Officiant
Brett Baril - Celebrant
Brett is close friends with the bride and groom. He has known Patrick since birth and Emily for the past 4 years. When discussing who should officiate the wedding, Em and Pat quickly agreed upon Brett for his love, commitment, and passion for others.
Bridal Party
Bailey McDonald - Maid of Honor
Bailey met Emily her freshman year at James Madison University. Their friendship quickly blossomed upon discovering their shared enthusiasm for 80's rock music, exemplified by screaming "I'll Never Let You Go" by Steelheart at the top of their lungs. Bailey also grew a keen interest in WWE/AEW wrestling, as she swooned over Kenny Omega in their shared apartment. Bailey recently graduated with her master's degree in Elementary Education at George Mason University and now teaches kindergarten in Sterling, Virginia.
Rachel Carlson - Bridesmaid
Rachel met Emily in a thrilling Fundamental Math class her freshmen year at James Madison University. While this class gave Rachel and Emily the thought to no longer purse their major in education, their friendship continued to grow by their love of Greta Van Fleet and midnight drives around the city of Harrisonburg. Her adventurous personality, bright smile, and laughter have always surprised Emily in the best way. She currently resides in Nashville, TN where she aspires to work in the film production industry.
Odessa Allison - Bridesmaid
Odessa met Emily her senior year of high school at Great Bridge in a Meteorology class. Her kindness, love for pickles and obsession with the Bachelor/Bachelorette immediately caught Emily's eye. Odessa is her sushi sister from another mister who will drop everything for a sushi date at their favorite place Kagura in Chesapeake, VA. She currently resides in Twentynine Palms, California with her husband who is a current marine.
Kaitlin Smyth - Bridesmaid
Kaitlin met Emily when she was 10 years old at Holy Trinity Catholic Church where they alter-served together for 8 years. Her selflessness, generosity, and kindred spirit made Emily realize that they were going to be friends for a long time. From weekend sleepovers to conversations about boys to their passion for the healthcare field, you could say they are "twin goals." Kaitlin currently resides in Norfolk, VA and has recently graduated from EVMS.
Maria Sloan - Bridesmaid
Maria met Emily when she was 5 years old at Holy Trinity School in Norfolk, VA. They had become very close like family throughout these many years hanging out at Emily's grandparents swimming in their pool while drinking an ice-cold Pepsi. Her kind personality, love for dolphins, and creativity in drawing her own animated characters has always stood out to Emily. Maria currently resides in New York in which she aspires to be a character designer for film and television animation.
Sylvie Gajdek - Junior Bridesmaid
Sylvie is Emily's cousin who currently resides in Norfolk, VA. She is a smart and outgoing girl who always looks to participate in different extracurriculars both in and out of school. She enjoys guitar, dance and hanging around her friends and family (especially Walter, the cute Scottish Terrier which we all love). Sylvie's fun personality always puts a smile on Emily's face, and Emily cannot wait to have her be a part of this big day!
Groomsmen
Matthew Polito - Best Man
Matt met Patrick at William and Mary when they were enrolled in the same biology lab. Both wore band t-shirts on the first day, and they have been friends since. Matt currently resides in Baltimore and is interested in pursuing a marine science career where he can focus on shark research.
Charlie Perry - Groomsman
Charlie met Patrick in a terrible introductory psychology class at William and Mary. Although neither Charlie nor Pat became psych majors, they have become great friends over time.
Sean Hardner - Groomsman
Sean and Patrick grew up together as brothers. They both have a lot in common including music taste, movies, food, etc. Sean lives in Norfolk with his wife Krissy, as well as his two children: Annabella and Oliver.
Flower Girl
Annabella Hardner - Flower Girl
Annabella is Patrick's sweet 10-year-old niece who currently resides in Norfolk, VA. She is a bubbly and bright girl who enjoys going to concerts, selling Girl Scout Cookies (she just sold over 500 boxes this season, how cool!), and reading books during her free time. Patrick is very excited to have Annabella be a part of his special day!
Ring Bearer
Joshua Gajdek - Ring Bearer
Joshua is Emily’s awesome 10-year-old brother who currently resides in Chesapeake, VA. He is smart, funny, and an energetic guy who loves playing Legend of Zelda while rocking on his hip Mario Kart gaming chair. He enjoys piano, horseback riding, bowling, running, and is currently picking up golf. Emily is very excited to have Joshua be a part of her big day!