The Andrew Wedding
Wedding Party
Alexandra
Maid of Honor
Alexandra is Samantha's cousin but Samantha often refers to Alexandra as her very first best friend. Through the countless highs and lows in life, Alexandra was always right there with reassurance or a joke to make Sam smile. Samantha and Russell would say Alexandra has taught them quite a thing or two about resilience, hard work, and love.
Jillian
Bridesmaid
Jillian is Samantha's younger cousin and also the coolest person someone could possibly meet. Samantha will say she doesn't quite know when it happened, but somewhere along the line she began to look up to Jillian the way Samantha always hoped Jillian looked up to her. Samantha cherishes all of the time they spent together after school in their younger years. Samantha and Russell would describe Jillian as a force to be reckoned with.
Brooke
Bridesmaid
Brooke is Russell's younger sister. Russell and Samantha would say that Brooke brings them so much joy and laughter. Russell and Samantha would describe Brooke as kind, generous, and we have learned so much about authenticity from her. When she is famous, we hope she will remember all of us little people.
Megan
Bridesmaid
Megan is Russell's younger sister. Russell fondly remembers building Legos and playing video games with Megan as children. The year that Russell lived in Arkansas, Megan was a freshman at UConn and Samantha was a senior. Samantha and Megan met for dinner on a weekly basis. Samantha hopes Megan knows how much those moments meant to her. Samantha and Russell would say that Megan has taught them the importance of self-love, living for the moment, and celebrating the small stuff.
Carly
Bridesmaid
Carly is Russell's youngest sister. Russell and Samantha were lucky enough to visit Carly in 2022 while she studied abroad in Italy and were left in awe of her creative mind, adventurous spirit, and her courage as she fearlessly navigated foreign foods, languages, cultures, and places. Carly never fails to impress us with her quick wit, strong work ethic and incredible talent all while remaining grounded and true to herself.
Natalie
Bridesmaid
Natalie and Samantha met in graduate school at the University of Saint Joseph where they worked together in the undergraduate residence halls as Assistant Residence Coordinators. The two quickly became friends. Natalie and Samantha hosted each other for wine and spa nights, leaned on each other through all of the stressors of graduate school. They walked the stage together in 2022. Natalie earned her M.A. in School Counseling and Samantha earned her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. Samantha and Russell would describe Natalie as reliable, trustworthy, and loyal.
Morgan
Officiant
Morgan and Samantha have been friends for over 15 years. Samantha feels so lucky to have her older sister figure, or her 'sizzle' as they call each other. Morgan has a light about her that is impossible to be dimmed and if you are lucky enough to be in her life, you will be bathed in that light and experience what love, life, and joy are all about. Russell appreciates the love and support Morgan has provided for Sam over the years.
Lucy
Flower Girl
Lucy is Russell's youngest cousin and we are so delighted she agreed to be our flower girl. Lucy is fun, playful, and clever beyond her years! Lucy was a just a baby when Russell and Samantha first started dating. It has been such a joy to watch her grow!
Anthony
Best Man
Anthony is Russell's uncle but more than that, Anthony has served as a significant role model in Russell's life. Samantha remembers feeling relaxed and at home almost immediately upon meeting Anthony and his wife Katie. Anthony is the life of any party all while being an incredible man to his wife and daughters. Russell hopes that one day he will be able to put his all into his passions while never missing a beat for his family just like his Uncle Ant.
Ted
Groomsman
Ted and Russell met during their freshman year of college. Ted helped Russell get through many engineering classes, commiserating about and collaborating on homework and projects. When Samantha was going to meet Ted for the first time, Russell prefaced by saying ‘Ted’s super awesome. He’s just a cool dude.’ They became roommates their senior year of college. Ted and Russell are currently colleagues at Sikorsky Aircraft. Samantha appreciates how good of a friend Ted has been for Russell.
Sean
Groomsman
Sean lived in the dorm next to Sam's their freshman year of college. Sean and Sam became close friends and she introduced Russell to Sean in 2018, shortly after Russell and Sam began dating. Since then, Sean has maintained a strong friendship with the couple. Russell describes Sean as ‘unbelievably friendly and kind’ and anyone who knows Sean would agree. Sean is an incredible friend whose charisma draws people to him. He shows his genuine care for each person and continuously makes efforts to connect with the people he cares about. To be in Sean’s presence is to laugh, smile and be happy.