the word carry...far. We figured each other sounded fun and were curious why we hadn't hung out yet. That was the beginning of me finding the most amazing bestfriend anyone could hope for. Whether I was having a school crisis or had some drunk misinformed girl trying to get into my apartment at 1 am, he was always the person I could rely on to answer the phone, which remains true even though life has taken us to different states. I never would have made it through medical school without this amazingly supportive person to go through it with. There is no one else I would rather have heading up my bridal party.
Shelly D'Alessandro
Bridesmaid
Shelly and I met at a packing party for my first Honduras medical mission trip (her like 8th or something). She was helping coordinate rooming assignments and had put us in a room together. I quickly realized that Shelly is one of the kindest, most selfless people you will ever meet. We bonded over our love of medicine, global health, mimosas, and bloody mary's. That week in Honduras cemented our friendship and Shelly's family took me in as one of their own during my time in St. Louis. I was honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding and can't wait for her to return the favor!
Mary Krueger
Bridesmaid
Mary and I both attended Baylor, but we didn't meet there. During her first year at UT Houston she came back to Baylor for the Pre-Med Honor Society's medical school day as a representative, but we didn't meet there either. We first met at an event hosted by the UTH for those that had been accepted. I mentioned I was looking for a place to live, and Mary was looking for a roommate! I moved in before starting school and we became fast friends who had a passion for Pediatrics, Baylor Football, and finding a good work-life balance. I was honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding and am so excited for her to be apart of my big day!
Hallie Morris
Bridesmaid
Hallie and I both attended residency together at St. Louis Children's Hospital, but our friendship really grew when we both decided to stay on for Fellowship at SLCH. Hallie is an amazingly wonderful person who can find the positive in any situation. She was such an inspiration and grounding force during fellowship. She cares for her friends and patients fiercely and was exactly what one looks for in a colleague. We ended up living in the same building our last two years for fellowship and once COVID hit, that became key in maintaining some social sanity. We may have traded in 3rd year trips for 3rd year walks around the Central West End, but I will forever cherish those memories.
Carly Schuetz
Bridesmaid
Carly and I met in fellowship. During our first year we were assigned our first 6 months on service together. 6 months of q 4 call was mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting, and if I did not have Carly there with me I don't know if I would have survived. She is so easy going, never complains, and was always there to help when you needed it, in any capacity. This translated to her being an amazing friend outside of fellowship as well. Carly also became an essential piece of Hallie and I's walks around the neighborhood during our last year of training. From hot yoga, to her introducing me to Peloton, and asking for advice while she adopted a dog, Carly has become an amazing lifelong friend.
Jamie
Flower Girl
We couldn't say I DO without our precious baby girl there!
Craig Nichols
Best Man
I met Craig in the Army. Immediately we hit it off, because we were both nerds and enjoyed playing games. He is the best man because he has outstanding character, he's smart, and he has a huge heart-- but he's never hesitated to tell you exactly what is on his mind. I am an envelope pusher, and he's pretty good at being the voice of reason when I get carried away--Although he did still did the strenuous 18.5 mile peak hike, because he never gives up. I respect him, and he's the best man for the job.
Brandon Matarese
Groomsman
Brandon and I go way back--- to the latter half of 7th grade. When we were younger we would play computer games, and dungeons and dragons with his older brother and his Dad. So fast forward 20+ years later.. nothing has changed, we still do those same things. Brandon is a planner and thinker; which is probably what makes him best qualified to be our dungeon master. At the risk of being reductive, he was traditionally educated in accounting, and spends his time investing, and helping people with their finances.
Justin Hannon
Groomsman
What can I say about Justin? He's a Hannon, generally stubborn, goal oriented, physically/mentally tough, and relentlessly determined. I would say he embodies those qualities to the letter. He has come a long way since he was the little redheaded ghost buster terrorizing people. He is a doctor, husband, proud father, and a good friend who is easy to talk to. And if you need any cooking advice, I'm sure it will naturally come up in conversation!
Michael Martinez
Groomsman
Brother of the bride, Michael and I share a love of national parks, hiking and the outdoors.
Justin Matarese
Groomsman
Justin is the kind of guy that would jump on a grenade for his friends and family with no deliberation. That's really all anyone needs to know about him. We are saddened that he will not be able to join us in person as he is currently serving his country overseas, but we know he will be there in spirit!