Hali & Steven
Wedding Party
Paula Greene
Matron of Honor
Paula and Hali have known each other since the summer before 7th grade. They used to not like each other very much, but that changed very quickly. In high school, they became really good friends. They both decided to go to the University of Central Florida, where they lived together for three years, and Paula put up with Hali. Hali officiated Paula's wedding, and her baby, Maya's, baby naming. If you ask Steven, he knows Paula mostly over the millions of voice messages they send to each other every day, in order to keep up with everything going in their lives. Paula is the best friend that Hali can ever ask for, and she’s so excited to have her by her side on the big day.
Taylor Claytor
Maid of Honor
Taylor and Hali met while working as counselors at Camp Shalom in 2011. Since the day they met, they hit it off. They love traveling together, the outdoors, and gossiping about boys (well not for Hali anymore!). Just recently, Taylor met Steven for the first time on a fun weekend trip to Asheville, NC. They bonded over all the delicious food that they ate. Hali has been begging Taylor for years to move to Boston, so maybe after coming to Boston for Hali's wedding, she will be convinced.
Cory Kennedy
Bridesmaid
More like sisters than first cousins, Cory and Hali have been attached by the hip since a young age. Hali was always Cory's older sister, who made sure she knew (at the age of 1) that wearing socks was not acceptable, Santa wasn't real, and she knew what her Chanukah gifts were before she even opened them.
Laura Kaler
Bridesmaid
Laura and Hali met in college through a mutual friend (fine Ben Suster, here is your shoutout). They instantly became best friends. Hali loves when Laura cooks her delicious egg breakfast bowls at 2am, and makes sure that everyone is fed and happy. Even though Laura lives in NY and Hali lives in Boston, they make sure to frequently visit each other.
Chloe Valdary
Bridesmaid
Chloe and Hali met in 2013, at the JKF airport in NY before a two-week trip to Israel. Instantly, they became best friends. They love laughing at each other's jokes (although Chloe just laughs at anything Hali says), having somewhat deep conversations (until Hali falls asleep while Chloe is on a rant), and exploring new places (like Vegas) for quick 48 hour weekends.
Tatiana Becker
Bridesmaid
Tatiana and Hali met also at the JFK airport in 2013. Tatiana and Hali then became best friends while working at CAMERA together for three years. They have traveled all over Europe together, and Tatiana has some pretty funny/embarrassing stories about Hali while traveling. Hali is so happy that Tatiana finally moved back to Boston.
Rachel Skolnick
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Hali became friends when Steven's cousin and Hali's first boss, Gilad Skolnick, started dating Rachel (they are now married!). Rachel was there from the beginning of Steven and Hali's relationship, and she often provides advice to both Steven and Hali such as what birthday gifts the other wants and what engagement rings Hali has been eyeing. Rachel and Hali love drinking a few bottles of wine, while eating sushi, and pretending to watch movies (but actually just booking their next travel adventure on their laptops).
Amanda Schwartz
Bridesmaid
Amanda and Hali met when Amanda had inquired about living in Hali's small office in her Brookline apartment. Although Hali thought that Amanda's request was quite strange, she had agreed and the rest is history. Amanda and Hali were roommates for several years and enjoyed staying at home in pajamas and drinking wine. They would often go out for delicious food in Boston, and Amanda would always snap a picture to keep her Yelp elite status intact. Amanda was the one to witness Hali and Steven's relationship grow (and she will say more about that during her wedding toast). Hali can't wait to have Amanda by her side on her wedding day.
Gilad Skolnick
Groomsman
Without Gilad, this wedding would not exist; Gilad introduced Hali and Steven and encouraged them to date. Steven and Gilad have been cousins and friends their whole lives, well at least Gilads'. In addition to living together in college and after, they have traveled to 47 states and over twenty countries together.
Joel Menasha
Groomsman
Joel and Steven have been friends since the eighth grade! In high school, Joel and Steven were inseparable, spending many nights finding excuses to put off doing homework. Steven cites Joel for teaching him everything he knows about cooking and style, although apparently Joel still has some work to do.
Genya Alekseyev
Groomsman
Steven and Genya have been close friends since high school. Although Genya did not matriculate to Umass with Steven, his frequent visits made him a well-known name. Steven's friends looked forward to legendary "Genya Weekends" almost as much as Steven did. Since school, the two have remained close, traveling across the country and world.
Ethan Haber
Groomsman
Steven and Ethan instantly shared a close bond. Although they have only known each other for a short time, they can talk easily for hours. Steven credits Ethan with helping him explore Florida, and learn more about Hali. Steven is very excited to have a new brother.
Shyam Patel
Groomsman
Shyam and Steven have been friends since high school. Steven always looked forward to visiting Shyam and receiving his unbelievable hospitality, whether it was in New York, Atlanta, Madrid, or D.C. Although they have lived far away, their friendship has constantly been growing. Shyam has taught Steven how to travel, whether navigating the complicated subway system of central Europe to camping in the snowy mountains of California. Shyam is Steven's fittest friend!
Akil Williams
Groomsman
Akil and Steven have become good friends over the past few years. Akil's laid back personality and incredible humor make Steven consider himself lucky to have Akil as a friend. Akil and his wife Kelly are always happy to host Steven and Hali, and go above and beyond as friends. Akil has traveled across the country with Steven, and they have spent many evenings relaxing, tasting amazing food, and having great conversations.
Chris Dunn
Groomsman
Steven had the privilege of officiating Chris' wedding four years ago, while at the same gaining a new brother. Steven has been welcomed by Chris countless times over the past years of brotherhood, and many before. Steven & Hali always look forward to trips to Maine and have benefitted from Chris' wisdom, recommendations, and superb culinary skills.
Gilead Ini
Groomsman
Gilead and Steven have much in common: fine dining, travel, whiskey, and a sense of adventure. Without Gilead, Steven may still be stuck in Turkey trying to negotiate in the bazaar. Gilead's love for life, positive outlook, and unique style have greatly influenced Steven.
Brian Prescott
Groomsman
Long before Hali moved to Ashland with Steven, Brian held that prestigious honor. Brian showed Steven how to cook delicious meals (rice and beans), appreciate sophisticated television (youtube clips and cartoons), and understand the cutting edge of fashion and home decor. If it was not for Brian, Steven would not be the complete living partner that Hali knows and loves. Brian and Steven have been teaching together for the past seven years, and have bonded over good food, great hikes, and interesting political discussions. Although Brian now lives far away in Boston, his impressive driving speeds make the distance seem far closer, as the two get together often. Steven and Brian push each other to accomplish great things and think in new ways, as their friendship continues to grow.
Sarah Spiegel-Dunn
Officiant
It was not a surprise that Sarah, her husband Chris, and their son Walden drove in the cold to be the first to congratulate Steven & Hali on their engagement. Sarah knew Steven and Hali were a perfect couple well before they knew it themselves. After Steven visited his sister in Maine with his friend Hali, Sarah encouraged the two to date. Sarah has shared the excitement of Steven as he reported his growing love for Hali as their relationship grew. Hali always liked Sarah, but they have grown very close, and Hali is excited to have a new sister. Steven officiated the wedding of Sarah and Chirs, and now he and Hali could not think of a more perfect person to officiate their wedding!