Jeffrey Hansen - Groomsman
Hansen literally started it all. I was just a naïve high school kid making minimum wage pushing shopping carts at Shop Rite when I witnessed something so disturbing but I couldn't help but laugh and keep watching. Hansen was flipping shopping carts the bird and then giving them the Stone Cold Stunner. I was more of a Rock fan myself back then, but he invited me over for a wrestling pay per view party and that led to two decades of friendship, introduction to Fitz and countless memories. Where do I start with 20 years of memories? Hot Shots shooting pool? Rice pudding (RP) at Five Points? Driving down the Pike yelling at people? Madden nights at Fitz's - "look who's in the drivers seat now"! Through all the crazy times we've had I've always held Hansen in high regard. He's one of the most honest and trustworthy people I know. We've always been able to share anything with each other and then he'd give me a Choke Slam (Undertaker!!).
James Fitsimmons - Groomsman
Where do I start with Fitz? And when I start where do I end? I met Fitz through Hansen (the catalyst) and we honestly weren't that cool at first. I don't think he liked me much, and I thought he was a jerk. But when he found out I was a die hard Eagles fan, we became best friends. There are so many memories, some a bit hazy, that I just can't sum them up in a couple paragraphs. There's Wildwood...Sunday movie nights, Madden tournaments, Flyers/Sixers/Phillies/E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES, Vegas, St. Pete, and 20 years of hangs in between.Most people probably think Fitz is just my drinking buddy but whether we're out drinking or not, it's not the booze, it's the company. It's the friendship, the comradery. It's random absurd sayings/phrases that he drops like gold that get stuck in your head on repeat. It's just a good time with a good friend, that's always been there, always had your back and knows how to have a good time. P.S. Fitz is the ladies man of the group. He's a bit of a silver fox these days, but all the single ladies, look out.
Brian Welch - Groomsman
Welch is a hardworking and passionate guy. He truly loves and pours his heart into Philly sports, beer (he's in the industry...sooo) and his friends and family. I knew of Welch through Fitz and Hansen before he started working at Shop Rite. Not sure if it was his first, second, or third stint there when we started to all go out, haha. We have so many memories of Phillies games, AC trips, and of course the Eagles (tailgates, Lehigh training camp trips, oh and a SUPER BOWL). Nowadays, it's nice to just enjoy a nice hoppy beer with him, have double dates, and reminisce about the good ole times and talk sports.
Diana Heggan - Bridesmaid
I have always dreamed what my future In-Laws would be and I couldn't wait to have additional siblings by marriage. Diana is my soon to be sister-in-law and I am so excited for all the memories we will make together for years to come. The fact that we are married/marrying twins makes it that much sweeter. I love Di's creativity and that we can be playful and joke around with the guys. Let's not forget that she brought two really adorable kids into this world!
Kelly Cartwright - Bridesmaid
My sweet Kel. She is and always has been a true friend to me. I know that we will be lifelong friends even though we don't live close but the times that we do get to see each other are so wonderful and natural. We have bonded tightly over the years of our firm belief in every thing happens for a reason. Kelly is one of my most favorite people to have watched grow over the years and I love that no matter what she always manages to smile.
Christine Caraballo - Bridesmaid
Christine is my work bestie! She has been right there literally every step of the way with my relationship with Justin. I cannot thank her enough for her support and her willingness to listen and offer advice when I need it most. Our work bond has grown to now include both Justin and her husband Lex which puts a big smile on my face as I think about the guys and their growing friendship. I am excited that Christine will be by my side leading up to and on the day of my wedding!
Charles Kuda Jr. - Groomsman
Kuda doesn't shut up and he thinks he does a much better Peter Griffin impersonation than he really does. But he's a good dude that can talk to you about anything (and he probably will).I met Kuda at Shop Rite. One random day he was just there filling the juice wall in the dairy department. He didn't say much at first, but like I said, we all found out that once you get him started, he doesn't shut up. Kuda can talk about anything from emo to country music, sports to cars, hunting, fishing and everything in between. But that's the beauty in Kuda, his versatility in personality. He can connect with any group. Some of my best memories with him are hardcore shows, country concerts, trout fishing at Oak Pond and obviously many Eagles games. So when you boil it down, it doesn't matter what you're doing with Kuda, you'll have a great time.
Alyssa Adams - Bridesmaid
My college roomie! In the duration of the three years that we lived together, I learned more about myself than I ever have before. She taught me the importance of balance in life - with friends, significant others, etc. Our relationship challenged us and forced us to take a step back that only made our bond stronger. I am so appreciative of Lys for her spiritual guidance when I need gentle reminders. We always say now that we wish we lived closer to one another. I am happy for her that she has found a great guy and now husband, Ryan, and that we can walk through this new phase of marriage together!
Maggie Gibbons - Matron of Honor
Maggie is my high school bestie! We met on the volleyball courts and after her mom "forced" her to be nice to me during carpool, we developed a great relationship. I don't know how I would have survived high school without her, seriously. She has always been a loyal and caring friend to me and I am truly appreciative of our friendship. We have gone from living only 5 minutes away to living states away for a time. Her relationship with her now husband, Shawon, has always inspired me to have a supportive and strong relationship like theirs. They were my favorite couple to third-wheel with for many years and I was so excited that they moved back to Pennsylvania so we can hang out again! I am so happy that Maggie will be my Matron of Honor.
Heidi Cousineau - Maid of Honor
My (favorite) little sister! She was my very first friend growing up. She is the only one who will ever be on the same page as me with relating old songs to memories, or knowing why chalk was a huge part of our childhood. From Saturday soccer games to birthday parties to school plays, we went to the same schools and did relatively the same activities. I have always been inspired by her lack of fear with moving to a new place no matter how far it is. When we first moved out here, Heidi was the first one to say "let's go!" when the rest of us were hesitant. She is one of the most hardworking people I have ever met when it comes to their career. She will be the one at the wedding talking business so be prepared to get inspired to open up your own Domino's franchise! Thank you little sister for being a part of our big day!
Elwood Leftridge - Groomsman
Woody, Woodrow, Denzel...we met at Shop Rite. He worked in the deli with Fitz and our buddies Paul and Mark. I was so jealous of the ruckus they would cause. I could hear them from the produce section! Eventually that raucous group decided to have a party at Fitz's...that lead to a decade long weekly tradition (sorry Fitz's mom!).
Woody and I eventually enrolled in classes together at Camden County College and our carpool escapades began. We definitely grew our friendship and bonded during those hilarious trips to school. Woody would go on to enlist in the Navy, then go off to UConn for school and then settle down and get married, but regardless of the distance or time between hanging out, it's always like the good old times when we do.
Jeffrey Heggan - Best Man
I originally wrote pages for this one but had to trim it down. Jeff is my twin brother and my best man. A lot of people ask what it's like to be a twin and it's truly and honestly the greatest gift our mom could ever give us - a brother and best friend in one. Being a twin is more than just sharing a birthday with someone or kind of looking like them. For Jeff and I, it's an unbreakable bond forged by intense family pride in the name that raised us, the core values and ethics instilled in us by our mom and grandparents, and a subconscious burning desire to be the best men we can be. There's also the mind reading powers and telepathy which is pretty cool!
We don't act a like, look a lot a like or really share many hobbies or interests, but the bond and love I mentioned above is everything and I mean everything. Thanks for always being there for me, love you bro.