Stephanie & Joshua
Wedding Party
Stephanie Ana Paez
Bride
Stephanie moved away from her hometown, family, and friends to live with the man of her dreams, Josh. Stephanie is looking forward to this new chapter in their lives, even though their new town is more remote than she's used to. Stephanie has already made great friends with the locals, meaning the wild turkeys. She would have made her gobbling new friends part of her bridal party, but sadly they did not fit into the bridesmaid's dresses. She settled for the gals below. She loves God, chocolate, and traveling. She hates spiders, mushrooms, and olives. 5-Star Fiancé, 10/10 Cooking Skills, 10/10 Jokes, 10/10 Patience, 1/10 Spider Killing Skills
Joshua William Bracken
Groom
Josh had an imaginary girlfriend at 13 years old. He told his family he was going to meet her, but he really sat on a beach alone to keep up his lie. His love life has really improved since then. Josh loves Jesus, his family, Stephanie, and boating. He naps like it's an extreme sport. He hates cooking, putting his clothes in the laundry basket, and wineries. 5-star Fiance, 10/10 Handyman, 10/10 Spider Killing Skills, 10/10 Good Looks, 1/10 Eats mushrooms and olives on pizza eww
Cecilia & Edward Kronenthal
Parents of the Bride
Stephanie's mother is an incredible human-being that poured her heart and soul into raising her children. Cecilia took Stephanie and her sisters traveling throughout their childhood to teach them valuable life lessons... Like the time she let Abuela Ana plan a day trip to a remote location in Bolivia, which resulted in a long bus ride on Bolivia's Death Road. We learned to never let Abuela Ana plan anything ever again, but she's still the cutest grandma ever. Ed is Stephanie's step-father who keeps his cool around this family of crazy women. Ed eats like every meal will be his last. He hates the beach and heat, but vacations to Miami regularly. If you want to make him happy give him some bourbon. 5-Star Parents.
Eileen & Donald Bracken
Parents of the Groom
Donald & Eileen raised Josh to love Jesus & others and to value hard-work & kindness. Don & Eileen are two of the most wonderful & loving parents, whose own marriage sets a beautiful example for Josh & Steph.
Jeanette & Jaclyn Paez
Co-Maids of Honor
As you can tell from the picture, Stephanie got all the good genes. Jeanette and Jackie have some redeeming qualities, like if you need a good laugh just take one look at them! HAHAH First, Jeanette and Stephanie ruled the Paez household. When Jackie came along, the twins thought they could get rid of her by throwing oranges in her crib. Good thing it didn't work because turns out Jackie is a great addition to the sisterhood. When they were young, the sisters enjoyed summers at Great Adventure, rode razor scooters, and let their Tamagotchi's die over and over again… evil little monsters. After being the new kids at Plainview High School, the sisters learned to love Long Island together and even made some great friends. There is nobody else Stephanie would rather be her co-maids of honors.
Samuel Bracken
Best Man
Sam, Josh's younger, is a great husband and father of two. Josh is proud to have his brother stand by him on his big day.
Rachael Krupski
Bridesmaid
This beauty is the sister of the groom. She's a hard-working mother & wife who enjoys blogging, cooking, and working out. The oldest of the three Bracken kids, Rachael originally wanted to be an only child. Everything was great until Josh came along and ruined it. In their early years, Rachael plotted ways to do away with her younger brother, often through bizarre means. One evil plan included beating Josh with a basket. *pause for dramatic gasp* Good thing her evil plan did not work, because Rachael eventually accepted her new reality and soon became highly protective of her younger brother(s). If you cross her brothers, she will literally punch you. Steph looks forward to officially becoming her sister (mainly because having a personal bodyguard has its benefits).
Christopher Conrardy
Groomsman
Chris and Josh met playing PAL soccer in elementary school and they have been the bestest of bros ever since. Their common love for boating, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and fishing lead to their strong bromance. Chris has some good moves in the hockey rink and is a regular lumberjack when it comes to carpentry. Not only is Chris hardworking, but he even has time to stay up all hours of the night with Josh playing video games like middle school children. Stephanie loves the loud video games, the screaming, and laughing while she tries to sleep. All jokes aside, Chris is a great friend and is always there when you need somebody to talk to.
Cari Pekkerman
Bridesmaid
This beauty lights up any room she walks into. Cari is an adventurous person, who loves nature and making others laugh. Stephanie loves Cari's big heart and considers her one of her best friends. If you hear cackling at the wedding, chances are it's Cari. Stephanie and Cari first bonded while searching for Dave Matthews Band all over NYC... and eventually finding them! From almost stepping on sea urchins in Puerto Rico to climbing muddy slopes to get to secluded NY waterfalls, Cari has pushed Stephanie to live life to the fullest.... or she's trying to kill her. Stephanie, blink twice if you are ok.
Ian Pfister
Groomsman
Check out Brooklyn's very own Salt Bae. Ian shares a love of wakeboarding, boating, snowboarding, and fishing with Josh, leading to their epic bromance. Ian has a passion for cooking, making anything from delicious Japanese dumplings to tasty Italian pasta. Not only does he know how to make a mean rack of ribs, but he also is an excellent gamer. He joins Chris and Josh every night fighting bad guys in fantasy worlds, at the age of 29. This hipster enjoys Dj-ing, beanies, and looking fine. He has many nicknames, including the Italian Stallion, Hipster Dipster, and DJ Pfisty... but Josh just knows him as Boo Thang.
Maxine Kiernan
Bridesmaid
Maxine and Stephanie started their incredible friendship in college. Maxine was the friend who never wanted the party to end. Now, she's the friend who hosts all the parties. From Galentines to Friendsgiving, Maxine does it all. As the hostest with the mostest, you need to be prepared. So naturally, Maxine has decor and plates for every occasion. Do you need a plate for big cakes, small cakes, fruit tarts, or cake balls? No fear, she has 10 of each! Maxine has always been ready with advice and support whenever Stephanie needed it, which is why she cherishes their friendship so much. Stephanie can't wait for Maxine to stand by her side on her big day.
Brandon Heer
Groomsman
Brando and Josh met in college and have been best bros ever since. They bonded over their love for pop-punk bands and even formed their own emo band "Battle Royal," causing women everywhere to swoon. Other than their taste in music, they have similar taste in women. They both decided to marry beautiful, intelligent, and amazing Latinas...wow, come to think of it, they really have hit the jackpot. Anyways, Brando, a beer enthusiast, brews his own nectar for men and uses words like hops, stout, fermentation, and malt. If you see him at the wedding talking about beer, maybe walk the other way. 5-star friend.
Lisa Akrish
Bridesmaid
Lisa and Stephanie met in high school and they've been best friends since. This beauty turns heads no matter where she goes, leaving every guy that falls for her in the dust. This style queen loves looking effortlessly chic while she travels the world. To look chic, she needed the help of stylist Stephanie for some time. You see, Lisa didn't learn how to do her own hair and makeup until she was in her mid 20's (mostly because she was and is a natural beauty). Stephanie is very proud of Lisa for finally learning how to use a curling iron and foundation. Our little girl is growing up! Anyways, Lisa has been an amazing and caring friend to our bride. She's always been there when Stephanie needed a friend, and for that, she will always be thankful for their friendship.
Michael Gagen
Groomsman
Mike (picture: Mike left, Dog right) is one of Josh's closest friends. He shares the love of the outdoors and gaming with our groom. Mike enjoys boating with Josh, except nobody knows if he can swim. Nobody tell him, but our secret mission is to throw him in the water and see what happens. He might turn into a merman. He might drown. All great things come at a cost. You can listen to our podcast "shesanautomatic8" for all Gagen updates. If you want to play baseball this is your guy. If you want to go swimming this is not your guy.
Carol Reese
Bridesmaid
Stephanie and Carol used to run the halls of Plainview High School, now the run their respective classrooms. They have many amazing memories together, like laughing uncontrollably in elevators and dressing up as Starbucks drinks on Halloween. Carol also put up with Stephanie for three whole years as her suitemate in college. They stood by one another through thick and thin, helping each other grow into the mature woman they are today. She's beautiful, funny, smart, and kind. Her worst quality is that she has horrible taste in men and married groomsman Billy for reasons nobody understands.
Billy Reese
Groomsman
Nobody cares
Melissa Ng
Bridesmaid
Melissa and Stephanie's bond was born at SUNY Oneonta. Melissa is always there if you need a friend to talk to or lean on, emotionally and also physically... because she is tiny. Melissa is an adult woman who never grew out of her Disney phase. She might need an intervention. If she wants to live in Cinderella's castle maybe it would be easier for everybody if we just let her. Anyways, Stephanie can't wait for Melissa to stand by her side on her big day. Melissa has truly been an incredible friend to Stephanie and she cherishes their relationship.
Tom Bee
Groomsman
No, he cannot speak to or command bees... we know, we were disappointed when we learned this as well. That said, what superpower the Beeman does possess is the power of being an awesome friend. His weakness... he's a Devils fan. Tom and Josh became fast friends during their freshman year of college, bonding over their similar music taste and shared sense of humor. The two would become bandmates playing in the hottest band of 2009, Oneonta Josh and the Flannel Fridays. They went from bandmates to roommates and from there, BROulmates.
Victoria Krupski, Ezra Bracken
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
These two kiddos are Josh's adorable niece and nephew. When God was handing out kids he gave Josh's siblings the cutest. Is anybody reading this? This is my last sentence and it will end right now period.
Cameran Cortese
Groomsman
Cameran likes long walks on the beach, smooth jazz, and wearing shorts & flip-flops in subzero weather. He will be wearing pants and dress shoes for the first time in years at the Bracken wedding. It will be recorded for the world to see. After becoming friends freshman year through their shared love of video games and pizza, C&J's friendship blossomed into the stuff of legends. Cameron completes the Matteson Hall, suite 104 triad of Tom, Cameran & Josh. He's the best Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, "Survival" partner, the king of over your head insults, and an awesome friend. He too, like Tom, is a Devils fan, but there are far worse things to judge him on.