Sharon (Scarlett) Teske – Blyth met Sharon a few years ago while working at Macy’s, and they quickly discovered that they had been living parallel lives. They both went to Holy Cross, they had both worked for Filene’s and they both had moved to Atlanta with the Macy’s merger. It was meant to be! Over the past five years, Sharon has become one of Blyth’s dearest friends and confidants, and roommates until Sharon’s recent (fabulous) wedding to David Teske. Sharon introduced Blyth to the saying “You’re Pretty”, which can substitute for “Thanks”, “Goodbye” and a host of other phrases. When life hands Blyth and Sharon a situation that they have to figure out, they do it together, typically over a bottle of wine or Grey Goose, depending on how complex. You’re Pretty.
Holly (Mama Deutsch) Deutschmann – Holly was one of Blyth’s first friends in Atlanta, and helped Blyth meet the amazing network of friends that she has today. Holly and Blyth lived together for a few magical years until Holly moved to NYC with Macy’s. Holly brought Blyth into the “Family”, which always had Sunday dinner every week, and still does when Holly comes to town. Holly and Blyth were partners in crime while living together, typically resulting in groggy cell phone calls to each other Sunday mornings from their respective bedrooms, 200 ft from each other. Although Blyth is still coping with Holly being far away, they always have a great time when they’re together. Holly is the cruise director of the group, and always makes sure everyone has a blast.
Rinat (Simone) Hadas- Rinat is one of the core members of the Atlanta family, although she too has moved to NYC for a job opportunity. The last year that she was in Atlanta, she lived in one of the apartments in Sharon’s house where Blyth also lived, thus creating a grown-up sorority house, where a typical night would be walking up or down a few flights of stairs for cocktail hour in one of the apartments. Rinat and Blyth have been friends since Holly picked her up in a bar (no, seriously… this is why Holly is the cruise director) and quickly became one of Blyth’s closest friends. Rinat has always been ready to jump to Blyth’s aid if needed, and gives fantastic advice and perspective. However, be warned: if you accept a drink that Rinat has poured, it will most likely be the strongest drink you have ever had.
Natalie (Narshdekli) Grabowski – Natalie is the wife of Billy’s best man, Dave Grabowksi, and is unequivocally the best thing that ever happened to him. Natalie and Billy had been friends in the pre-Blyth years, but Natalie and Blyth bonded when Dave was living with Billy. On any particular night, you can find Blyth and Natalie playing a dance video game together at one of their houses. Natalie is a great friend to Blyth, and helped her tremendously when Blyth was worried that Billy might never actually propose (luckily, he did). She also showed Blyth learn how to deal with the never-ending Georgia football weekends, which typically means mimosas aplenty. Since Dave and Natalie bought a house only 6 miles away from Billy’s, Blyth plans on spending lots of time with Natalie in the future as well.
Leigh ( The Artist Formerly Known as Koehler) Cohen – Leigh is Billy’s sister, and a great friend to Blyth. Leigh also worked at Macy’s (anyone picking up on a pattern here? ), but she and Blyth did not know each other until Blyth and Billy started dating. Even if Blyth and Billy weren’t together, Blyth knows that Leigh would absolutely be one of Blyth’s closest friends. Leigh has impeccable taste, and Blyth always seeks her advice on everything, even paint colors. Leigh and her husband Steve have always been a great couple, but now that they have little Kaitlyn, their 7 month old daughter, they are great parents as well. Blyth routinely picks Leigh’s brain on what it’s like to be a Mom, and knows Leigh is going to be a great source of help to her in the future. Blyth can’t believe how blessed she is to have such a great family of in-laws to look forward to, and to have an amazing sister as well!
David (Polish Prince) Grabowski – Billy met David during his sophomore year of high school. After playing three years of Chattahoochee football together, Billy and David joined the same fraternity at the University of Georgia (Pi Kappa Phi). Billy and David would room together for 3 years in a college house that would otherwise be condemned. After Billy broke his leg in college, David and Billy began playing rock music together. They would soon play several gigs together in a handful of amateur bands. After college, Billy and David roomed together for a couple more years at his current residence. Today, David and his wife (Natalie) have settled in Mableton, Georgia. They enjoy going to UGA and Braves games with Billy and Blyth, while Billy and David still enjoy jamming together in Billy’s music room (when the girls are preoccupied of course).
Dave (A.R.B.) Bogan – Billy has known Dave since the age of 5 years old. When Billy’s family was relocated to Centerville, Ohio in 1986, his family became great friends with the Bogans who also worked at NCR at the time. Dave and Billy would grow up playing neighborhood sports together, and became great rivals on the rec league baseball diamonds of Ohio (Dave still claims to have mastered Billy’s slurve). Work would force these two families to move to opposite ends of the country before moving back to Ohio in the early ’90s. Dave and Billy grew close again and work ultimately moved both families to Alpharetta, Georgia in 1995. Dave and Billy went through middle school and high school together, where Dave was also a member of the Chattahoochee football team. Dave’s older brother (Jeff) introduced Dave, David, and Billy to the members of Pi Kappa Phi where all three would join the same fraternity at UGA. Today, Dave and his wife (Ashley) have settled in the Atlanta neighborhood of Brookhaven. Dave and Ashley meet up with Billy and Blyth regularly over dinner with high school friends to catch up on old times. Dave and Ashley also enjoy attending UGA games and make an effort to meet over a tailgate whenever they are all in Athens. Dave and Billy will continue to stay in touch and share recipes for their Big Green Egg Smokers.
A.J. (Hardcore) Szymke – Billy met A.J. in 8th grade when they both played their first season of football together. As members of the Chattahoochee football team, Billy and A.J. would remain close friends through middle school, high school, and into college. A.J. would eventually choose to attend Clemson University, but stayed close to his high school friends. A.J. regularly visited Athens (especially to watch the Dawgs beat the Gamecocks) and would invite Billy and David to Clemson for several games. Today, A.J. lives in Dunwoody, Georgia. A.J. still invites Billy and David up to Clemson games, and still attends at least one UGA game each fall.
Chris (Porter) Lady – Billy met Chris during his freshman year of football at UGA. With a shortage of depth on the offensive line, Billy and Chris were thrown into the fire immediately. Through the struggles of a grueling practice schedule and the challenges of a full class load, Billy and Chris bonded over 4 long seasons. At the end of their Senior year Billy, Chris, and teammate Jake Hooten were surprised with an award dedicated to their commitment to the UGA football family. To this day, the “Block of Granite” award is presented to graduating UGA players who have given a selfless commitment to the program. Today, Chris has settled with his wife (Kristen) in Lexington, Kentucky. Billy and Chris stay in touch and get together whenever he is in town for a UGA game. When the opportunity presents itself, they also meet halfway in Nashville, Tennessee to visit their friend, Josh Billue.
Steve (Cojack) Cohen – Billy was introduced to Steve while he was dating his sister (Leigh). After Leigh graduated college, Steve remained at UGA to earn his Masters in Public Administration. As part of his Masters program, Steve worked part time as a Campus Cop (though we can’t confirm whether he ever actually arrested anyone). During this time, Billy grew closer to Steve as the majority of Steve’s older friends were long gone. Steve would marry Leigh on August 16th, 2003. Today, Leigh and Steve are settled in Dunwoody, Georgia with their newborn baby, Kaitlyn. Steve has completed his law degree and is finally back to having a life again. Billy and Steve enjoy UGA football, cooking on their Big Green Eggs, and boating to Wassaw Island in Savannah.
Gil Lauzon – Biography not available.