Michelle is my younger sister and built-in best friend—she’s a vet tech, a total firecracker, and the funniest person I know. She’s spent most of our lives scaring the absolute life out of me (clown costumes and Scream masks included), but somehow still manages to be my safe space. We’ve spent our lives laughing at nothing, annoying our parents, and being each other’s favorite person—except for the time I ate her leftover pasta fagioli (which she still hasn’t forgiven me for).

Kevin’s my cousin, but more like the older brother I never had — the one who somehow managed to talk me out of my worst ideas and occasionally join in anyway. We’ve been through it all: teenage mischief, hockey brawls, and one international incident that may or may not have involved local authorities. Now he’s a CPA, a proud dad (with another on the way!) and the guy I’m lucky to have standing next to me — mostly to make sure I behave... or don’t 😅

Lauren is Andy’s sister, but let’s be real—she’s basically mine now. It’s actually wild how much she’s like a mini Andy (but with better hair and emotional depth), which makes our bond that much stronger. From dog walks to wine nights to hours of gossip while I do her hair, she’s one of my favorite people—and I truly hit the jackpot with her.

Tyler is my sister’s fiancé, which officially makes him family — He’s still reading the fine print for what he signed up for. When Lauren first introduced us, I hit him with, “Tyler? I thought you said you were going out with John!” just to rattle him, and he’s been trying to keep up ever since. He’s the smartest redneck to ever crawl out of Ithaca, with a mix of small-town grit and street smarts, and the bravery to willingly marry into my bloodline. Respect.

Kristen is Andy’s sister and my fellow moon-loving, crystal-charging, tarot-pulling soul sister. She’s one of the most compassionate, open-hearted people I’ve ever met, and our conversations about the universe, growth, and all things spiritual always leave me feeling lighter. She’s truly magic—and I feel so lucky the stars aligned to make her my future sister-in-law.

From string bean to full-blown unit, the glow-up of my cousin Neddy needs to be studied. Growing up and sharing time with our Oma and Opa really shaped our bond and gave him that rare mix of politeness, kindness, and a surprising amount of patience — like the night I redecorated his bathroom after one bourbon-fueled evening. I’m lucky to have him with me — he's helped me become a somewhat cultured adult —one omakase plate at a time.

Andrea has been my best friend since birth—we’re 10 days apart and have been unhinged ever since. From telling strangers we were Egyptian for no reason to rage-laughing about that one time we got charged three dollars for background music at a tea shop to having the worst best nights—we’ve always lived in our own little delusional world, and it’s perfect. She’s the one I’ve gone through every bad decision, and dramatic life chapter with. I’ll always be grateful the universe gave us each other because it just knew.

Zack is my cousin who looks like he walked straight off a Hair Nation tour bus. As adults, our bond is rooted in music, mischief, and a shared belief that rules are mostly suggestions. He’s the coolest metalhead I know — a little weird in the best way — and always down for whatever dumb idea I pitch, as long as there’s Jack Daniels involved.

Amanda B. has been by my side since kindergarten, and I swear she’s one of the kindest, funniest, most underrated gems walking this earth—like, no one actually deserves her. From dramatic Girl Scout talent shows to screaming over Polly Pockets, our childhood was pure chaos in the best way. We grew up on guilty pleasures like High School Musical and Big Time Rush, still quote them like it’s 2007, and I’ll forever be honored to be her annual Christmas party date.

Bobby is Amanda’s cousin, and somehow the only person I trust for both medical advice and bachelor party logistics. I once called him to brainstorm ideas for Sirico’s bach trip, and he picked up mid-shift like, “Hello Dr. Andy, this is Dr. Bob. I’m with a patient — is this urgent?” I was so thrown off I couldn’t tell if he was serious… and then he calmly repeats, “Dr. Andy?” Had me in stitches. Dr. Bob is the kind of professional wildcard you’re lucky to be in the inner circle of. Our bond is built on tunch sessions, Father Dave’s legendary chalkies, and leading a squad of grown men through Chicago while shouting in fake British accents. Big London forever. Chelly’s Chilli for life, brev.

Toni and I met thanks to beer league hockey—her husband, Anthony plays on the same team as Andy, and when I found out her husband has been best friends with my cousin since they were five, it felt like the universe was matchmaking us too. We bonded over wine during hockey games, she introduced me to my new favorite reality show, Love Island, and quickly realized her crafting talents are as strong as my lack of them. She’s the friend I didn’t know I was missing, and now I feel so lucky to have her in my life forever.

Sirico is my long-tenured men’s league linemate. While in Chicago for his bachelor trip, Chris Chelios challenged him to arm wrestle. But our bond was forged away from the rink — when he walked into a party for Amanda's family. Instinctively I hoisted him over my shoulders like I’d just won the Stanley Cup. Turns out, he and Bobby had been best friends since pre-K — I had no idea. The moment we all realized we were weirdly connected was electric… and probably very confusing for Amanda’s relatives. Since then we've been locked in — ripping tunch, cracking jokes, and cementing our brotherhood the only way that truly matters: beer league championship tees. Boiiiii.

Jessie and I met when we started working at the same salon the exact same week—clearly the universe had a plan, because she’s been one of my brightest lights ever since. Loyal doesn’t even begin to cover it: she took me to Finley’s to see her brother’s band play, and I just casually met the man I’m now marrying. We thrive on brunches, drinks, gossip, and salon-level therapy sessions. Every hangout with her is like a little burst of sunshine and serotonin and I’m so grateful that we were put in each other’s path.

Gerard went from high school band nerd to full-blown jazz guy with swagger, and somewhere along the way, we reconnected post-college and became boys. Around that time, he invited me to his gig at Finley’s of Huntington—his sister Jessie brought Amanda, I was an absolute stallion on the dance floor, and somehow we ended up here. Gerard’s not just officiating because he’s my friend—he’s officiating because without him, there’s no story, no Amanda, no wedding. Just me flailing around for no reason. Love you, G.

I met Caroline when she started dating Jessie’s brother, and we really clicked on Jessie’s bachelorette trip—bonding over Bravo, Cabernet, and gossip like we’d known each other forever. I didn’t expect to make a new friend at that point in my life, but she quickly became someone I can’t imagine doing life without. Our girls’ nights are just us drinking a bottle of wine, laughing until we cry about how much we love our dogs, her moving, or literally nothing at all—and I’m so grateful the universe snuck her into my life when it did. We came for the wine and reality TV but stayed for the emotional spiral.

High school hockey captain. International men's league champion. Flow like a Pantene commercial and a beer belly built on Häagen-Dazs and honor. Dom was the first friend of mine Amanda ever met, and the three of us clicked right away. We went on a hike at Lake Minnewaska together — Amanda’s first time hiking with me, and the same spot where I’d eventually propose. He’s been part of our story since the very beginning. Dom & I have traveled across the world together, wandered into places we probably shouldn’t have (“good rate, yes!?”), & made memories I’ll never forget. Sprechen Sie Deke!

Katie is my cousin Bobby’s girlfriend, but from the moment I met her, it felt like I’d known her forever. She’s one of the most emotionally grounded, loving people I’ve ever met—we can sit and talk for hours and somehow still never run out of things to say. I feel so lucky that what started as family turned into one of the most beautiful friendships in my life, and I know my cousin hit the jackpot… but honestly, so did I.