Zinnia Siddiqui - Maid of Honor

Juan Pedro - Best Man

She moved from NJ (what??? I'm BFFs with someone from Jersey?!) 23 years ago and from the first day I met her in 1991, we became fast friends. Though we lived only 45 minutes from each other growing up, that did not stop us from writing letters to each other daily, talking on the phone after school nightly, and spending weekends together. Then came high school, UGA, and then life after college. Through all these years she has been by my side, always supportive. When I need her help, she is consistently there for me - from providing a foster home for my kitty (the dorm wasn't working out) to waiting in my new apartment for the cable guy to come when I couldn't be there. It's the little things that count, ya know?! She is completely loyal and caring, and I am thankful to have her as my best friend AND my Maid of Honor.

Elizabeth Weintraub - Matron of Honor

Basically inseparable when we first met, I couldn't have imagined a better person to spend my last years in Athens with. When I first met her, I realized she is incredibly intelligent, is a little hippie with class, has a nose ring too (!), and is just sweet down to boot. This gorgeous, free-spirited woman loves me so much that she has carried me to my car after a long night of dancing (my feet hurt! I couldn't walk) and put up with my reckless and flailing dance moves, which at one point gave her a bloody nose.  And I love her equally if not more. I'd do anything for this lady and I'm pretty sure she knows it. There is also nothing that compares to watching a UGA football game with her. I am incredibly grateful to have her as my best friend and my Matron of Honor.

Andrea Johnson - Bridesmaid

What can I say? I completely love love love this woman. Andrea is very likely the kindest, most pure-hearted person I have ever met. From the first time I met her in medical school in 2007, I knew we would be friends. Perhaps we first bonded after w…

What can I say? I completely love love love this woman. Andrea is very likely the kindest, most pure-hearted person I have ever met. From the first time I met her in medical school in 2007, I knew we would be friends. Perhaps we first bonded after we realized we were quite a team on the dance floor (same moves, same height, etc), but knew there must be more to life than awesome dance moves. Soon after, we had our first dinner together at my place (she brought the wine) and ended up talking for all of 5 whole hours! Of course we did the wine and dine girl nights over and over and over again, learning more about each other and truly becoming the best of friends.  I can talk to her about anything - no judgement ever - and she loves no matter what. I definitely want this incredible woman by my side at our wedding and throughout my life.

Saniya LeBlanc - Bridesmaid

Saniya is my closest cousin; she knows how much of a perfectionist I am, or was growing up (she has a story for this), and she still loves me! We grew up visiting each other over the summers, until she finally moved to Georgia. She has a knack for e…

Saniya is my closest cousin; she knows how much of a perfectionist I am, or was growing up (she has a story for this), and she still loves me! We grew up visiting each other over the summers, until she finally moved to Georgia. She has a knack for education and at a very young age she made sure I never used the words "well" and "good" interchangeably. I must thank her for my proper use of the English language. I am also incredibly jealous her curly hair, which I still love to boing! She has been there for many of the most important moments in my life, including helping me pick out my wedding gown (!!), as well as so many little moments in between. She definitely wants the best for me -- at her wedding she tried her best to throw me her bouquet - 3, yes 3, times. There was not a doubt in my mind that she would be the only friend + family I wanted to watch my back yet once again. I love that is going to be my sidekick on this very special day. Muah!

Nathinee Chen - Bridesmaid

Nat is my dancing sista'! I never knew The Metro by Berlin could bring people together as it brought us together.  We met in Athens, bonded over deep conversations, dancing, any Go Bar event, and random occurrences. As high-heel wearing fanatic…

Nat is my dancing sista'! I never knew The Metro by Berlin could bring people together as it brought us together.  We met in Athens, bonded over deep conversations, dancing, any Go Bar event, and random occurrences. As high-heel wearing fanatics, we once tried to ask the Athens police for a ride after a long night of dancing. Only someone like Nat would ask! (Fine...I'm sure I had a part in this). Unfortunately, the only way to ride was in the back of the cop car and needless to say, our feet still hate us. Ha! As a former Athenian, she has explored the world, from being with family in Thailand to living on the edge in South Africa. Finally, she moved back to the USA and I have been so lucky to have spent more time with her and her gorgeous family. I love this lady and knew I definitely wanted this sista of mine to be my bridesmaid.

Eric Berquist - Brides-"man"

In 2007, a group of new medical school friends all decided to go to the beach together, but everyone backed out except for Eric and I.  On the drive there, we discovered a shared travel bug and dream job as a National Geographic photographer. U…

In 2007, a group of new medical school friends all decided to go to the beach together, but everyone backed out except for Eric and I.  On the drive there, we discovered a shared travel bug and dream job as a National Geographic photographer. Um, of course we were going to be besties. After two years of being study buddies and fast friends, I can honestly say I adore this man. Also, I'm pretty sure he has collectively eaten about 100 of my tofurkey sandwiches. ("can I have a bite?") As impressed as he may be by my cooking skills, I am impressed by his passion for life, friends and family. I am fortunate to have him in my life - and as my one and only Brides-"man."

Wendy Powell - Bridesmaid

Wendy Powell is a big ball of smiles and giggles. There may not be anyone I know that loves girl-time more than her. She is most definitely the diabolical goddess of all things inconceivable, her vocabulary and intelligence will shame you, her fashi…

Wendy Powell is a big ball of smiles and giggles. There may not be anyone I know that loves girl-time more than her. She is most definitely the diabolical goddess of all things inconceivable, her vocabulary and intelligence will shame you, her fashion sense will make you feel dumpy, and her laugh (and squeaks!!!) will keep you working your abdominal muscles for hours.  She is also incredibly loyal and has been there for me at the drop of a hat....even with her very sad use of technology (she's an old skool girl...finally got a smartphone!). So excited to have this breeze of fresh air to be part of my pack of girls! Look out for her awesome shades!

Amanda Lyons - Bridesmaid

There's nothing like a little dancing to bring people together. This is exactly how the wonderfully eccentric Amanda and I came to know each other. We choreographed a dance that we performed together and became a very tight knit duo from then on. I …

There's nothing like a little dancing to bring people together. This is exactly how the wonderfully eccentric Amanda and I came to know each other. We choreographed a dance that we performed together and became a very tight knit duo from then on. I had no idea we were going to get along so well. More dancing and performances at the Go Bar (see photo above), many coordinated outfits, leg warmers, trips to NY, and band rehearsals for Funeral for Fun later, we are still incredibly close, though so far (distance-wise) away. She also actually thinks I'm a good drummer. She has always been my cheerleader, standing by my side and I'm so grateful she wants to stand by my side yet one more time.

I really had no choice in picking Juan Pedro as my brother - but I sure as hell am happy it worked out that way. You see, Juan is the best brother I could have ever asked for. Growing up, he was always there for me, whether it was by intimidating th…

I really had no choice in picking Juan Pedro as my brother - but I sure as hell am happy it worked out that way. You see, Juan is the best brother I could have ever asked for. Growing up, he was always there for me, whether it was by intimidating those who would pick a fight with me or coming to my rescue at Notre Dame when I was having a little too much fun. He's always been a role model for me and someone I want to imitate (even when it came to athletic activities, such as Greco-Roman Wrestling... needless to say, that didn't work out too well for me, as I was pretty fat in high school - there's a picture that no one is allowed to see). Even though it wasn't always roses since he practiced kung fu on me (Dragon Ball Z did a number on us growing up), I've always loved him anyway. I could not be happier or luckier to have him as my best man.

Brian McDonald - Groomsman

Diesel is just a good dude. Though we knew each other in college, we didn't become good friends until we decided to live together in NYC. The funny thing is that I always knew him as Diesel, so I literally had to call him and ask him for his real na…

Diesel is just a good dude. Though we knew each other in college, we didn't become good friends until we decided to live together in NYC. The funny thing is that I always knew him as Diesel, so I literally had to call him and ask him for his real name when filling out the rental application (on the flip side, when his mom asked him who he was going to live with, all he could say was "Spanish," my college nickname... I'm still surprised she let him move in with me anyway). During the five years we lived together, we gathered some highly forgettable memories....those walls have seen and heard a lot! He's the type of guy that's there for you regardless of what you need. Being friends with him is easy, given that we share the same man-love: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Ryan Romanowski - Groomsman

I forced my friendship on Romo at Notre Dame by moving into the dorm room he shared with Grayson. Though I was very clearly not wanted, I quickly grew on him, primarily because he had no other choice. At times, he would get angry with me (such as wh…

I forced my friendship on Romo at Notre Dame by moving into the dorm room he shared with Grayson. Though I was very clearly not wanted, I quickly grew on him, primarily because he had no other choice. At times, he would get angry with me (such as when I used to wake him up repeatedly at 4 am the night before he had a final, or when I took a week-long sabbatical from class to master Mario Kart... in his room), but that never stopped our bro-love from growing. We've been good friends for many years now and share a passion for playing somewhat horrendous rounds of golf. Easy choice to have him by my side.

Luis Viñuelas - Groomsman

Luisito is a great human being. We've been best friends since I was a child living in the mortherland, and I am lucky enough to say his wife has also been best friends with me for a long time as well. Fortunately, we have maintained this long distan…

Luisito is a great human being. We've been best friends since I was a child living in the mortherland, and I am lucky enough to say his wife has also been best friends with me for a long time as well. Fortunately, we have maintained this long distance friendship all these years, thanks to spending summers together in basketball camps, lounging around in Madrid, and other shenanigans - there are way to many to list as you may suspect... He's always one of the first people I call when I make it back to Spain and we always look forward to seeing each other. He's also come visit me in New York a couple of times, even getting bit by some horrendous bugs in the city! As I am about to get married, I can't picture him not being there with me. Plus, he has fantastic dimples.

Vladan Jovanovic - Groomsman

I first met Vladan in high school in Cincinnati. In case you guys didn't know, Vladan is a fantastic volleyball player, playing Varsity in high school. Now, Vladan liked to intimidate people by shaving his head - so essentially, people would see thi…

I first met Vladan in high school in Cincinnati. In case you guys didn't know, Vladan is a fantastic volleyball player, playing Varsity in high school. Now, Vladan liked to intimidate people by shaving his head - so essentially, people would see this big, tall, eastern European with a shaved head... He would freak people out! Even my mom the first time they met (she thought he was a Jehovah's witness!). We quickly became close friends through our shared European heritage and a passion for fast cars. In fact, I still remember how excited he was when I let him drive my dad's BMW (sorry padre). Through out the years, we have remained very close friends. Luckily, I am able to talk to him about everything and anything without judgements and for that, I am grateful to call him my friend.

Natalie Estrada - Groomsmaid

Nat is the first person I ever met in NYC. She was my HR (human resources) representative and she quickly became my friend. I was incredibly lucky to have her show me the city ropes and introduce me to wonderful new people. This woman will tell it l…

Nat is the first person I ever met in NYC. She was my HR (human resources) representative and she quickly became my friend. I was incredibly lucky to have her show me the city ropes and introduce me to wonderful new people. This woman will tell it like it is, regardless of who it is (just ask us about the Chelsea market lobster story... poor unsuspecting dude). We have shared many amazing memories together - including when we went to see Tropic Thunder and we thought we had totally gone into a different movie (turns out he hadn't... feel free to ask us anything about it). Anyway, I absolutely adore this woman and there was a 100% chance she was going to be part of my wedding.

Grayson Burgardt - Groomsman

It was easy to befriend Grayson. After all, we share the same love for the simple things in life: mainly fatty food and booze. Always a genuine and funny guy, there's never a shortage of good stories - ahem... beer pong tournament 2006 when we were …

It was easy to befriend Grayson. After all, we share the same love for the simple things in life: mainly fatty food and booze. Always a genuine and funny guy, there's never a shortage of good stories - ahem... beer pong tournament 2006 when we were "ranked" and things took a very, very dark turn...). We spent many days skipping class and going to play golf instead (envying the hell out of Romo... loser!), or merely having a cold beer and talking about life and things to come. We also spent quite a few times wrestling with me winning all of them (obviously).  It's close to impossible to get this guy upset- in fact, I dare all of you to try. He's an incredible human being and I'm happy to have him by my side.