Erika & Barak
Wedding Party
Katteri Franklin
Maid of Honor
Katt and I met in basic training and she immediately said to herself.... "I am not going to like this girl" We pulled fire guard together the first night at reception and bonded over a realization that we both don't tolerate nonsense. She was baffled when she heard I had never seen the ocean and she vowed to take me there one day. 20 years and several duty stations later we finally made it to the ocean at her retirement party. Katt is that friend that you go to when you want absolute honesty about any situation you may be facing. There is no sugar coating here. Over the years I have noticed that she can get me to do absolutely anything...without thinking twice. Like jumping in to the open ocean in Mexico.....I don't even know how to snorkel.... Katt is not only my best friend but she has become family over the years.
Sarah Shumate
Bridesmaid
Though I have known about Sarah for a long time, I first met Sarah in person when Katt brought her out to AZ. I immediately loved her. I remember combing the shops in Korea, Missouri and various other duty stations looking for every unique chapstick we could find. The girl loves chapstick. She is one of the sweetest and funniest people I know. Sarah is one of those people that will make anyone feel like they belong. She is always down for anything even if she hates it. She has a great little fairy princess walk she may do for you if you know her long enough. I couldn't have asked for a better life partner for my best friend Katt.
Katie Durkin
Bridesmaid
Kat and I met at Crossfit. We bonded quickly over our hatred of cardio and our love for dogs and donuts. Kat is that girl you usually see in Rom-Coms who travels the world on a whim and has the most amazing adventures. I have never met anyone as confident, caring and beautiful as she is. I love her adventurous spirit and the fact that she will always give it to you straight. She is an amazing athlete who has medaled in various competitions all over the world and is still one of the most down to earth people you will meet. If there was anyone to have your back in this world it's her.
Nicolette Lucas
Bridesmaid
We met at an olympic weightlifting gym. I was struggling and she offered zero help. She did however offer words of advice. "Oh, am I ruining your life right now? Welcome to being my friend" In spite of this Nico has become one of my dearest friends. She can sniff out a book store no matter where she goes, is usually found playing with the dogs at any outing or event, and she is someone you will never forget. Nico has a way of turning any normal event in to the greatest event you have ever been to. Ask her about Fast Cab, it will change your life.
Lindsey Knodel
Bridesmaid
Lindsey and I met at work. She was described as the girl who had zero interest in talking to anyone and was only concerned about her career. I knew we would hit it off immediately. We quickly became great friends and have remained close even though she moved to California without my consent. She is an avid lifter, beach bunny and is one of the best dog trainers I know. Lindsey never misses an opportunity to show up for her friends no matter where they are. The girl has more frequent flyer miles than anyone I know. Lindsey has a heart of gold and is never afraid to speak her mind.
Leilani Petoskey
Bridesmaid
Has anyone ever hired someone knowing that you'd be best friends? I did. Leilani is the life of literally any party she attends. If there isn't a party....she will make it a party. She is incredibly kind and always willing to go the extra mile to help a friend in need. Leilani is the ultimate hype girl. She is down for any last second plans you may have, any concert you ask her to go to, any random food truck festival and will even drop everything she is doing to go wedding dress shopping with you. I am so happy I found her and dragged her to AZ.
Nik Eisenbarth
Bridesman
Nik unfortunately cannot be with us today as he is currently nursing his fiance John back to health after a serious incident. We ask that you keep him and his fiance in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Nik is the best friend that I oddly have never met in person (thanks COVID). We bonded over numerous zoom calls and tea sessions. He's the guy I go to for fashion advice, relationship advice and literally anything AI related at work because the man is a genius. Over the last couple of years I have watched him grow both personally and professionally and I am so proud of him. From his amazing engagement at Disney to teaching himself everything AI and restarting his career in a brand new field he has shown me that the sky is the limit when you are building the life you want. I look forward to your amazing wedding and your many Disney adventures around the globe.
Asaf Nisim
Best Man
Asaf is my one and only brother. He's a pain in my ass and one of the best people I know. Asaf will welcome anyone with open arms even if they're down and out. He will then very concisely explain to you what poor decisions you made to lead you to be down and out. Asaf truly is one of the most dependable, honest, and loving people you meet. Like the old adage says "they don't make'm like they used to"
Dany Mitzner
Groomsman
I've known Dany since I was born. When he was 10 he was a ginger who could whistle without moving any parts of his face. It still blows my mind to think of it. He used to rock the hell out of a mushroom haircut back in 99 and could probably still pull it off (this is conjecture). Dany is an incredibly successful and smart man who just cannot seem to figure out how to "shut up a little bit". I've spent my entire life with Dany, and I'm grateful to know he will be in the rest of it as well. Also, don't bring up soccer around this guy [refer to the "shut up a little bit" comment earlier stated].
Ron Saar
Groomsman
I met Ron in High school, and it's been mayhem ever since. I can't even mention most of our stories because I'm pretty sure some of them don't have a statute of limitations. This was my P.I.C. during my formative years, which in retrospect explains ALOT. We've survived the worst of the worst and celebrated the best of the best. Ron's one of the few people I know of where nights spent "not doing much", somehow ends up being some of the best and most memorable nights. I can't imagine what life would be like without him, and I'm grateful I never will need to. If you get a chance, ask him for a story, or better yet, ask him to teach you a new dance. I promise you won't regret it.
Peter Azzarone
Groomsman
I met Pete when I was 18, and it was one of those situations where you instantly know you're gonna be best friends. Hanging out with him is a guaranteed good time, and lord help us all if any tracks with Jeezy are playing. This guys an incredible athlete, super successful, and manages to stay the best dressed man in the room. Erika literally calls him up before buying me any clothes (this is not a joke). Pete is one of those rare people that inspires others to become the best versions of themselves, just by being around (myself included). Pete's one of the best friends a guy can have, and he is .......... GOOD.
Jacob Malafsky
Groomsman
I first met Jake in Buffalo, where we went to college. Becoming a young adult alongside Jake was a trip, mostly because he has always been such a kind-hearted, and good guy, who somehow was a magnet for crazy situations. The thing's I've seen and experienced with Jake are nothing short of "unbelievable". Through the great and the terrible, Jake and I have always stuck together thick as thieves. The most admirable part of Jake is the fact that he is the definition of a loyal friend. He's there for you even when you really have no right to ask for it. The type of guy who would take his shirt off his back for you, it's impossible not to fall in love with Jake after spending even just a few days with him. If you're looking for a good story, THIS is your guy.
Roje Gibson
Groomsman
I met Roje in High School where we had the same Major (yes, we had majors in high school). Thinking back, Roje and I have been tied together alot over the years. We had crazy high-school adventures, partnered in Technical Theatre shows, became gym bros for a bit, co-workers at Shea Stadium, wild college experiences, and house-mate for a few years in our 20s. Roje is a straight shooter, so if you're not ready for that, keep a wide berth. He's also one of the funniest and most genuine guys I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. He's a skilled photographer, a teacher, and most impressively he is INCREIDBLY well traveled. If you're looking for your next travel destination, or even just your next drink, you want this guy by your side. It's been a long and crazy journey with Roje and I know there's a million more ahead.
Nicholas Sorrentino
Groomsman
I met Nick in college where he was a D1 wrestler, and I was the complete opposite of that. Cool calm and collected are part of quintessential descriptions of nick. He's incredibly intelligent, hard working, loves working with his hands, and is an absolute beast all around. I've never seen Nick not be great at something, likely because "failure" and "give up" are not in any dictionary he's ever seen. The best way to describe Nick in one word is "down". This guy is down for whatever and he's gonna rock out with you no matter what the plan is. He's a man of few words, but when he does speak, do yourself a favor and listen.