Private Residence

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story begins in May of 2016 in Camillus, NY. It was my first day starting my new job at Lowe's and they had sent me on a scavenger hunt to find items in the store to get more affiliated. I was anxious of course and was nervous to talk to anyone and then he appeared.. 18 years old, with his shaggy hair, khaki shorts and boat shoes. I thought to myself, this.. this is the guy, so I walked right up to him and asked if him if he could help me with the scavenger hunt and thus a beautiful friendship was born. Throughout the years, John and I stayed close to one another. We would often work the same shifts and have lunch together or hang out outside of work when we could. Even when John left Lowes to pursue other opportunities he and I remained close and would text or facetime each other every single day. John eventually shared he had feelings for me but I in true Aftan fashion shot him down and put him in the friendzone because I was too dumb and fearful of ruining the friendship and losing him out of my life. Luckily, John was stubborn and determined and believed I was worth waiting for. Finally in 2023, I decided to go after what I wanted and give us a real chance. One night I came over to hang with John and even though I was nervous I made the first move. Since that moment, it feels like everything started to fall right into place. Shortly after beginning dating I moved in with John and while others may say it was "too fast" we don't care and we wouldn't change it or have it any other way. It was like everything we had ever wanted or been missing was finally ours. A month after our 1st year as a couple on October 10th 2024, John proposed at Gillie Lake, the place where he decided back in 2016 that he was in love with me. I remember I had had a really long day at work and had wanted to just lay in bed in comfy clothes rather than socialize and was not in a very pleasant mood. But I rallied because I didnt wanna let the people I had made plans with down. I had been told we were going for a walk with our godchildren and friends before going to nicer dinner, how shocked I was when I realized that the "walk" we were going on was really to the beginning of the rest of my life. I was shocked and so happy and luckily had planned a surprise trip that weekend so we could rush off to celebrate. Everyday that passes, we fall more and more in love with each other. We are each other's best friends and soulmates tied into one and we are so ecstatic to be legally tied together forever August 8th 2026.

The long haul or the invisible string? 

Our Story

Photos

Kyle is basically John's brother and has known John since middle school. He can come across as having a tough exterior but he is a secret softy and you can always count on him for a laugh, a project or a rant. He is a genuine guy who will drop everything to help you no matter what, even if it ends up with him getting hurt lol.  You will never be bored with Kyle around, we are so thankful for him! He is also the father of our Ringbearer Finn and our Flower girl Lyla :) 

Kyle Erwin

Alex is our go to guy for just about anything. You can count on him for a good vent sesh and heart to heart, but he is also the life of the party and you can always count on him for literally anything, especially degenerate activities. We'd be lost without our Alex!

Alex Argiro 

Davis is someone you will never not be laughing with, and one of Johns longest friends. He may give Jack a run for his money on his ranting skills, but he is a kind hearted guy and we don’t know what we would do without him. We are very thankful for our Davis! 

Davis Lee 

Jack is both a guys guy and a girls girl  and one of our favorite people of all time. If you’re in need of a good rant or a wine session he is your man. He loves a good show to binge and is one of the truest friends you’ll ever have. We are so grateful for our Jack! He is also the father to our other flower girl Maia :) 

Jack Fey

Gavin is my brother and John’s soon to be brother in law. He is a tall gentle giant who will most likely not say two words to you. However, if you’re lucky and you get him to talk, he is the funniest person you will ever meet. His one liners are amazing and his sarcasm is unmatched. While he may not be extra vocal about it, you know he cares about you just by being around him. We are so thankful for our Gavin! 

Gavin Ackerman

Sean is the scientist of the group and one of the funniest people we have ever met. He is a reliable, genuine friend and you can always count on him for a fun fact or a laugh. He’s also one of the only people we know that likes to run for fun. We are so thankful for our Sean! 

Sean Erhardt

Ryan is somehow the nicest person ever but also  the person who will roast you to a crisp rolled into one. His Halloween costumes are always iconic and while we may not see him as often as we would like, he is a true genuine kind hearted guy and we feel so lucky to have him in our lives! 

Ryan Luibrand 

Brian is such a kind-hearted person and his laugh can be infectious. He has a lot of energy and passion and is one of the best people to quote SpongeBob with! We are so thankful to have our Brian in our lives :) 

Brian Lavalle 

Seems quiet at first, but is one of the funniest most unhinged individuals. He may not be over the top about it, but he cares about his people and is always there to show it. We love our Ahmed! 

Ahmed Mahmoud

My platonic soulmate and best friend since 7th grade,  if you are looking for a new restaurant or in need of concert tickets, she is that girl. She’s been with me through every era and then some and is basically John’s “other wife”. She’s someone who understands always and my chosen sister for life. I don’t know what we would do without our Alliey!

Alexandria Laflair 

My little sister and fave celebrity rolled into one, she has fiery red hair and an attitude to match, but she is also one of the most kind and caring individuals you will ever meet. We love our Rae 
Check out her band "Cherry Vanilla" on Spotify! 

Rhiannon Ackerman 

Maddy is 1/3 of your favorite trio. She is both pretty and smart with her masters in MATH, and is one of the truest friends I have ever had. She is my favorite person to "Beat the dead horse" with and my "two hot takes" bestie. She will go the extra mile for her people even if it's inconvenient for her and will always makes you laugh. Life would feel obsolete without our Maddy!

PS. Don't get her started about the grape leaves. LOL 

Madelyn Smith

Alexis is basically me in different font. She is the nicest, realest, kindest and most sarcastic girl you’ll ever meet. She is my adhd twin and favorite person to send 20 minute voice messages or Snapchats to with 6 side stories mixed in between. We may not be able to see each other as often as we would like, but when we do, we pick up right where we left off. The best thing caz ever gave me is Alexis, forever grateful for her! 

Alexis Page

Tess is one of my best friends and one of the only good things I got from my time working at Liberty Resources. She loves the tv show friends and twisted teas and can do an eyeliner wing sharp enough to kill a man. She is kind and caring and will go the extra mile for anyone she meets, but if her alter ego Roxy comes out… well you’ve been warned.

Tess Dormann

Jackie is my soul sister, and one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Her and her entire family will make you feel loved from the moment you meet them. Don’t be fooled, she can throw a punch like J-WOW  from the Jersey shore at a moments notice, but her heart is pure gold. Forever grateful for my Jackie! 

Jackie Hand 

Hailee is sunshine in human form. She is one of the most kind and caring individuals I have ever encountered. She will build you up even on her darkest days and will bring out that childlike energy we all need and love. We are so thankful for our Hailee! 

Hailee Sladdick 

Rachel is the epitome of “great things come in small packages” she is a true genuine friend who is always down to go out or stay in binge watching shows. We are so grateful for our Rachel! 

Rachel Felsenheld 

My bonus sister and Johns twin in girl form, she may seem quiet at first but she's the funniest person if you can get her talking! 

Nicole Sanderson 

Arielle Spears-Hay

Wedding Party

What Is Cocktail Wedding Attire?

Cocktail Dresses to Add to Your Cart ASAP

What Guys Need to Know About Dress Codes

Dress Code

Q + A

You are able to book 1 night or 2 nights at the rate listed above. The booking link is only valid until July 7th 2026 so you MUST book your hotel prior to that date. Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=ROCHWHW&amp;arrivalDate=2026-08-07&amp;departureDate=2026-08-09&amp;groupCode=90o&amp;room1NumAdults=1

Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester/Henrietta

You are able to book 1 night or 2 nights at the rate listed above. The booking link is only valid until July 7th 2026 so you MUST book your hotel prior to that date. Booking Link: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.33140.html?groupId=7R0MY3S5

Aftan & John

Aftan & John

A&J

Wedding Day