Here's a little about each of us, though we should be easy to spot at the wedding!
Jay has been known to be able to put together long rambling discourses about every subject known and unknown to man, whether anyone wishes to him talk about them or not. However, when it comes to writing about himself, that's one subject that tends to give him a case of writer's block.
So, for those not familiar with Jay, here's the summary. Jay is a Southwestern PA boy, and as such he believes in the three universal truths that are firmly entrenched in the region: 1. The importance of Family, 2. The importance of hard work, and 3. The importance of wearing black and gold on any occasion that is not a funeral.
In August of 2006, Jay learned a new truth: There is this amazing woman named Sarah and he will love her with all his heart and will do all within his power to bring happiness to the both of them.
Sarah's favorite hobbies are sewing (specializing in stuffed animals, costumes, and quilts) and container gardening, along with playing video games, reading, and video editing. She has eternal gratitude to Jay for letting her overrun the dining room with bins full of fabric, and not for being scared off by the fact that she reads comic books. She has tried very hard not to lose her mind amidst the guilt-tripping onslaught of the Bridal Industrial Complex.
Sarah is the elder of two children, and the eldest grandchild in her fairly large extended family. She and Jay have a bratty tabby cat named Toby.
(bios by Jay and Sarah)
Matthew W. Bertovich, the Best Man: Matthew is Jay's older brother and his first friend, so when it came to pick someone to stand next to him in case an outside tribe of invaders came to steal his bride, there was no other choice.
Travis Evans, Groomsman: In the almost 20 years Jay and Trav have known each other, they've gone from exchanging punches to sharing apartments. Trav is responsible for introducing Jay to Japanese cartoons and comics, card games, and Dungeons & Dragons, so that explains some things about Jay, at least. It also probably explains some things about Trav as well.
John Hoescher, Groomsman: A chance encounter in Washington DC over a decade ago turned two strangers into pair of good friends. Jay has stood next to John as his Best Man during John's wedding, so it should be no shock to anyone that Jay has asked John to be here during his. John and Jay share a friendly rivalry when it comes to AFC North competition between The Steelers and the Bengals. The need to increase the size of Pittsburgh's collective trophy case should tell you who's been on the gloating side of victory more often than not during that rivalry.
Jason Burchianti, Groomsman:If Jay had a second older brother, it would probably be Jason Burchianti, a bit of knowledge that could be gathered by the fact that Jay refers to Mrs. Burchianti as "Mom #2." Jason made the mistake of feeding Jay once and now he's stuck with him as a friend. Luckily, they shared enough of the same interests to make is a very interesting decade plus.
Emily Bua, Maid of Honor: Em is Sarah's younger sister, and took over the Maid of Honor title by default by coming up with one idea for the wedding/reception after another (although Sarah wouldn't have considered anyone else, anyway). She is a graphic designer by trade and a gardener, crafter, and herder of three kitties.
Jessica Brown, Bridal Party: Jess and (below) Eric have been putting up with Sarah's not so scintillating personality since 2005 or so. Jess is an expert on topics arcane and not so arcane, from tea ceremonies to horror movies, and is a great culinary experimenter.
Eric Greif, Bridal Party: Eric, an avid video game and technology fan, has the sometimes alarming, sometimes amazing ability to strike up conversations with just about anyone. Especially in places like Gamestops or, in Sarah's case, by e-mailing with the alarming statement "I think you live in my neighborhood, let's hang out".