Wedding Party
We are thrilled to have our closest friends and family in our wedding party for this special occasion.
Officiant
Matt Petrowski: Matt is a friend from our time at HealthCentral, and continues to be Allison’s brunch partner in crime. An 80-year-old in a young man’s body, Matt is wise, persnickety, and willing to bare his soul singing 80s and 90s classics on command.
Maid of Honor
Kelly McLaughlin: Allison’s best friend for 30 years, Kelly and Allison are stuck together for life, no matter how far away they may live. Allison is so happy she stalked Kelly in kindergarten and forced her to be her friend. This is Allison’s first true love story. Friend love is a powerful thing.
Bridesmaids
Jessica Clarke: Another great friend love of Allison’s life. From goofy nicknames to inappropriate poetry, Jess and Allison have a knack for making each other laugh, and being there for each other no matter what. Even during those dark Backstreet Boys years.
Megan Lojek: Allison’s partner in crime, and third great love in the Old Trail School Trinity of Friendship. Megan and Allison have always been able to rustle up a good time and get into the best kind of trouble. Megan is the friend who Allison can look at in a certain way, and she knows exactly what she’s thinking. Our only rule is never to play UNO together ever again.
Sonya Bassaly: Technically a sister-in-law, but to Allison, Sonya is a sister. Allison was thrilled when her brother, Steve, introduced Sonya to the family, and ecstatic when she officially became part of the family — if not a little confused as to how this beautiful, smart, funny woman married her brother. (Love ya, Steve!)
Erin Botke: Allison is so excited to have Erin as her soon-to-be sister-in-law. A fellow foodie and lover of all things striped and polka-dotted, Allison couldn’t ask for a better future sister. Allison plans to leave Joe at home and go out to dinner with Erin when she wants something more palatable than Papa John’s.
Molly Nasser: Allison is also thrilled to have Molly as a future sister, and to continue their shared love of Disney. Molly understands Allison’s unequaled love of Chip and Dale, and doesn’t judge her. That’s what sisters do.
Best Man
Daniel Stone: Dan and Joe have been rivals friends since the first grade, when Dan had cooler Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys and drew them better as well. However, with the DNA of Barb Stone coursing through his veins, Dan eventually gave Joe all of his toys and invited him over for chocolate chip cookies and video games. From that day forward, Dan has played many different roles in Joe’s life, including friend, brother, bandmate, and now: best man.
Groomsmen
Clint Long: Starting out as great friends in grade school, Clint has become one of Joe’s closest, oldest, and most selfless friends. A man of few words, Clint has always afforded Joe the opportunity to talk until he realized he was making a fool of himself. Knowing Joe had few prospects to ever find love again, Clint once risked his life to literally save Allison in the roaring rapids of Tunkhannock Creek. Clint is Joe’s hero.
Nathan Place: As with most of Joe’s friends, Nate spent his early years begging the school administration to permanently expel Joe. After Joe left for private school in 9th grade, Nate woke up every day to the fresh taste of victory, only to have Joe screw that up 1.5 years later. Nate finally conceded and gave Joe a 10th chance, and Joe couldn’t be happier. As one of Joe’s closest and most hilarious friends, Joe couldn’t imagine a life without Nate in it.
Riley Smith: Riley and Joe first met when they attended the same daycare at the age of 2, and have been best friends ever since. Playing Robin to Joe’s Batman[1], Riley and Joe spent every minute possible hanging out during school, after school, and on weekends. With both a subscription to Nintendo Power and a compassion for all things, Riley shaped Joe’s life in immeasurable ways, and continues to do so to this day, even 3000 miles away.
[1] “Joe’s Life: A Revisionist’s Memoir”
William Botke: A brother in law and a brother in life, Bill’s journey to brotherhood began with a series of tests required by any who dare date one of Joe’s sisters. After buying Joe dinner at Taco Bell one night and winning the affection of the family dog, Mr. Button, Joe quickly realized that Bill had immense potential. As both husband to Joe’s sister and father to Joe’s niece, Bill has defined the word “brother” for Joe.
Stephen Tsai: Joe used to fashion himself a quick and witty chap, and then he met Steve. Joe’s equal in every way but height and weight, “Weevie” has kept Joe on his toes with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. A devoted brother to his sister and fryer to his Crispy Crowns, Steve has quickly endeared himself to Joe. Never one to back down from a challenge, Joe enthusiastically looks forward to a future of hilarity and brotherhood.
Flower Girl
Kathryn Botke: Our flower girl, Kit, is our most precious niece, and we love her to pieces. She warms our hearts with her dance moves and budding personality.
Ring Bearer
Riley Tsai: Our little ring-bearer is the cutest nephew on the planet, and Allison and Joe are so proud to be his aunt and uncle. He lights up our lives with giggles and smiles.
