WEDDING WEBSITE FORMAT
Cynthia Patzig
Matron of Honor
Cynthia and Katie met at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church during Katie's freshman year in college. They grew closer over long car rides to church which entailed Cynthia's never ending (I mean, NEVER ending) stories about Texas, horses, living in the South, church, and about five hundred more stories of Texas. She tried to hook Katie up with every young, single Orthodox man who ever walked through the church doors (sorry, Cynthia, Hunter beat you to it on that one with George!). After college, Katie would make trips to see Cynthia and catch up with the Babushka Margarita Society, whose main activity was, of course, drinking margaritas. Cynthia's infectious love and never-ending kindness instantly warms the hearts of everyone she meets. Over the years, she has played many roles in Katie's life--a sister, a mother, and a best friend. Katie could not be more honored to have Cynthia stand next to her on her wedding day!
Julie Hirschhorn
Bridesmaid
Julie and Katie first met freshman year at James Madison University when they were in the same dormitory hall. Throughout their four years at the university together they navigated their way through roommates, community bathrooms, bad (but actually not that bad) dining hall food, and running to catch buses in the rain. They share a love for wine nights, having unrealistic expectations of men, and binge watching Shonda Rhimes shows.  Julie is an old soul at heart, but her wit and clever humor will always keep you laughing. Katie cannot be more excited to have her long-time friend and fellow Duke be a part of her big day! 
Hope Shinn
Bridesmaid
Hope and Katie met at St. Mark Orthodox Church where they instantly became friends frantically trying to turn pages in choir books and sight-read music. Hope moved to Maryland after college, but is originally from Quincy, Illinois, which Katie has yet to locate on a map. Her caring and warmhearted personality constantly lights up everyone around her. However, do not even attempt to challenge her to a trivia competition, or else you are sure to be in Jeopardy! Except that Hope already bet you to it and made her debut on Jeopardy which aired in March where she got to meet Alex Trebek himself! We did not realize we were going to have a TV star in our wedding party--make sure you get an autograph from her at the reception!
Stephanie Johnson
Bridesmaid
Stephanie is the wife of Hunter, George's cousin. She is as thoughtful and genuine of a person that you will meet. Remembering her few visits to Louisiana, she showed her ability to adapt (or cope) by keeping up with all of the cajun culture. By culture, I mean drinking, eating spicy seafood, and fishing. In fact, she caught bigger redfish then Hunter the whole trip. She enjoys murder mysteries such as Columbo and Murder She Wrote. (For Hunter's sake, we are hoping it is because she likes to play detective verses getting ideas on how to get away with it!) She is a wonderful wife and mother to her family and we are happy she is a part of ours!
Ashley Foster
Bridesmaid

Ashley is the wife of Fr Jason Foster, Katie and George's priest. She is a kind and fun loving person that brings joy to so many people. She is the mother of six (1,2,3,4,5,6!) incredible girls, Addison, Savannah, Camille, Gabriel, Saxony, and Mary Katherine. In addition to them, she is a mother to the whole congregation at Holy Nativity Orthodox Church. She has a strange obsession with diet coke (Even though regular coke is way better). Ashley is someone who is a wonderful mother and someone who will listen (as long as you have diet coke) when you need someone to talk too. We are blessed to have Ashley as a friend, a mother, and a bridesmaid!

William Rosenblatt
Best Man
George and William go way back to pre-school. Grew up together in a small town with the same class and played the same sports. One thing about him, when it comes to sports, is that William has a killer forehand in tennis. Literally, a killer forehand. He has almost killed 2 known victims, one of them being the groom himself. From school athletics to hunting and fishing to hiking mountains, they have developed an everlasting friendship. William is one of the most faithful and gentlemanly friends for one could ask. Pictured with him is his lovely wife, Myra. They have two amazing children, Lyle and Clara June.
Bill Johnson
Groomsman

Bill is George's older brother. While these two are very different from each other, they could not be more close in their bond. A bond forged by loving parents, a love for the outdoors, and being forced to make long trips all across the US for Bill's shooting competitions. Interesting facts about him include: Bird hunting every day until search parties were convened, a curiosity that had to take apart every electronic in the house, an obsession with making every knife as sharp as samurai swords of legend, plotting the most interesting ways to exterminate armadillos, does not eat chocolate, and can "shoot the fleas off a dog's back at 500 yards". Bill, while being an exemplar brother, is now a faithful husband to his wife, Kimberly, and a loving father to two beautiful children, River and Ryker.

Matthew Karas
Groomsman

Sorry friends, this man already claimed the bride's built-in best friend title since before Day 1. Twin brother of the bride, Matt, spent his childhood designing sandcastles, falling off of bikes, and becoming a world-class Russian tea cookie roller along side his sister, Katie  He let her play with his purple matchbox cars (which were obviously the best ones) and while he seldom was a customer of her many businesses, Matt's self written and illustrated comic books were the most popular in her make believe library. Although Matt is the "older" brother by 4 minutes, Katie likes to think she bestowed some of her wisdom on him as well--specifically that it is probably not a good idea write on your bedroom walls, no matter how much you like Batman. And just in case you were wondering, no, they are not identical--after all, no one can look as beautiful as the bride, right? 


Hunter Johnson
Groomsman

Hunter is George's closest cousin. Growing up apart but with a common outlook on life and similar interests (though, maybe not the same interest in magic cards), these two formed a relationship that has stood up to the geographical separation, from hometowns to Afghanistan. From childhood late night conversations (Never really remembered 10-10-220 until thinking about this bio) to crazy, pirate-worthy fishing trips, these two keep on imagining they can solve the worlds problems or at least, plan the next fishing trip. An important fact to know is that Hunter is the very means to which George met Katie. One could have never imagined Hunter would actually be a real life Hitch. He resides in Virginia with his lovely, wife, Stephanie, and has two beautiful daughters, Helen and Zady.

Stephen Gillum
Groomsman
While Stephen became friends with George more recently than others, he has been one of the most impactful. George and Stephen both lived in Baton Rouge, both were in the golf industry, had common friends, and yet met in Orlando the first time. With a ticket to the Taylor-Made afterparty to a complete stranger, Stephen became an instant friend. (Must have been a hell of a party, right?) Many changes occurred shortly after and they both ended up in Shreveport. (Uncertain, if I should be thankful) On any given day, you can find George and Stephen plotting something together, from successful business ideas to golf trips. Stephen and his wife Jennifer have been the best friends anyone could ever ask. The Gillums are some of the kindest people you will ever meet and make everyone feel as if they are family. They have three wonderful children, Charleigh, David, and Georgia. 
Tamara Karas
Mother of the Bride
Tammy Karas knows everyone. Literally. She instantly becomes friends with anyone she meets. Katie spent her childhood having tea parties with her mom and serving her plastic food at her make-believe restaurants, and sometimes real food out of her Easy-Bake oven. As an adult, Katie and her mom spent nights watching Say Yes to the Dress, 90-Day Fiance, and Shonda Rhimes shows. Her mom's warm smile and loving heart brighten everyone around her. Katie hopes and prays she can one day be as strong, loving, and compassionate of a woman as her mother! 
Michael Karas
Father of the Bride

Mike Karas (also known as "Daddy"), is father to the bride (who is also known as "Daddy's little girl" or "Daddy's little princess"). Katie's first earned dollar came from Daddy when he paid her two real dollars after ordering a pretend cup of coffee from her make-believe restaurant when she was eight. Over the years, he coached her through many life decisions--"it's simple," he would say, "it's like chocolate or vanilla--just pick one"--which did not always prove to be very helpful considering vanilla is ALWAYS the better option. He thought he could get away with discontinuing to be Mr. Fix-It for Katie after moving her down to Louisiana to be with George, but that has still not stopped her from calling Daddy at 11pm with her various computer problems. If you see Daddy on the day of the wedding, please be sure to give him a hug or a pat on the back--it's not everyday he gives his little princess away! 

Janis Johnson
Mother of the Groom
Janis Johnson is one of the most dedicated mothers that has ever walked the planet. If having to deal with William isn't enough proof of that (seriously, nobel peace prize material), then just look at all the family and friends she has influenced. Her love of people combined with her hard work ethic have culminated into the most Christ like image of Hospitality one could possess. Everyone who knows her will tell you of her love and work ethic. (Usually manifested perfectly in her "world renowned" biscuits) Truly, the Johnson family, nor the family business, could have survived had it not been for this exceptional matriarch. Her organization, accounting, cooking, and cleaning made the family known by everyone for its great hospitality. We love and adore her more that words can describe!
William Johnson
Father of the Groom
William O. Johnson might just be the "most interesting" man in the world. If not, definitely the "most entertaining". This man is full of entertaining and vivid stories, and once he gets started, there may be no end to them, but strangely you will be okay with that because of the entertainment value. He makes a friend of everyone he meets, be it anywhere. (I believe Stephen Gillum counted 65 complete strangers were engaged on last years' US Open trip) He is known for his LSU hat (not pictured). He never goes anywhere without it, and it may be the single greatest icebreaker the world has ever known. He is a loving husband to his wife, Janis, and supportive father to both his sons, Bill and George. He supported both of his sons in whatever they aspired. Whether it was traveling the world for Bill's shooting career or being the golf coach and taking George to countless tournaments, he has shown his love and commitment to his family. Truly, this section cannot begin to express the full character of this man, but I am sure that if you find him at the reception, he will be telling his stories, so grab a beer and enjoy!