Meet The Fam
Derek's Parents
Rick and Kathy Roland
Originally from Rochester NY, Rick and Kathy now live in Fishkill-a short 10 minute drive from Beacon-with their dog Lexie. They are now retired and enjoy camping in their trailer and hanging with the grandkids. Rick has taken up pickle ball, and Kathy makes the best Spanakopita.
Deanna's Mom
Roxanne Higbee
Roxanne was Deanna's first dance teacher. Tap dance is Roxanne's favorite style, and she runs her own studio in Kansas City. Thanks to her, Deanna grew up obsessed with Ginger Rogers.
Derek's Sister And Family
Heather, Matt, Avery, and Gemma Persico
Heather is Derek's favorite (and only) little sister even though she unplugged the sump pump when they were kids. Matt is a pilot and built a home brewery. Avery (10) plays soccer, basketball, and the drums. Gemma (7) has just started fencing and enjoys whacking Uncle D with a foam sword. Uncle D has taken a backseat to "Aunt Deanna" since they met her-and who can blame them?
Deanna's Sister And Family
Cameo, Joe, Morea, and Brecken Cummings
Cameo is not just Deanna's older sister, but she is also her best friend. She's pretty much the family's CEO, Director of Communications, and Head Archivist all rolled into one. Joe, is a wonderful, giving guy who makes an unforgettable salmon on the grill. Morea is the most responsible 11-year-old you will ever encounter, and she and Deanna share a special bond--their birthday. Brecken (5) thought Deanna was really cool until he met Derek. Now, even when bribed with a $5 bill, says he prefers Derek.
Derek's Grandma
Delores Giorgio
Delores was born in West Virginia and lives in Rochester, NY. She is known in the family for her "sauce"-and her breaded eggplant, which she makes for Derek every time he visits.
Deanna's Brother
Todd Higbee
Todd is Deanna's little brother. Growing up, he called her Danna (to her delight) and she called him Toodles (not to his delight). They have continued to call each other by these names. Carley (pictured here) is Todd's girlfriend.
Derek's Aunt and Uncle
Debbie and Phil LaGraff
Aunt Debbie is also affectionately referred to by Derek as "Grasshopper", and taught him most of what he knows about Real Estate. Derek and Uncle Phil love to talk politics and Seinfeld.
Deanna's Dad and Stepmom
Bob and Phyllis Doyle
Bob and Phyllis are health coaches. Between the two of them, they have seven daughters. Favorite conversation topics include Alan Watts, apple fritters, and Steely Dan. Deanna still does not know what a Steely Dan is.
Derek's Cousin Jenna
Jenna, Ben, and Everett Osborne
Jenna and Ben have a beautiful 1 year old daughter Everett and love going to concerts, checking out local breweries, and of course the Buffalo Bills.
Deanna's Aunt and Uncle
Anita and Terry Eakins
Terry, Roxanne's brother, enjoys Turner Classic Movies, tells funny cat stories, and can get you a good deal on a car. Anita, a nurse, is incredibly crafty, makes the best <insert here whatever dish/dessert you can think of>, and, alongside Deanna's grandmother, gave Deanna her first sewing lesson.
Derek's Cousin Cordell
Cordell, Rachel, and Joaquin Cordaro
Cordell and Rachel are both professional artists. They have a handsome 1-year old son and have another child on the way! Cordell ran at the exact same speed as Derek growing up, despite being dragged down by the world's longest 'rat tail'.
Deanna's Cousin Alyssa and Fam
Alyssa, Danny, Declan, and Hank O'Meara
Alyssa and Danny live in Kansas City with their two kids Declan and Hank. This Danny (as opposed to Alyssa's brother Danny) goes by Danny O. Alyssa is easy to spot because she is always wearing cool shoes.
Deanna's Cousin Jeff and Fam
Jeff, Fabiola, Sienna, James, and William Eakins
Jeff and Fabiola currently live in Georgia with their beautiful children Sienna, James and William. Jeff is in the military and Deanna enjoys scrolling through Fabiola's photos of their family at the beach.
Deanna's Cousin Kyle and Fam
Kyle, Cortnee, and Rae Eakins
Kyle and Cortnee currently live in Florida with their little one, Rae. If you get into a physical match at the wedding, you don't want it to be with these two. They are very athletic and strong and will definitely take you down.
Deanna's Cousin Danny
Danny Eakins
Danny lives in Kansas City and is known as being an incredible uncle. He is kind, sensitive, and reliable, and he has a soft spot in Deanna's heart because he once joined a bookclub that she started.
Our Wedding Photographer
Bjorn Bolinder-Find The Light Photography
We are thrilled to have Bjorn attending our wedding and being a part of our day! He is also the master behind the lens of the dance photos you see on this site and in our invitations.