Theresa Petitte, Matron of Honor - Theresa and Audra met while playing volleyball together at the University of Notre Dame. They knew they were destined to be incredible friends because they were the only two on the team below the six-foot mark! They bonded instantly, creating a friendship that has continued to grow beyond their time in South Bend. Audra was a bridesmaid in her wedding, when she married another wonderful friend from college, Nick Petitte. Audra has enjoyed visiting them in Georgia a few times, where Nick was stationed for the Navy, and even enjoyed a trip to Walt Disney World with them last summer, when she was blessed to spend time with their daughter Mary. Thank you, Theresa, for sharing in our joy.
 
Katie Hendricks - We are honored to have Michael’s sister, Katie, in our wedding as a bridesmaid. We want her standing by our side not only because she has been an amazing sister to Michael, but also because of how supportive she has been of our relationship. We know she will always be close to us as a sister and sister-in-law. Katie is studying Psychology and English at UC Davis and hopes to travel abroad next fall (it would have been this spring had wedding plans not interfered – sorry Kate). We both are thankful to spend time with Katie when she comes home over the weekend while we’re visiting the Hendricks home, especially for Saturday night karaoke at the beagle! We look forward to family adventures together! Thank you, Katie, for sharing in our joy.
 
Melinda Palumbo - Melinda and Audra became friends when they were in nursery school. They were classmates from that time until their high school graduation, and played volleyball together on numerous club and school teams. Whenever they’re together, there is never a dull moment, and the time is filled with meaningful, often late-night, conversation. Audra has spent time with Melinda in Boston, where she attends the University of Massachusetts. Since Melinda will be marrying her fiancé Tony in August 2004 (Audra will be a bridesmaid), it has been fun to compare notes during the wedding planning process. Melinda has enjoyed countless meals with the Duda family and has been unofficially termed the “second daughter!” Thank you, Melinda, for sharing in our joy.
Angela Bessolo - Audra met Ang at Notre Dame through a women’s bible study. They became close as sisters during the college experience and lived together with another dear friend, Danielle, during their senior year. Since both of their families were from Southern California, Ang and Audra were fortunate to spend time with each other during summer vacations. After graduating, Audra has enjoyed visiting Ang across the world – including Italy (a favorite) and Alabama (an adventure – alligator hunting). They both ended up back in Southern California and even managed to become roommates again for a few months. Ang is now pursuing her EdD at Azusa Pacific University while working as a transfer counselor at Biola University. Thank you, Angela, for sharing in our joy.
Matt Hendricks, Best Man - Matt is the best man in our wedding, and the best brother anyone could ask for. He’s the kind of person who is always doing something, hanging out with someone—snowboarding, working out, going to the beach, and late-night fun, to name a few. He graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2002 with a communication major. After a few months of sleeping in, he began working for Wells Fargo. He quickly applied for and attained a job in their mortgage department, and will be of great help in a year or two when home-buying becomes a reality for us. It was fun to find out early in our relationship that one of Matt’s good friends, Tyson, lived with Arunas during college, and that Matt had met Arunas before Michael met Audra! Matt is one of the funniest people you will ever know—making us just a little nervous about what he might have up his sleeve when he gets the mic! Thank you, Matt, for sharing in our joy.
Mike Rubino - Matt and Miki were on the same little league team, and have shared countless hours and memories since. Mike has not just been our brother’s friend, but a true friend to Katie and Michael over the years as well. He and Matt came down to LA often while they were in college together in Santa Barbara—Mike graduated from UCSB in 2002. He now lives and works in Sacramento. Thank you, Miki, for sharing in our joy.
Arunas Duda - Arunas, Audra’s younger brother, will be flying in from Montana to be a groomsman. In January, he accepted a job at the University of Great Falls as their head volleyball coach. He is currently the youngest head coach in the nation! A Santa Clara graduate, Arunas lived in the building Audra lives in before his move to Montana. We are fortunate that this gave him the chance to get to know Michael, whether while fishing, enjoying some pizza or ribs, or debriefing about volleyball games and job hunting. After college, Audra went on an amazing trip with Arunas to Europe, visiting 11 countries in 3 weeks. They have countless stories to tell about their adventures. Thank you, Arunas, for sharing in our joy.
Gintaras Duda - Gintaras and his wife Mary will be flying in from Omaha, Nebraska, to celebrate Michael and Audra’s wedding. They met in college at Villanova University, and have enjoyed several happy years of marriage in Los Angeles. They also lived in the same apartment building, and had a chance to spend a few months getting to know Michael before their move. After Gintaras received his PhD in Physics from UCLA, he accepted a job at Creighton University as a professor. Mary received her Master’s degree from Notre Dame, overlapping time with Audra’s undergraduate time there, and now works as a chemical coordinator in the Environmental Health and Safety Department at Creighton University. They are enjoying life with their two bunnies and new home in Omaha. Gintaras will be groomsman and Mary will be a reader at the wedding. Thank you, Gintaras and Mary, for sharing in our joy!
Sydney Love - Sydney will be the flower girl in our wedding. She is the daughter of Audra's cousin Missy, and lives in Danville, CA. We were lucky enough to be "up north" to see her excitement when she tried on her special dress. As a kindergartner, she is an old pro at weddings, having had this role in more than one wedding already! Maybe she'll have suggestions for us!