Wedding Party

Below, you'll find the special family members and friends who have been asked to walk down the aisle with us and stand by our side on our wedding day. Each of these individuals has played an important role in our lives and relationship, and we are incredibly grateful for their love, support, and friendship. We invite you to learn a little more about the wonderful people who will be helping us celebrate this special occasion.

Catherine Shamanski

Bride

Michael Griffin

Groom

Katya Addington

Maid of Honor

Catherine met her childhood best friend, Katya, in elementary school, and the two have remained close ever since. They attended St. Benedict’s together through middle school before going on to different high schools. Despite the distance, they continued spending countless evenings and weekends together throughout the years. Their lifelong friendship eventually brought them back together once again at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where they both attended college. As they entered adulthood, Katya remained one of Catherine’s constant sources of support through every stage of life. From childhood memories to college milestones and now wedding planning, Catherine cannot imagine celebrating this day without her by her side. Adding an even more meaningful touch to their story, Katya’s family played a special role in Catherine and Michael’s engagement — her parents, who are jewelers, helped create Catherine’s engagement ring.

Coby Converse

Best Man

Coby and Michael have been best friends for as long as they can remember, growing up together in the same hometown and spending most afternoons outside getting into trouble and doing “typical stupid boy activities.” From nonstop jokes and pranks to neighborhood adventures, the two always found ways to keep life entertaining. In high school, one of their favorite traditions was making trips to Chick-fil-A (still one of their favorite meals today) and Coby proudly holds the record for the most lifetime points. The two also spent years serving together at the local community church where they grew up. Through every stage of life, they have remained a constant source of support for one another. Their friendship has continued through cruises, trips, grotesque humor, and countless memories they still laugh about today. No matter how much time passes, Michael and Coby always pick up right where they left off, and Michael is grateful to have such a lifelong friend standing beside him on this important day.

Haley Kish

Maid of Honor

Catherine and Haley met while attending St. Benedict’s, where Haley’s mom became Catherine’s P.E. coach and her stepdad became her music teacher. When Haley joined the school, the two quickly became inseparable. From jump rope team practices and family vacations to countless sleepovers filled with laughter, they spent much of their childhood side by side. Even after Haley attended North Cobb High School and later moved away for college in West Virginia, the two always made time to stay close. Whether it was visits home, family game nights, or long conversations catching up on life, their friendship never missed a beat. Over the years, Haley’s moves to Savannah and later Florida only proved how strong their friendship truly is, as they have continued to prioritize spending time together no matter the distance. Through every stage of life, Haley has remained one of Catherine’s biggest supporters and someone she can always count on for an honest opinion, encouragement, and laughter. Catherine is incredibly grateful for their lifelong friendship and could not imagine celebrating such an important day without Haley by her side.

Steven McCartt

Groomsman

Michael grew up with Steven through their local family church, where many of their early memories together began. While Michael spent much of his time working on the church’s production and media team — and occasionally playing bass during services — Steven was known as the pastor’s son who was usually nearby keeping an eye on things and, more often than not, tattling on Michael whenever he was causing trouble. Michael also spent years working for Steven’s dad, making Steven and his family an important part of his upbringing. As kids, Michael loved picking on Steven and finding ways to get under his skin, but their friendship has grown and matured over the years into one built on genuine respect and support. Today, the two often spend time gaming together, debating existential questions, and having the kind of deep conversations that somehow turn ridiculous within minutes. Steven has become someone who helps ground Michael, offering thoughtful advice, perspective, and calmness when life becomes overwhelming. Michael is grateful that what started as a childhood church friendship has grown into such a meaningful lifelong bond.

Jasiah Washington

Bridesmaid

Catherine and Jo met during their freshman year of high school, both arriving as new students to a class where many classmates had known each other since kindergarten. Feeling out of place at first, the two quickly found friendship and support in one another. Jo played basketball for Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, while Catherine joined the team as the basketball manager to support the program. Through their shared love of sports, learning, and global education, their friendship continued to grow over the years. One of Catherine’s favorite things about Jo is her ability to always make her laugh, no matter the situation. Catherine is incredibly proud of everything Jo has accomplished, from attending college in New York City to working for Sesame Street. No matter where life has taken them, they have always maintained a strong friendship built on listening to and supporting one another with open hearts and minds.

Bryan McCartt

Groomsman

Bryan and Michael met through their local church, where Bryan is the younger brother of Steven. Although they had known each other for years, their friendship has grown much stronger in recent years. While Bryan attends college away from home, he often visits Michael to spend time gaming, catching up, and simply enjoying each other's company. Some of their favorite memories together come from serving as counselors at church camp. The two worked side by side to make the experience exciting and memorable for the kids, often encouraging them to participate in silly games, challenges, and activities that kept everyone laughing. Their shared sense of humor made camp just as much fun for the counselors as it was for the campers. Michael has come to think of Bryan as a younger brother, always looking out for him while never missing an opportunity to keep him humble with a little brotherly teasing. Their friendship is built on support, laughter, faith, and plenty of video games, and Michael looks forward to watching their bond continue to grow for many years to come.

Abby Brown

Bridesmaid

Abby and Catherine met during their first year at the Georgia Institute of Technology shortly after COVID, when campus life still came with many restrictions and students were mostly limited to socializing within their residence hall. Abby lived just two doors down, and the two quickly bonded over their shared love of board games, Disney, and trips to the beach. Along with their close group of friends, they became inseparable that first year — always eating meals together, studying side by side, and making the most of college life during an unusual time. While living together in the dorms, Catherine adopted Hazel as her emotional support animal, and Abby played a big role in helping Hazel become the sweet and cuddly cat she is today. Even after college, Abby has remained an incredibly thoughtful and supportive friend. Whether through regular FaceTimes from home or simply checking in to see how life is going, Abby always makes sure Catherine feels cared for and supported. Catherine is incredibly grateful to call Abby a friend and is so thankful to have her standing by her side on such an important day.

Zacharias Elis

Groomsman

Zacharias is someone incredibly special to Michael because he served as both a mentor and role model during some of the most formative years of his life. As Michael’s high school track coach, Zacharias constantly pushed him to work harder, stay disciplined, and strive to become the best version of himself both on and off the track. Michael dedicated countless hours to training, always wanting to improve and live up to the standards Zacharias set for him. That hard work paid off when Michael went on to win state for his high school with an impressive four-minute mile. Michael’s passion for running continued into college, where he competed in track before eventually joining the military. Much of the discipline, perseverance, and work ethic Michael carries with him today can be traced back to the lessons Zacharias taught him as a coach. Beyond athletics, Zacharias showed Michael the importance of commitment, accountability, and believing in his own potential. Michael is deeply grateful for the lasting impact Zacharias has had on his life and for the encouragement that helped shape the person he is today.

Elaina Levy

Bridesmaid

Elaina is another close friend Catherine met during college at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Their friendship began in a way that perfectly reflects Catherine’s outgoing personality. While taking the same Psychology class, Catherine decided she wanted to make new friends in one of her in-person courses. She confidently walked up to Elaina, who was sitting in the front row, introduced herself, and said, “I think we’re going to be good friends.” Thankfully, she was right. From that moment on, the two quickly became close alongside their mutual friend, Alyssa. Whether they were studying together around campus, spending free time together, or catching up on the latest friend drama, they created countless memories throughout their college years. Elaina has always been a supportive and dependable friend, and her encouragement and kindness have continued well beyond college and into adulthood. Catherine is so grateful for their friendship and all of the memories they continue to share together.

Colby Tallant

Groomsman

Colby is someone special to Michael because of the strong friendship they built during their time serving together overseas. The two met while stationed in ATL and were both deployed to the United Kingdom, where they quickly bonded over military life, shared experiences, and countless adventures around London. Before joining the Navy, Colby previously served as a Marine, and the two spent many nights exploring the city, visiting bars, and occasionally having to hold each other up while making the long walk home. Catherine had the opportunity to meet Colby while visiting Michael overseas and quickly discovered an unexpected connection — Colby’s hometown was in Cumming. Despite meeting halfway across the world, it truly felt like a small world moment. After both eventually returning to Georgia, Michael and Colby continued to maintain their friendship and stay connected whenever they could. Though Colby tends to keep to himself, he is someone Michael deeply respects for his loyalty, character, and the many stories and experiences they have shared together over the years.

Chasity Converse

Bridesmaid

Chasity’s connection to Catherine and Michael is a special one — she is married to Michael’s best man and has been part of Michael’s life for many years. Michael and Chasity grew up together, attended high school together, and, as Michael likes to joke, he spent plenty of time “third wheeling” Chasity and her husband throughout the years. Chasity has always been a supportive and grounding friend to Michael, helping keep him in line with her patience, honesty, and caring personality. Catherine met Chasity within the very first week of dating Michael, when she made the trip to South Carolina and stayed on Chasity’s couch before Michael’s deployment to the United Kingdom. Since then, the group has grown incredibly close, creating countless memories together through visits, Atlanta Braves games, cruises, and many other adventures. Chasity’s kindness shines through in every aspect of her life, including her work as an elementary school teacher, where her patience and caring nature make a difference every day. Catherine is so grateful to have gained such a wonderful friend through Michael.

Ryan Fierro

Groomsman

Ryan has been one of Catherine’s closest friends since they were just three years old. When the Fierro family moved from New York to Atlanta, their children enrolled at VCLC, where Catherine’s mom worked at the time. The two quickly became friends, spending countless weekends together while their parents gathered to catch up. Their friendship continued through both St. Benedict's Episcopal School and Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, creating years of shared memories along the way. After high school, Ryan moved to Daytona Beach to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Although college took them in different directions, distance never affected their friendship. Catherine even made the trip to Florida for Spring Break, and they have always made it a priority to spend time together whenever they are in the same city. Over the years, Ryan has been a constant source of friendship, support, and laughter. When Michael entered Catherine’s life, he and Ryan quickly bonded over their shared love of coding, video games, technology, and all things nerdy. Catherine is incredibly grateful to have Ryan as a lifelong friend and is honored to have him celebrate this special day alongside them.

Lauren West

Bridesmaid

Lauren is one of Michael’s longtime friends, whom he met during his first year of college at Clemson University. While running track at Clemson, Michael lived in the same residence hall as Lauren, and the two quickly developed a close friendship that has lasted for many years. Although Michael left college early to join the Navy, life eventually brought their paths together again in an unexpected way when Lauren joined the Air Force. For several years, they both drilled out of Dobbins Air Reserve Base, occasionally crossing paths during drill weekends and staying connected through military life. No matter how much time passes, Lauren continues to be a supportive and dependable friend to Michael, whether by showing up for celebrations and parties or simply taking the time to catch up over the phone. Catherine and Michael are grateful for Lauren’s continued friendship and support throughout the years.

Tommy Streck

Groomsman

Tommy is someone incredibly important to both Catherine and Michael, but especially to Catherine. While attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, Catherine began working at Cypress Street Pint & Plate to earn extra money during college. She started as a Server Assistant cleaning tables before quickly moving behind the bar as a To-Go specialist. Wanting to learn more, Catherine constantly asked Tommy to teach her how to bartend so she could help during busy shifts. Tommy gladly took the time to teach her, helping her learn about beers, cocktails, and the service industry. Over time, the two became close friends while working side by side several days each week. Tommy was always patient, supportive, and willing to help Catherine however he could. Beyond work, he helped her move into her dorm, her first apartment with Michael, and eventually their first home together. Catherine and Michael are incredibly grateful for Tommy’s friendship and support throughout so many important stages of life.

Kim McGarr

Officiant

Kim is not only a close friend to Catherine and Michael, but also their next-door neighbor. They met in June 2025 when Catherine and Michael purchased their first home together in Hiram. From the very first day they moved in, Kim and her husband, Jeff, welcomed them with kindness and support, quickly becoming like family. Over the years, Kim and Jeff have consistently been there for the couple through both joyful and difficult moments. When Catherine’s brother passed away, they thoughtfully brought over a meal and offered comfort during an incredibly hard time. Whether it is sharing life advice, teaching them about homeownership and gardening, helping plant flowers, mowing the lawn, or even letting Hazel outside when work runs late, they are always willing to lend a helping hand. Beyond their kindness and support, Kim and Jeff also know how to have fun. From joining in on Halloween parties and coming over for a quick chat, they have brought so much joy and laughter into Catherine and Michael’s lives. Since their own children are around the same age as Catherine and Michael, it has been especially meaningful to have such genuine friendship and guidance so close to home. Kim’s caring heart shines through in every aspect of her life, including her role as a pastor, and Catherine and Michael are incredibly honored that she will be officiating their wedding ceremony.

Emma Benson

Flower Girl

Emma is Catherine’s sweet cousin and daughter of Catherine’s aunt, Dana Benson, and uncle, Joe Benson. Dana, formerly Dana Shamanski, is Catherine’s father’s sister. Because of Dana’s career, their family has had the opportunity to live all over the world, giving Emma an incredibly unique childhood filled with travel and cultural experiences. In fact, when Dana was pregnant with Emma, the family was living in Amman. Since then, Emma has grown up visiting and living in more countries than can easily be counted. During one of Catherine’s trips overseas, she visited Emma and her family while they were living in Senegal. Together, they spent time playing Uno, coloring, swimming at the U.S. Embassy pool, and playing with the family cat, Luna. Catherine has loved watching Emma grow over the years into such a bright, kind, and adventurous young girl. She is truly one of the sweetest and most thoughtful children Catherine knows, and they could not imagine a more perfect flower girl for their wedding day.