Savanna & Zachary
Wedding Party
Catherine Pelto
Maid of Honor
Technically, Catherine and Savanna aren't just friends, they're family--in the sorority sense. They met in 2012 through Delta Gamma at Auburn University. Catherine was a year ahead of Savanna and they were in the same "family." They became fast friends and studied abroad together in Prague for a summer (including sharing a very small bedroom). Throughout the past decade, they've made countless trips to see each other and spent dozens of hours on FaceTime. Savanna asked Catherine to be her maid of honor through Catherine's preferred medium - a handwritten note in the mail.
Mitchell Wilson
Best Man
Mitchell is Zach’s older brother. The two developed a strong bond from an early age. Multiple moves, countless board games, and long car rides together caused them to grow up with a love for each other that both of them cherished. When Mitch moved away for college, then dental school, Mitch became a role model for Zach. After watching him grow to be a professional, a husband, and now a father, Zach can think of no one he would rather to have stand next to him when he marries Savanna.
Alison Hummel
Bridesmaid
Alison and Savanna were set up on a blind friend date by Catherine while they were both living in DC. The two hit it off immediately and have since seen each other through break ups, moves, career changes, and now marriages! Savanna is thrilled that Alison and her husband, Frank, are making their triumphant return to the East Coast and can't wait to visit them in NYC.
Max Gotlieb
Groomsman
Max is Savanna's dearest, and only, sibling. The two are six years apart and while they didn't exactly get along as kids, they became quite close while both were in school at the University of Virginia at the same time (Savanna for law school and Max for undergrad). He recently graduated and moved to Manhattan to work in investment banking. Max’s first words to describe Zach as a partner for Sav were, “He’s tall enough to date her.” In all seriousness, Zach and Max met a few months into the couple’s relationship and they quickly developed a good rapport. The more they met, the more comfortable they got around each other, growing into a brotherly bond. Zach is excited to have such a special member of Savanna’s family there to support them both during the ceremony.
Jennie Askew
Bridesmaid
Jennie and Savanna met first semester of law school while cramming for final exams. They happened to be neighbors and using the same study room the morning before their first law school dance, which led to bonding over painting their nails while "studying." Flash forward 4 years and they're both working at DC law firms! Jennie also witnessed the first time Savanna met Zach and recalls getting a clandestine text from Savanna moments later about how cute (and tall) Zach is.
Tommy West
Groomsman
Zach met Tommy on his first day at UVA and they immediately became fast friends. They looked out for one another, matured together, and lived together for their last two years at UVA. While their paths diverged so much that they now live on separate coasts, whenever they come back in contact, it’s like it hasn’t been more than few minutes since they last talked. Through it all they found a friendship that will stand the test of time. Tommy is doing the honors of serving as our wedding officiant!
Chance Maginness
Bridesman
Chance and Savanna became friends purely by happenstance. Both were elected to leadership positions within UVA Law's Student Bar Association in February 2020 and then were unexpectedly forced to help the law school respond to the pandemic the next month. Their relationship remained strictly professional until the summer when they happened to be laying out by the pool at the same time. Chance introduced Savanna to RuPaul's Drag Race, Savanna introduced Chance to her cats, and the rest is history.
Akshay Murthy
Groomsman
Akshay and Zach met in a graduate program at VCU. Quickly falling into a close-knit study group, Akshay and Zach suffered through success and failures together while applying to med school. Through mutual support and friendship they found their unique paths into medicine. Akshay might be the most caring, and genuine human Zach has ever met. He will have the biggest smile when standing up front with Zach and Zach would not have it any other way.
Mary Kathryn Field
Bridesmaid
MK and Savanna shared an office while working at a law firm in Birmingham during their first summers of law school. Needless to say, very little work was done that summer but a great time was had by all. The two both went to Virginia law schools so they were able to keep up their friendship beyond that summer internship. There are few people in the world who can make Savanna laugh quite as hard as MK can.
Robert Joseph Minnitti
Groomsman
RJ and Zach met at VCU. Beyond studying and applying to med school, the two became like brothers. While they might argue, lose touch from time to time, have been close to fighting more than once, if one of them ever said they needed help, the other would be there within fifteen minutes. RJ is irreplaceable and Zach values him as a friend and someone to support him on his wedding day.
Mané Wilson
Flower Girl
Mané is our niece! She is the daughter of Zach's brother, Mitchell, and his sister-in-law, Sona. She turns 2 years old in August 2023.
Beau Williams
Ring Bearer
Beau is Savanna’s youngest cousin! Now in 7th grade, he’s an avid lacrosse and football player and an all around good sport. Beau and Savanna have had so much fun every summer hanging on Lake Sacandaga and betting on horses at Saratoga Race Course.