Wedding Party
Jordan Wajda
Matron of Honor
The bride's one and only sister. Despite their similar features and mannerisms, the sisters have quite the opposite personalities. Jordan is more strict than their mother, and Taylor, although younger, is the bully. Between the two is a 6-year age gap; nonetheless, the two grew up extremely close. Suggested conversation points: teaching, coaching, food, and travel. (Warning: do not attempt to argue with Jordan. Even though you know you are right, she will somehow convince you that you are wrong.)
Alina Balodis
Co-Maid of Honor
Alina and Taylor became friends in second grade, giving Alina the title of Taylor's oldest friend. Despite the cruel nature of their childhood and making people sign a contract to sit at their lunch table, the two have grown into kind young women. Alina and Taylor have undergone many phases together. Included but not limited to arm socks, strictly wearing Limited Too, maturing to Abercrombie, yoga pants, crop tops, and many more horrendous trends. Recommended talking points: Cleveland sports, Ohio State, Sherwin William's paint colors, and being the world's best Dog Aunt.
Julie Seelie
Co- Maid of Honor
Julie and Taylor met randomly on Facebook while looking for a freshman-year college roommate at Ohio University. The simplicity of Taylor's post first gained her attention, "Looking for a roommate, message me if you need one." Since then, the friends have lived close to the same life. Living with each other throughout college, graduating in the same nursing class, living with each other after college, and working alongside each other on the same nursing floor. Recommended talking points: You really don't need any. Julie will talk to you about anything for more than you would like. Instead, we recommend a safe word.
Julie Maxey
Bridesmaid
Julie and Taylor became friends at the beginning of middle school. Their friendship blossomed fast, and Taylor quickly found herself joining Julie and her family on family vacations. Julie has three brothers, all a year apart. Because of that, these vacations differed quite drastically from what Taylor was used to. But nonetheless, Taylor thrived in the chaos and quickly gained a second, much louder and larger, family. Suggested conversation points: Anything to do with warm weather, work ethic (really, everyone can learn a thing or two from her), general surgery, her dog: Luca, growing up with 3 brothers, which leads me to my last point, drinking.
Sarah Panovsky
Bridesmaid
Taylor and Sarah became friends at the beginning of high school and had the opportunity to attend Ohio University together. The two bonded on their strong instinct to always care for people, having no filters in conversation, and their dark sense of humor. Taylor often looks to Sarah, who is always a step ahead on milestones (such as planning a wedding and buying a house), for advice. Recommended conversation points: Teaching, growing aloe plants, hosting dinner parties, and what it's like falling out of a second story window.
Reanna Beirne
Bridesmaid
The mastermind behind Joe and Taylor's relationship and the person responsible for setting the couple up. However, Reanna and Taylor go further back than the couple; the two met at Ohio University, living in a house with 5 other great friends. The two are fiercely loyal and prosper in disorder. When you get these two together with a bottle, there's no telling what will happen. Let the record show you have been warned. Suggested conversation points: Ohio University, Sticky floored bars, Browns tailgating, Tremont, rats, Yorkies, and toddlers.
Madalyn Oyster
Bridesmaid
To this day, Maddy often refers to Taylor as her 'baby' cousin. The two have enjoyed many memories of holidays, Sundays at their grandpa's house, and family vacations. Taylor always looked up to Maddy and thought of her as her cool older cousin. She listened to hip music (such as Hot in Herre by Nelly) and would never share her candy (lying and calling it medicine.) Nowadays, roles are reversed. Maddy often seeks Taylor for advice and constantly asks what is hip and cool. Recommended conversation points: Her two cute kids, sib's weekends at OU, shopping, and her new hobby, fishing.
Jessica Jakob
Bridesmaid
Jess is Taylor's soon-to-be sister-in-law. From the beginning, Taylor knew gaining Jess's approval was crucial. Although her mamma-bear demeanor can be intimidating, the two got along, and Taylor looks forward to gaining another sister and joining their large family. Taylor and Jess share the same love of giving gifts, wine, and planning. And, of course, Joe. Recommended conversation points: Chicago, her (soon-to-be) three great kids, Maine, fried ice cream, and convincing her husband to move to Cleveland.
Jason Zgrabik
Best Man
Joe always looked up to his oldest brother, and anything that Jason did, Joe wanted to do, such as attend Wooster basketball camps and St. Ignatius, crush Wendy's #6's, move to Chicago, and much more. Jason had always had Joe's best interest in mind, like when he started him on a three Flint Stone vitamins a day regimen, hoping he would one day become the next great Notre Dame tight end. Years later, they both still share their love for a Wendy's #6, but most importantly, Jason continues to be there for Joe. He serves as a role model, life coach, sounding board, financial advisor, and more! Talking points: Financial planning, Taylor Swift, and 8-Passenger SUVs (He's in the market)
Jordan Zgrabik
Best Man
I don't think two people fought more while growing up than Joe and Jordan. While it may have taken some time, the two eventually grew up, and the fights turned into a great friendship—one where they can pretty much speak together in movie quotes. When the two get together, they enjoy making each other laugh and bonding over their mutual interests, such as stressful ND football fandom, the outdoors, the latest episode of Yellowstone, WW2 history, 2000s hip-hop, and more. Talking points: Video games, board games and travel tips for his upcoming Banff trip
Max Berger
Groomsman
Often mistaken as brothers, Joe and Max's friendship goes way back. The two grew up down the street from each other, and they've been inseparable since they met. Their favorite activity is their Lake Road drives. Windows down, music up, and just driving. It's during these drives when they're truly able to connect. They'll rehash old war stories from their St. Raphael's days, help each other with life issues, discuss their futures, and reminisce about their friendship of 25+ years. Joe cannot imagine celebrating the most important day of his life without his best friend by his side. Talking points: Joe, the introvert, usually leans on Max, the extrovert, for talking points, so pretty much anything will go. Max is the only person who can walk into a place of 50 different people and find some sort of connection with each person.
Eddie and Jimmy Beirne
Groomsman
The "Sloane Squad" was formed in the spring of 2019 when Joe, Jim, and Eddie rented an apartment on Sloane Avenue in Lakewood. They spent most of their time playing video games, frequenting the Snack Zone at Dollar Tree, watching any sport they could gamble on, and hanging out at the Riverwood Cafe. There were many great times that year, but the tough ones brought them all together - the summer fly infestation, living in a two-story walkup with no air conditioning during a summer heat wave, and a global pandemic. The "Sloane Squad" will forever live on, and those days will never be forgotten. Especially the time Eddie berated the Papa John's delivery guy. Talking points: Eddie: Pretty much anything. Rumor is he once spent 40 minutes talking to a stranger at a gas station. Jimmy: Please give him some fantasy football advice. It's tough to see him come in last place almost every year.
Doug Krochka
Groomsman
Doug once drove through the night from Virginia Beach to Lakewood just to help Joe and Taylor move. That right there tells you the kind of person Doug is. No matter the ask, big or small, he will be there. He might be late because of some random family party he has to go to first, but he will be there. He might even bring his whole family along; you never really know. Talking points: his infamous blackjack run at Ellis Island Las Vegas casino, Becky Lynch, and One Tree Hill
Kevin Burant
Groomsman
Have you ever been to a Lakewood dive bar around midnight, where Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" starts randomly playing? That's usually the work of Kevin Burant, jokester and menace on the TouchTunes. Kevin is all about including everyone; whenever people are thinking about going golfing, knocking back some brews at Merry Arts, catching a show at Mahall's, or whatever the occasion, Kevin ensures all are involved. He'll usually even volunteer to drive, which is pretty clutch. Talking points: Blink-182 and other pop punk bands, Cleveland real estate (he's in the market for some new digs with his new bride), and Melin hats
John Seelie
Groomsman
Joe and John became friends through the Max Berger > St. Ed's > John Carroll connection. Sure, Joe might always invite himself to the Seelie lake house in Huron, but it's because he values John's friendship and just wants to spend some quality time with him at Harbor House. But in all seriousness, John is the go-to guy if you need advice with no BS. Just be prepared for him to ask you to play pickleball or tennis after. Talking points: boat ownership, his viral Vine videos, and Moen faucets