Wedding Party
Emma Gregory
Maid of Honor
Hi everyone! I am SO excited to see Karissa and Alex get married!! Karissa and I met as clarinet students at Michigan State University in 2013 (has it been that long?!) and we’ve been best friends ever since. We’ve been through so much together, including being roomies in our first ever apartment (which I almost burned down at least once), staying out until 3am (occasionally at a party but usually in music school practice rooms), and getting up to way too many fun shenanigans to count. We’ve lived across the country from each other since we graduated and, though our conversations have shifted from being about school and boys to being mostly about our cats (jk but we do talk about our cats a lot), she is still one of the most important people in my life. I currently live in Providence, Rhode Island with my partner, Ryan, and our cat, Taz. I enjoy being outdoors, doing yoga at my local studio, reading, and checking out Providence’s food scene.
Colin Nelson
Best Man
Hey everyone! While my friendship with Alex stretches back to high school marching band, I was lucky enough to be swept into Karissa's orbit just a few years ago. Both of them hold a special place in my heart, and I'm thrilled to celebrate their incredible love story unfolding! When I'm not up to some adventure, you'll likely find me carving fresh tracks on the slopes across the Pacific Northwest. Fun fact: for Alex's proposal, I became a temporary pack mule, lugging what must have been 1,000 pounds of picnic and engagement gear up a mountain – all for love, of course! Needless to say, I'm beyond thrilled to celebrate these two tying the knot. Can't wait for a night filled with laughter, love, and (hopefully) enough chocolate to keep my inner chocoholic happy. See you on the dance floor!
Anika Stephen
Bridesmaid
Hi everyone! I’m Anika Stephen and I’m the younger and only sister of the groom! I just moved to Seattle, Washington last year and I’m currently a Software Engineer at Google! A fun fact about me is that I love Pokemon, anime, and building Legos! Funny memory: I accidentally ignored Alex when he told me started dating Karissa. We were texting about something and he told me they went on a date. Being the worst, I completely didn't read this message and just kept talking about whatever. Two weeks later, I saw a picture of them together and Instagram. I thought would be super stealthy and text Alex "What's with you and Karissa... :)" Let's just say I was very embarrassed when he told me to read my old texts. Oops... I'm most excited to see two of my favorite people get married and spend their lives together :)
Alex Levine
Groomsman
I’m Alex Levine. I’ve known Alex since University of Michigan, and Karissa I feel like I’ve known just as long. Alex and Karissa are the pillars of the Seattle Brunch Squad, scouting out rad places and keeping up with the latest hidden gems around here. So I’m excited to see the wizardry they’ve woven for the wedding.
Alex DeRose
Bridesmaid
Hi, I’m Alex! I’m from Pittsburgh, PA and I work as a brewer at Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh! Not only do I have a passion for craft brewing, but I also have a passion for hockey! My favorite time of year is October, whenever the NHL season begins. I am so excited to celebrate my cousin Karissa and her soon-to-be husband Alex on their special day. Alex makes a great addition to our crazy Christmas Eve shindigs and I am so excited to see where life takes him and Karissa! Cheers!
Brian Kulwik
Groomsman
Hello! This is Brian, I met Alex in high school marching band back in Michigan. I live in Seattle just down the street from the bride and groom (pretty convinced they moved to west seattle because of me) and I work at Blue Origin managing one of our rocket engine programs. I can't wait to see these two say I DO on the big day!
Emily Doherty
Bridesmaid
I live in Denver and am the Family Experiences Coordinator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. I love traveling to visit people I love and exploring new places. I spend most of my time outside of work hanging out with my family and boyfriend. I went to Michigan State with Karissa and one of the wildest adventures I've ever had was traveling throughout Ghana during our study abroad together (like when giant lizards decided they wanted to be in our hotel room or surviving the WORST van/bus ride of our lives to go to a market that overwhelmingly smelled of fish). I am so excited for Karissa and Alex's next chapter of their lives and can't wait to help them celebrate with everyone they love!
Jake Long
Groomsman
I'm a software engineer, living in Redmond WA. I met Alex first through my partner, and Karissa when she moved to Seattle through Liz. Some of my favorite memories are when Karissa gets Alex to quack at me.
Julia DeRose
Bridesmaid
I’m from Pittsburgh, PA. I’m a veterinary surgery technician and have been in the field for almost 7 years now. A fun fact about me is that I played ice hockey until I was a junior in college. I’m Karissa’s cousin and met Alex through her. I’m most excited to share Karissa and Alex’s special day with them and celebrate the marriage of two amazing people
Jega Vigneshwaran
Groomsman
Hey everyone! My name is Jega and I met Alex through my buddy Colin when I lived in Seattle. Though I live in California now, I always look forward to my visits back to Seattle where Colin, Alex, and I try new restaurants and talk about our favorite nerdy subjects (frequent flier miles, anyone?). While I lived in Seattle, I had the privilege of exploring the PNW with Alex, including a less-than-flattering moment for me when Alex and Colin saw me brought to tears trying extremely spicy noodles in Vancouver (much to their entertainment). It’s been a privilege getting to know Karissa as well over the past few years and watching their relationship blossom—can’t wait to celebrate in-person soon!!
Liz White-Hatton
Bridesmaid
I'm an elementary music teacher in the Seattle area. I know Karissa from Michigan State and met Alex through some mutual friends once she moved out to Washington. Since watching Karissa scoot up and down the dorm hallway, I've been dreaming of the day I will get to watch Karissa scoot down the aisle.
Samanth Ketha
Groomsman
Hi Y’all! I'm Samanth Ketha, currently living in Seattle and working as Family Medicine doctor. One fun fact about me is that I've had the incredible opportunity to travel to over 40 countries. I have the pleasure of knowing Alex and Karissa through my wonderful girlfriend Anika, who happens to be Alex's sister. I'm thrilled to be part of this special celebration and look forward to many more Pictionary showdowns. As we celebrate the big day, I'm most excited to witness the love and joy that will undoubtedly fill the air. Here's to creating more beautiful memories together!