samy + pj
Wedding Party
Noy Shaked
Maid of Honor
Since meeting in college, Noy has been my go to girl for just about everything!! We've had our fair share of crazy nights and there's no one that quite understands my love for Taco Bell like her. I'm so so honored to have her by my side on the big day to keep me sane and feeling loved!!
Jason Gerlach
Best Man
Jason and I met a little over 26 years ago, shortly after he was born. I was told this pudgy, pink potato thing was my "baby brother", and while at first I didn't know what to think about that, I've come to learn it means that he will never stop annoying me. But it also means that he will know me better than anyone, be my best friend forever, and will always be there for me. I could not be more honored to call him my best man. Fun fact: he has webbed feet. If you see him at the wedding you should ask him about it.
Shannon Kendro
Bridesmaid
Shannon and I met at summer camp as camp counselors when we were 18. Spending three full summers living together and experiencing everything the sequoias has to offer ensured we became best friends. Shannon is one of the most adventurous spirits I've ever met and every time we're together I know we'll have an unforgettable time (cue hail storm mid-hike in Montana, white claws in hand).
Mike Gerlach
Groomsman
This gangly guy taught me from a very young age that if you want to survive in this world you need to think fast and run faster, otherwise he might just break a wooden spoon over your knee while babysitting you and your brothers. Technically, by age, he is the oldest brother, but he has always been the youngest in heart and spirit, and like a toddler he has to touch everything in the room as if he were learning about it for the first time. He's also an accomplished doctor, a devoted husband, brother, and son, and he has taught me so much that I just had to have him as one of my groomsmen (also Mom would've been mad).
Erica Haviland
Bridesmaid
Erica and I met our junior year of college when she joined the sorority I was in. She's since become one of my best friends and is an all around amazing human being. Though we've navigated distance our entire post grad lives, our friendship has remained and I know I can always turn to Erica when I need a hype girl. Stoked to have her by my side on the big day!
Tim Gerlach
Groomsman
Tim is a huge nerd and honestly a pretty weird guy. I mean, he's got a Master's in Finance from Penn State. That's about all you need to know about him - kidding!!! Seriously though, I'm lucky to have such a smart guy in my life. I can always count on him to provide rational well thought out advice, and even though he may act like a dementor that is void of emotion or soul, he actually has a huge heart and is one of my top three favorite brothers of all time. He has always challenged me and pushed me to be better than him, which I think I've achieved in every measurable way. Fun fact: he's allergic to hops so if you give him an IPA he'll sneeze.
Dana Del Poso
Bridesmaid
17 years ago, Dana entered my life. We were third graders sporting zip off cargo shorts and we became best friends right away. Every Christmas for the next ten plus years after we met, I would spend the day with her family who quickly became my own. At around the age of 11, we of course planned our future weddings and while it will look wildly different (aka no fruits hanging from ceilings - don't ask), dana will still be right there with me just like we planned 14 years ago.
Aaron Pulinski
Groomsman
Aaron and I first bonded in chemistry class (heh) and have been thick as thieves ever since. Though we never stole anything other than valuable class time away from our frustrated (and begrudgingly amused) teachers, my co-class clown and I have always been there for each other - whether it was to try and make each other laugh during the morning announcements or witness the other marry their better half (Hi Molly!). Aaron is one of the most infectiously fun people you will ever meet and always knows how to get the party going, and I'm proud to have him by my side on this special day.
McKenna Stonhaus
Bridesmaid
One of my favorite things about McKenna is the positive energy she radiates and the joy she brings to everyone in her life. She is the one of the most fun and loving people I've ever met and when we connected in college I knew it was going to be a lifelong friendship. From college roommates to visiting each other post grad, McKenna's spunky soul makes life so so fun and I can't wait to share my big day with her.
Cooper Hawley
Groomsman
Cooper and I met in middle school at a swim team pasta party because he was one of the only kids on the team my age and my mom made me sit next to him. You won't meet a guy with better taste in music, and he's evolved into quite a talented musician himself when he isn't doing engineering stuff with that big math brain of his. He's also amassed quite an impressive list of potential band names over the years (I think Bean Syndicate is still the favorite) and he knows more about birds than anyone that I know. I'm proud to call him my friend and groomsman. Fun fact: his first name isn't Cooper, you should ask him what it is!
Tara Littrell
Bridesmaid
When Tara and I met earlier this year, mid-pandemic, in Portland I was floored at how perfectly we understood each other. From hiking mountains with absurd inclines to PJ and I's engagement shoot, Tara has kept me laughing every single day and I know I can count on her for anything and everything. Adult friendships are hard to come by and I know this one will last a lifetime!!
Jesse Handelman
Groomsman
Jesse "Jacuzzi Jess" Handelman (as he is called only by me) and I go way back. Just a couple of choir boys holding down the Tenor 2 section while simultaneously being as disruptive as possible rehearsing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah for the 30,000th time. We even created an a capella group called the "Sweatervests" that lasted for approximately one rehearsal. I guess what I'm trying to say is music brought us together, but his kindness and fun loving nature, as well as some killer turn around jumpers (if you ever need a post man for pickup basketball, he's your guy), are what have kept us going all these years, and I couldn't be prouder to have him as a groomsman.
Tim Stapleton
Officiant
When Tim and I (Samy) met my freshman year of college, we connected right away over our love of design and partying (sorry mom). Throughout our college years, Tim was my running buddy, one of my closest confidants and a sounding board for all of my dating woes. I couldn't have navigated college without his shoulder to cry and laugh on and I can't imagine anyone else marrying PJ and I! Also, when you meet him, ask him about Magic Tim.
Mike Malloy
Groomsman
Wow. What a big guy. I mean seriously, this guy is big. Big heart, big brain, big part of my life for over 10 years, and yes he's also very tall. Mike and I shouldn't have been friends - He was a lax bro, and I was a theater kid - but almost straight from the plot of high school musical we transcended our cliques and bonded over a love of music, movies, philosophy, and just talking about anything and everything. Always a guy to lend a listening ear, have a great conversation with, or teach you how to throw a lacrosse ball, it's an honor to have him as a groomsmen. Fun fact: he's actually an aspiring amateur magician, so if you see him at the wedding please ask him to do a card trick or coin behind the ear or something...he needs the practice.