Having Gia by my side as I marry Laurence makes this day even more meaningful. As my daughter, she has been part of every chapter of my life, and watching my princess grow into the young woman she is today has been one of my greatest joys. Gia has a personality that is completely her own—sweet and loving, strong-willed when she wants to be, incredibly funny, and never afraid to let you know exactly what she thinks. She can make me laugh one minute, drive me absolutely crazy the next, and somehow have me laughing again five minutes later. She knows me in a way very few people do, and we have the kind of mother-daughter bond where sometimes we don’t even need words to know what the other is thinking. No matter how grown she gets or how independent she becomes, she will always be my princess and one of the biggest pieces of my heart. Having her stand beside me on such an important day feels incredibly special.

Having Gianna by my side as I marry Laurence makes this day even more meaningful. As my daughter, she has been part of every chapter of my life, and watching my princess grow into the young woman she is today has been one of my greatest joys. We have laughed together, cried together, grown together, and shared the kind of moments that become part of your heart forever. Gianna knows every side of me—the good, the crazy, the emotional, and everything in between—and our bond is something I will always treasure. She has a beautiful heart, a strong spirit, and a way of bringing so much love into my life simply by being herself. No matter how grown she gets or how independent she becomes, she will always be my princess and one of the greatest loves of my life. Having her stand beside me as one of my maids of honor makes this day even more special, and I couldn’t imagine beginning this next chapter without her there beside me.

Andrew is Laurence’s nephew, and Laurence has had the privilege of watching—and helping—him grow from a bratty little kid into the remarkable young man he is today. He is a true outdoorsman: hardworking, capable, fearless, and happiest when he’s outside getting his hands dirty. At only 18 years old, Andrew became a business owner and has already accomplished things many people spend years working toward. If Laurence had ever been blessed with a son, Andrew is the kind of man he would have hoped to raise him to become. He is honest, loving, loyal, and still a little shithead from time to time, but underneath it all is a heart that can win over just about anyone. Watching the man Andrew has become is one of Laurence’s greatest sources of pride, and having him stand beside him on his wedding day makes it even more special.

AJ is Aldys’s oldest brother and has always been the protector of the family—the one everyone turns to when something goes wrong because somehow, he always knows how to step in, take control, and figure it out. He can definitely be tough when he needs to be, but underneath that strong exterior is one of the biggest hearts you’ll ever find. AJ loves deeply, protects fiercely, and has always been someone Aldys knows she can count on when it matters most. He isn’t just her big brother—he’s a lifelong protector, problem-solver, and one of the most important people in her life. Having AJ standing beside Laurence on their wedding day feels especially meaningful because he represents exactly what family should be: loyalty, love, and always having each other’s backs.

Damaris and I have been closest friends since we were teenagers, and after all these years, she is still one of the first people I turn to. She has been beside me through so many chapters of my life—the good, the messy, the heartbreaking, and everything in between. She is truly the life of the party, fiercely loyal, always there when I need her, and guaranteed to make me laugh even when I’m trying not to. We can tease each other relentlessly, call each other names only best friends could get away with, and five minutes later be right back to having each other’s backs. Damaris is more than my best friend; she is family. Our friendship has survived years, life changes, tears, laughter, and plenty of chaos, and I couldn’t imagine standing at the altar without her right there beside me.

Mr. Scott Schmalz—the one and only, the life of the party, and always ready for a damn good time. Scott is one of the quickest-witted people Laurence knows, and if you can’t take the heat, you better stay out of his kitchen. From the barrios of Mexico to Key West, motocross, boating, and countless hours of talking shit, the two have collected enough stories to fill a book—and probably enough evidence to keep that book unpublished. If Scott is around, you can pretty much guarantee there will be laughs, questionable decisions, and at least one story that gets better every time it’s told. He has been there for some of Laurence’s wildest adventures and somehow always manages to make every trip, boat day, or random night ten times more entertaining. Somewhere along the way, Scott became more than one of Laurence’s closest friends. He became his little brother, and that bond isn’t going anywhere.

Elena and I have shared more than 18 years of friendship and so many of life’s biggest moments. We’ve been there for each other through births and celebrations, heartbreaking family losses, divorces, and some of the hardest chapters life can bring. We can talk for hours, laugh until we cry, and somehow always pick up right where we left off. Elena has been a constant through so many changes in my life, and there is something incredibly special about having a friendship that has survived, grown, and only become stronger with time. She knows so much of my story because she has lived through so much of it beside me. I’m beyond grateful for the years, the memories, the laughter, and the support we’ve shared, and having Elena standing beside me on my wedding day means more than I could ever put into words.

Mr. Brian Tollefson—the man, the myth, the legend. Laurence officially met Brian at the University of Florida, only to realize they had already crossed paths back in high school—probably because they were both too busy admiring each other’s cars. Brian had his gold two-door Acura Legend, Laurence had a pretty nice ride himself, and apparently that was enough to earn some mutual respect before they even really knew each other. Brian has always been the voice of reason, but don’t let that fool you—anyone who knows him knows there’s definitely a wild side hiding in there. He’s one of Laurence’s oldest friends, someone who has always been willing to listen, give it to him straight, and tell him exactly what he needs to hear. He’s also a big part of the reason Laurence ended up in the billiards industry. After all these years, Brian is more than an old college friend—he’s a true lifelong friend, and Laurence is incredibly grateful to have him standing beside him on this day.

Esther and I have been friends since we were teenagers, and our friendship has grown through so many different stages of life. From Palm Beach days to dinners and sleepovers in Homestead, we’ve shared years of memories, laughter, and the kind of friendship that always feels familiar no matter how much time passes. Esther has always been one of those people I can talk to about anything. She listens, gives advice, supports me, defends me, and somehow knows when I need honesty and when I just need someone in my corner. She has been there through so many important moments in my life, including her backyard beach-style wedding, and our friendship has only gotten stronger with time. Esther has a huge heart, and I’m incredibly grateful to have her standing beside me as I begin this next chapter.

Laurence met Marc during his freshman year of high school, when Marc was the only person he knew who rode a dirt bike to school—because apparently making a normal entrance just wasn’t his thing. They became fast friends, and somehow that friendship has lasted through every stage of life since. Marc may be a man of few words with most people, but put him and Laurence together and they can somehow talk until sunrise. Over the years, they’ve shared countless conversations, memories, and the kind of friendship that never needs much maintenance to stay strong. Marc is honest, generous, loyal, and completely one of a kind. He’s one of Laurence’s oldest friends, someone who has always stayed true to who he is, and—in Laurence’s opinion—a bit of a national treasure.

Lona and I first met when she became my trainer, but somewhere along the way she became so much more than that. She was there for me through one of the hardest chapters of my life, helping me through my divorce with beach meditations, yoga, workouts, long talks, and the kind of support that slowly turned into a sisterhood. She was also my unofficial third wheel during my dating days, my gambling partner, and someone who could always make me laugh when I needed it most. Even after she moved to Maine, our friendship never changed. I had the honor of standing beside her at her wedding, and I’ve loved watching her become a mom to Sebastian. Lona is one of those friends who feels more like family. We’ve shared hard moments, hilarious ones, and everything in between, and having her standing beside me on my wedding day means so much.

Sir Andrew Raudenbush needs absolutely no introduction. Laurence met Andrew during his first year of college, when Andrew was living in a terrible apartment with some equally terrible roommates, so naturally Laurence decided he needed rescuing. They became best friends almost immediately, bonding over Wu-Tang, talking shit, and constantly making each other laugh. After college, they even lived together for a while, which only added to the stories and somehow made the friendship stronger. Through the years, Andrew has remained one of those people Laurence can always count on. No matter how much time passes, they can pick right back up like nothing changed. Andrew isn’t just one of Laurence’s closest friends—he’s family, and having him standing beside Laurence on his wedding day means exactly what it should.

Julie and I met at Boca Beauty School, and funny enough, we didn’t exactly hit it off at first. She and Zeina were friends, Darcy and I were friends, and somehow all of us ended up becoming close. We all became aestheticians, Julie later became a hairdresser, and now she’s the one I trust with my hair. Over the years, we’ve shared dating stories, workouts, club nights, and more laughs than I can count. While I was throwing drinks and getting kicked out, Julie was usually laughing, enjoying the chaos, and somehow helping us end up in a VIP section. I love Julie so much and have always had a soft spot for her. I’m incredibly protective of her because she is one of the kindest, sweetest, most sincere people you’ll ever meet. Our bond feels more like sisters, and I’m so happy to have her standing beside me on my wedding day.

Laurence officially met Andy at the University of Florida, although they quickly realized they had already crossed paths plenty of times at high school parties. Andy went to Spanish River, Laurence went to Boca High, and somehow Andy was already known as the guy with the really nice car. Once they finally became friends at UF, it didn’t take long for the two to click. Between working out together, shared interests, plenty of nights out, and always finding a way to have a damn good time, Andy became one of those friends who just stuck. Andy is loyal, hilarious, and quite possibly the proudest Jewish man Laurence has ever met. After countless memories and different chapters of life, they can still pick right back up where they left off. After all these years, Andy isn’t just an old college friend — he’s family.

I met Gina on a Sunday after a day on the boat, and we clicked almost instantly. She is sweet, loving, protective, and the kind of person who always puts family first. From the very beginning, she made me feel welcomed and accepted, which meant even more because Gina definitely doesn’t just like everyone. We have so much in common, especially our love for Disney and planning parties. I’ve always admired how creative and crafty she is, and she constantly inspires me to try to be a little more crafty myself. Gina is always checking in and making sure everyone around her is okay. She loves deeply, protects the people she cares about, and has such a genuine way of making you feel like family. I’m so grateful to have her in my life and even more grateful to have her standing beside me on such an important day.

Governor Bradley Douglas Bush and Laurence’s friendship started on the very first day of high school… with Brad trying to fight him. Naturally, that somehow turned into a lifelong brotherhood. Before long, Brad practically became part of the family, spending so much time at Laurence’s house that there was never really a question of whether he belonged there. Through plenty of arguments, chaos, ups and downs, and moments when they probably wanted to kill each other, nothing has ever been able to break their bond. Brad is one of Laurence’s oldest friends, one of the strongest people he knows, and truly his brother from another mother. He’s the kind of friend who has been there through every stage of life—the good, the bad, and everything in between. That kind of history is impossible to replace, and it’s exactly why having Governor Brad standing beside Laurence on this day means so much.

Courtney and I clicked almost instantly, and from the very beginning she made me feel completely welcomed. She is loving, laid-back, sweet, and has always been so wonderful with my girls, which means more to me than she probably realizes. We’ve already packed so many memories into our friendship—from Disney plans and Orlando trips to Nashville, the lake house, water parks, bar-hopping, and drinking around the world at EPCOT. No matter where we are, Courtney is always easy to be around and somehow makes everything more fun. What I love most about her is how genuine and effortless our friendship feels. She has become one of my girls and someone I’m truly grateful to have in my life. Having her stand beside me on my wedding day—and walk alongside Mike—makes it even more special.

Well, well, well… Michael Hudak. Laurence met Michael in high school, when Michael apparently thought trying to carjack him was a perfectly normal way to make a first impression. Somehow, that turned into a lifelong friendship, with Michael practically growing up in Laurence’s house and becoming the big brother he never knew he needed. Michael is fiercely loyal, always ready to have your back, and definitely not someone you wanted on the other side of an argument. Through all the years, the stories, the chaos, and every stage of life in between, their friendship has never changed. Michael isn’t just one of Laurence’s oldest friends—he’s family, a brother for life, and exactly the kind of person Laurence wants standing beside him on his wedding day.

My mother is the matriarch of our family—the strength, heart, and foundation that holds us all together. I owe so much of who I am and everything I have become to this incredible woman. She is strong, kind, brilliant, fiercely intelligent, and without question the toughest businesswoman I have ever known. She taught me the value of hard work, how to stand my ground, and how to keep moving forward no matter what life puts in front of me. Her strength, wisdom, determination, and example have shaped me in more ways than I could ever put into words. She made me the man I am today, and without her, I truly would not be where I am. I will forever be proud, grateful, and incredibly lucky to call her my mother.

Alex is my baby brother, and I have always had a soft spot for him. Growing up, I felt the need to protect him, defend him, and probably spoil him a little too much by buying him whatever he wanted. As we got older, that sibling bond became something even deeper, and today he is truly one of my best friends. Alex has been there for me through some of the hardest moments of my life. He is someone I can tell anything to without ever feeling judged, and he only gives his opinion when I ask for it. He has loved my daughters from day one, affectionately calling them his “binkies,” and has always been such an important part of their lives. He is kind, patient, slow to anger, and one of the easiest people to laugh with. I am incredibly honored to have Alex walk me down the aisle and represent my father as I marry my best friend.

My mother is one of the strongest women I have ever known, and so much of the strength in our family comes from her. She has endured unimaginable heartbreak, including the loss of my sister and then my father shortly after, yet she has continued to move through life with love, compassion, and incredible strength. She has always been a caring, devoted mother who puts her children first. She is compassionate, empathetic, nurturing, and one of those mothers who will always worry because she loves so deeply. She has dedicated her life to her family, and I will forever be grateful for her love, her sacrifices, and the example she has set. I am incredibly proud and blessed to call her my mother.

Allen is Aldys’s younger brother, born right after her, so the two of them have quite literally grown up side by side. Through all the years, memories, family moments, and everything life has brought their way, that sibling bond has always been there. Having Allen be part of the wedding makes the day even more meaningful to Aldys. He’ll also have the special honor of walking their mom down the aisle, which is such a beautiful full-circle moment for their family. Allen isn’t just Aldys’s little brother—he’s part of a lifetime of memories, family, and love. Having him there beside them as Aldys and Laurence begin this next chapter means more than words can really say.

My aunt Ana has never felt like simply an aunt to me—she has always been more like a second mother. From the time I was pregnant with my twin daughters, she has been by my side, helping me through motherhood and loving my girls as her own. They call her Nana, and they truly see her as another grandmother. They are her pride and joy, which makes our bond even more special. Ana has been there through some of my happiest moments and some of my hardest, always someone I can turn to for love, support, and advice. Her opinion may sometimes be stronger than what I want to hear, but it always comes from a place of honesty and wanting the best for me. She is loving, welcoming, fiercely devoted to family, and one of my greatest rocks. She may be my aunt by title, but in my heart, she will always be my second mother.

Laurence: Vann Wood came into our lives through a business venture that may not have turned out the way any of us expected, but in the end, it gave us something far more valuable—a friendship with Vann. Getting to know him has truly been one of those unexpected blessings in life. Vann is an honorable, hardworking, God-fearing man with a kind heart, strong values, and a genuine concern for the people around him. He is someone we have grown to respect, trust, and feel incredibly fortunate to call our friend. Vann, you are a true treasure, and having you become part of our circle has meant more to us than you probably realize. Sometimes God has a way of turning something that didn’t work out into something far greater, and for us, that gift was finding a lifelong friend in you. Aldys: From the moment I met Vann, I was drawn to his big smile and warm, down-to-earth personality. He is humble, easy to talk to, and has a way of making you feel completely comfortable around him. I especially love his stories, his Irish charm, and most of all, his big heart. Vann is simply one of those genuinely good people you feel lucky to have in your life. I’m so grateful our paths crossed, and having him be the one to marry Laurence and me makes this day even more meaningful.

We are honored to have Uncle Don, Laurence Sr.’s younger brother, travel from Seattle to celebrate with us! Our families’ connection began long ago—the groom’s maternal grandmother was Uncle Don’s sixth-grade teacher. His extraordinary adventures include 34 years with United Airlines, retiring as Senior International Purser, and 38 years in Hawaii, where he owned two dive shops. He speaks Japanese, Mandarin and Hawaiian, and recently received recognition for 50 years of teaching with PADI.Uncle Don also worked alongside treasure hunter Mel Fisher during the discovery of the Atocha and taught at Hilo High School, coaching swimming and football—even taking his football team to play in Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium! Beyond these remarkable accomplishments, we treasure the family history, love, and stories he brings. Uncle Don, thank you for traveling so far to share this special day. We are truly blessed to celebrate with you!