Wedding Party
Shannon
Bride
I was born and raised in Michigan and had to wait a bit (a few decades!) to move to NJ and finally meet THE ONE. Though he didn't have a Joisey accent, what he does have is perfect for me!
Keith
Groom
I was born and raised in New Jersey, growing up always looking for love. I gathered friends that have always been more like family in my search. Then one day, the internet put a new person in front of me and I realized pretty quickly that she was pretty (&) special. I don't have to look very far anymore to find love, and I couldn't be happier.
Danny Soleau
Master of Ceremonies
Cousin Dan is the Man! I always love the time I get to spend with Danny. He has more charm and charisma in one little pinky than I have as a whole. But the truly amazing thing is, that when I spend time with Danny he always makes me feel like the coolest guy in the room. I can honestly say that I am who I am today because I always tried to show confidence the way I viewed Danny. There is no situation this guy can't turn into a party. I will be eternally grateful this hooligan is my blood.
Craig Sparano
Groomsman
Craig is my older brother, though few would know by looks or how we act. In fact, we used to butt heads both figuratively and literally (I Usually won the literal competition) that people worried. But then, one day out of the blue *cough, cough... alcohol... cough, cough* we started to get along. All kidding aside, Craig is an amazing person. He is way smarter than he lets on and good at just about everything he does. He has always come to help me when I needed my brother. He is an amazing father that works harder than anyone I know to provide for his family. From the days of watching (and quoting way too much) stupid movies together to plotting the greatest garage bar together, I can honestly say Craig has helped shape the man I am today and I am proud he is my brother.
Bret Andres
Best Man
Bret has been my best friend since second grade. He's smart, strong, clever, and good-looking... everything you dread in a best friend since it makes him cooler than you. But honestly, I don't think I have met anyone more hardworking and loyal when it comes to his friends and family. He has always been the first and best at supporting me, even if he won't admit it. He has also always been the first and best at making fun of me... which he will gladly admit. I will always strive to be more like this man that I have always considered family.
Cody Berman
Bridesman
Cody is truly one of a kind. He is a loyal friend that's not afraid to tell you like it is. He's there to cat-sit, share a spur of the moment craft beer, make sure you get home safely after an evening of indulging, laugh at dates-gone-bad, plan an overseas trip with train rides and pubs, assist in second-hand car shopping, school you on all things Bernie, handcraft Halloween costumes, make sure you're at trivia on time, and offer to host your wedding at his house. #hamskin$
Alysha Hanson
Bridesmaid
Alysha is Shannon's favorite scientist. She's small, mighty and fearless. Taking on any challenge...drinking or adventure, she's game. The more you get to know her, the more you love her.
Greg Schmell
Groomsman
Greg and I met at Millersville University. Greg lived down the hall from me and honestly was a bit intimidating. But being the extremely bold person I was, I decided he was going to be my friend. It could have been that I have always had good instincts about people.. or maybe it was the fact that he was always playing video games. Either way, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Greg and I have gotten into way too many shenanigans, and it has always been a blast. I'm proud to think of Greg as a brother.
Eliza Lloyd
Bridesmaid
Eliza is the friend you always wish you had. She reacts exactly how you hope someone will in all the different situations: exciting news, hopeful times, drinking shenanigans. She's polished but doesn't take herself too seriously. She's a model friend, mom and wife, get to know her.
Andrew Lloyd
Groomsman
Andrew Lloyd... look at that beard... that's all you need to know! Ok, I'll say just a little more. Andrew is a guy you can always depend on. He's intelligent, crafty, and rugged yet posh. All-in-all a man's man I was lucky the day we became friends!
Nikki Klefas
Bridesmaid
Nikki and Shannon met in Cosmetology School and clicked instantly. If you need a good time, Nikki can turn anything into one. Her energy is contagious and is best served on the rocks with a tiny umbrella on the sandbar.
Matt Skibinski
Groomsman
Matt and I grew up together. From Indian Guides to weddings, Matt has been a steadfast companion. One of the smartest people I have ever known, and the BEST individual at starting mischief, then sitting back and watching it all unfold. I have always cherished both Matt and his family more than I can express.
Halie Serenko
Junior Bridesmaid
Halie is the coolest 9-year old you will ever meet. She cheers, she flips, she styles... she's even caught up on movies we grew up with and Saved by the Bell episodes. She can hang with the kids, and the adults, and will most likely teach you a few things. She's the best niece an Aunt could ask for.
Dan Fanuele
Groomsman
Danny and I became friends in the later years of high school. He was part of these Wilson School kids that were always a bit shifty! But since then, he has always been someone whose opinion I value greatly. Whether I need an ear to bend or a buddy to drink with, Dan is a friend I can truly depend on for guidance. Especially in a game of Wizards Staffs". Ask him about it.
Carol Serenko
Mother of the Bride
Carol loved Shannon so much and was thrilled her Shanny Banany met Keith. She loved him for her. Though she left us too early, she was able to hear Shannon's vows as they were written for some time and her wedding dress is incorporated into Shannon's thanks to Suzy Sparano. She was so excited for this day and will have a great view from her cloud.
Suzy Sparano
Mother of the Groom
Suzy Sparano, The World's Most Amazing Mamma! A teacher of Home Ec in Caldwell for more than 35 years, everyone relied on (and some still do) her for all their sewing and cooking needs. She is smart, clever, crafty, and always ready to help with any problem. I was attached to Mom's leg as a kid and some might call me a "Mamma's Boy" to which I say...HELL YEA, She is awesome! I see so much of my mom in the way I act and the way I approach the world and when I truly stop to think about it, I feel beyond grateful that she raised me to be like her. If I could give back to the world even just a tenth of what she gave me, the world would just be better!
Bill Serenko
Father of the Bride
As father of the bride, Bill grew up in the Metro Detroit area and was married to Carol for 45 years! They met in a bar called Geno's Lounge where he asked Carol to dance. As a baby, Shannon would sit with Dad and watch football for hours. She gets her love of word games from him and will always consider him "World's Greatest Dad".
Rick Sparano
Father of the Groom
Rick Sparano, father of the groom, was also born and raised in Rutherford, New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University where he was the president of his fraternity. He also spent 35 plus years teaching. I have always thought of dad as the pinnacle of morals and logic. And while he may have passed on some OCD to me, I am forever grateful for his moral and logical guidance. I could not have asked for a better man to be my dad.
Will Serenko
Honorable Mention
Will Serenko is Shannon's big bro. Growing up as a younger sister to Will was sometimes a challenge, but as an adult he has proved he really loves his little sister. She couldn't be prouder of the man he has become.
Mike Serenko
Honorable Mention
Mike is Shannon's younger brother and her buddy until they were both too cool for each other, around Junior High. As adults he's still too cool for her but they find common ground in goofy antics and board games like Payday. He's a hard worker, genuine, and has mom's personality. ... He's also single.. wink wink.