Wedding Party
Jay (Jamie) Rundstrom
Maid of Honor
This chick, ruined Sam's Ninja Turtle 3rd birthday party! Which probably contributed to the few years they spent more as siblings then friends. Luckily that changed and they are now pretty much attached at each other's hip. They love their dogs, hockey, and despite what they may want you to think... each other! Really though, they have become inseparable, and Sam would be much more lost without her.
Jay (Jason) Sweeney
Best Man
Matt's twin brother. Long time best-ish friend. Jay and Matt have done everything that twins do. Jay played hockey as a goalie...who invented the Brian Boucher move we all know very well. Jay did it first as a kid. He was on the rowing and tennis team with Matt in high school. Jay is an avid fisherman and can outdrink any fish he comes across... including the bride.
Lyle Heidbrider
Man of Honor
Sam's closest friend of the past 20 years. They met in high school through her childhood friend, Danielle. He gave her headache by playing imaginary drums on the table at the Dennys. They didn't seem to have too much in common at the time.. but once he got Sam to admit that she was a closet metalhead with too much sass, and who can't spell, they have been besties ever since! And, although he is a Devils fan, he will forever be one of the most important people in Sam's life! He will be escorting her Mom down the aisle.
Frankie Perillo
Groomsman
Frank has been a longtime friend of Matts. Matt and Frank met and began a lifelong friendship. Between playing hockey and getting into fights when a game seemed out of hand to closing down any local watering hole. Franks parents went to school with Matt's Dad, Uncles and Aunt. The odd full circle of a parent's friends' kids randomly finding each other and becoming friends themselves.
Chelsey Donnelly
Bridesmaid
Chelsey and Sam met at EMSL, 13 years ago. They have worked side by side in training, analyzing, and now comanaging. They're VERY surprised they remain as mentally stable as they appear to be. They both only survive the week due to large amounts of Will's wine, books, venting sessions to Michelle, in Chelsey's case cross stitching, and of course... each other. She quickly became one of the sweetest and best people in Sam's life. Chelsey's a pure Hufflepuff at heart who gets extra huggy when drinking, ask Lyle.. he knows.
BJ Sweeney
Groomsman
Will is Matts younger cousin. Will has maintained a successful career in the Air Force and has been based at McGuire / Fort Dix in New Jersey. Will has been stationed there as a mechanic. Yes, he's good with his hands. Will has been an all-around athlete his entire life. From winning almost everything in baseball to being a starting quarterback in high school. There is nothing this kid can't do.
Jen Thompson
Bridesmaid
Jen and Sam met working their summers away at Clementon Park, when Sam was just 16 years old. One Autumn after Sam left the park for college and EMSL, Sam begged Jen to take her and Jamie to a Flyers hockey practice at the skate zone! And, it has been history ever since. They have spent years at practice, training camps, crying over the loss of Brayden Schenn and Steve Mason.....until they came up with the brilliant idea to follow the team across the country on a Stadium Tour! At this point, the three of them have visited 10 stadiums. Sam and Jamie ensure they annoy Jen via text at least once a day, and Jen continues to be their hockey whisperer and best good friend.
Chris Brown
Groomsman
Chris was lucky enough to marry into this family. He is Christy's wonderful husband. Chris watched Matt grown up as Christy and him both spent time watching Matt and Jay when they were younger. Playing hockey in the driveway afterschool for hours with Chris until Matt and Jays Dad Jim would pick them up. Chris took time to also teach Matt and Jay the ins and outs of how to properly play the game of pool.
Afton Heidbrider
Bridesmaid
Sam met Afton because Lyle decided he couldn't live without her. She remembers most clearly, asking Lyle "Whats an Afton?!" (which Sam also mentioned in her maid of honor speech at their wedding) they now have been together for years, and Afton has had to put with Sam due to this ever since. She may not fully understand why Sam dislikes Justin Timberlake but at least they both have Leo, and the Phillies. Afton is a little super ball of energy with an overly large heart, and Sam is happy she is in both her and Lyle's lives.
James Sweeney
Father of the Groom
Jim is Matts father. The man, the myth, the legend. Mr. Sweeney as most know him, know him to be one of the most honest and caring individuals around. Jim has been there every step of the way in grooming Matt and Jay to make it all the way to the NHL. Just kidding....it was his dream to have his own hockey team of sons. Twins was what he got. From fishing, to boating, summer vacations, making and shooting off model rockets, this man has done it all and made sure Matt and Jay had a memorable childhood. Whose all coming to the next White Marlin Tournament in OC Maryland?
Michael Rundstrom
Father of the Bride
Sam has been a Daddy's girl since day one. They constantly argue and very rarely see eye to eye, but they have both come to the conclusion that that's just because Sam is a carbon copy of him in personality, and some say looks as well. Both are right ALL the time, even when the other is right and they're wrong... neither will ever admit it. As Uncle Mikey said "just slap a tool belt on her and she'd be Mike", he is the family rock who is always there for her, and she loves him unconditionally even though he's wrong.
Bonnie Sweeney
Mother of the Groom
Matts Mother. Bonnie is one of the main drives pushing Matt to express his creative side. Matts mom taught him how to have a steady hand when painting and drawing. She would take simple school projects and help Matt and Jay both turn them into true works of art. She was not the kind of person to do things for you, but show you how and teach you so you can do it yourself. Bonnie spent time even assisting at Matts grade school with Jim as computer teachers. Just an additional layer of always helping to teach a useful skill. Bonnie showed Matt something simple yet impactful, the world needs some sparkle.....give it to them.
Kathleen Rundstrom
Mother of the Bride
This is the strongest lady you will ever meet.. she has put up with not only Sam... and Mike... but Jamie as well.. and Jamie's the toughest for sure. Sam has gotten her eye for decorating, and her sass from her. Although she's quite mean and incorrect about her feelings towards Bryce Harper, she is the best Mom anyone could ask for and Sam feels lucky every day to have her.
Grandmom Sweeney
Flower Grandmom
Matts grandmother. What can be said about this woman.....Gmom is the foundation, the rock, the center piece, all at the same time. Gmom started a family with her late husband Jim, which turned into a massive group of wonderful people. Gmom and Gpop both set the stage for what family actually means in the truest form. Growing up every family gathering was always at Gmoms house. Gmom made sure everyone born, married in, or even just brought along as a friend where made to feel welcome and a part of the family. This woman has established what all of us strive to replicate. Family is the most important thing. Some will fight, some will cry, but all in all......we are all here to just have a good time.
Aunt Ann Sweeney
Flower Gmom Escort
Matt's Aunt Ann will be accompanying Gmom Sweeney down the aisle at the ceremony. Ann is an amazing strong-willed person who knows how to get things done. Ann has assisted in making strong memories for Matt and his brother Jay. Ann would routinely attend hockey games to cheer Matt and Jay on. Ann would also always be the host almost every Sunday for Eagles games. Matt won't hold it against her that she, along with her husband Joe, Matt's Mother and Father Jim and Bonnie, and Chris Brown to the Superbowl in Jacksonville, FL and left Matt and Jay behind.