Marissa & Nicholas
Wedding Party
Lindsey Birrell
Maid of Honor
Five foot, three inches of pure attitude and pizazz, that’s Lindsey to a T. Sisters from birth, but best friends by choice, the two share an inseparable bond. Through all the childhood memories and laughter the pair have been through it all, thick and thin. While Marissa was away to college, they kept up on each other’s lives and gossip through late night Skype calls. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, they probably could have used some of that distance in the back seat of the family truck on the 30 plus hour drive to Yellowstone National Park, one of the many family road trips, seeing all the wonder that America has to offer while all the while cultivating one of the most loving relationships sisters can share.
Alexander Wolf
Best Man
Finding someone who can match Nick’s stubbornness was not an easy feat. Alex and Nick have shared so much time together since their introduction in college. Shortly after graduating from Grand Valley the two were reunited on the east side of the state where they became coworkers at neighboring desks only a few feet apart. They then turned their mutual love of hockey into Red Wings season tickets where you could often find them pre-game in Greektown or suffering the dismal hockey on the ice. Can someone spend too much time together? They’ve put this question to the test and have answered it with a lifelong friendship.
Samantha Maples
Bridesmaid
On Wednesdays we wear sweatpants! That was Samantha and Marissa in high school, but their story grew from their common interest of reading during a 7th grade class and blossomed into the love and friendship they share today. From road trips and sleepovers, to brunch and couples game nights, their friendship has never wavered. In 2012 they cemented that bond with matching tattoos, a symbol of their special bond. If we’re all lucky, maybe the pair will reenact their Sing Star days with some wedding day karaoke!
Tyler Dunham
Groomsman
If you’re looking for a smart, charming, goofball, look no further that Tyler. The lovable doofus (or Doof) that Nick made fast friends with at Grand Valley. The two would often be found in each others apartments sharing a cup of coffee or a game of ‘chel. They would often car-poole to the downtown campus together, sitting three abreast in the front bench seat of Nick’s pickup truck. Tyler always called middle, because thats where he said his 6+ foot frame felt safest (we did say goofball, didn’t we?). Tyler is also one of the most empathetic guys around, a great quality in a true friend!
Jillian Alexander
Bridesmaid
While roommates at Baker College, Jillian and Marissa became fast friends. While sharing common rooms and a concoction of Popcorn and M&Ms that the paired coined, “Buttery Deliciousness”, it was muttered a few times that they’d be “roomies for life”. Jill could always be counted on to inject some of her lively personality to spark some energy into a room. A kindhearted and beautiful soul make her one of Marissa’s greatest friends, even today many years removed from the days in Room 208 in Baker Hall West. Be sure to look out for Jill’s famous moves on the dance floor!
Ryan Fookes
Groomsman
After finishing up their freshman year of college Ryan and Nick were looking for roommates for the upcoming year. Little did they know that they would be tied together for the next three! Their apartments were always alight with the scent of a Sage & Citrus Yankee Candle, a scent Ryan always claimed was his favorite, and a movie on the television (Nick made sure to keep Frozen and Pitch Perfect on deck). Friends often called the pair Grandma and Grandpa, though we’re still not sure who is who!