Bride
Tori was born and raised in Staten Island, NY in a big, fat Greek/Italian home with her parents, John, Lee, AJ, and grandmother, Victoria. Tori was always surrounded by good food, crazy laughs, and tons of love. From there, she attended school in Virginia at Liberty University, the largest Christian university, and graduated with a Bachelors in Communication Studies. (Fun Fact: it was here at Liberty where Tori met Amanda, Steve’s sister who later introduced the two!) Tori has worked in large television production companies in New York City. She also hosted and produced programming for the largest Christian network, TBN. Today, she lives in New Jersey with her family as she enjoys the rest of this fun-filled wedding planning season!
Groom
Stephen grew up in Long Island, New York with an Italian mother (Karen), a Norwegian father (Rick) and two older sisters, Lynea and Amanda. He attended Liberty University in Virginia and earned his degree in Electrical Engineering with minors in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Strategic Intelligence. He now lives in Northern Virginia and works as a Digital Signal Processing Engineer at Boeing. He is currently attending The George Washington University part-time working towards his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Signal Processing.
Best Man
Seth and I go way back, all the way back to Smithtown Christian High School. We were instant friends and have many memories together, mostly of pranks in high school, but also of some defining moments in our walk with the Lord. He's always been a wise and loyal friend and I am honored to have him as my best man. Seth is married to his beautiful wife Kaitlyn and they live in Kokomo, Indiana where Seth is a Worship and Creative Arts Pastor at a local church.
Maid of Honor
Lauren Connors, or as Tori refers to her in a thickkkkkk NY accent - “Lau,” is a super close friend from Liberty University. Lauren and Tori were so close in college that often people would mistaken them for being roommates! They have truly been through everything together! Today, Lauren is working at Horizon Health in their communications department in Lynchburg, VA. (She is also single and ready to mingle @singlemen)
Co-Best Man
Pete and I go all the way back to pre-school at Northport Baptist Church, we then met again at Smithtown Christian School in the 6th grade. We went through high school together, as well at 4 years at Liberty University. We also shared some amazing summers exploring Long Island in between. Pete has always been a trusted and loyal friend who’s walk with the Lord is inspiring. I am honored to have him as a co-best man. Pete is married to his beautiful wife Julie and they live in Dallas, Texas where Peter is pursuing his Masters of Divinity and Theology.
Bridesmaid
Bri is another one of Tori’s closest friends from Liberty. Bri and Tori lived together, and it literally only took a few weeks until they became besties. Together, they have grown so much! Bri is someone who will make you die laughing until you can’t breathe. She is also a real-life mermaid/boho princess. Bri is super encouraging and uplifting, and remains a true, real friend to Tori. She’s one you want to get to know because on top of being awesome, she is also an amazing massage therapist.
Groomsman
Cody and I met while in college at Liberty University. We spent a lot of time watching cult-classic movies and eating delicious foods while dreaming about starting a band and going on tour. We also roomed together our last year at Liberty, and shared many great memories and conversations about our faith. Cody is the most talented, creative, and kind person I’ve ever met and I’m honored to have him as my groomsman. Cody now lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he works in the film industry as a Director of Cinematography. He’s a talented writer and musician as well!
Bridesmaid
Kaitlyn and Tori were roommates and best friends at Liberty! Kaitlyn has one of the most genuine, sincerest hearts out there. She is a kind friend and a hard-worker. Kaitlyn and Tori have an awesome friendship that has only blossomed more and more throughout the years. Today, Tori is currently trying hard to convince Kaitlyn to stay in DC so that they can hangout all the time when she moves after the wedding! (: (:
Groomsman
Jake and I grew up going to camp at Tuscarora together every summer. When we were 16, we worked on Summer Staff at Tuscarora and became close friends. We then attended Liberty University together where we were on the same Intramural Frisbee team as well as the LU Men’s Rowing Team. Jake is a fellow Norwegian we have a ton of great memories together. I am honored to have him as my groomsman. Jake currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina where he works as a Law Enforcement Officer.
Bridesmaid
Megan and Tori became close friends during high school where they attended an all-girl catholic college prep school. Clearly a place you need a real friend, am I right? That was Megan. Meg was and still is one of Tori’s realest and truest friends. Meg’s been there through all phases of life and that’s why their friendship remains strong! Another fun fact, Meg is a super smartie pants! Today, Meg is currently working as a mechanical engineer in Rhode Island.
Groomsman
Ben is my cousin and one of my best friends. We have so many shared memories of summers at Tuscarora. He has the strength and fighting skill of a modern day Viking and he is always ready for an adventure or a deep conversation about Theology. I've known Ben my whole life and I am honored to have him as my groomsman. Ben currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina where he is training in Mixed Martial Arts.
Bridesmaid
Candace is pretty much Beyoncé. She is also one of Tori’s close friends from high school. Candace and Tori have been through a lot together! From high school to career, Candace has always been supportive and encouraging through all of life’s changes. Candace is super caring and nurturing which is what makes her an amazing nurse! Today, Candace works as a nurse at NYU.
Groomsman
Reid is my brother-in-love and is married to my sister Amanda. I’ve known him for a quite a while through Tuscarora, but we’ve grown a lot closer in recent years. He’s always got a word of encouragement or a one-liner and is one of the most fun people to be around. His talent and drive, which he puts into every area of his life, is inspiring and I’m honored to have him as my Groomsman. Reid and Amanda currently live in Eden Prairie, MN where Reid is a basketball skills coach and founder of Catalyst Basketball.
Bridesmaid
Amanda is pretty much the reason Steve and Tori are getting married. She is Steve’s sister, who became Tori’s friend at Liberty. Amanda also helped Tori land her first job in television and oh yeah, she also introduced her to her future husband no big deal.. Tori knows how blessed she is to call Amanda her future sister-in-law. Amanda is kind-hearted, nurturing and a true, genuine friend. Today, she lives with her husband, Reid, in Minnesota and her cat Minnie.
Groomsman
Kyle recently became my brother-in-love after marrying my sister Lynea. I’ve gotten to know him well as he’s dated Lynea and lives near me in Northern Virginia. Kyle is very focused in what he pursues in life and has accomplished a lot in the past couple years I’ve known him. Like Reid, he’s also quick with one-liners and I’m honored to have him as my Groomsman. Kyle currently lives in Tysons, VA and works for Deloitte as a consultant, he and Lynea were married on May 5th!!
Bridesmaid
Lynea is Tori’s soon-to-be sister in law aka Steve’s sister! Lynea is so kind-hearted, generous and a sweet friend to Tori. Lynea has always done above and beyond in making Tori feel welcomed in hosting her visits to DC! On top of all that, Lynea is also a total Boss Babe currently living in the DC area! Tori is so looking forward to spending tons of time with Lynea and her husband Kyle as she and Steve begin their journey of marriage in Virginia.
Groomsman
AJ is Tori's younger brother and I met him the same day I met Tori. He is an amazing chef and golfer, but an even more amazing brother to Tori. He and I have spent a lot of time together over the past year and he played a large role in our engagement day. I’m truly blessed to gain a brother like him and I am honored to have him as my groomsman. AJ recently graduated Liberty University where he received a degree in Financial Planning and Project Management.
Flower Girl
Giavanna is the daughter of the bride’s cousins, Jacqueline and Brandon Caroprese. She is a seasoned flower girl at her very young age! Just like her parents, she is not only bright and beautiful but adventurous too.
Flower Girl
Sofia is the daughter of the bride’s cousins, Patrick and Stefanie O’Keefe. Not only does she light up every room she walks into, but she will keep you smiling from ear to ear. She is lovable and beautiful all at the same time.
Ring Bearer
Lucas is the handsome son of Jake and Brenna Petersen, cousins of the groom. Lucas has already been practicing for the big day along with his fur-sister Sadie! This little gent is full of joy and cuteness.
Ring Bearer
This little man is the son of Jacqueline and Brandon Caroprese, cousins of the bride. His charm and good looks are sure to steal your heart away...but we know that his heart belongs to mommy!