Michaella & Daniel
Wedding Party
Emily Sopko
Maid of Honor
Emily and Michaella became friends in 4th grade, when they were in the same class. They quickly became inseparable, and became the sisters neither of them ever had, but always wanted. Going on vacations with each other's families, endless sleepovers, the pain of laser hair removal treatments, and late night talks always kept them close, even with hundreds of miles between them after high school. Emily is the person who (aside from Dan) knows Michaella best, has seen her in all of her best and worst (emphasis on worst) moments, is honest (even when the truth hurts), and had an inside view as she watched Michaella and Dan fall deeply in love. There is not a more perfect person to stand by Michaella's side as the Maid of Honor!
Jonathan Bussey
Best Man
Jonny (aka J, Jon boy, Jerusalem, Bertie) has had the privilege of knowing Dan since the day he was born. The two have been through almost everything together. Not only is he a dapper-looking guy, he's got a brain in there too and is currently doing his Bachelors at Loughborough University in England. A football fanatic and loyal Leicester fan, Jonny scores when he wants, thanks to many years of practicing on his brother. When asked to be Dan's best man, he said, "Let me think about it." After the contract was deemed acceptable, Jonny heroically took on the job. A decent, solid, quality lad.
Andreana Walters
Bridesmaid
As Michaella's cousin, Andreana is one of the few people Michaella has known and been close to her entire life. From stealing cups of coffee from their parents as kids, to making mischief through their neighborhoods during summer break, Andreana has been Michaella's partner-in-crime for as long as they can remember. They've embarked on countless adventures together, and even tried their hand at being home renovators. In both the silliest parts of daily living and their biggest, most important life events, they have been through it all together, and been each other's biggest cheerleaders through every step of the way!
Nathan Mixon
Groomsman
Nathan has been putting up with Dan since early elementary school. Even though Nathan is a Chelsea fan, the two have been able to overcome their differences. Navigating middle school and high school in Kenya, Nathan and Dan captained the varsity football team together, have performed in shows together, have been on trips to the Mara and the Coast together, and had the privilege of sharing in the ups and downs of everyday life. Dan has always appreciated Nathan's listening ear, his wisdom, and ever-present love and support. Nathan even managed to visit Dan during college, meet Michaella, and give the thumbs-up to their budding relationship. Dan is thankful to have his brother by his side!
Emily Blunnie
Bridesmaid
Michaella and Emily officially met in 5th grade, and their friendship grew strong over many years and memories. They share a love for music, spent many years performing in ensembles together, and even once traveled to Europe to sing in a choir! They have traveled together for mission trips, attended women's conferences, and spent many evenings challenging one another in faith and supporting one another. Emily visited Michaella at Houghton College for performances, and is the first person to ever ask Michaella "Who is Dan Bussey, and why aren't you dating him?"
Caleb Kaiss
Groomsman
Caleb and Dan spent four years together at Houghton College. A fellow striker on the football team, Caleb has scored some legendary goals in his time. Deciding that he needed to really understand Dan, Caleb spent a semester abroad in London during his freshman year. Full of banter and always ready to make Dan question the meaning of life, Caleb and Dan pushed through college together and survived the snow. He and Dan spent the last year in a townhouse with seven other guys - many pranks were played, many jokes were told, and he and Dan did an expert job of commentating on the floor hockey that occurred in the living room. Dan is thankful for his friendship and pumped that he'll be next to him on July 9th!
Anna Simos
Bridesmaid
Anna and Michaella became friends in 5th grade, and began a lifetime of sleepovers, Ralph's dates, making up songs and stories (dare I mention "Story of My Life"?), quoting movies, and endless laughter. In addition to all the silliness, they've also walked with one another through thick and thin. They've held each other while they cried and continually shown up for one another. Anna was even the first person to show up at Michaella's front door with ice cream when she experienced her first heartbreak. Anna brings joy to every room she enters, and will almost certainly be the first person on the dance floor on the "Big Day"!
Brice Bogna
Groomsman
Young Breezy is one of a kind. He and Dan attended middle school and high school together, and because he loved Dan so much, Brice decided to follow Dan to Houghton. Always there to throw you under the bus, Brice never fails to make Dan smile. A budding singer/rapper, lethal striker, and philanthropist, Brice is an all-round quality guy. He was blessed to have Dan as his captain in high school and Dan is thankful to have taught him all he knows. In all seriousness, Brice has inspired Dan to pursue his passions and love the people around him in a deep way. Dan is thankful that Brice has been such a big part of his life and is honoured to have him be a part of this special day.
Lauren Daly
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Michaella have the most hilarious friendship, because they spent most of their formative years having many of the same friends, but totally convinced that they hated each other. They finally were forced to bond during sophomore year of high school when Lauren sat behind Michaella in geometry class, and they struggled through together. Lauren has since become one of Michaella's most trusted people. Lauren can be counted on for anything - a good laugh, a reminder not to take yourself so seriously all the time, a deep conversation, or an honest opinion. Lauren always, without fail, does what she says she will. People like her are rare, and Michaella is thankful to have her in her inner circle.
James Willmott
Groomsman
James and Dan met many many years ago, probably when they were both too young to notice. They went on church camps together and James quickly became Dan's go to person whenever the Bussey family were back in England to visit. James has had to deal with Dan's horrific phone communication skills for many years and has always had Dan's back. Most recently, he spent 10 days road-tripping from Arizona to Long Island with Dan and Michaella, in a very memorable trip which involved a bout of food poisoning and 3000 miles of driving, as well as seeing the Grand Canyon and the Big Apple. James is a constant source of encouragement, incredibly loyal, full of banter, and a lover of golf. He can be found at the driving range whenever he has free time.
Rachel Logee
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Michaella spent their entire lives living in the same place, but it took them until college to meet each other! Their friendship really began when they were both in Houghton's production of Oklahoma! and there was a dress rehearsal on Michaella's 21st birthday. Rachel showed up to rehearsal with a cake. The rest is history - they even became roommates for their student teaching semester in Rochester. Rachel has been a rock for Michaella over the last few years, and Michaella is so thankful to have walked out of her time at Houghton with a friend like her!
Gabriel Van Wyk
Groomsman
Gabe came to Houghton from South Africa as a freshman during Dan's sophomore year. Thinking he was going to New York (as in the city), Gabe was rather alarmed to find himself out in the cornfields in the company of two British guys and no nightlife. Dan and Gabe played football for Houghton... Gabe played for Houghton while Dan cheered him on from the bench. An incredibly joyful, passionate man, Gabe makes life interesting. He would constantly walk into Dan and Andy's room during college to just hang out and chat, have numerous tea times and jam sessions, and he always managed to make the sun shine even through the long, harsh winters. A lover of Jesus and people, Dan looks up to Gabe even though Gabe resides at Dan's shoulder height.