Andrew & Valerie
Our Wedding Party
Serita Perkins
Maid of Honor
Once upon a time in 2011, Serita and Valerie started working at Reitmans in the Billings Bridge Mall. It was instant love at first sight. With a shared love of singing, musicals, travelling the world, and quoting Bridesmaids and Mean Girls to each other, it was a fast friendship. Not only did Serita give Valerie the little nudge of confidence to make her move on Andrew, she has cheered Andrew and Valerie's relationship on at every step. Serita is an important person to both bride and groom, and we are so happy to share this day with her as Maid of Honor!
Michael Grigoriev
Best Man
Eh! Mitza! Mike is Andrew's cousin, but feels more like a brother. Growing up close together, they've shared many a funny story and inside joke. Whether it's playing a friendly (and not at all competitive) game of FIFA or basketball, talking (wood) shop, or joining together for some drinks and karaoke, it's always a good time. Mike, and his wife Jane, have become Andrew and Valerie's best friends over the years. Always down for karaoke, Guitar Hero, or a trip away somewhere new. There is no other that could be Best Man, than Mitza boy!
Maggie Teters
Bridesmaid
Maggie is Valerie's sister-in-law via her older brother Adam, mother to Valerie's niblings, Olive and Wallace, and one of her dearest and most treasured friends. Their friendship has grown over many years, but it really solidified one night while playing Pokemon- Go! and singing outrageously loud on a swing-set in the park. Maggie and Valerie have since shared plenty of late-night gab sessions, and Queer Eye/ RuPaul's Drag Race marathons during Valerie's visits. It is a joy getting to share this day with Maggie as a bridesmaid, and we couldn't imagine the day without her!
Christopher Churcher
Groomsman
Chris and Andrew met in Grade 10 Geography class at Sir Will in Ottawa. Andrew was looking to start skipping classes, and found a kindred spirit in Churcher. Through many years of aiding each other's adventurous whims, Chris and Andrew have maintained a close friendship. Chris was like a 7th roommate at Clegg Street Manor during Andrew's time there. Instead of paying rent, he'd bring back souvenirs of Herbal Essences shampoo or Patron Tequila to share. Andrew and Valerie are very happy to have Chris join them as Groomsman on their wedding day.
Laura Lindstrom
Bridesmaid
Laura is not only Valerie's future sister-in-law (SIL for the cool kids), but has also become a dear friend. From the moment they met, Laura welcomed Valerie into the family with open arms and made her feel right at home. Both Laura and Valerie share a career in nursing... and a similar sense of fashion. It makes Andrew and Valerie so happy to share this day with Laura and they couldn't imagine the day without her as a bridesmaid!
Isaac Kalmes
Groomsman
Isaac and Andrew have been friends since childhood, with Andrew travelling down to Texas each summer with his dad and sister to visit the Kalmes family. Days spent splashing in the pool and chatting about Dragon Ball Z helped form their bond that has lasted 20 years. We are very happy to have Isaac as Groomsman on our special day!
Cyra Chiu-Kim
Bridesmaid
Cyra and Valerie first bonded at work over their love of granola, tea, yoga, and musicals. After a bit of convincing on Valerie's part, Cyra agreed to continue their friendship, and Valerie is very thankful for her friendship. Not only are Cyra and Valerie nursing colleagues, but they have enjoyed a loving friendship outside of work, tasting wines and teas throughout the last few years. Valerie also celebrated Cyra's nuptials to her love Sonny, as a bridesmaid last year.
Rob Lalonde
Groomsman
This former roommate, also known as Robby, Ronny, or Yogi Bear, has been a friend of Andrew's since high school. Rob is yet another character in a story of long lost love, rekindled during Andrew's formative year at Clegg Street Manor. You can now find them bantering about junk hockey teams over pints of craft beer in classic hipster neighbourhoods in either Boston or Ottawa. Their shared love of poor sports teams and beer has solidified their friendship over the years and Andrew and Valerie are happy to have Rob join them as groomsman for their wedding day.