Carina & Benjamin
Wedding Party
Hannah Byland
Officiant
Carina and Hannah met their first year at William Jewell College when they were randomly assigned to live on the same floor. A series of late-night Target runs, iMovie masterpieces, and heart-to-hearts over PG Tips turned into a beautiful friendship. Although the carefree days on the Hill are long gone, Carina and Hannah have traveled the globe together, seen each other through life’s ups and downs, and maintained their close connection through it all.
Emily Gooden
Bridesmaid
Carina and Emily also met their first year in college when they were assigned to live on the same floor. After discovering a shared love of Weezer, they decided it was worth it to become friends (and future roommates). Fast-forward 16 years, two graduate degrees, and an unknowable number of car jam sessions later they’re still close friends.
Rashaun Wilson
Bridesmaid
Rashaun and Carina met in graduate school at the University of Missouri and quickly decided to move in together in one of the best/worst neighborhoods Columbia had to offer. Their time spent together as roomies was filled with Disney movies, world-class heart to hearts, and legendary parties (rainbows, slip n slides, Mary Kate and Ashley...you name it, they hosted it). Although post-graduate school life has transitioned them into long-distance friends, they still pick up where they left off every time they see each other.
Alice Brent
Bridesmaid
Alice and Carina met through their mutual friend Emily (see above) during a road trip to Notre Dame. As soon as Carina heard that Alice was taking the group out for afternoon tea, she was sold. It instantly felt like Alice had gone to William Jewell too because she fit in so well with the group. Carina and Alice have traveled across the globe, enjoyed prawn crisps, fine wine, and high tea. Now they enjoy virtually cheering each other on as a running buddy since they live so far away from each other.
Benjamin Picone
Best Man
The two Bens (or Ben and ‘Jake’ if you’re a Starbucks barista) go way back. Who would have guessed that a friendship born in the horn section of Clinton High School band would bridge states and continents, not to mention colleges, graduate schools, careers, and a pandemic? Ben is currently living his dream as an urban planner in Minneapolis, a hot minute from Indy- but love knows no distance and they still find time to set aside work for breweries and board games on occasion. He and Spears (or ‘Beta’ around these parts) have been making the journey to the lake for nearly two decades to relax and enjoy friends and family, and the tradition continues here with all of you in this celebration.