
Meet our wonderful wedding party!
Kerry (AKA Palmer) is my one and only sister! We grew up together in Orlando, FL. After some time living apart during college and beyond, we became reunited in Boston, where we lived together for two years and had some amazing adventures. Now she's pursuing her MFA in Sound Design at Yale...and I'm missing her like crazy! Watch out for this one - you'll soon be seeing her name in lights on the Great White Way!
It was a fateful day in August 1985 when Gina and I met at our first day of kindergarten. Indian Princesses (a father-daughter club through the YMCA) sealed the deal of our friendship, and we've always remained close throughout the years - no matter the distance! Gina is an FSU alum (I try not to hold that against her - ha!), workout enthusiast, and avid traveler, living in our hometown of Orlando.
Jen and I bonded in high school over tennis, shopping, and our mutual love for Chick-Fil-A. Inseperable throughout most of our teens, we still make time for each other - even though many states now divide us. Jen lives in Seattle, WA, where she works as a pediatric nurse at Seattle Children's Hospital.
Anna and I have been friends more than 11 years, meeting our freshman year of college. There must have been a mix-up with roommates that first year, which we quickly corrected by living together the next three while in school! Many of my favorite memories involve trips with Anna Leah, as we've traveled the globe together, including visits to England, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic...should I go on? :)
Diane and I attended Oak Ridge High School, and became "walking buddies" when I moved home after college. We had many adventures together during our first year in the working world, and continue to make new memories during trips home and visits to Atlanta, Boston and NYC. Diane lives in our hometown of Orlando, where she works as Event Manager for the Orlando Magic.
Erin Mary is JR's sister, and we have shared many laughs together over the years. I'm so excited for her to be my sister-in-law! She has always made me feel welcome in the family and comfortable at any Stawarz gathering. Erin lives in Fitchburg, MA and works for Charles River Laboratories.
JR and Mike met more than 23 years ago when his family moved to Colony Drive in 1987. They immediately bonded over bikes and their mutual love of all things sports, even at the young age of 7. Throughout the years, they’ve been through a lot together and JR is very happy that Mike will be by his side as he gets married. Mike is a police officer and husband to the lovely Danielle. They are the proud parents of their beautiful 1-year-old daughter, Alexis.
JR and Chris share more than 20 years of memories, meeting in elementary school. Fast friends, they have shared many memories together over the years, starting with Sunday night CCD classes, playing little league (their father's coached them to the 1993 Senior League Championship!), carpooling to high school every morning, and now he is part of our wedding party. Chris will be marrying Anna this November (JR will be his best man), and currently lives in Wethersfield, CT.
Anthony and JR were first introduced when they became teammates on the 8th Grade Suburban basketball team. They have played many basketball games together and there is no better teammate than Anthony, whether on the court or off. Anthony comes from a wonderful family, and over the years JR has become their “unofficial” third son. Anthony is currently pursuing his Ph.D at the University of Connecticut.
JR has known Bobby for 15 years. They met in high school and became really close friends as they got older. Over the years, Bobby has always been there for JR and he is glad that he will be sharing this day with us. Bobby is married to Allison and they have two beautiful children together, Kalen and Elias.
On the injured list for Westfield High’s JV basketball team, JR and John bonded while they healed – finding out that they shared a love for more than just hoops, including Jay-Z and goofing around. In high school, they were like two peas in a pod. John attended USF for college and for a few years they lost touch. Eight years later, they ran into each other at the gym…and it has been like old times ever since. John recently passed the bar exam and is practicing law in Westfield.
JR has known Nick since he was 14, meeting through his older brother Anthony. Over the years they have played many basketball games together and become close friends on and off the court. Nick's a great friend and always there - whether it's on the basketball court, helping develop a new workout plan or simply listening. Nick lives in CT and works as a physical therapist.
Baxter is the most adorable Goldendoodle pup in the world (well, maybe we are partial...) Often called the "happiest dog at the dog park," Bax is a very important member of the Hefferan-Stawarz clan - so important that we couldn't think of leaving him out of our special day. He is looking forward to the big day where his parents will be married (making him legit - ha!) He resides with JR and me, where he spends his days napping, playing fetch, romping with new friends at the dog park, and cuddling on the couch.
Olivia is JR's cousin, living in Brookfield, MA with her parents, Kerry and Scott. She is so excited about being part of our wedding party that she called all of her friends to tell them the day that I asked her! Cute as a button with an adorable personality to match, Olivia will be the perfect flower girl!
What can I say? My parents are more than amazing...with their love and support I have become the person I am today! Momma and Poppa Heffy (as a friend once coined them) are my role models for life. They are loving, thoughtful, and kind, while also sharing a passion for adventure and fun. From our many family trips together over the years, I am reminded of what's really important in life...those precious moments spent with family and friends. I know they are just as excited as I am for my wedding day - and look forward to gaining a "son" in JR! :)
I feel so lucky to be entering the Stawarz family for many reasons, and much of this is due to Rick and Carol! They have been so supportive of both JR and me throughout the years - we really can't thank them enough. Not only are they caring, generous, and kind, but they also know how to have a good time! :) We've shared many memories together that I will cherish forever. JR and I are especially proud that our wedding day will symbolize the joining of such wonderful families - starting with our parents!