Sandra & Kevin
Wedding Party
Arkady Kushnir
Father of the Bride
My papa is the most selfless and humble man I know. My dad taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and integrity. I have always known that everything he does, is to make sure that his family is taken care of before anything else. He worked his butt off to make sure I had every opportunity from education to being able to travel around the world, all of these things were possible because of him. My dad also taught me to have interests and hobbies- he always pushed me to try different activities and was there right beside me. My biggest memory was going ice skating with him every night in elementary school as a reward for getting my homework done, which led me to become a competitive figure skater.
Talla Kushnir
Mother of the Bride
My mom, this woman holds our family together. She is strong, sassy, quirky, and has always pushed us. She taught me all about life, love, friendship, and the fine things in life. The thing that always stood out to me most was her attention to detail in every way possible: people, dynamics, fashion, fine china- she notices every little thing. Because of her, I have learned to be aware of the world around me, pay attention and notice the details. She also taught me to push myself and to be a strong, independent, and outspoken woman.
Vitaly Kushnir
Brides Brother
Vitaly and I have a 12 year age difference. He is also an old soul in his personality. I wish I had more time growing up with him before he went off to medical school in Israel. He is the most intelligent, gentle, humble, and giving person I know. He probably doesn't remember this, but he is actually the person who said the quote that I live my entire life by: "If you don't believe in yourself, who else will?" My brother is a man of his word and loves his family unconditionally. I learned from him the joy of watching those I love find happiness and I have always seen his desire to watch the people he cares for find joy, succeed and have fun. He also reminds me to value my culture and acknowledge my Jewish roots.
Krista Graham
Maid of Honor
The day I met Krista for the first time, I knew she would be my best friend. She is the water to my fire and helps me remember to savor the little moments and things in life. There is no one more genuine than Krista- she has always inspired me to be authentic, non-judgemental, and not to get caught up in the things that don't matter. She is always unconditionally happy for everyone around her and celebrates her loved ones' successes like they are her own. Krista is an embodiment of unconditional love, acceptance, and open-mindedness. She is my soul sister for life.
Ashley Dunn
Bridesmaid
Ashley, my thoughtful, grounded, quiet but fierce friend. Ashley is an example of humility and strength. She is the strongest person I know. Yet, she carries herself with such grace and always stays calm and collected. To know Ashley is to love her. What I have always admired about Ashley is her constant need to challenge herself and grow. I've never met another woman who pushes herself to take on challenges the way that Ashley does. Ashley inspired me to push myself past my comfort zone mentally, emotionally, and physically. She taught me that the only limits are ones that we set for ourselves and that we are in the driver's seat of our lives.
Aubri Goodfellow
Bridesmaid
Aubri, where do I even start?! Aubri has been there with me on this journey of life since middle school. We have had so many adventures and been through so many life stages and transitions together. From laughing so hard we couldn't breathe to crying our eyes out. Aubri has been with me through it all. LITERALLY. What I love most about Aubs is how understanding, non-judgemental, patient, and kind she is. Aubri doesn't judge anyone, she always listens unconditionally. She has always taught me to just have fun, enjoy life and that the most important thing in life is the people you get to share it with. I am so grateful that I have gotten to share so much of mine with Aubri by my side.
Kelly Saybe
Bridesmaid
Kelly is a firecracker. I met her in my college stats class right after moving back to Utah after a year of living in California. Not only is she incredibly intelligent, driven, and successful- Kelly is one of the best people I have ever met. She stands up for what she believes in, cares deeply about the world, and grounds me in logic and honesty. Kelly taught me many things throughout the years, but the quality I admire most about her is her integrity and commitment to living into her values. She taught me to stick up not only for myself but for others. She practices what she preaches and is always there for the people she loves.
Jeff Lehtinen
Father of the Groom
My dad was my first best friend. He taught me from a young age to always learn and have a love for creating, building, and doing. His attention to detail is unrivaled and his commitment to a project admirable. I learned to be a strong man, solve problems, and always strive for perfection from him. I learned most of my passions from him, and I am beyond proud to call him my father.
Julie Lehtinen
Mother of the Groom
My mother is the hardest working person I know. She cares so deeply for my family, I always know I have a warm home to come back to. She has always supported my dreams and goals, and made me feel worthy of achieving them. While my father taught my head, my mom taught my heart. I learned to care deeply for my family and the people around me, and to think of their needs, not just my own. I am grateful every day for the safe platform my mother gave me to grow from, and owe so much of my success to her continual support. I am so happy to have her join in on our wedding day.
Colleen Lehtinen
Sister of the Groom
What a sister. This is the girl I have always looked up to, learned from, and shared laughs with. When she had friends over, I tried to be cool like her, when she went to junior high, I watched to know what it's like, and when our parents weren't home, we built blanket forts in the basement. I know some kids try to make their parents proud, but I tried to make her proud. She is one of the strongest-willed people I know, and I try to be like her in that way every day.
Anthony Nuzzo
Best Man
Elementary School. This kid became my best friend as soon as we built a miniature skatepark in third grade. It was the first of many stupid, pointless, but also glorious projects we kicked out over the following years. From snowboarding, BB guns, making video games, fishing, basketball, you name it, Anthony was always around. Any crazy idea we came up with we tried, and always had a blast doing it. This dude is incredibly hard working, upbeat, and a joy to be around. I couldn't be happier to call him my best man.
Matthew Moravec
Groomsman
High School. Let's face reality, Matt and I are band geeks. However, I like to think we were the cool band geeks, who sometimes played sports and talked to at least two cheerleaders. For whatever reason, this guy remembers everything, and therefore can tell you every embarrassing memory if you choose to ask. Give him a drink and have fun, there are a lot of good ones. Matt and I were best buds through all of High School, and I can't wait to have him as a groomsman.
Prashanth Peketi
Groomsman
Ohio State. Prashanth and I became friends sophomore year in Taylor Tower, and little did I know how impactful he would be. We started out studying Materials Science, but quickly turned to bigger subjects, like life, girls, and RA applications. I always, and still do, respect Prashanth's ability to make people feel comfortable and give an open ear. I appreciated his friendship and guidance throughout our time in Columbus, and welcome it even more as we both become married men.
Kornel Niedziela
Groomsman
Los Angeles. Sanj tried hard to steal Kornel as a brideswoman, but after five years living with this guy, I couldn't let that happen. Kornel and I started at Hyperloop a week apart, and ever since spent all of our time together. I can always count on this guy to be down; to party, to bungie jump, to play board games, or hit the beach. This guy is one of the smartest dudes I know, cares about the world, and is always down to debate for days, so resultantly, I couldn't ask for a better friend. He's been my closest friend in LA, and I'm proud to add him on a horse to the wedding party.
Charlie aka Chuck or Derp
VIP Guest
Charlie has always been the light in our family. We got him after a dark time following the death of my beloved grandmother Zoya from brain cancer. From the moment I saw him on the Craiglist ad, I knew he was my soulmate pup. I have never met another dog like Charlie. He has "quite the personality" as the breeder said when we first got him. Little did we know... The universe made him just for us.