THE WEDDING PARTY
BRIDESMAIDS
As my younger and only sister, Marcella is our maid of honor! She's sweet and funny and the glue of our family. She's a proud mom to her beloved malti-poo, Bella and the best doggie baby sitter to Baci one can ask for. She loves her 'prince' Matthew and always treated him like a brother. Cella, we love you so much and couldn't imagine you anywhere but right beside us on our big day!
I've been friends with Jess for over 15 years. We got real close when she moved in with my family & we shared a bed our senior year of high school. We spent a lot of time on the dance floor at LI teen clubs (cringe!). As adults, our friendship has strengthened & evolved as we've been present for the many life changes & accomplishments including being a bridesmaid in her big, beautiful wedding last summer. I'm so glad she's now part of mine! Truly a friend for life, Jess lives in Mamaroneck with her prince charming, Reggie and their smart & handsome son, Jaylen.
My LA lady! We met at Playboy when she assisted my boss almost 8 years ago. At first encounter I found her too chipper for my NYC taste. She regularly would email me “Happy Monday”. We moved past that and discovered we really clicked as friends and over the years have shared some good times including touring the LA food scene, having ladies night in her tree house, her visits to Brooklyn and vacations to Mexico! Thank you for sharing this time with Matt and I and in her words '2013 is the year of the Shaws!'
Julie and I also met at Playboy over 8 years ago. Since then Julie followed her creative side to become a fabulous NYC fashion stylist! I always look forward to our marathon long chats over brunch or skinny girl margaritas in my inflatable pool while talking about boys, work & worries of life! Most recently, Julie has helped me weed through a sea of white tulle & feathers to find my perfect wedding dress. I know she's always believed in Matt and I and I'm happy she's seen our journey to our wedding day!
My third (but not least) favorite reason for working at Playboy is the friendship I've made with Tracey. This year will mark 10 years of sharing guidance on personal & professional goals over many dinners in Union square, sidewalk sales, book clubs and an 'interesting' over-night train ride to Paris. She's been a good and consistent friend with her social & energetic personality and love of planning; I see many more adventures in our calendars in the future.
Dina and I got close during many fun times in high school and beyond. Singing Lauren Hill in her car, hitting the beach or a keg party or 2 and bonding about what it means to be in an Italian family. To this day I can always rely on her to be up for a good time. She is a great mom to her adorable and outgoing daughter, Coleen.
Matt's younger sister has never lived in NY while Matt and I have been together but we have gotten to know each other during her visits over the years. She's made a life for herself in Asheville, NC in the radiation therapy field and lives with her boyfriend, Derrick & their beloved dog, Jack. I look forward to growing our relationship over the years to come and know she's excited to have inherited two sisters!
GROOMSMEN
I've known Brett since 3rd grade cub scouts! We became friends in 8th grade and have been bros ever since. We've shared far too many awesome times to list here. I was the best man in Brett's wedding where I gave a killer speech - I expect him to do the same. He has a wife and three daughters and currently resides in PA.
I also first met Ed in 3rd grade cub scouts. We bonded in high school over a shared love for hip hop, graffiti and over-priced clothing. A notorious nomad, Ed currently resides in the Bay Area where he writes stories and ponders the meaning of life.
I first thought: What kind of name is LJ?! It turns out, LJ is a great guy! We shared a desk command station at MTV, worked on a few niche blogs together and have over 47 un-released video game ideas. LJ lives with his lady Erin and his cats Pony and Rabbit in Long Island City.
Darian is an Abstract Edge expat. A mellow fellow who knows how to have a good time and maintain that old webserver you got. You may also know him as the guy who adopted my cat. Darian's spirit lies in Far Rockaway but his body currently roams the Eastern Seaboard.
A fellow MTVer, this Ohioan and I slaved over code and chicken cutlet sandwiches together. While touring the amateur karaoke circuit, we've put back more than a few pints while complaining about crappy websites. Chris currently resides in Williamsburg and runs a small peninsula in Canada.
Also an Abstract Edge expat, we first bonded over our hatred of clients and love of Street Fighter II. Some years and a few heavy metal concerts later, we still try to find time to shoot each other on the TV while drinking too much. The Cassata currently lives in the Upper West Side with his wife, Elizabeth.
