Meet the groomsquad
Eric Patino
Aleksi’s best man, and best friend since kindergarten, Eric is a hilarious Cuban who is currently working on his doctorate of medicine in Georgia. Throughout their 18 years of friendship, Aleksi and Eric have explored nerdy conventions, watched countless sci-fi movies, and even canoed down a waterfall. Aleksi spent so much time at Eric’s house as a kid that he considers Eric’s family to be his second family. Aleksi remembers asking Eric in 4th grade if he would one day be the best man at his wedding, looks like dreams really do come true. When Eric isn’t busy dissecting a limb in med-school, you’ll find him destroying the tennis court, or serenading babes on his ukulele!
Henrik Turkki
Aleksi always prayed for a little brother when he was a youngster, and in 3rd grade God answered his prayers and brought him Henrik: a spunky, confident, and brilliant guy who sometimes thinks that he’s the older brother. Henrik is a freshman at Oxbridge Academy who loves boating, playing basketball, and wheeling on his free time. Known as “the human encyclopedia of all vehicles, land, sea, and air,” Henrik aspires to be a commercial airline pilot when he grows up. While Henrik may have different interests than Aleksi, he always comes to his big bro for fashion tips and advice.
Tommy Varacchi
Tommy and Aleksi met each other their first year at Oxbridge Academy in chemistry class. It’s safe to say this was destiny, as these bros have some serious chemistry! Throughout their time in high school, Tommy and Aleksi made some crazy memories, such as Tommy’s reign as class president and their first “real party.” Currently, Tommy studies political science and history at the University of Florida, and he is preparing to take the LSAT. When he isn’t studying, or making an appearance as Justin Verlander’s look-alike, Tommy loves watching the Yankees play and hitting the gym with his bros.
Ryan Salvati
Ryan and Aleksi met during their University of Florida (UF) freshman orientation and have been best friends ever since! Hailing from Boca Raton, Florida, Ryan loves the beach, Gator football, and playing with his pups. Ryan is truly Aleksi’s “brother from another mother,” as the two have been there for each other through everything that college could possibly throw at them. From tubing down the Ichetucknee river to passing UF’s most difficult finance course, theres nothing this dynamic duo hasn’t slayed.
Jonathan Marte
Known as DJ Escobar, Jonathan is the president of JARS Manor, Aleksi’s original college apartment! Jonathan is one of the kindest and funniest friends Aleksi met at UF, so it’s no wonder that the two were roommates for over 2 years. Throughout their time at JARS Manor, Jonathan and Aleksi invented crazy competitions, threw the craziest of parties, and even cooked “Goblin Pancakes.” Jonathan graduated with a degree in anthropology and was ranked AMSA’s hottest member. When he isn’t busy saving the world as Captain Martevelous, Jonathan enjoys doing art and re-arranging his room.
Rafael Tatis
Known as DJ Pepper, and the secretary of JARS Manor, Rafael is one of Aleksi’s chillest and most brilliant friends. Cool, calm, and collected, Rafael always had Aleksi’s back throughout their college adventures. Whether it was proof reading a paper for their English course, or having a philosophical discussion, Aleksi always valued Raf’s insight. Rafael graduated with a degree in family, youth, and community sciences and is now pursuing a masters degree in school counseling. He has a talent for taming little kids and loves traveling and watching Big Brother on his free time.
Sulav Shrestha
The myth, the man, the legend, Sulav is the treasurer of JARS Manor, and a master chef and bartender. Born and raised in Nepal, Sulav is a brilliant student who graduated with a degree in microbiology and is now preparing for med-school. Aleksi credits Sulav for his love of Indian food, as Sulav taught Aleksi how to cook Indian and Nepali food like a pro. Known as DJ Tut, Sulav has thrown some of Gainesville’s wildest parties, helped thousands of people become CPR certified, and engineered clean water solutions for Nepal. His hobbies include “driving his rari so fast” and “being a good puppy.”
George Spirou
Nationally recognized for his perfect beard, George has won countless awards from Men’s Health magazine and GQ for his fine facial hair. Aleksi is a lucky guy because George also happens to be his sister’s boyfriend! Aleksi was quickly won-over by George’s heart-of-gold, witty sense of humor, and perfect politeness, and the two have become best bros ever since! George currently studies criminology and he is a master of technology, piano, and Rubik’s Cubes. When he isn’t working at Sprint, George is working on his Camero and slaying newbs at Super Smash Brothers.