Bride
Sammi grew up outside of Pittsburgh with her parents, elder brother, and sister. While attending Slippery Rock University she came home during holidays and summers to work with the state store. In 2012 she was scheduled for a shift at another store in the district and this was when our bride met our groom for the first time. Three years later they would go on their first date. Six years later they share a home in Pittsburgh. Sam enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants with Brett, and relaxing with their dog Eli and cat Hercules.
Groom
Brett grew up in Erie with his parents and older brother. He was very active growing up playing hockey and then running track. Brett graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in history. Brett proposed Easter of 2020, it truly was a pandemic proposal. The jeweler closed due to the national shutdowns before Brett could pick up the ring he had reserved! Ever resourceful Brett proposed with a bread tie ring nestled in my Easter basket. After ten years with the LCB Brett is pursuing his dream to become a Pittsburgh Fire Fighter. When not busy with the academy Brett likes to go to the gym or play video games to unwind.
Parents of the Bride
Bob and Kim met at a party held by his fraternity while he was a student at CMU and she was studying at the University of Pittsburgh. Bob was from Butler, and Kim was from Lower Burrell, together they built a life in Gibsonia. They created the kind of home where even our friends felt like they were part of the family. After three kids and four grandchildren, this year they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
Parents of the Groom
David is from Punxatany and Alethea is from Erie. David and Alethea raised their two sons in Erie, during that time they opened up their home to board Erie Otters' teammates fostering their sons' love of hockey. Ten years ago the pair moved to Pittsburgh. 43 years married and still going strong. The two are looking forward to Alethea's approaching retirement and intend to spend time traveling.
Maid of Honor
Sisters, sisters, never were there such a pair of sisters. My first roommate. Life is long and hard, but it's a little easier with a biological best friend. Kristi is a Pittsburgh native, she's also lived in New Orleans and Ohio. Kristi has returned to the Pittsburgh area where she is raising her five-year-old daughter, Lilli.
Best Man
Kellen is Brett's older brother! Kellen competed with intensity in sports while growing up in Erie. He went on to study at Slippery Rock University. A big fan of Pittsburgh sports Kellen married Jackie A PHILLY FAN. Though we don't hold that against her (much). Kellen and Jackie live in Quakertown with their wonderful son Grant.
Bridesmaid
Together since the '90s! Morgan and I met on our little league cheerleading squad. Two decades of shenanigans later and we're still as crazy as ever. Morgan is from the Pittsburgh area where she lives with her husband Dane, and their beautiful daughter Piper.
Groomsman
Some friendships go way back, like Brett and Tyler's that goes all the way back to 3rd grade. Tyler loves video games, music, and most importantly his lovely wife Laura. After living in Virginia for a few years the two moved back to Erie to be closer to their families as they started their own. The two are the proud parents of Amelia.
Bridesmaid
We met during Weekend of Welcome as nervous freshmen at SRU in '09. The rest was history. During our sophomore year, we both changed our major to social work and went on to room together for the rest of our time at college. Rachael currently lives in Donora with her fiance Brian.
Groomsman
Dan and Brett met through their mutual friend (and fellow groomsman) Tyler. They shared an interest in video gaming that has carried on to this day. Dan was also one of Brett's roommates at Slippery Rock where he studied criminology. Dan and his beautiful wife Bridgette live in Erie where they are raising their young children Augustus and Rosalyn.
Bridesmaid
Established in 2018 our friendship started when I offered to top off her coffee while she dropped something off at my department. Then lunches and walking to our buses after work became our norm and a friendship was forged. Sarah is originally from Arizona and lived in Indiana before moving to Pittsburgh to be with her boyfriend Knob.
Groomsman
Dan has been Brett's friend since freshman year of high school, they went on to room together at SRU. Dan is currently a firefighter in Erie and the proud father of two beautiful daughters Madison and Alexa.
Flower Girl
Our flower girl Lilli is the youngest member of our wedding party. Lilli is the daughter of Kristi Tirk our Maid of Honor. Lilli likes playing outside, American Girl dolls, and doing crafts with her mom.
Ring Bearer
Kellen and Jackie's son Grant is the apple of their eye. Grant is starting kindergarten in the fall. He loves trains, video-chatting with his Pittsburgh family, and playing on his backyard play set.
Officiant
Spencer and I have been friends since our seventh-grade science class. Spencer's love for music started with drumming and has grown to include piano and guitar. Spencer lives in Pittsburgh but can usually be found in the recording studio or on a hiking trail.
Reader
Brett's cousin Chris is deeply involved with the Pittsburgh community participating in various councils and committees to revive and improve the neighborhood. Chris resides in the North Side with his wife Genevieve and their two amazing children Vivian and Teddy.
Usher
Ethan is the eldest grandchild of Bob and Kim. When I was a teenager, Ethan used to love to embarrass me. Now he's the teenager and his little Aunt Sammi gets to return the favor! Lover of D&D, video games and animals. Ethan is currently a freshman at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for Integrated Biology.