Shakira and Eryn met while working together at Bright Horizons in Morristown for a brief two months. But I'm sure you have all heard the story, it was love at first sight. They bonded over their shared love of beer, often discussing and enjoying it together. This quickly evolved into a shared love of mixology and cocktails. (This isn't a drinking problem, its a drinking solution). Shakira was the first person to meet Nick, the day after Eryn’s first date with him, and as I am sure you all know, if he doesn't pass the test of the girlfriends he would be out faster than you can say "uh, no Honey, not him" but thankfully that wasn't an issue! Shakira and Nick got along great and she has been a constant source of encouragement in the relationship that Nick and Eryn have!
Bryan Vayda - Best Man
Nick and Bryan met on the day Nick was born. Nick of course doesn't have any recollection of this day but he likes to think Bryan remembers it perfectly. The 4 year difference between the pair made it so they were never really at the same school together, but Nick would constantly follow in his brothers footsteps, from Hunterdon Central all the way to University of Rhode Island. In fact it was a weekend with his brother at URI that made Nick fall in love with the school and make it his number 1 pick. The two have always been close, at-least in between the fighting and insulting that comes with brothers. As with all brotherly relationships, its not always Sunshine and rainbows, plenty of fights and disagreements have been had over the years. Usually over things like whos turn it would be to play on the playstation, which one mom likes best, or the best way to cure a hangover. However, deep down that brotherly love is still as strong as it has ever been. Nick has gotten a chance to watch his brother grow up, get married, and become an amazing father to two amazing boys. Something he can look on proudly and hopefully, continue to follow in his big brothers footsteps.
Sarah Morley - Bridesmaid
Sarah and Eryn’s friendship began on the second day of 7th grade, with Sarah initially finding Eryn a bit odd (and who wouldn’t?). However, she quickly came to appreciate those quirks. Over the years, they’ve shared endless laughter, tears, debates about boys, family, and unforgettable memories. Their bond has been defined by countless milestones and firsts, and they look forward to many more shared moments in the future. Finding a friend so early in life and staying so close through the years is truly rare. Eryn wouldn't replace their friendship for the world!
Mike DeBonis - Groomsmen
Don't tell Eryn but Nick and Mike have been "dating" much longer than he's been together with Eryn. It all started at a mutual friend's party where after winning about 8 rounds of beer pong the two decided "we should totally hang out once or twice" to hanging out literally every single weekend for an entire summer. Drinking claws, smoking stogies, and trading stories of college. These two are pretty much inseparable. And if you think the beer pong thing is a joke, just try and beat them in a game.
Brittany Fisektsis - Bridesmaid
Brittany and Eryn knew each other in high school, but their paths didn’t cross frequently until they both ended up at Montclair State University, after Brittany transferred from Johnson & Wales. It was there that their friendship truly began. Brittany, known for her impeccable fashion sense was often times a discussion point as Eryn was never the most fashionably gifted. Brittany in her perfectly frank North Jersey style would tell it like it is, letting Eryn know when an outfit "definitely didn't work". A proud Protégée Eryn has gotten better over the years of friendship.
Matt Stanley - Groomsmen
One of Nicks oldest and most treasured friends. Nick and Matt "Stanley" met in middle school gym class. Where they would talk about their favorite TV shows like Naruto (oh yeah, the cool kids). But would remain friends ever since. Doing everything they can to share classes together even through high school and into college where the two roomed together for 3 out of 4 years. (We wont talk about the end of freshman year, that never happened). Following along with numerous trips to music festivals, concerts, and pub tours, and most recently an international excursion to Mexico filled with so much Tequilla a horse would collapse. These two are as thick as thieves and it is doubtful there will ever be a time where they aren't close.
Emily Howarth - Bridesmaid
Emily is the ultimate hype woman every girl needs, always ready for a margarita and a deep dive into life’s most random topics. As the proud mother of her beautiful baby girl, Queen Bailey, Emily proves that great things come in small packages—she’s a true powerhouse. While Eryn and Emily have been friends for years, only recently have they grown close. Very close. Close enough where both are the recipients of late night calls, "tea" and general enjoyment of life. As two strong Taurus women these two would break down a brick wall together if it looked at them the wrong way.
Jason Bender - Groomsmen
What is there to say about Bender. A loyal friend who you could always call for help and would drop everything to be there. One of Nicks first great friends from college and ended up being roommates every year after they met. From sitting in dorms, drinking and singing country songs, to Nick praying Bender doesn't kill himself on his motorcycle (actually that last one Nick still thinks about). The true party animal and king of the hookah lounge Bender really is someone that everyone can get along with.
Brooke Zura - Bridesmaid
Brooke and Eryn the summer fling that just kept going. After meeting at the Jersey Shore with the fresh sea air in the summer the two connected over shared laughter and fun in the sun. Their summer outings have evolved from craving rum buckets at Spicy's to savoring cocktails during dinner at the patio bar. They also like to share stories and memories of their two favorite "idiots" known as Nick and Eric. If Nick and Eric are the circus, Brooke and Eryn are the happy spectators.
Eric Strucke - Groomsmen
If "is somebody gonna match my freak" was personified. That would be Nick and Eric These two cannot be seated next to each other for extended periods of time without making complete idiots out of themselves. They met over a mutual depression that is being a Jets fan and a friend of Mike. They braved Philly stadium wearing Jets Jersey's. And if anyone can survive verbal insults together of that manner, they can truly survive anything. Get these two started and you'll never get them stopped.
Brie Catani - Bridesmaid
Brie was one of the first friends Eryn made when she joined Nick's (overly) extensive friend group. Always up for a bit of fun at parties and enjoying cigars and drinks with the boys. As two of the girls who always liked to consider themselves as "the homies" they were fast friends. The two bonded over the quirky need to refer to their partners by their last names to differentiate between the two Nicks in the group. With common senses of humor, tastes in food, and tastes in funny men, these two really may as well be sisters from a different mister. A dangerous duo when they get going and friends till the very end.
Peter Carellini - Groomsmen
THE GREAT PETEY O'WEEFY! There is too much to say about Peter to put it together into one little bio. It would end up running as long as a star wars intro. Nick and Peter met freshman year of college at URI and were instantly friends. Late nights watching marathons of Mel Brookes movies followed by afternoons at the Hookah lounge (courtesy of Bender) brought them even closer. In Nicks own words Peter is the purest soul there is and "everyone needs a Peter in their life, if everyone had a Peter, the world would be a better place.
Ashley Thompson - Bridesmaid
Ashley and Eryn first crossed paths during their junior year of college, where Ashley quickly earned the nickname "Mama Ash" for her loyal, no-nonsense nature (and for always having Tylenol and water on hand!). Known for offering honest—sometimes brutally honest—advice and unwavering support, Ashley has been a true friend to Eryn. Now, Ashley, Eryn, and Nick bond over the joys and challenges of homeownership—nothing keeps life interesting like fixing up a fixer-upper! With a shared love of uniquely named beers, they look forward to celebrating their friendship and life’s milestones together for years to come.
Ryan Stiffler - Groomsmen
Stiffmeister. One of Nick's oldest friends. They met in middle school over an appreciation of the beach and video games. The amount of hours that these two spend together online and in person is a staggering amount. Ryan was someone Nick could always count on to hang out in some capacity, be it online or in person. Someone who was always down to clown and just have a good time. Its obvious to tell these two have been friends for a long time and have a lot in common. Just look at the smiles on their faces whenever they are together. The sheer amount of shared interests they have is almost...concerning.
Megan Brogan - Bridesmaid
Megan and Eryn are now officially sisters-in-law! They often share laughs about Eryn's brother Ryan and swap funny stories from their childhoods, with Eryn playfully warning Megan about what she’s gotten herself into. Beneath the humor, Megan is a loving mother to Eryn’s beautiful niece, Hailey, and the two connect over their shared passion for the Jets, even when the team isn’t on top. Just don’t mention hockey—it’s always a spirited debate when it comes to the Devils vs. Rangers, but all in good fun!
Ryan Brogan - Groomsmen
Nick and Ryan first met through their connection with today’s bride. Despite Ryan being her brother, the two have always gotten along well. They are both big nerds in their own ways and Eryn wouldn't want it any other way! Ryan has always been a loyal and supportive friend, with his love for family and friends obvious to all who know him. Plus, Nick enjoys keeping Ryan around for all the juicy stories about Eryn's childhood embarrassments!