Beth & Mark
Wedding Party
Emily Duke
Matron of Honor
I'm Emily, otherwise known as Beth's sister-in-law and mom to her coolest (craziest, and only) nephew and niece, who you may hear belting out "Baa Baa Black Sheep" during the wedding. We first met when her brother Tommy brought me home to meet the fam, and we were immediately connected as kindred type 9 coffee enthusiasts. Since then, we've survived family vacations, nearly being stranded in Rwanda, and the breakup of One Direction. When I'm not trying to coerce Beth into getting tattoos or dyeing her hair with me, I am a graphic designer, co-lead a refugee preschool group, and eat my way around Fort Worth, TX.
Cory Anderson
Best Man
Hello! My name is Cory Anderson and I am Mark's Best Man (I call him Marcos and will refer to him as such for the remainder of this bio). Now for a quick note about me before we get to the man of the hour, I have a deep passion and appreciation for instrumental music as it appears in media (namely video games) and currently work as an elementary school music teacher with Newport News Public Schools. Marcos and I, from the moment we met became best friends 14 years ago. From sitting next to on the bus everyday from elementary to high school to staying up until 5:30am during the rare chance we get to see each other in person I am so blessed to be as close to someone as I am to Marcos. If i could take someone into battle, Marcos will forever be my Left Hand.
Sumaiyah Ali
Bridesmaid
Hey everyone! My name is Sumaiyah, my earliest memory of Beth was us sitting together in our 7th grade science class and we did everything (middle school, high school, college) together ever since. Some quick fun facts about me are: I work in an Emergency Room, if it was socially acceptable I'd eat Mac n' Cheese for every meal, I love photography, and Beth and I used to run a One Direction fan account on twitter. (sorry Beth!)
Christopher Coates
Groomsman
Hey! My name is Christopher. I got to know Mark by living with him during our last couple years at Mason. And typical of any millennial friendship, Mark and I's really started to kindle over memes. It was routine for us to excitedly watch the most recent Fair Army video as soon as it came on Youtube. From then our friendship grew (with no shortage of memes mind you). I'm thankful to be living in Richmond now, and to have a job working for Henrico County! I'm also excitedly waiting to marry my own fiancé, Sarah! It's an absolute honor to be standing with mark and Beth in their marriage. I can't wait!
Kaity Baumann
Bridesmaid
Beth and I met at George Mason University through Mason InterVarsity. She joined the hospitality team I was leading at the time, and it didn’t take long for us to realize we were forming a forever friendship. We’ve since enjoyed lots of hikes and many adventures together! Some fun facts about me are: -I live right outside of Philadelphia, PA. -I’m currently in grad school at Liberty University’s online program. -I work for a YMCA and “Faith on the Field” radio show. -I enjoy hiking, kayaking, watching sports, and dabbling in crafting!
Matt Fredericks
Groomsman
My name is Matt Fredericks and I am one of Mark’s younger brothers. I study physical education at George Mason University where I plan to graduate in May 2020. I love playing sports and guitar, and I’ve watched ‘The Office’ 6 times through. I’ve known Mark for as long as I can remember. Like since I have had a working memory, Mark has been there; since we’re brothers and everything. Mark and I did a lot of things together growing up like playing countless videos games together and for a few years we both for whatever reason decided to sleep in our basement on couches when we had rooms with beds. In all seriousness though, I’m excited for him and Beth to be married!
Maggie Duke
Bridesmaid
Hi I’m Maggie! I am Beth’s cousin and I am so happy to be a part of Beth and Mark’s special day. I am looking forward to this day, it seems like yesterday when we were kids and Beth, my sister, and I would play dress up and be brides. I wish them both a lifetime filled with love laughter and happiness!
Mike Fredericks
Groomsman
Hi everyone! My name is Mike and I am Mark’s youngest brother. Mark has always been a big part of my life while we grew up together. Currently I am at Germanna Community College taking courses to get my associates degree and transfer to a four year university. One of my primary hobbies is that I enjoy playing competitive video games and have made some money from them. Something Mark and I can always bond with is playing games with each other.
Robin Duke
Bridesmaid
Bio Coming Soon!
Ryan Brooks
Groomsman
Hi everyone! My name is Ryan Brooks. Some of my most fond memories from college were staying up super late with Mark playing video games. Now I miss it! About me: I just started working for the campus ministry that helped Mark and me meet, I loathe carbohydrates, I push the boundaries of when it's socially acceptable to wear really big t-shirts, and I fight for my friends. : >
Helenka Harmon
Bridesmaid
I just graduated GMU with an Environmental Science BS and a Concentration in Conservation. I'm a nature nerd, environmental and sustainability activist, and a crazy plant lady! Beth and I met in HS and went to college together too, but we mostly got to know each other at Mason through our faith and love of all things Jesus and Zumba. We then ended up being roommates for the last three years there!
Destine Padi
Groomsman
My name is Destine Padi. I'm a mechanical engineering major at George Mason University. I like to read Chinese, Japanese, and Korean light novels in my spare time. I met Mark in college when we were both a part of InterVarsity. We lived together as well and Mark was honestly one of the reasons why I felt welcomed in the community. He was my large group coordinator for when I was in charge of the AV team and we enjoyed it a lot. A funny memory was when Mark, Ryan, and I started playing a mobile game and Ryan and I were playing through the game after restarting a few times for good characters. A week later, Mark is still restarting his account but he got some insane luck! We asked him about it and he said that restarting was more fun than playing the game. That's the strange guy he is.
Sadie Herbert
Bridesmaid
Sadie Anne Herbert is the bride's cousin and lives in Charlotte, NC. She is a 6th grader at Holy Trinity Middle school and loves reading, theater, and cooking.
Tommy Duke
Groomsman
My name is Tommy Duke (AKA Beth's brother and husband to the MoH). My earliest memory of Mark is from way back in 2018 when we sat silently at a family dinner, setting the stage for our future encounters. While we may have exchanged fewer words than are in this bio, I can’t wait to get to know my new brother and impart my elder wisdom upon the newlyweds. When I’m not working as an engineer (/Excel jockey), I can be found changing diapers and sleeping (adulthood!), or occasionally rock climbing and playing video games.
Allison Knight
Bridesmaid
Hola! Cómo estás! My name is Allison! I love to smile, laugh, and have great time. Meeting new people is always a great way to gain new experiences. I’ll never say no to new experiences... if it’s safe. I am working towards my dream each and everyday. I will not stop until I reach it. Even then I might keep reaching because the sky isn’t the limit. It’s the beginning. Dancing and music will for ever be a passion for me. I met Beth when I was attending college at GMU. First as floor mates, then as room mates. We led a small group together with IV. Honestly if it weren’t for her I probably would have kept to myself and never left my dorm room. I owe a lot to her and she is an inspiration I inspire to be.
Nicolas Anderson
Groomsman
My name is Nicolas Anderson! How I know Mark you ask? Since my 5th grade elementary school year! Since then, I've always been the "Bully Boss" (ask someone what that is) of our friend group back at home. A bit about me now! I graduated from Liberty University with an Interdisciplinary Degree in Special Education & Psychology and am currently working on my Masters in Guidance Counseling online while working full time as a para-Educator at an elementary school. Also I love to play fighting games! I'd like to think of myself as the best in the group at them (I'm going to catch heat for this) except for smash bros.. but come on, we all know that's not a real fighting game, its a party game! I'm blessed to be a part of this great time for Mark and Beth and can't WAIT for them to get married.
Savannah Dumas
Bridesmaid
Hi! I'm Savannah, Beth's cousin from North Carolina. Beth and I have grown up celebrating holidays and enjoying famiy vacations but my favorite times have been when I visited her in Northern VA. Crafting, coffees, shopping, late night talks, and facials are all things I love about being with Beth! I'm excited to have Mark as part of our family and can't wait to celebrate them on their special day!
Joshua Anderson
Groomsman
My name is Josh Anderson. I’ve known Mark for nearly 20 years. We grew up in the same neighborhood, spent the night at each other’s houses, carried mulch at the same fundraiser, graduated the same high school, and the same university! I’m a senior logistician at Custom Ink, I’m married to a woman who's my exact opposite, and Mark and I used fight pretending to be Naruto characters. One time, we almost fought to the death; tears were building volume in my eyes as Mark’s long emo hair covered his face. We both knew the only answer avoid utter annihilation of the accompanying villages was to call a truce. We needed to do so to prevent even more destruction. The air thickened as our power levels balanced never to be moved. I have faith Beth will approach our rivalry with fury! Enjoy marriage!
Jonathan Luo
Groomsman
Hi friends! My name is Jonathan Luo and I have known Mark ever since he came to George Mason University. We got to know each other by going to church together and being in the same campus ministry small group. We got to know each so well that we decided to be roommates at an off-campus house. We both served on the same executive team in Mason InterVarsity together and some could say we goofed off a little too much when sitting next to each other. Some fun facts about me are: I love playing sports and video games with friends and I take REALLY good candid pictures of Mark!! (let me know if you want to see some 😊)
Haven Duke
Flower Girl
I'm Haven, Aunt B's niece and gal pal. We met in MY first few weeks of life, when she snuggled me and sacrificially changed my poopy diapers. We share a love for carbs, sweets, and relaxing on the couch with a cozy blanket. When I'm not sharing my snacks with Aunt B, I am rocking the hair bows and learning to talk outside of dinosaur roars.
Sawyer Duke
Ring Bearer
I'm Sawyer, Aunt B's nephew and sidekick. We met in my first few weeks of life, when she snuggled me and took me out for my first Starbucks date (don't worry, I didn't drink any coffee... yet). Together, we've traveled all over the world and sang endless renditions of "Baby Shark." When I'm not trying to tickle fight with Aunt B, I am running in circles, all day, every day, and letting everyone around me know about all things trucks.