Best Man
Paul and Derek met in their freshman year of college during WMU STEM orientation. Paul lived a couple doors down the hall, and they spent their days studying together and playing euchre and ping-pong. Paul has always been prepared for a fishing trip—in fact, one of Derek's favorite memories with Paul is a trip they took to fish in the Thornapple River in Hastings. Their friendship has been full of adventure and plenty of laughs. Paul has always been a great friend who values time with those he cares about. This will be the second wedding Paul has stood in as the Best Man, so you can expect him to look cool and collected on the big day.
Matron of Honor
Lindsey and Harmony first met in their Organic Chemistry course at Grand Valley State University. They quickly bonded over their love for iced coffee and similar tastes in music—which were both necessities for their late-night study sessions! Lindsey is an absolutely remarkable person; she is warm-hearted, generous, creative, and witty. Harmony is beyond thankful to have her as both her Matron of Honor and friend. Lindsey brings the fun with her everywhere she goes, so you can likely expect to find her on the dance floor at the wedding!
Groomsman
James is Derek’s younger brother and first entered Derek’s life when he was only 15 months old—meaning Derek has never truly known a life without him. Growing up, the two had many shared interests, including hunting, basketball, baseball, ping-pong, and video games. Some of Derek’s fondest memories with James are family camping trips, where the two went tubing, fishing, and enjoyed each other’s company around the campfire. James remains young at heart and is remarkably creative, which Derek admires. At the wedding, you can expect James to show off his talent for writing with a brother-of-the-groom speech.
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Harmony first met their freshman year in the Honors College at GVSU. With their dorms just down the hall from one another, they spent a lot of time together outside of class, hanging out, making crafts, and enjoying late night meals at Connection. Lauren has always been up for adventure, making friendship with her exciting. She has been both a wonderful friend and supporter of Derek and Harmony’s relationship over the years, and they are both truly honored that she will be part of their special day.
Groomsman
Joe and Derek met in their freshman year of college, during STEM orientations at WMU. Joe and Derek’s friendship continued to strengthen over their shared interests of disc golf, weightlifting, and video games. One of Derek’s greatest memories with Joe is when the two of them took a brewery tour at Arcadia Ales, because it was a unique experience they were able to share with one another and it taught them to appreciate the science behind each step in the brewing process. Joe is a laidback, welcoming, and considerate friend and Derek is so thankful to have him take part in this special day.
Bridesmaid
Kate was first introduced to the boys’ friend group as Joe’s long-time girlfriend. When Derek first met Kate, she was super excited to see the therapy puppies WMU had brought to the campus as part of a student de-stress program. Harmony first met Kate after she and Joe were already engaged. After a fun afternoon of bowling and laser tag with the group, they all went to Sweetwater’s for donuts. Joe and Kate were planning to serve donuts at their upcoming wedding and asked everyone to pick their favorite flavors. Joe and Kate have since married, and their marriage is something beautiful that Derek and Harmony truly admire. Kate is sweet and incredibly thoughtful, and Harmony is so grateful that her relationship with Derek has also gained her such a wonderful friend.
Groomsman
Will and Derek met when they were assigned to be roommates their freshman year at WMU. They hit it off quickly and remained roommates throughout their entire college experience. Will is easygoing and spontaneous, and Derek has enjoyed his friendship with Will because it draws him out of his own comfort zone. Together they have weightlifted, hunted, fished, and played volleyball. Will introduced Derek to rock climbing, snowboarding, and jet skiing, and together they took up racquetball. Needless to say, friendship with Will has made Derek appreciate the possibilities in life. Derek is beyond grateful to have Will standing beside him as he steps into this new adventure.
Bridesmaid
Derek first met Brandi while living in the dorms with Will, Joe, and Paul their sophomore year. As the RA for their floor, Brandi took notice of the boys hanging out in the study lounge, playing euchre and joking around, and they invited her to join. She named herself the boys' "Mother Duck" and took them under her wing. She would invite the boys to arts and crafts activities and joined them for WMU football and hockey games. When Harmony later came into the picture, Brandi was so welcoming from their first interaction and has remained a kind and supportive friend ever since. Her excitement for Derek and Harmony’s engagement made them feel that much more ecstatic for their big day, and they are both so delighted that she will be part of it.
Flower Girl