Darian & Erik
Wedding Party
Madison Helgerson
Maid of Honor
Hello! My name is Madison and I am the bride's one and only sister! Being able to be a part of something so incredibly special means the absolute world to me. Not only do I get to see my sister become a wife, but I also get to welcome such an amazing person into our family. Looking forward to calling Erik my brother!
Phoenix Sanders
Best Man
Hey it’s Phoenix! I met Erik in junior college at Daytona state, I remember we all thought he was going to quit because he never unloaded his stuff from the clear bins from under his bed until spring semester, but it turns out with a little bit of peer pressure we became best friends. Countless hours of call of duty zombies, guitar hero and baseball helped make us as close as we are today.
John DePalma
Groomsman
I met Erik on the first day of work at MetLife. Our relationship blossomed after he farted and said “no bear”. I asked him what the heck that meant and we were. Buds ever since. I will always appreciate Erik’s enthusiasm for life and energy to make people feel included. He is a great friend and joyful person to be around.
Anna Dowse
Bridesmaid
I’m Anna, Erik’s most favorite sibling :) I never thought the day would come where someone could actually tame my baby brother, but here we are, zookeeper Dee, a job well done! I am more than excited and blessed to be welcoming you into this family as my new sister! I love you both so much and thank you for letting me be a part of your special day; now let’s get y’all fucking married!!
John Mason
Groomsman
Originally knew erik through our sisters friendship growing up and competing on the baseball field. From there we grew our friendship from middle school through present day. Erik was there for me through my drug addiction, and helping me get back on my feet after rehab. He will always be my best friend. Congratulations to Erik and Darian on their happy ever after!
Mark Saunders
Groomsman
One night, me and a few of the other interns went to go get drinks. At the time, Erik was working in the HR department. That night he proceeded to rip my shirt off in the bar and leave me with a $160 tab. That is when I realized two things: 1) this guy should not be in HR and 2) we just became best friends. The rest is history...
Mallory Register
Bridesmaid
Hi, I'm Mallory! Darian and I met while working together as zookeepers. We became fast friends. I am honored to have been asked to be a bridesmaid and am looking forward to being a part of the special day for the future Mrs. and Mr. Dowse! Can't wait to party it up, meet you all and celebrate the happy, beautiful couple!!
Bryan Dowse
Groomsman
I remember when he was just a wee lad homesick his first time away from home and his big bro came to spend the weekend with him. Now he’s all grown up and getting married. He’s her emotional problem now.
Matthew Dowse
Groomsman
And Nothing Will Ever Change That: Our Vast Differences They Do Not Matter At All I love you, brother Congratulations baby brother. I’m thrilled to be having Darian join our family and I wish you two all the best for the foreseeable future!
Shanna Gebo
Bridesmaid
Hey girl hey! My name is Shanna (like Shawna or Shauna) & I had the amazinggggg opportunity to meet Darian through our job at ZooTampa! From the first moment we found out we were both loud crazy hufflepuffs the rest was history! Shanna likes pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.
AJ Dowse
Groomsman
I’m pretty sure I have shared a living space with Erik for three quarters of his life, and I’m happy to see that someone else will bear that cross. Darian, May you never have to deal with being scared by Erik’s escaped snake while having to get ready for work in the morning, and please hold as many conversations with asleep Erik as you can. I am Happy for you both, and good luck!
Peter Dowse
Groomsman
I’m Pete, Erik’s ONLY guy cousin. Even though we live 1,300 miles away from each other, we have grown close over the past few years and it has been the best. I am VERY excited to be part of Erik and Darians special day!
Kirsten Lisenbery
Bridesmaid
Hi hi! I'm Kirsten! In 2020 while interning at the zoo I was lucky enough to have Darian as my intern coordinator. Shortly after we had the opportunity to work together as teammates! Through music & laughs & animals we quickly became close friends. It means the world to be able to be a part of her wedding party & I am so glad to have made a friend like Darian! I am so excited to celebrate the wedding of Erik & Darian!
Chris Purdy
Groomsman
I’ve known Eric for 20 years. I moved into lithia ridge and he was a little kid walking around the neighborhood living by the phrase, no shoes no shirt no problems. He’s been a pain in my ass since then. Here’s to another 20 years.