Christina & Nelson
Wedding Party
Madison Rudy
Maid of Honor
Tina and Madison met during their freshman year of college at Penn State and quickly became fast friends, and eventually roommates. Especially during senior year, Madison and Tina grew incredibly close, even taking an art class together and carpooling every week (while playing Pokemon Go, of course). Madison and Tina always had a shared bond over cozy video games and cartoons — later expanding those interests to books and anime! Madison recently moved close to Tina and Nelson, making it perfect for late-night hangouts, mall dates and couch gossip sessions. Tina truly values Madison as a friend she can confide in, and whether it be going to The Living Tombstone concert, or driving 200 miles to a Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, Tina knows Madison is someone she can always rely on.
Madeline Walbert
Bridesmaid
Tina and Madeline met one fateful night at a birthday party at Penn State and the rest is history. All Madeline had to ask was “do you like Sailor Moon and anime too?” And Tina knew they would be friends forever. From the minute these two met, Tina and Madeline were a giggly pair of friends who always knew how to have fun. Early on, Madeline and Tina clicked — the pair understood each other intrinsically. And throughout the years at college, Madeline and Tina always had the loudest laughs together. Whether it be ordering DP Dough and watching the Rainbow Sponge video, dancing to Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” or partying during Arts Fest, Tina knows Madeline is always a friend ready to have fun and throw down.
Hannah Villhauer
Bridesmaid
Tina met Hannah freshman year of college at Penn State, as the two ended up living on the same dorm floor. During an icebreaker game set up by their Resident Living Assistant, Tina and Hannah were the only two people to step forward when the group was asked who enjoyed playing video games. From that moment on, Tina knew Hannah was someone special. Over the years Hannah and Tina grew incredibly close, even becoming roommates. Whether it be discussing cryptids and Scooby Doo, visiting Sue Paterno’s house uninvited on Halloween or driving 40 minutes to Altoona during an ice storm, Tina knows Hannah will always be there to bring fun and light up any room she enters.
Mike Spak
Best Man
Mike was born a baby. Then, Mike and Nelson met at Penn State during Nelson’s freshman year and quickly became friends over their one shared interest: comics. This hobby found a home in the Students of SHIELD, Penn State’s premier club for all things comic book related. Nelson remembers fond times freshman year as he and Mike would take on the roles of Captain America and Iron Man respectively, during comic book readings at club meetings. Over the years, Nelson and Mike become close friends, not only bonding over comics, but also Star Wars, video games And Mike’s attempt to explain wrestling lore. Though the two friends live a distance away from each other, Nelson knows Mike is always there to hop on for a game of Helldivers and chat the night away.
Dan Jaep
Groomsman
Dan was born. Similar to Mike, Dan and Nelson met during a Students of SHIELD club meeting. Though at first the two didn’t know each other very well, the pair became quite acquainted when club members began referring to them as “sexy beard guy one and two.” Though Nelson knew Dan would always be at club meetings every Thursday night, the pair began meeting at the college gym during the week to get their swole on. Throughout their time at Penn State, Nelson grew to appreciate Dan’s deadpan humor and levelheadedness. Though they both live far apart, Nelson is always happy to see his buddy at conventions and the occasional (painful) rock climbing excursion.
Alex Caraynoff
Groomsman
Alex was born an adult. Nelson and Alex met freshman year on the gauntlet of the volleyball courts outside East Halls. Nelson was just walking by, when Alex asked to play. From there, the two hung out nearly every week with their growing friend group. They became roommates the following year, and would remain roommates through the entirety of college. Their friendship was defined by reliability, from rides to the airport to driving “someone” to the hospital because he sliced open his hand trying to put a hole in his belt. Alex has been a sturdy pillar on which Nelson can always count on for support, even today.