Wedding Party
Matt Russo
Man of Honor
Matt is Sam's younger sibling, who was thrown into this role whether he wanted it or not. Luckily he seems pretty happy to be Man of Honor, and he's done an incredible job with it! Sam and Matt could not be more different in some ways, but yet they understand each other better than anyone else on the planet. Matt and Sam have always been able to communicate with only a look and have always been able to laugh through almost any situation. Matt is a "go-with-the-flow" kind of person who has always been able to keep the people around him grounded. Staying grounded while planning a wedding is nearly impossible, but lucky for Sam, Matt has been there every step of the way. Sam could never imagine a wedding without him by her side.
Kevin “just Kevin” Fairfax
Best Man
Kevin is David's closest and only brother. David was Kevin's best man at his wedding back in 2022 and so David really had no other choice now did he? Kevin and David have always been very close (except when playing against one another in Fifa). Growing up they did everything together from school to sports and hobbies. To this day Kevin is always the first person David calls (after a warning text) when he needs help, or even when he just wants to find something to do in his free time. David has enjoyed many significant occasions throughout his life with Kevin by his side including when they lived out a childhood dream together by going to Anfield to see Liverpool beat Everton on a Monday night in February 2023. Jokes aside though, one of the most important occasions was the honor of being Kevins best man at his wedding. David feels lucky and honored to now have Kevin as his best man.
Caydee Culkins
Bridesmaid
Caydee is one Sam's longest and closest friends. Most recently, Caydee is her business partner, as well as partner in crime. Through thick and thin Caydee and Sam have always been able to laugh, cry, and dance it out together. Even though Sam has tortured Caydee with hours of venting on the phone, Caydee still manages to put up with the chaos. Caydee and Sam have watched each other grow in happy healthy relationships and they will soon enough be standing side by side as they each marry their incredible men. Their sisterly relationship is exactly why Caydee has played a crucial role in the wedding party, and will surely remain a life long friend.
Clayton "Bucky" Buchanan
Groomsman
Bucky was David's barracks room mate when he first got to Camp Lejeune in the early days of his time in the Marine Corps. Bucky and David quickly bonded over a common distaste for their 3rd room mate, Mason, who was a dirt bag. Bucky and David shared many difficult experiences together and always decompressed together in the barracks over one beer, two beers, three beers, a shot of whiskey, a shot of tequila, and more beer. Although their cohabitation ended after a reorganization of the Golf Company RAIDERS before shipping off to Romania, Bucky and David still remain close to this day, all thanks to that dirt bag Mason.
Hayley Price
Bridesmaid
Hayley is one of Sam's cousins who has been also become one of her closest friends. Hayley has been there over every bump in the road and for every achievement. Hayley and Sam grew up very closely and have always managed to stay close, no matter the obstacles. Hayley is more like a "big-sis" to Sam than a cousin, and Sam is very fortunate to have such a great influence in her life. Although Hayley now lives in CT, she is happy to drive an hour away to lend a hand, celebrate a birthday, or to have a Taylor Swift listening party.
Evan Branco
Groomsman
Evan and David met through their fiancées, Sam and Hayley. When Sam and David first met, David immediately hit it off with Evan at family events such as cookouts at the lake. Evan and David quickly bonded over many mutual interests, mostly nerdy interests but also a shared love for similar podcasts. Evan and David became very close at Evans engagement party where the drinks were flowing and David got to meet a lot of Evans family and friends. David will be a groomsmen in Evans wedding in 2025 and is so excited to be a part of each others big day. Despite his crazy busy work schedule, Evan always makes time to chat about space and the wonders of the deep sea with David!
Rebecca "Becki" Finizio
Bridesmaid
Becki is another one of Sam's longest and closest friends. After meeting at volleyball tryouts, before their freshman year began, they have been thick as thieves ever since. Becki has always been a supportive and caring friend. From encouraging Sam to audition for the first Drama Club production to helping her pick out a homecoming dress, Becki has always been there. Most of Sam's fondest high school memories involve Becki and their crazy adventures (like Becki's sweet 16). They have been so fortunate to continue this friendship into adulthood and create even more memories, such as cheering each other on as they start new chapters in their lives.
Jonathan "Owens" Owens
Groomsman
Owens is not only a close friend of David's but also a role model. Owen's came from Parris Island as a Drill Instructor to Camp Lejeune where he became the Platoon Sergeant over David in 3rd Platoon. Owens and David clicked immediately and became close friends while Owens always mentored David through several challenges of the Marine Corps. Owens and David did everything together in the 6 months before as well as during their tour of Asia. Many weekends were spent smoking cigars over sweet tea and whiskey or at a private gun range because Marine Corps infantry wasn't enough trigger time throughout the week. After spending a lot of time with the Fairfax's on leave and at Camp Lejeune, Owens is now truly part of the family. 2/8 - Front toward enemy
Tara Balan Fairfax
Bridesmaid
Tara is Sam's soon-to-be sister in law, her husband, Kevin, is David's best man and only brother. Tara has a thoughtful and giving heart but that alone is not how Sam and Tara became friends. Sam and Tara actually have very much in common, sometimes it is a little weird! From a similar taste in music *cough-cough-Taylor Swift-cough* to a similar upbringing, it all started when they realized they both have a fascination with elephants. Luckily for the two of them, their likeness has brought them closer and Sam feels extremely lucky to have a sister-in-law who is a great friend, a confidante, and a great energy to be around. Not to mention the added bonus of very recent wedding experience, Tara has been a huge help in giving helpful advice when needed.
Jason Desaulnier
Groomsman
David met Jason through Sam shortly after Sam and David started dating. Jason and David quickly bonded over their shared love for sports and constantly chat about stats, rankings tactics and bets over beer at the local brewery. Now that the patriots suck we are working on converting Jason to a Washington Commanders fan but it's a slow process. When the weather is decent Jason and David often lay off the beer and sports talk to ride their motorcycles together. David is happy to have a local friend who is practically family to be a groomsman in the wedding.
Nora, Allisyn, Erica, & Olivia
Friends of Honor
Sam would like to honor some of her closest friends in the way of including them as a very important role in the wedding and in the couple's life together. Sam is very blessed to have such incredible, supportive friends who have been there through the ups and downs.
Ethel "Sam", Judith, & Ann
Flower Ladies
The ceremony wouldn't be complete without flower petals being tossed on the isle at the church. Sam and David are honored to have their three grandmothers as their flower ladies.
Hunter
Ring Bearer
Hunter is Sam and David's 7 year-old nephew who will be bearing the rings for their ceremony. Sam and David are delighted to have Hunter participate in such a big role!