Wedding Party
Dr. Pierce O’Neil
Groom
Pierce is known for his intelligence, curiosity, and thoughtful, steady nature. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and built his career around a genuine love of science, discovery, and understanding how the world works at a deeper level. Pierce has a naturally analytical mind and a talent for solving complex problems, but those closest to him also know his quiet humor, dry wit, and the calm, level-headed perspective he brings to the people around him. Outside of his work, Pierce proudly embraces his inner gamer nerd and enjoys getting lost in immersive worlds, sharing stories and adventures through gaming with friends and with Coty. He also loves to travel and explore new places, always excited to experience new cultures and make new memories along the way. At the center of Pierce’s life is his love for Coty. Their relationship is built on laughter, curiosity, and a deep partnership that continues to grow stronger every day. Pierce’s calm and thoughtful nature pairs beautifully with Coty’s passion and energy, creating a balance that makes their life together both exciting and grounded. Whether they are exploring somewhere new or simply relaxing at home, Pierce finds the greatest joy in the life they are building together.
Coty Gilliland
Groom
Coty is known for his warmth, big heart, and natural ability to bring people together. He holds an Associate Degree in Occupational Science in Fitness and Nutrition and is currently pursuing dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Philosophy, with plans to continue into graduate studies and build a career in mental health and developmental care. With years of experience in wellness and education as a licensed massage therapist and instructor, Coty has always been driven by a deep love for helping people feel supported, understood, and empowered. Friends and family know him as someone who is equal parts passionate and a little chaotic in the best way, bringing energy, humor, and life wherever he goes while also having a remarkable ability to ground the people around him with compassion and steady support. At the center of Coty’s world is Pierce, whose love, partnership, and steady presence have become his greatest source of joy and motivation. Together they bring out the best in each other and are building a life rooted in laughter, curiosity, and the belief that the most meaningful things in life are the ones you grow and work toward side by side through the good and the bad.
Aria Rose Triska
Best Lady
Aria has been one of Pierce’s closest friends since the two met in graduate school, and over the years she has become an important part of both his and Coty’s lives. Known for her insight, intelligence, and steady perspective, Aria is often the voice of reason when things get complicated and the person both of them turn to for thoughtful advice. She brings a calm wisdom, sharp humor, and a deep loyalty to the people she cares about. As their Best Lady, Aria represents a friendship that has grown alongside Pierce’s journey and continues to support both him and Coty as they begin this next chapter together.
Chase Cullen Carlson
Best Man
Chase has been one of Coty’s closest friends for years and is the kind of person who shows up for the people he loves without hesitation. Known for his humor, loyalty, and enthusiasm for a little well-timed chaos, Chase has shared countless adventures, late-night conversations, and memorable mischief with Coty along the way. Over time, he has also become an important part of Coty and Pierce’s life together, offering support, laughter, and the occasional dose of reality when it’s needed. As our Best Man, Chase represents years of friendship, loyalty, and the kind of bond that easily extends into our next chapter of life together.
Pam O’Neil
Mother of the Groom (By Love and by Choice)
Pam came into Pierce’s life when he was four and a half years old, bringing two teenage boys with her and helping shape the loving family that surrounds him today. From the beginning, Pierce bonded easily with his older brothers and always treated his younger sister with kindness and care. Books, games, and puzzles came naturally to him, and while he did have a competitive streak and really wanted to win, those moments often led to warm conversations about remembering to play for the joy of it. Over the years, Pam has had the privilege of watching Pierce grow into the thoughtful, talented, and deeply kind person he is today. She loves her family fiercely and values them in every possible way. Kind yet direct, Pam carries a warmth, honesty, and strength that Pierce and Coty both deeply admire, and she holds a truly special place in their family.
Dusty Sanders
Mother of the Groom
Dusty is Coty’s mother and someone who has always carried a deep love for her family. Coty is the oldest of 4 kids with two sisters and a brother. She takes great pride in the person Coty has grown into and enjoys sharing his accomplishments with others, celebrating the many things he has worked hard to achieve. Family is important to her, and she cares deeply about the people she loves. When Coty first met Pierce, Dusty quickly became familiar with his name, as Coty often spoke about him with excitement and admiration from the very beginning. Even then, it was clear that Pierce was someone special in Coty’s life. Watching that relationship grow into the life they are now building together brings a sense of joy and pride. She is happy to share in this moment as Coty and Pierce celebrate their love and begin the next chapter of their lives together.
Tim O’Neil
Father of the Groom
Pierce’s dad has always been a steady and loving presence in his life. He cares deeply about his family and shows it in the ways that matter most, through his warmth, his kindness, and the way he makes everyone around him feel welcome. He is the kind of person who greets people with a hug and a genuine smile, the sort of hug that makes you feel instantly at home. Over the years, he has helped raise Pierce with a deep appreciation for family and a genuine care for others. Sweet, warmhearted, and a little bit like a human teddy bear, he has a comforting presence that makes people feel at ease. He is also a proud K-State fan, which some in the family may consider a questionable life choice (Rock Chalk). But one thing no one questions is how deeply he loves his family and how grateful everyone is to have him in their lives.
Andy Sanders
Father of the Groom (By Love and by Choice)
Andy came into Coty’s life early in his childhood when he married Dusty and stepped naturally into the role of father. Andy was always a positive father figure from the beginning and he embraced the responsibility of raising four children as his own and has loved them with a generous and steady heart ever since. He showed up for the moments that mattered, from sporting events to choir concerts and school musicals, always present and supportive. Andy has a deeply caring nature and a quiet way of making people feel loved and valued. He also happens to be a bit of a proud nerd who loves gaming, a trait Coty most likely and definitely inherited from him. His presence, support, and steady love have meant more than words can easily express, and he holds a special place in Coty’s life and family.
Julie O’Neil
Mother of the Groom
Julie is Pierce’s proud and devoted mother, and she often reflects on motherhood as one of the most meaningful and rewarding adventures of her life. From the moment Pierce was born, she felt deeply blessed to be his mom and cherished every stage of watching him grow. His humor, intelligence, and endless curiosity brought joy to her life throughout his childhood, and even the challenges of parenting are memories she now looks back on with gratitude. Today, Julie is incredibly proud of the thoughtful, accomplished man Pierce has become and the life he is building. She especially admires his steady nature and the sound, level-headed advice he offers as an adult. Julie’s love for Pierce has always been unwavering, and she is grateful to celebrate this new chapter with him. She has also shared that Pierce has enriched her life by bringing Coty into it, and from the very beginning she has made Coty feel welcomed, valued, and deeply loved as part of the family.