bridal party
maid of honour
Kelsey Abbs
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Kelsey is Alanna’s older (and wiser) sister, and having her as Maid of Honour feels nothing short of perfect. It’s especially meaningful that Alanna and Mat are getting married at Honsberger, the very place where Kelsey married her husband, Daryl, in September 2018, with Alanna standing by her side as Maid of Honour. Now, the roles have come full circle. Even with a five-year age gap, Alanna and Kelsey have always been close and shared a special bond. As they’ve grown older, that bond has only strengthened. They’re the kind of sisters who connect over everything, their love of dogs, reality TV, shopping, true crime documentaries, travelling, and of course, good food (especially McDonald’s). Kelsey is the first person Alanna turns to for advice, and her honesty, delivered with love, always keeps her grounded. Alanna couldn’t imagine this day without her big sister. Having Kelsey by her side as she marries Mat means the world to her.
best man
Borys Ferczak
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Borys isn’t just Matwij’s twin brother - he’s been his lifelong best friend, mirror image, and constant partner in every adventure since day one. From childhood mischief to building their careers downtown, the two have shared every major milestone side by side. Even when university pulled them apart for the first time, their bond never wavered. Today, they’re both building happy lives with incredible partners and continuing the journey together. There’s no one who knows Matwij better, supports him more, or has been by his side longer. It’s only fitting that Borys stands next to him as Best Man.
bridesmaid
Andrea Strembicky
Andrea and Alanna met early on in Mat and Lan’s relationship when Andrea was dating (and is now engaged to) one of Mat’s closest friends and now groomsman, Paolo. The two connected instantly, and from that moment on, their friendship unfolded so naturally it felt like they had known each other for years. They have already shared so many adventures together, from weekends up North to exploring New Orleans to travelling across Spain, and there are many more memories waiting to be made. They even bestied so hard they ended up with sibling Cavapoos, Miley and Archie, who are just as inseparable as their moms. Watching each other move through life’s biggest moments has been incredibly special, getting engaged, bringing home their puppies, and settling into new chapters outside the city in Port Credit. When these two are together, the laughter never stops, and neither does the talking (good luck getting a word in). Andrea has played an important role in Lan and Mat’s love story, and Alanna feels incredibly grateful to have her standing by her side as she marries Mat.
groomsman
Markian Dziwik
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Matwij and Markian first crossed paths in 2010 at Hawkestone, and what started as a chaotic, hilarious introduction quickly became a lifelong friendship. From biking across Mississauga as kids, to the unforgettable days at 4484 Longmoor and 4 Franko, to late nights, road trips, and big life milestones, Markian has been a steady source of loyalty and laughter. Known for always keeping it real and for being well on track to becoming the GTA’s next real estate powerhouse. Markian has been one of Matwij’s closest friends for more than a decade. Matwij is honoured to have him standing beside him on the big day.
bridesmaid
Anthony Graziani
Anthony and Alanna first met in 2018 during their Humber PR Post-Grad program. They were both born and raised in Niagara but had somehow never crossed paths until school brought them together. Still, it wasn’t until a week later, over half-priced bottles of wine at King Taps, that their friendship truly began. From that night on, their connection was instant, effortless, and unmistakable.So much so that people have even mistaken them for siblings more than once. Their friendship grew so naturally that they eventually found themselves living in the same condo building, which only meant one thing, even more wine nights. Anth has been a constant source of comfort, laughter, and unwavering support through every chapter of Alanna’s life. Whether it’s a text, FaceTime check-in, or hosting her for one of his incredible three-course homemade dinners (he truly makes the best pasta), he always shows up in the most thoughtful and genuine ways. Alanna couldn't imagine not having Anth standing by her side as she marries the love of her life.
groomsman
Paolo Dimaano
Paolo and Matwij met through Markian in 2012 and instantly clicked. Paolo quickly became the kind of friend who’s always down for a night out, a round of golf, or a long, meaningful conversation. Their friendship grew through unforgettable moments - like the Mexico trip where Matwij first talked about a girl he had just started messaging (now his fiancée). Years later, both men are engaged to incredible partners who not only support them but became best friends themselves. Paolo has been like an older brother to Matwij - steady, supportive, and someone he deeply admires. Having Paolo as a groomsman is truly special.
bridesmaid
Alex DeRenzis
Alex and Alanna met a year into her relationship with Mat, when his twin, Borys, introduced them to “a girl he had been talking to.” Alanna couldn’t hide her excitement at the possibility of having another girl around the boys, and she hoped Alex would like her too. What she never expected was just how close they would become, or that Alex would one day be standing beside her in her bridal party. From the moment they met, they clicked instantly and were shocked by how much they had in common… it was almost like the twins had a type. Their relationship has grown into something incredibly special. They’ve shared countless moments together, from family gatherings and weekends up North to road trips to Chicago, travels across Spain, and competitive board game nights where they team up and (consistently) beat the boys. They understand each other deeply, making it easy to navigate life’s highs and lows side by side. Whether it’s celebrating big wins or supporting one another through tougher moments, their bond has only strengthened with time. Alex has become such an important part of Lan and Mat’s relationship, offering love, support, and genuine friendship to them both. Having her stand by Alanna’s side as she marries Mat is truly something special.
groomsman
Daniel Drab
Daniel is one of Matwij’s oldest and closest friends. Their story goes all the way back to childhood soccer leagues, ski trips, and endless gatherings with friends. As they grew older, Daniel’s drive and ambition stood out - especially in the incredible success he’s built with Turfs Up. Despite busy schedules and life changes, he has remained a loyal, reliable friend who always shows up when it matters. Daniel’s friendship has been a constant through every season of Matwij’s life, and having him stand beside him on the wedding day means a great deal.
bridesmaid
Autumn Conn
Autumn is one of Alanna’s longest and most cherished friendships. They met in high school at just 13 years old (both have late birthdays), and from that moment on, their lives have been intertwined. Together, they’ve navigated so many chapters, the stress of high school and university, the nerves of starting their careers, and the heartbreak, disappointment, and loss that life inevitably brings. Through every one of those moments, Autumn has been there. She has seen Alanna at her highest and her lowest, and her love and support have never wavered. Even when Alanna moved to Toronto, their friendship only deepened. No matter how busy life became, they always found their way back to each other, checking in, showing up, and carving out time together. They’ve shared so many unforgettable memories, annual cottage weekends, Toronto nights out, girls’ trips to Nashville, and evenings spent catching up and laughing over drinks. Autumn can make Alanna laugh like no one else, and when they’re together, the conversation is nonstop and effortless. As a successful therapist, Autumn is warm, caring, and patient, someone Alanna trusts deeply and turns to for guidance and grounded advice. Their friendship is the perfect blend of hilarious moments and meaningful, heart-to-heart conversations. It means the world to Alanna to have one of her oldest friends standing by her side as she marries Mat.
groomsman
Matt Konski
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Matt and Matwij grew up together from the late 2000s - bonding through soccer, skiing, school, and countless memories along the way. Matt has always been known for his intelligence, humility, and genuine spirit, earning the reputation of being “the smartest person in the room” no matter where he is. Through school, travel, and the lives they’re now building with their partners, Matt has remained a steady and inspiring presence in Matwij’s life. His friendship has shaped many milestones, making it only fitting that he stands with Matwij on this next one.
bridesmaid
Gabrielle Bilodeau-Marsh
Gab and Alanna have been friends for over ten years, first meeting through mutual friends at Boots and Hearts, where they bonded instantly over a blooming onion and their shared love of country music. From there, their friendship took off, from underaged bar hopping and endless country concerts to annual cottage weekends and eventually both moving to Toronto. Through every chapter, every high and low, Gab has been Alanna’s steady rock, a source of support, guidance, and unconditional love. Even when Gab moved across the world to Austria, their friendship didn’t skip a beat. They stayed connected through texts, FaceTimes, and a constant stream of relatable TikToks that kept them laughing and grounded in each other’s lives. Gab is the person Alanna turns to for advice on everything, life, fashion, beauty, work, because she is endlessly talented, creative, and genuinely good at anything she puts her mind to. No matter the distance, Gab always shows up for her friends. She jumps in where she’s needed, offers support without hesitation, and brings love and perspective when it’s needed most. When life felt uncertain, Gab was the one who always reassured Lan that she would find her person, and of course, she was right about Mat. Gab has been a constant, unwavering presence throughout Lan’s life and her relationship with Mat. Alanna feels truly blessed to have her stand beside her as she marries the love of her life.
