🛡️ THE GROOMSMEN

Meet the Unit.

Every Spartan needs a phalanx.
These are the 12.5 legends standing beside me — brothers by blood, bond, and battle.

They’re the ones who’ve had my back through thick and thin, bad decisions and great stories, clean fades and questionable facial hair.

THE KOUMBARO

Nick Manoussos

-3rd cousin
/ brotha

Nick Manoussos—affectionately dubbed “The Koumbaro”—and I go way back: from trick-or-treating through Lindenhurst streets and staging epic water-balloon sieges on the Varvitsa Platea in Greece, to exploring the shores of Lloyd Harbor. Whether he’s scrambling to keep me out of trouble or manning the gyro station at our local Greek festival, Nick has always had my back. Here’s to a lifetime of games, laughter, and brotherhood.

BEST MAN

Giorgio Del Vecchio

-brother / (koumbaro)
/ brotha

Giorgio—honored as “The Best Man”—has been my partner in crime since we could crawl, wrestling our way through every moment in life. From our shared bedroom to the downstairs at Beach St. and now sharing N. Kings. Together we’ve thrown legendary Memorial Day Weekend blowouts for the past dozen years, feasted on Gio’s unforgettable home-cooked dinners, and wandered every winding path of the Peloponnese. Through every chapter, party, and pilgrimage, Giorgio has been the brother I always wanted—and then some.

CO-BEST MAN

Dean Leunes

-2nd cousin
/ brotha

Dean—proudly crowned “The Co-Best Man”—has been both cousin and confidant since our school-yard days, chasing every crush in sight. We even ran the hottest hookah lounges in Lindenhurst before taking our adventures on the road to college and beyond. Dean’s legendary DJ sets have been the soundtrack to my life for over a decade, and together we still hit all of Long Island’s best spots—no matter where the night takes us. Through every beat drop and laugh, Dean’s been the brother I never knew I needed.

GROOMSMAN

Julian Aenlle

-1st cousin / (koumbaro)
/ brotha

Julian—standing proudly as “Groomsman”—joined our family when he married my cousin (and sister-at-heart) Paulina, and it was an absolute honor to serve as Koumbaro at their wedding. From dominating Beer Pong at Lindenhurst High School parties to still cheering for the Knicks and Yankees together—we’ve shared every critical life moment together. Off the field, Julian is a devoted father of two and an incredible FDNY firefighter, always ready to protect his family and community with the same courage he brings to every celebration.

GROOMSMAN

Nik Ognjanović

-future 1st cousin
/ brotha

Nik—proudly standing as “Groomsman”—may be the possible soon-to-be fiancé of my cousin Angelia (a sister-at-heart), but from the moment we met around the time our careers began, he’s felt like a brother I’ve known forever. We bond over our shared European values, our love for Futbol, ride the highs and lows of Knicks and Yankees playoff runs, and unwind in cigar lounges with fine bourbon and tequila in hand. Through every victory, tough loss, and toast, Nik has proven himself a true friend and brother.

GROOMSMAN

Robert Kamilaris

-3rd cousin
/ brotha

Rob—officially “Groomsman”—might be my third cousin on paper, but our bond has always run deeper. Countless childhood afternoons were spent with Rob and Gio at Yiayia Sophia’s in Lindenhurst, powering through video-game marathons and ordering enough takeout to feed an army. From sizzling backyard BBQs at the Babylon house to all-night celebrations in Xylokastro and wandering the streets of Prague together, our brotherhood has weathered every adventure—and then some.

GROOMSMAN

Andrew White

-college bud / Launch Site
/ brotha

Andrew—standing proud as “Groomsman”—is not only my Launch Site co-founder (the visionary who sparked the idea that’ll one day free us from the rat race) but also my truest friend from Stony Brook University. We survived countless nights wrestling through engineering problem sets—and emerged ready to build something great together. Now based in San Diego, he’s the ultimate host, turning every visit into an adventure. Between strategy calls about client wins and brainstorming our next software breakthrough, Andrew has proven himself far more than a business partner—he’s family.

GROOMSMAN

Robert Zielinski

-middle school / futbol bud
/ brotha

Rob “Z”—standing proudly as “Groomsman”—has been my brother since our soccer days, where we bled, sweat, and celebrated every win (and loss) together for the T-Birds and Lindenhurst squads. From epic all-nighter sleepovers to cheering at the UEFA Euro Cup, to late-night adventures in Mykonos and exploring the coffeeshops of Amsterdam, Z has been by my side through every moment. More than a friend, he’s a true brother-at-arms.

GROOMSMAN

Adrian Apollo

-elementary school / futbol bud
/ brotha

Adrian—standing proudly as “Groomsman”—has been my best friend since third grade, where we spent countless afternoons on the soccer field sharpening our skills and our friendship. Through friends who’ve come and gone, Adrian’s loyalty never wavered. Now serving honorably in the National Guard, he’s as strong in character as he is on the pitch. From chasing down girls together to both of us marrying Greeks, our bond has only deepened. Here’s to a lifelong brotherhood that’s truly one of a kind.

GROOMSMAN

Brandon Hauser

-high school bud
/ brotha

Brandon “Howard/Howie”—standing proudly as “Groomsman”—and I go back to our high-school days, but it wasn’t until after graduation that our friendship truly took off. Now he’s one of my closest allies, whether we’re glued to the game with cold beers in hand or teeing off on the golf course—where he’s hands-down the best golfer I know (and I’ll keep taking those tips!). An adventurous fellow, he’s joined me exploring Greece’s hidden gems, and as a true foodie, he’s always down to hunt for the next great meal and toast to good times.

GROOMSMAN

Harrison Thomas

-middle school / futbol bud
/ brotha

Harrison “T”—honored as “Groomsman”—has been my brotha since day one of middle school. Whether we were sipping back a few and trading Lil Wayne verses for hours or rallying our high-school crew into antics that somehow never kept us down for long, Harry’s authenticity has always shone through. Over fifteen years of memories, he’s gone from our neighborhood fields to owning NYC’s fast-paced scene. Through every beat and every city, Harry’s still going hard for life.

GROOMSMAN

Bobby Cunningham

-middle school / futbol bud
/ brotha

Bobby—proudly standing as “Groomsman”—has been my fellow brother and soccer teammate since the Grand Ave glory days. Now serving in the Coast Guard, he’s always on the move, yet still makes time for the brotherhood we forged at every high school party. From patrolling the waves to exploring the Costa del Sol and the streets of Barcelona, Bobby’s adventurous spirit and unwavering loyalty make him a legend in my eyes. I couldn’t say “I do” without him right by my side.

RING BOY

Julian Aenlle (Jr.)

-little-bud
/ brotha

Young Julian—proudly crowned “Ring Boy”—may be Big Julian’s son, but to me he’s the little brother I never had. From the moment he learned to toddle, his beaming grin and boundless curiosity have lit up every room. Whether he’s charming guests with his wave or practicing his dance moves, he’s already stealing hearts everywhere he goes. I can’t imagine anyone more perfect to carry our precious rings and kick off this celebration with a smile that lasts.

GROOMSMAN

Christian Morgan

-brother / godson
/ brotha

Christian—honored as “Groomsman”—is not only my brother-in-law and godson, but the only guy I’d trust to marry my sister. He’s the South Shore’s most legendary boat captain, reeling in stripers by day and cruising Fire Island, Sore Thumb, and Hemlock Cover by night. While nickeling him in poker is surprisingly easy, nothing beats kicking back in the custom backyard oasis he built and watching the sun set over the Great South Bay.