Groom
"Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband." 1 Corinthians 7:3 Mike Malinoski is very unique. A young man who has goals for the future and a plan to achieve them. Hard to come by traits. When Mike and I met at Walnut Grill in Wexford, no one knew that it would be a historic event. One to be taught in all public schools! Anyway, a few drinks and a frank conversation later, I said, "Why not?" A year later, when asked, "What's the hold up?", Mike did not have an answer. He got a ring and asked the fair maiden for her hand, and I granted it. Mike is every bit an excellent man: kind, handsome, masculine, chivalrous, and funny. A woman could not wish for a better partner, and I am the most fortunate woman to have him.
Bride
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil." Proverbs 31:10-11 King James Version What an awesome, weird lady I got the pleasure of knowing let alone loving. Ever since the first time we met I've been floored by everything she is and does. On the surface you observe an elegant meticulously maintained beauty that can catch any eye. But behind the superficial, there is truly a spectacle. A sharp wit, conscientious attention to detail, a caring supportive friend, and a long viewed goal oriented mindset are just a couple of her darling traits I've discovered. In a crazy world rife with unrest, I can rest easy at night knowing my heart is held safe.
Maid of Honor
We met because I was friends with her annoying little brother, and she happened to tag along. We went to one anime convention together and bonded over our mutual love of the art and cosplay. I always remember fondly how we would peruse the market together, each reacting to the fascinating wares we would find in the stalls. We've confided in one another and made each other laugh till we cried. She was always my 'sister from another mister' and I'm always so thankful that we met. When I needed support for a rough period of my life, Amanda was there for me. When it was time to plan this whole event, Amanda kidnapped me on my sofa, and forced me do what I wanted to do. I could not imagine getting married without her being there to laugh at me if I trip.
Bridesmaid
Catherine Casamassa was the typical older sister: trail blazer, authoritative, protective, smart, and funny. I looked up to her, but never told her I did (didn't want to inflate her head). I wanted to be my own person, but at the same time, I wanted to be like Catherine. We competed like normal sisters and argued over our stupid things, but in the end, we understood that being a good sister was more important. We were not joined at the hip, but we were always good friends and I would be very disappointed if my big sister could not see me get married. Catherine has confided in me and asked my opinion on her wedding plans, and I know I have done the same; each seeking the approval of the other. She'll support me and I will support her, like a good sister should.
Bridesmaid
When I met Mallory for the first time, I was nervous. She was my (then) boyfriend's big sister, and I knew the natural instincts to protect him could work against me. I really had no need to be concerned. She welcomed me with open arms, a warm smile, and friendly counsel. We gently questioned one another, discovering our passions and mutual love of wine, and the quickest way to my heart is with a bottle of wine. That, and my fiance ;) When Mike and I really started planning our wedding, Mallory always had great advice on how to streamline the process of preparation. Basically, she's been a good big sister to her younger brother and myself. Mallory has given me advice that is invaluable and I will always be grateful. That is why I need her by side as I marry her brother.
Best Man
It all started at a Sweet-16 birthday party. Kevin was a friend of friends that I was introduced to during the affair. A budding solid bromance started, and we bailed on the party and hung out at his house instead. I went on to college in the frozen throne of Penn State Erie, but the next year he also entered, so we were 2 peas in a pod again. Later that same year, we would also become roommates. We lived together for 2-1/2 years. Then I graduated, traveled to a couple of places, and eventually wound up back in PA, in a dwelling with a former coworker. Financial problems would see him leave, but right as Kevin landed a new job back here, and we live together again for almost 2 years. I fully expect to live with Kevin again. Maybe in the same old folks home. There seems to be a trend.
Groomsman
One day my sister mentions she met a guy at a country music concert. I laughed hysterically, as we were metalheads and I sincerely thought it was a joke. It wasn't. Instead I was introduced to Kyle. As charismatic and charming as he is tall. My sister is always really good at making decisions and Kyle kept that trend rolling. In their dating life, he was a great guy to get to know. When the news came to me he was going to be a part of the family, I couldn't have been happier. I had the pleasure of being in his wedding, and as a role model in how to be a loving husband, I'm honored to have him in mine.
Groomsman
Matt is the friend who has been around the longest with me. We went to OLSH together my first 2 years of high school and in Latin class we became friends, discussing our shared hobbies and interests. During the tail end of high school, we would make our weekly hangout to his place after catching a buffalo chicken pizza at our favorite joint: Luigi's (man I miss that place). We would also continue hanging out through college and beyond. He was able to stay local and while I bounced around everywhere trying to find my place in life, anytime I would come back to Pittsburgh, I knew his place was always open to welcome me back. My friendship with him is kind of like a giant rock. You know its there, you know its going to be there, and you can lean on it for support.
Usher
Usher
I have known Matthew Morales since we were in high school together. The first thing I thought when I met him was, 'what an *sshole!' However, as I got to know him, I realized that he wasn't as big an *sshole as I thought he was. We have shared plenty of laughs over the years and he was always there to give me a fist bump. When I asked him to be one of our ushers, I said, "Don't bad mouth me as you seat people." Typical Matthew response, "You know that's not going to happen, hahaha."