The Game Plan

St Florian Roman Catholic Church

Ceremony

Red Run Golf Club

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Polish Sea League

Brunch and Poprawiny

Our Wedding

Samantha and I initially crossed paths in 2015 while we were both undergoing ankle injury rehabilitation in the trainer's room. However, our connection didn't spark immediately; in fact, we didn't particularly like each other at the outset. It wasn't until 2017 that our lives truly intersected during a college party where we had a meaningful conversation. I distinctly recall confiding in some friends that night about my changing perception of her. It was as if I thought, "Okay, she's actually pretty cool." Thus began a friendship that was destined to endure. However, over time, my feelings for her blossomed into something deeper. Each time I saw her, I found myself captivated by her eyes, often stumbling over my words and losing my composure.Months passed, and we spent a significant amount of time together, blending our friend groups, going on a spring break trip to Daytona, and sharing countless late-night laughs. Despite this, our relationship remained platonic. I'll admit that I was the first to express my love for her, doing so on the last night before I left campus for the summer. While I hoped for reciprocation, looking back, I think I mainly wanted her to understand my feelings. At that moment, she didn't feel the same way, and I respected that. We continued to talk every day, and our friendship grew even stronger. As summer ended and football/soccer season commenced, our paths diverged; she transitioned from playing to coaching, and I struggled to find opportunities to spend time with her due to various restrictions and rules. This circumstance made it challenging for our bond to deepen further.We began to not see each other as much, going separate ways. Most of her friends graduated and left campus. It wasn’t until Samantha had to go through one of the more challenging times in her life that led her to come to me for a shoulder to lean on. It wasn’t soon after that she realized there was something there. In fact, there had always been. This time, she allowed herself to let her walls down to see me for me.Our relationship began at a gradual pace. After a few months had passed, it took a significant step forward when I made the journey to a place called Hamtramck. Hamtramck would go on to hold a special place in our lives, a place where the family would come together and create lasting memories. I, once a stranger, gradually became a part of their family. Samantha reciprocated by accompanying me to my hometown, Morris, where she met my friends and family. Her first encounter was with Keags, and they hit it off instantly. One cherished memory from that time is of a night when I had gone to bed while these two stayed up, talking and singing for hours. The next morning, Keags sought me out privately to express his wholehearted approval of Samantha. Through the years, we visited Samantha's mom, Donna, at her home in Florida periodically, and each visit brought forth new and unforgettable moments. These Florida trips became so special that I eventually chose this location for my proposal. Donna, my mom, my dad, Samantha, and I strolled along the beach, aiming to catch the sunset, or so we thought. However, there was an overcast sky, and we found ourselves on the wrong side of the coastline to even witness the sunset. Despite this, it was still the happiest day of my life. Samantha agreed to grow old with me and share a lifetime of laughter together. We shared kisses and tears, shared stories over glasses of wine. During that trip, more family members joined us, including my brother Reese and his wife Mary-Kate, as well as Sam's brother Joe and his amazing family. Having all of us together was the epitome of pure happiness.&nbsp;Over five years later, I have never been more madly in love than I am with her. She has made me into a better man and a better person. We’ve seen each other at our worst, been through much that others don’t really know about. And through that all, we have stuck by each other's sides, constant companions through this journey called life.

Our Story

Photos

It all started off my sophomore year of college. Tori was a freshman on the soccer team, and I wasn't very fond of her. Soon enough, we bonded over our love for "pocket snacks". Tori and I went on to become college besties and lived together post-college. Tori has been a part of my life through some of my highest and lowest points in life. She has been a rock to me ever since. 

Victoria Hall

Keagan, my younger brother, embodies extraordinary qualities that I have had the privilege to watch my entire life. He's the type of person to give his shirt off his back and the money in his pocket to anyone in need. On top of being one of the funniest people I know, he is also exceedingly empathetic, patient, and above all, kind. I couldn't have asked for a better little brother, best friend, and co-best man.  

Keagan Sobol

My All-American bestie. Burk and I both got to Siena at the same time. We both played college soccer together. Both starters as freshman to All-Americans. We truly bonded over our chemistry on the field as a defender/forward duo and our laughter and partying off the field. There has never been a dull moment in our friendship. 

Emily Burkman 

Reese, my older brother, has been my right hand man. Any time I found myself struggling, succeeding, and anywhere in between, he was there for me. Reese is the funniest person I know and has managed to never stop making me laugh. He has been the greatest big brother to both Keags and I. Teaching us invaluable lessons throughout our lives. That includes what to do and... what not to do! 

Reese Sobol

Rachel, not only my cousin, but my second mom. When my mom moved to Florida my sophomore year of college, Rachel took me in with open arms. Some of my best memories are with Rachel and our family during those summers I lived in Hamtramck. I learned so much about myself and many life lessons that will never be forgotten. 

Rachel Srodek

Josh, my oldest and dearest friend, is someone I hold in high regard and cherish like a brother. Our friendship traces back to our elementary school days, bonding over our shared love for sports. The foundation of our enduring friendship has been our mutual focus on family values. Josh is a remarkably genuine individual with a kind and compassionate heart, especially towards those he holds dear. I consider it an honor to have him as a member of my wedding party.

Josh Hulbert

Beth, not only cousin, but a true friend. While growing up, we would spend summer's at her house. We would stay up late, recreate our own cooking shows, and hang out in grandma and dziadz’s basement laughing until we were yelled at. Beth has since moved to the UP, gotten married to the love of her life, and is now expecting a baby girl of her own. The success she has achieved in life is a testament to her own strength and unique character traits she has. 

Beth Michalski 

Tom, a close and enduring friend, is consistently the one to reach out and see how I'm doing. His competitive spirit, sense of humor, and unique quirks initially brought us together. However, it's his steadfast loyalty and commitment that have cemented our friendship into a brotherhood. Tom has a distinct knack for finding humor in any situation, a quality I deeply appreciate and admire.

Tom Cheschareck

From the pandemic to post-pandemic, living together was always a complete blast. We share so many memories that will last a lifetime. I have been honored to stand by Natalie's side while she married her best friend and I've gotten to watch Natalie grow into the successful businesswoman she is today. 

Natalie Walker

Will, a close friend since 2015, began as a teammate and evolved into a brother as we graduated. He embodies both reliability and humor, always knowing the right course of action in various situations. One of his exceptional traits is the ability to navigate and solve even the most chaotic circumstances with a unique grace and composure. Will's friendship is something I honor deeply.

Will Walker

Syd and I truly bonded when we all moved into a house together right before the pandemic. We learned a lot about each other and shared a lot of similarities. Syd might be younger than me, but she is truly someone I look up to. No matter the situation, I always feel comfortable going to Syd for advice and her honest opinion. 

Sydney Fink

Similar to Will, Stan became a brother to me during our college years, particularly through our five-year journey playing football together. Our bond deepened in a way that words can't capture fully. Stan has consistently been my go-to-person for advice, offering perspectives that bring clarity to any situation. He's extremely selfless and honorable which has made it easy to have him as one of my groomsmen.

Stanley Fink

Mel has been around since I was itty bitty and has since become my sister-in-law. I've watched her grow into an amazing wife, mother, and friend. She is truly someone I aspire to be.  She has welcomed Griff into our family with her sense of humor and kindness. 

Melanie Bartelotti


Joe, Samantha's older brother, is slightly older than me, but that didn't hinder us from forging a friendship that I deeply value. He has a wonderful family with four incredible children, whom I've had the privilege to get to know and love. Joe embodies all the qualities of a "big brother," traits that I can relate to and appreciate. I'm grateful that Samantha had someone like him in her life while growing up.

Joe Bartelotti

Niki has always been someone I've looked up to. Growing up, I always wanted to be like Niki. Niki was always the cool cousin who would invite me over for sleepovers and would take me shopping. Her sense of humor, compassion for others, and fashionista style is always something I've admired about her. 

Nicole Kapell

Larry and I crossed paths as freshmen at SHU, with our dorms conveniently located next to each other, making friendship inevitable. Rapidly, Larry evolved into one of my most dependable friends, showcasing an exceptional loyalty to those in his circle. He's the kind of person you can always count on to pick up the phone and visit just because. In my life, there are only a handful of individuals I trust as deeply as I trust Larry.






Larry Ochadleus

Lydia is the definition of selfless. She is truly the mom of our friend group and would do anything for anyone. Lydia and I quickly became friends and bonded over our boyfriend's being football coaches for Siena Heights and share many memories from those times together. I am thankful that Lydia lives so close to us and know that if we ever needed anything, she would be there in an instant. 

Lydia Daisher


Malik and I were teammates in college, and our friendship began to flourish after our time on the field. While Malik may have a tough exterior, underneath it lies one of the most empathetic and thoughtful individuals I've had the privilege of knowing. His genuine care and understanding make him a truly special friend.

Malik Edwards

Andrea, my cousin has always been one of my biggest supporters. She is always the first person to post about an achievement that someone in the family has accomplished. In college, she was always checking in, making sure all the younger cousins had everything we needed to be successful. Her compassion for others is truly something that makes her who she is. 

Andrea Karpinski

Jeff, my "brother from another mother," began as a close friend of Reese but has evolved into an older brother figure in my life. He is truly a part of our family, deeply ingrained for various reasons. For me, he embodies the qualities of a brother through his patience, love, and generosity. Jeff has been a steady and consistent presence throughout my life, offering friendship and mentorship that I value immensely.

Jeff Perry

Bella, my little sister is growing into a beautiful young woman. Often times, I catch myself watching her grow up from the "outside", since there is such a big age gap between us. There's not a day that goes by that I'm not proud of how smart and confident is she becoming in this world. 

Bella Bartelotti

Jamie, Samantha's younger brother, has become like a brother to me as well. He possesses both a great sense of humor and amazing loyalty. Over the years of being with Sam, Jamie has grown to be one of my closest friends. Whether it's spending a weekend around a fire at Lighthouse Village or having late-night adventures at the PSL playing pool, Jamie and I have built a bond that I cherish and am incredibly grateful for.

Jamie Bartelotti

Niz, the oldest of the Bartelotti Bunch is a true master of Fort Nite, Soccer, and making his Ciocia and Griff laugh. 

Nizio Bartelotti

Cece is the cutest, sassiest, and silliest niece. She is never afraid to steal the show by busting out a ballerina move or jumping into the splits to make everyone laugh.

Cecilia Bartelotti 

Vinnie, the third youngest,  walks around like the boss of group. He loves to smile, giggle, and nibble on your snacks. 

Samantha & Griffin

Samantha & Griffin

Things to Do

Polish Sea League