The party people
Kellen Burger, Officiant
Kellen has been one of Matt’s best friends for over 20 years, and he’s been an adult for about 19 of them. When Bob and Donna would leave town, they would put Kellen in charge of the Wolfson household. And though there will be many Wolfsons present at the wedding, Kellen will still be the most responsible one there. Over the years of Matt and Ashley’s relationship, he’s become one of Ashley’s favorite people. We could not be more excited to have someone who is so special to us, marry us.
Stephen Mateja, Best Man
It all started with Steve (and his better half, Kristy). Stephen and Matt grew up 4 houses away from each other and couldn’t stay apart. Stephen made Apartment 21 a friendship haven, where people would laugh all night on that old sectional couch. But Stephen was more than the introducer of Matt and Ashley. He became one of Ashley’s closest friends even before she started dating Matt. And since their relationship, they’ve only gotten closer.
Erin Holbrook, Maid of Honor
Erin and Ashley shared a room for a handful of years before Ashley begged to escape her “annoying little sister who always wants to play games.” Fast forward to 20 years later, the two both live in NYC, and all Ashley does is invite Erin over and force her to play games. Karma’s a… what do they say? While Ashley is very grateful to have Erin living in the city with her, Matt and she have formed an alliance that Ashley is less grateful for.
Rob Brent, Groomsman
Rob and Matt met in preschool and decided to stick together through middle school, then high school, and eventually college thanks to Rob’s recruiting skills. Rob is Matt’s favorite doubles partner, because when he’s on his side that means he’s not beating him. He hopes Rob starts sporting a dad bod someday soon to help give him a better chance.
Jessica Holbrook, Bridesmaid
Jesse and Ashley are 3 years apart—to the day. After Jess got over the grudge of Ashley “ruining” her 3rd birthday, the two enjoyed the combined parties every year. And while they took a break for some years, they’ve continued the combined celebration for the last few years in NYC, always punctuated by a Buffalo Bills game.
Tom Schumann, Groomsman
Matt and Tom sat across from each other on the first day of second grade and they’ve been like brothers ever since. Matt’s dad always hoped one of his children would go into medicine, and Dr. Tom Schumann fulfilled that dream.
Michele Broder, Bridesmaid
Michele, Matt’s sister, made Ashley feel like part of the family from day one. She feeds her, hosts her, clothes her, made her favorite tiny human, and would probably give her the shirt off her back given the opportunity (I’m sure she probably already has), because there’s nothing Michele wouldn’t do for the people she loves. And Ashley feels very lucky to be one of those people.
Sam Broder, Groomsan
Sam and Matt were fast friends. From family trips to just hanging out in Goshen, Matt is thankful to his sister for giving him a brother… but is less thankful when she’s telling on them (yes, as adults).
Shea Viola, Bridesmaid
Shea and Ashley became inseparable at the age of 4 all the way up until life forced them to go to separate colleges (but they still visited each other A LOT). Shea’s house was Ashley’s second home growing up, and Shea has always been more of a sister than a best friend. She probably knows more embarrassing stories of Ashley than anyone else on Earth, and has probably caused her to pee her pants from laughter more than anyone else too.
Ryan Holbrook, Groomsman
Of the handful of things Matt is thankful to his bride for, giving him Ryan as a brother-in-law tops the list. What she unwittingly did was give Matt a friend to play video games with, and a drinking buddy when he visits East Aurora.
Emily More, Bridesmaid
Em and Ash have been BFFs since the first grade. Talk about the human equivalent of a ray of sunshine. If you ever need to smile, Em is ready to do whatever it takes, including mailing you a photo of her rolly-polly little girl, or one of the other 2 cuties she’s created. When Ashley grows up, she wants to be Em.
Anthony Gizzi, Groomsman
If you’re cycling up a hill, that blur that just zoomed past you is likely Anthony. Anthony became part of the Wolfson clan almost 20 years ago and has been family ever since. If you need help cooking a turkey or making a Bloody Mary, he’s your guy.
Kristy Mateja, Bridesmaid
Kristy and Ashley met while playing soccer as kids and became fast friends, but got even closer while living in the city together. If Kristy wasn’t one of the most fun people to hang out with, Matt and Ash probably wouldn’t exist. She’s not only one of Ashley’s best friends, but she’s one of Matt’s too. Plus, she’s also the only lady Ashley knows who would voluntarily share a 1-bathroom apartment with 3 men (including Matt) for 3 years. An actual Saint.
Greg Budetti, Groomsman
Matt was Greg’s first friend, but Greg wasn’t Matt’s. It’s Matt’s wedding website—he has final edit here—so that will stand as fact. But no matter how the story is told, it’s a friendship that has stood the test of time, even through all the heartache and heartbreak the New York Knicks have put them through.
Grace Fitzgerald, Bridesmaid
Grace and Ashley met at Syracuse University, where Ashley tortured her with Buffalo Bill’s fandom, and Grace tortured her with love and affection. Now, Grace is married to a Buffalo-native (the closest she could get to marrying Ashley) and Ashley is starved for her love and affection all the way across the country. Who would have thought. The two don’t get to see each other enough, but when they do… you better hide your tequila.
Dennis Burger, Groomsman
There’s never a dull moment when you’re with Dennis. Whether adventuring across the country or playing beer die on the beach, Dennis always brings the party (Bride’s note: and the pizza).
Lauren Kaczkowski, Bridesmaid
Lauren is Ashley’s soon to be sister in law and is a true breath of fresh air in this crazy Holbrook family. She slipped right into all of our hearts from the day we met her, and has a way of bringing the fun wherever she goes (and I’m not only talking about her pup Whiskey, who is certainly the most fun).
Jack Benjamin, Groomsman
Jack is that one-of-a-kind friend, that, despite moving across the country, his NY friends have made sure never to lose sight of. If you need a concert buddy, look no further, you’ve found him. After 20+ years of friendship, the guy is still full of surprises.
Nick Goldman, Groomsman
Nick is the roommate you dream of having: he cooks, he cleans—and he’s a pretty decent guy too. He’s the most generous friend you could ever want. You can find him on the gram at @nickknowswine or @nickknowscoffee, because Nick knows @everything.
Dom Bianco, Groomsman
No matter where you are on a fall Sunday afternoon, if you listen closely, you can hear Dom yelling at the New York Giants. Matt and Dom met at St. John’s and bonded over a joy of watching football and having Italian mothers who are great cooks.
Greg Shea, Groomsman
Greg is always down for a good time. The nominal fifth roommate of Apartment 21, just know that if you’re making chili on Sunday, double the recipe if Greg is coming over.