Alissa and I have known each other probably close to going on 20 years! Our relationship started out as soccer teammates and evolved into each other’s key confidantes. From tears of laughter to tears of sorrow, we have seen it all together. We are probably known best for “having the times of our lives”, singing and dancing to country music, and being super basic drinking our White Claws. If I had a soul sister, it would be Alissa, we can read each other without a word being said and trust each other on all things, well maybe besides doing each other’s makeup after a few drinks!
It’s hard to pick only one picture to sum up my history with Alissa. I met Alissa when I began to date her older brother, Nick, who is now my husband. Over the 13 years that I’ve known Alissa and her family, we’ve gone to some pretty fun places. We’re still looking forward to our long-awaited trip to Belize, that was scheduled in the beginning of April 2020, but unfortunately had to cancel. We very often compare ourselves to “The Griswold’s” when discussing our family experiences, due to something always going awry, but always have time to make the most of it. Out of all our family trips, one that will always stand out to me was a recent trip with just Alissa and myself, Memorial Day weekend in 2019. Alissa and I had the opportunity to go to Key Largo, FL (pictured). It was a whim of a getaway full of paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, feeding tarpon, sunsets, mimosas, sneaking into the Marriott pool, getting lots of sun, and not doing our hair or wearing makeup! I think the highlights of the trip was hand-feeding tarpon at a place called, “Robbies,” (South of Key Largo in Islamorada) and our private kayaking tour when our tandem kayak had a hole and almost sank! Before this, we had never really had the opportunity to go on a girls trip ourselves, as sisters do, and I’m thankful that we were able to share this experience and make these memories together! I hope Steve is ready to take on the never-ending task of traveling and keeping up with Alissa’s passion for adventure and exploring the world. Love you Liss!
Steve and I have been though many phases of sibling relationships. From fighting over the controls of the original Nintendo, to N64 all day, getting embarrassed at restaurants that cut him off the all you can eat soup... I'm talking 10 plus bowls here, to sharing a car, and now an office on a professional level, we've been through a lot!
I can't be happier for Steve and Alissa to being their amazing journey together, and I'm so excited to gain another sister! And if your Olive Garden or Eat n Park server tells you they're running out of soup because of Steve.. Trust me, I've been there sister!
Steve has always been the life of the party. From my earliest memory, he seems to always be beside a friend or group of friends. Now that he has found his BEST friend, he has never seemed happier. I am overjoyed to see Steve and Alissa begin this next chapter in life!
Liss is my oldest friend. We met on the sidelines of our brothers' little league games, and we, along with our moms, bonded over crafts and sports. We manned the concession stand together; played soccer and softball together; made wreaths, and cards, and ornaments, and jewelry together; danced together; watched movies together; and when we were older, we drank together, went out together, and supported each other. Liss was there at my wedding and I can't wait to be a part of hers.
Liss, aka “the Falcon” is one of my best, and oldest friends. We met in third grade, and have been teammates, confidantes, and travel buddies. We grew up together: having Liss in my life has always made my life better. Liss is an amazing friend and someone I could always turn to for a laugh or a good talk or a crazy night out. From the top of Il Duomo in Florence to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Liss is my first adventure-buddy, and I’m honored to be a part of her wedding as she embarks on her forever journey with Steve ❤
Alissa and I have known each other since middle school and shared a lot of memories! ... my favorite memory would have to be going to Banff with Alissa and Meg (the girl who hooked Alissa and Steve up). We went rented a car and didn’t have a clue what we were getting ourselves into. We were able to do a lot of hiking and saw a lot of beautiful things!
Animal + Falcon = Double A and Double the trouble. There are so many great memories we have shared together back in our middle school days at Franklin Regional, getting together every holiday in college, and then being single in the Southside together! I don’t have just one favorite memory with you because all of our times together have been special. This picture is our time together at another friend’s bachelorette party in Florida and we had the best time as we planned out our own future weddings. Trying on rings in Raleigh years ago you’ve completed the trifecta. So excited to be a part of your special wedding day!
Love Anika
My name is Elysse (Leriotis) Hilderbrand , I am one of Alissa’s friends from middle school and high school. Alissa and I grew up attending school together and playing on the same soccer teams. We had the midfielder /striker combo and enjoyed dominating offense together throughout our high school soccer career. We share many memories growing up when it revolved our time on the field and off the field at school or weekend get togethers/ parties at mutual friend houses. Many pool parties , hot tub parties , and yearly gingerbread house making at Annaliese’s house. In the last three years , Alissa and I reconnected when she moved back home to Pittsburgh and were able to now experience being back in our hometown and city life together. We enjoyed many nights out in the city (including drives from Murrysville and trying to get fast food every night home ) , girls night at Social House , boat trips on the water , Wednesday kickball with JLews team, bowling league , Halloween dress up for kickball and much more. Some of the best parts of our friendship being reconnected in our adult life are the experiences of our girls nights and walks after work bonding about our life goals , relationships and plans for our future. I am honored to stand by her side as she marries the love of her life and can’t wait to celebrate.
Alissa and I have been friends for over 2 years now! We became super close when we started sharing a room at work :) Over the last couple of years, we’ve celebrated birthday weekends, Sunday fundays, casino shenanigans, work/life heart to hearts and so much more! I am so happy Alissa came into my life, I don’t know what I would do without her! I could not be more excited for her and Steve to begin their lives together, MARRIED! And I’m even more excited to stand by her side and watch her get married to the man of her dreams! #besties #coworkers #relatedservices #lifelessonsinroom126B
Steve and I first met on the soccer field/YMCA basketball court at a young age, even playing on the same team, but hadn't begun to develop a close friendship until the 5th grade. At that point, my father and Mr. Paul, who had known each other from our time playing soccer and YMCA hoops decided that the two 5th-grade basketball all-star teams should compete against one another. To this day, the outcome of said game is widely speculated - but one thing is certain - it was the first time my father and I realized Michael Steven Paul could play some hoops. The picture I've chosen means a hell of a lot to me, as the following year, with the first pick in the South Park 6th-grade Recreational Basketball draft, my dad made sure Steve brought his talents to the "Heat." That year, the Jordan (myself) and Pippen (Steve) of the South Park Rec League, developed that unfathomable bond of basketball brotherhood while easily coasting to a championship win and the rest, they say, is history. I'm very lucky to have known Steve and his family for going on 27 years now, and can only describe our friendship as an unshakeable bond of honesty and loyalty, and all the while, my brother would never hesitate to push me to be a better version of myself. When I talk to my young daughters and middle schoolers about friendship, you can always bet that my best friend, and the saints who raised him, are always in my thoughts. Alissa and Steve - my family and I are so excited for you both and look forward to building on so many more amazing memories.
P.S. - It has to be said - kudos Steve, for picking an educator!
This picture best represents mine and Steve’s bond because it encompasses everything we love and it captures us both in our element. This is our “boys March Madness” weekend last March (2019), hosted by Steve in Pittsburgh. No, we did not stay at his house (dump). But rather, he generously put us up in a sick penthouse, in downtown Pittsburgh. This picture is titled “WINNERS” in my phone, as in typical fashion Steve and I were doing what we do together, WIN. Might sound arrogant and it is, because we are ;) But winning for Steve is everything and it best describes why our brotherhood flourished. We both share the passion to win no matter the game, situation, or what’s on the line. However, NO ONE is winning more than Steve anymore, for he now has found his soulmate/partner/better-half (for sure) for life in Alissa and that’s the true definition of “Winning.”
Stay tuned for the most epic Co-Best Man speech of all time.
I've known Steve ever since Jen and I started dating, going on 20 years now. Legit from the start, he's welcomed me in as a brother, and some of my best memories have been things we've done together. This picture is at my daughter Julianna's baptism, Steve is her Godfather. My kids are as proud to call him uncle as I am to call him a brother. Can't wait for the next chapter with Alissa in the family!
Liss!
Thanks for being the best sister anyone could ask for, and that is not just because you are my only sister! As your older brother I may have been a little rough on you at times when we were kids, but I hope it toughened you up in some way, and contributed to the strong person you are today. The pictures I chose is from our trip to Alaska in 2018. I have so many good memories of that trip, but this one specifically is when we got close to the Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier. It was amazing how blue the water becomes the closer you crept to the glacier, and how massive the glacier actually is up close. Also, I remember how windy It was that day on the top deck of the cruse ship, and how it reminded me of when we were kids and we got to board the USS Enterprise for a day at sea with Dad’s work. I remember how Dad had to hold you tightly and close to him on the ships deck, because if not, the winds would have blown your little 60-pound body into the sea. Too bad I don’t have a picture of that!
Love Nick
This picture is one of my favorites. Taken at The Saloon in Mt Lebo, enjoying wings and a few adult beverages after a round of golf (where we also enjoyed some beverages) on a beautiful sunny Saturday. Steve Paul, is not only one of my best friends, Steve was my first friend in Pittsburgh. When I moved to Pittsburgh about 5 years ago I was the new guy in town and didn’t know a single person. I went to play pick up basketball at LA Fitness in Bridgeville and Steve went out of his way to make me feel welcome with the guys and introduced himself to me. From that day forward our friendship has really evolved and am lucky to call him a great friend of mine.
Love ya bro
Steve and I met serendipitously more than 3 years ago (best Bumble date ever - ask him about it). Little did I know that a random acquaintance would in a short span turn out to be one of my best friends and one of the key reasons why Pittsburgh is starting to feel like home. This picture was taken in Menorca, Spain, during Steve's visit last summer. After having him play the perfect Pittsburgh host for me, I was ecstatic to be able to show him around my home country. I hope that some day we can retake this picture, but this time around with Alissa in the frame :)
Steve and I met shortly after I moved to Pittsburgh doing what else... basketball. The many pick up games turned into many more nights out for cocktails (as seen here) and all other activities. I'm lucky to call Steve one of my closest friends, and honored to stand by him as he and Alissa are wed. You guys are perfect for each other and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
Steven was introduced to me by fellow groomsman Juan. Both Juan and I played for the same ,very bad, men's basketball league team. Juan organized a "tryout" for a team Steve was putting together. Luckily enough for me, I made the cut. The very next day we unsuspectingly ran into each other again at Smallman Galley. I didn't know it at the time but that was the first of many drinks and good times we would share.
Ever since that fateful day Steve has been a welcome fixture in my life. As many know Steve is incredibly fun, positive,competitive and loyal. I have been fortunate enough to be introduced to his family and it is easy to tell where he gets those attributes. I am looking forward to many more days of fun and competition. Super excited to have Alissa be apart the of team!
Trinity, Bubs, Brothers.
❤Brandon
Whether or not Steve remembers, we first met at a summer basketball camp at South Park Middle School around the 6th grade time frame. Immediately, Steve and I disliked each other and got into arguments while playing. Anyone that knows Steve and I’s relationship will still see this to this day in any competitive situation. It wasn’t until after high school when Steve and I became good friends. From nights around Pittsburgh to Cleveland trips to bachelor parties, we’ve always had a good time. This picture is from the Annual Oktoberfest at Penn Brewery where Steve yearns to drink beer out of a plastic milk jug. I couldn’t make it this past year but luckily Steve found a great partner like Alissa to fill that gap. I look forward to many more “Oktoberfests” with the future Mr. and Mrs. Paul.
This picture was taken at a wonderful event called BEERFEST! I had never been before so I asked my good friend Steve if he was planning on going? Of course, his answer was "Of Course I will go." So Mandy and I, Steve, Pruss and Shannon, and some others. The night goes on and on and we are drinking different types of beer and all getting intoxicated, which is typical behavior for BEERFEST. I think we did quite well containing ourselves compared to a lot of others. Most of the people there were a drunken mess. Next thing I know, I look over and Steve looks pretty drunk himself, and he looks at me and says " I just want to go dance!" This was the most serious I have seen him be and he just went for it. I could not stop laughing as Pruss and I made fun of him and watched what he calls his moves! This is just one of the many moments that made me love Steve. He is arrogant, cocky, and very immature at times, but these are all qualities we both share. Yes I call them qualities! The best part about Steve and his personality is he is one of the most loyal people you will ever meet. Steve became and is one of my best friends. My daughter Bailey calls him Uncle Steve,which is why I also consider him to be part of my family. Who would have thought this was possible from just meeting playing basketball as team Thunderstruck! Thanks Chuck for introducing me to one of the best people I have had the pleasure of knowing.
If there's one person in the family as competitive as Uncle Steve, it's James! Whether it's learning new basketball skills, playing football and baseball in the back yard, or having pushup competitions in the office, James always has so much fun with Uncle Steve! James has even been practicing some new dance moves, so watch out for some good dance competition on the big day!
Our Uncle Steve is our best bud. Whether he is shooting basketballs, catching ball, or cheering at a Pitt game, he makes everything more fun! He even treats us better than Santa Claus! We are super excited to have our Aunt Alissa. From day one, she has loved us.
Our Uncle Steve is our best bud. Whether he is shooting basketballs, catching ball, or cheering at a Pitt game, he makes everything more fun! He even treats us better than Santa Claus! We are super excited to have our Aunt Alissa. From day one, she has loved us.