Olti & Alyssa
Wedding Party
Isabella DeMarco
Maid of Honor
12 years younger than the bride, Bella is Alyssa’s sweet baby sister. Alyssa loved caring for Bella as child and is so proud of how she’s grown over the years! Bella just graduated from high school and is a Freshman at University of Illinois studying nursing.
Katie Cholewa
Bridesmaid
Friends since Kindergarten, Katie and Alyssa have remained close in all of life’s transitions and Katie even visited Alyssa in France. Katie is Alyssa’s go to gal for country concerts, movie marathons at home, and Bachelor wine nights! There’s never been a more caring, loyal friend!
Clara Freeman
Bridesmaid
Clara lived across from Alyssa Freshman year at Iowa but may as well have been roomies! Clara is Alyssas go-to for 5 hour catch-ups that feel too short. They both have a passion for serving others, are always down to drop it on the dance floor.
Elif Geris
Bridesmaid
When Alyssa first heard Elif’s British accent in fifth grade, she knew they’d be friends. Elif and Alyssa just get each other and have always shared their awkward humor, incomprehensible to most others. With one look they’ll have each other snorting in no time.
Catherine Kerwin
Bridesmaid
A strong universal force pulled Alyssa and Catherine together on the bus during sorority recruitment Freshman year at Iowa. These motivated Francophiles studied in France together, traveled to Italy and celebrated many of life’s adventures together. Even though often miles apart, they’ve maintained their strong connection and supporting each other’s many dreams!
Ashley Sorensen-Lara
Bridesmaid
Alyssa met Ashley at college orientation where they immediately connected over their love for Harry Potter, French and theatre and their dislike of group sports. Over the years, they’ve shared their deep love of other cultures, travel and foreign spouses! Alyssa introduced Ashley to her husband, Rodrigo!
Rodrigo Lara
Best Man
From Uraguay, Rodrigo is Bridesmaid Ashley’s, other half. Rodrigo and Olti connected when the couple moved to Chicago in 2020. They share a love of their home countries, and a passionate hatred of anything over-the-top American. 😂
Joni Korona
Groomsman
From the South of Albania, Joni and Olti met and bonded over dating American Peace Corps Volunteers. Joni’s girlfriend, and now wife, Catherine and Alyssa, completed their peace corps training in the same town and maintained their connection while dating their Albanian boos. The couples enjoyed many travels together during their time in Albania.
Joe Parks
Groomsman
Joe met Olti through Alyssa when he served a as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Both big dreamers, they enjoy sharing crazy business ideas and have the same opinions about cryptocurrency! Olti can always count on Joe to plan the next adventure!