John and I met at the school where we were both working in Brooklyn, and to be honest I never knew John existed. My mom always asked how was "little John?" And my response was somehow always the same, "I have no idea who you're talking about." As years passed, I not only realized who John was, but I grew to admire his sense of humor. He was always playing and joking with the kids. Eventually he started to join my little lunch club, which was with Emilie and me and would consist of making lunches and making coffee to survive our workday. Somehow that led to hanging out at happy hours, dinners and concerts. John grew into my best friend because our friendship came so naturally and effortlessly.
My favorite thing about John is how he makes me feel. I always catch him looking at me with those gorgeous baby blue eyes that sparkle, his head turned sideways in a daze, like I am the only one in the room. John has always put me number one in his life. I knew John was going to be my husband when we realized we were it for each other. We literally had that "ah ha" moment. John sat me down and said you're it. You're the first person I think about in the morning, the person I want to tell everything to, the person I want to laugh with, and the last voice I want to hear at night. It not only made perfect sense, but it was exactly how I felt about him. He always knows what I am thinking or feeling (before I realize it myself).
John has always been a part of my life and I never want to know a life without him. The fact that we are engaged to be married is surreal. I am so blessed to have my best friend as my future husband.
I started working with Brittany 5 years ago. She was known for keeping to herself, so it goes without saying that I only saw her in passing. From afar I was always blown away with the way she carried herself- always beautiful, smiling, asking how you were and happy no matter how difficult of a day she was having. Her big bright green eyes and giant smile always had a way of turning even the most difficult days into great ones. The next year I moved up to a floor closer to hers. Still invisible to her, I saw more and more of what made her special every day unbeknownst to her. Still, the way she was able to inspire children and motivate those who worked with her, it was clear why everyone had nothing but great things to say about her. One day I was about to eat lunch and I was invited to come hang out with them by our best friend Emilie. I hadn’t known either one of them very well, but I'm so happy I said yes. Little did I know having a little lunch would be the best decision I would ever make. 1 lunch became 2 lunches and 2 lunches became everyday lunches and hanging out after work. Britt and I quickly became best friends; she became the person I confided in, the person I could trust with anything and everything and it wasn’t long before I knew she was everything I could ever want and need. When I finally got the opportunity I couldn’t wait to ask her on a date, which became a Billy Joel concert at MSG. I wasn’t surprised that it was a great date! Since that night there hasn’t been a dull moment between the two of us. An endless amount of dates, trips and adventures and I couldn’t imagine doing any of it with anyone else by my side. It was her that I went on my dream vacation to Ireland and it was there that I knew I wanted to ask her to be my person forever. It was a nerve-wracking day between trying to keep the ring safe in a shady Airbnb and walking over a rope bridge 300 feet above crashing waves firmly holding the ring in my coat pocket. When we finally arrived to Giants Causeway I was so anxious and relieved that it was time to finally ask her to marry me; luckily she said yes! Now as we plan our wedding I’m more excited each and every day to say “ I do” and begin the next chapter of our lives!
Hi everyone! If you don't know me already I'm Brittany's little sister! As cliche as it is I'm honored to be her Maid of Honor and make this the best weekend possible for Brittany and John.
I have known Brittany since the day I was born and have gotten to know John for the last two years. My favorite times with them was actually getting to know John at a Mets game with John's siblings. Seeing how John treated his family, my sister and myself made me excited to welcome him into our own family. I also love that John and I have a similar sense of humor! We are as sarcastic as they come. My funniest memory with them would include getting ready for their engagement party. Somehow the rain gods blessed us with 3-4 inches of rain to combat that weekend. We all pitched in and helped, but we all laughed in the process.
I'm truly looking forward to meeting everyone and celebrating this beautiful couple.
Hey everyone my name is Thomas and I’m John’s younger brother, the best man! Growing up, John has always been my best friend and continues to be. My favorite memory together is us playing hockey in the basement with our Dad while we blasted rock music. Something I will never forget is when we were playing football in the living room and as John tossed the ball I fell into the glass table. Although it wasn’t the best idea I still made the catch!
The first time I met Brittany was about 5 years ago at PS369. My favorite memory with John and Britt is when we went to the Jets game for First Responder night. I wish them both nothing but happiness and can’t wait to party with them at the wedding.
Hi everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Emilie & I can’t wait to celebrate Brittany and John in May! Brittany and John have been two of my closest friends for years, and I am thrilled that they are getting married!
Brittany & I met in college when we happened to sit at the same table in an introductory education class. We soon became close friends while bonding over a shared hatred of a music education class. Our friendship continued to grow stronger when I began working at the same school as her, which is also when I met John! Some of my favorite memories with Brittany and John are our morning coffee clubs, breakfast from Mia’s (until John ended it), and the day Brittany covered up bulletin boards in her classroom (all I will say about that is NOT THE CALENDAR!). Although we don’t get to see each other at work every day any more, we still hang out all the time. Some of our favorite group activities include bottomless brunch and long walks in the park.
I couldn’t be happier for Brittany and John, and can’t wait for their wedding!
Hello all! Cousin Brian here
Beyond excited that I have the chance to be a part of John and Brittany's wedding. Johnny and I have grown much closer through the years and he has grown to be such a great friend and man. Hanging out with Johnny is never short of a great time, laughing the day away. I know I’m not the only one highly anticipating the big day where our family is getting a little bigger!
Hey fam, I am John’s baby sister. Growing up, I have always looked up to the person John is. He was always such a goofy kid who would do anything to make us laugh. One thing I will never forget is New Years Eve. You have to understand that my brother is the biggest sore loser ever, along with always being the most competitive. I finally won a game of Monopoly that night and he decided it was a good idea to chuck the game across the room at his baby sister! One of my favorite memories growing up is when we would set up Rock Band in the living room and play together for hours.
The first time I met Britt was about 4-5 years ago at a Mets game. After that night, I saw how happy she made my brother and that’s how I knew she was the one for him. My favorite memory with them as a couple was when we went to go look at Christmas lights . I wish nothing but the best for them and their future together. I can’t wait to celebrate this special day with them!
Honored to be a part of Britt and Johns journey. I care a lot about family and appreciate johns commitment to our own and his. Watching him make Brittany happy, work hard, and support her is all I could want as her brother. Some of my favorite times with them are just going to Tejas or hanging as friends with them, my girlfriend and my twin sister. I look forward to strengthening that friendship over time and always being there for them. Also I'm excited to have another Jets fan in the family!
What can you say about a couple when you’ve known the bride since before she was born and remember the groom trick or treating at your house in the most adorable costumes? What you can say today is that you see two people so in love that it makes your heart burst with happiness.
Brittany was the first baby in our group and I often say that she taught us all how to be moms - I'm so happy that she survived our trials at motherhood, and survive she did! Whether we were at Rocking Horse Ranch, Busch Gardens, or on a cruise, Brittany could be counted on to make sure that we all had a good time and that no-one was ever lost or forgotten! To see her as a teacher of students with special needs points to her continued growth in caring and compassion.
John has traded his childhood costume for his first responder uniform and what is there to say about someone who saves other peoples lives for a living?
I am so proud of the woman and man that they have become and honored to be called their Aunt as well as officiant to their most amazing wedding ceremony.
Sal & I have been married for 35 years and have been blessed with 3 beautiful children . As parents, you want nothing more then your children to be happy and I can honestly say John has made Brittany truly happy. Her smiles are brighter and her eyes sparkle more and more when she speaks about the future with John.
We love that they support each other’s dreams and hopes and do their best to truly listen to each other. We can’t wait to be part of their future and adding a Hammel to our family !
John and I are so excited to welcome Brittany into our family. The only thing we’ve ever wished for our kids was for them to find someone who loves and supports them unconditionally and John has found that in Britt. We love how happy she makes our son!! Britt, there is one thing I can tell you with absolute certainty. John is his father’s son and that makes you a very lucky girl. He is true, loves with his whole heart, will surprise you in the most wonderful ways always and will always put you first. You are a perfect match for each other.
Watching the two of them together we know they have a wonderful future in front of them and we can’t wait to be a part of it! We love you both More!!