Wedding Party
Abby LoGiudici
Matron of Honor
Abby and I met back in high school, but it wasn’t until college that we truly became inseparable. When she told me she was moving to Florida after college I think my heart literally broke. Despite her move, we've shared countless memories and moments, and our bond has only grown stronger. Every single day we send each other voice notes, making sure to stay connected no matter how busy life gets. One of my favorite memories with her was on our drive to move her to Florida when she backed her car into a pole in the gas station completely shattering her back window. Against her families wishes, we covered the broken glass with garbage bags and tape and continued onto our pit stop in Savannah, GA. We walked around the town with our "togo" margaritas having no worries about our stuff being stolen out of her not-so-secured car. Totally worth it! Abby has been there for me during some of life’s hardest moments and knows me better than anyone else. She has been the easiest long-distance friend to have. Lucky for me she can never get rid of me thanks to our matching tattoos (that she made me get)!
Sam Callis
Best Man
In a freshman orientation success story, Sam was the first friend I made at the University of Rochester. We struck up a conversation about, of all things, Europa Universalis and other Grand Strategy Games while we cleaned up a backstreet near campus. Since then, Sam has been a constant source of support, sharer of cherished memories, and dedicated friend in every way. I think it would even be fair to say I wouldn't have gained the friendships that followed had we not made that initial connection, because it was in large part Sam's support and enthusiasm for bringing friends together that broke me out of my shell and led me to meet so many of the people I hold dear. He is, as the kids say, "a real one", and I am so glad he will be standing up there with Lauren and I.
Kaliopi Skevofilax
Bridesmaid
Kaliopi is my longest bestie! We met in 2nd grade and have been inseparable ever since (minus in 3rd grade when I didn't want to be her friend because I thought she was too weird) (luckily I quickly realized I was just as weird as she is). There was a time where she was over my house at least once every weekend and my parents treated her like their own daughter. One of my favorite memories with her was when we rode our bikes to Bob Evans to get crepes even though my parents said no (We got caught). It was the first, and only, time our parents had to discipline us. Kaliopi and I are both empaths, which means our conversations are always deep and emotional. I am so honored to have a friend like her for almost my entire life and I can always count on her for support.
Josh Rosser
Groomsman
Josh and I met in the course of our Astronomy studies, and though our friendship was one initially forged in the fire of crushing physics and math assignments, it was one that expanded and endured beyond just academia. As it grew, I did as well, because the facet of our friendship I most appreciate is Josh's ability and determination to instill confidence in others. I don't think I will ever be as extroverted as Josh himself, but he has on countless occasions helped me put away my self-doubts and live more fully. We have leaned on each other in tough times and celebrated together in good times, be we near as housemates or far as East Coast to West. Looking forward to the big day, I'm excited to celebrate the best time yet with him.
Emmy Tsomos
Bridesmaid
Emmy and I met in High school through the swim team and later in our human growth and development class. My first memory of her is when she walked into class wearing her typical school "uniform" consisting of huge basketball shorts, a giant sweatshirt, and a small shoulder purse. We are very glad her sense of style has improved so much since then! Some of my favorite memories with Emmy are from our multiple trips to Greece together and our most recent trip to Germany where we stayed up late (rare for me, I know) drinking wine and talking. Emmy will drop everything and anything to help her friends, which is a trait I admire her so much for. She is also the life of the party and lights up any room she walks into!
Matt Giannella
Groomsman
There are many ways I could describe Matt. First, he's hilarious. He's a king of comedic timing, delivery and always seems ready to uncork something hysterical that potential to derail the family dinner. He's also distinctive. I think my siblings get what I mean when I say something is very "Matt", and I think that stems from his confidence in himself and the fact that no one will ever manage to knock him off his own personal arc. Even when we were much younger, he had that same confidence. Youngest of five? Who cares. He's still gonna break your ankles and drive to the hoop. I also think he's the tallest of us, though Greg might have something to say about that. I have to admit I'm bit a envious of Matt's confidence, but more than anything, watching him mature into the person he is today has just been amazing. We've been groomsmen together for our brother Stephen, and now I'm excited for Matt to bring his talents to Thurmont in that role again to support Lauren and I.
Emma Dean
Bridesmaid
Emma and I met in drama class Freshmen year of High School and by being on the cross country team together. Despite her being a much better runner than me, we got close during the long hours spent at practice, meets, and pasta parties. One of my favorite memories with her was when we went to a Noah Kahan concert in Richmond and we had to take 2 Ubers to get to the concert venue, walk a 1/2 mile to the entrance, and then wait in an hour long line to get drinks all in the RAIN (I wanted to leave at that point but Emma said no). Emma and I have celebrated multiple birthdays and holidays together and we bond over our love for our dogs who are also besties! Emma is that friend that remembers all birthdays, anniversary's, and other big events which makes her the best person to celebrate with. She is that friend that is the glue of the friend group, always making sure we stay in touch.
Greg Giannella
Groomsman
The ultimate competitor. And winner. In hindsight, there was no point stressing over getting beat by my younger brother in swimming. I never stood a chance. There's just no moment or challenge too great for him (except maybe losing his keys in the fridge), and it has been special to see him grow into the confident globe-trotter he is today. Speaking of which, Lauren and I absolutely need to join him and Hannah on one of their trips someday. Though, what's best about Greg goes beyond all that. He can go anywhere or do anything, and whenever we're together he's still rooted firmly as Greg, my brother, and the trips we made together to the shore, to Gram Gram's house, or Dutch Wonderland all come to mind even more quickly than his trips across the world. I know that Greg's support for me on my wedding day will join those memories in swiftness to mind when I think of him.
Elena Chavez
Bridesmaid
Yay I'm getting a sister! Elena is David's oldest sister (seriously give her props for being the only and oldest sister of 4 younger brothers). Over a year before David I got engaged, we went to dinner with Elena and Andrew and I introduced her and Andrew as my sister and brother in law to some random strangers. That just shows how excited I was to be part of the family. I have loved getting so close with Elena during David and I's relationship and especially love that she lives just a few mins away from us in Baltimore! Elena has made me feel like part of the family since the first time we met and has been so supportive throughout David and I’s engagement. She will truly be the best sister-in-law. I also appreciate her extreme organization as I know all our family gatherings will be top tier!
Stephen Giannella
Groomsman
I may have been the oldest of the boys, but Stephen, the oldest of the younger trio, was definitely more of a ringleader type than I was. Maybe that dynamic was why we'd often find ourselves butting heads over things like NASCAR (Dale Jr. vs Jeff Gordon), our arcane computer and console turn system, what movies to watch, and so on. But now, all the sibling posturing is in the rear view, and I look back at it with not only nostalgia, but also wonder at how far we've come. We're building lives now, not just computers, and I would not change a single thing. As I write this, I find myself thinking back to how we'd team up for Lego Star Wars all those years ago, and I believe I can draw a straight, brotherly line from there to being groomsmen in each other's weddings.
Savanna Riley
Bridesmaid
Savanna (Sav) and I also met during drama class our freshmen year. We were always part of the same friend groups but really started becoming friends ourselves when she transferred to Salisbury Univ. her sophomore year. My favorite memory with her was years ago when we went to Boordy Winery and she convinced me to call out of my waitressing job so I could stay and drink longer-this was a very big deal for me as I NEVER call out of work. Luckily it was worth it as soon as we ordered another bottle of wine and clearly made some long lasting memories. Sav is the easiest person to talk to and even when we don’t see each other for a while, our conversations pick right back up where they left off. I am so grateful for how close we’ve gotten.
Jon Aho
Groomsman
Jon and I met shortly into freshman year when we watched the Buffalo Bills' 2013 season opener. Jon and several of my then new or soon-to-be friends were there at the Tiernan 1 lounge that day, but I would like to note that Jon was far and away the loudest of the group. He is still the loudest person I know (effortlessly so). I guess that's an odd way to start, but I want to note that I'm going a little out of order here. In truth, before that great accomplishment of volume, I think of Jon's steadfastness, his kindness, and his desire to share experiences with others. Through Jon, I've discovered the magic of the Grey Fox Bluegrass festival (and its dark side, Mud Fox), Dungeons and Dragons, Euchre (though I still don't remember how to play), and more. He has always had open arms to welcome others into any plan. Sometimes, that means he convinces us all to buy a niche co-op game that we only play once. But I don't regret that for a second.
Katie Nuce
Bridesmaid
Katie and I also met on the Cross country team in High School AND she followed me to Salisbury Univ. her Junior year. Katie has been part of most of the memories I've mentioned above but one of my other favorite memories with her was when we went to NYC to see one of our favorite podcasts, Girls Gotta Eat perform live. We stayed the night in a (probably illegal) air bnb which was shared with the regular tenant (again definitely not legal)-at least we had our own room? We did 0 touristy things and instead decided to bar hop and somehow found our way back to our room at night and onto the Megabus the next morning. Katie is one of my favorite people to adventure with. There’s also just something about her that makes you want to keep her close. She is also my most creative and crafty friend, I admire how many fun hobbies she’s picked up and how everything she creates is just beautiful. She’s also a killer graphic designer which such a perk when planning a wedding!
Ryan St.Pierre
Groomsman
I have a lot of brothers, and now I'm excited to welcome and be welcomed by one more. Balto, our dog, would be excited too if he knew what "marriage" and "in-laws" meant (he absolutely adores him). Ryan, Lauren and I make an amazing exploring trio around Baltimore and beyond (even as far as Ireland), and I am so happy that we'll officially be an exploring family come September. I cannot wait to find out what we'll try and where we'll go next. Throughout all of these travels and excursions, Ryan has shown me that he's one of the most supportive people I know and I am so grateful to have him at my side for the joining of our families.
Megan Tyszkiewicz
Bridesmaid
Megan was lucky enough to be paired with me as a "buddy" during High School Cross Country AND Swim team!! This meant she got to spoil me with little gifts and treats before all of our meets (and I got to do the same for her). Luckily this sparked a long-time friendship and we have been besties ever since. One of my favorite recent memories with Megan was when we went to brunch in Nashville and decided we were going to be "healthy" and take the steps instead of the elevator. We ended up climbing an additional ~6 flights of stairs (why were there so many??) and definitely ended up in a off limits area for customers. We then had to run all the way back down and finally got to the table where our friends had been sitting wondering where we were. Megan has shown me endless support through all stages of my life which is something that means the world to me. She is also so welcoming and friendly to everyone. Seriously if you don’t know anyone at a party (or a wedding), find Megan and she will make you feel right at home. It’s one of the things I admire most about her.
Josh Schum
Groomsman
Josh and I also met watching the Bills' 2013 season opener (contrary to its reputation, the T1 lounge did have some good come out of it). In Sophomore year we roomed together in Burton Hall, and I have to credit Josh immensely for helping me avoid staying cooped up in there as I slowly got comfortable with myself in the college landscape. I remember crossing the bridge towards the off campus parties with him many times on nights I hadn't been sure of going out and I'm much better for it. It wasn't so much about being convinced as it was feeling calmer myself for being around someone as calm as Josh, and that's been the case for as long as I've known him (except for that one time... he knows what I mean). Also, I often think about how our decision to choose a mutual code word to verify our identities is looking evergreen given the rise of AI scams. We were visionaries.
Andrew Chavez
Officiant
Andrew is married to David’s sister, Elena. We actually knew we wanted him to officiate our wedding before we were even engaged (shout out to Elena for keeping that secret!) Andrew is extremely thoughtful and truly has a gift of making everyone he’s around feel welcome and loved. We cannot be more excited for him to be the one to marry us!