Derek & Matthew
Wedding Party
Bethany Ellis
Maid of Honor
Bethany and Derek met the summer before college. They were future students at Lee University and attending a pre-college honors course. As soon as they got to college, they became instant friends. As Sophomores, they both decided to leave Lee University to find success in Nashville, TN. Derek and Bethany were living their childhood dreams, forming a family of friends, laughing, and crying, while navigating life together. Through the years, Bethany has been a constant BEST friend. Bethany, as well as her family, have always treated Derek as a member of their own "pride". They have been an intregal influence in shaping who Derek is. After 20 years of friendship, love, and dedication, there is not another person in the world that Derek would want standing next to him on his big day.
Michael Bialko
Best Man
Matthew's twin and best friend. Michael has been a constant source of support, competition, and love throughout Matthew's life. Their memories have been abundant -- matching outfits and pre-school performances, muddy football practices and national swim meets, drinks at local NJ bars and cocktails on the beaches of Turks and Caicos. Matthew had the privilege of being Michael's Best Man in October 2014 and was blessed when Michael asked him to be the Godfather to he and Alyssa's son, Joseph. Ever the personable, witty, and handsome other half of this dynamic duo straight out of 1987, from tent parties and snow days to graduations and first birthday parties, Matthew is so blessed to have Michael, his fraternal pillar, stand next to him on this most important day.
Paul Tramel
Groomsman
Paul is Derek's first cousin. Because they are the same age, they grew up as close childhood friends. They have come a long way from the days of stealing every couch cushion an pillow in the house to construct the most reliable and functional forts west of the Mississippi. Their adolescent friendship has grown into a trusted relationship in their adult lives. Derek and Matt are grateful to count Paul and his wife Kori as both family and close friends.
Lauren (Bialko) Tomesko
Groomswoman
Matthew's sister and confidante, they have grown to have such a loving, supportive, and mutual relationship. Lauren's jovial spirit and love of family are characteristics she has greatly imparted upon her younger brother. From the moment she knew of Derek and Matthew's engagement, she has been excited and pragmatic, offering her sage and warm-hearted advice. From someone who has known elegance to its finest in her own marriage, she appreciates the finer details that have made Matthew and Derek's relationship work so well. Godfather to her and Chris' son, Christopher, Matthew is honored to have his sister as part of his wedding party on this special day.
David Tidwell
Groomsman
Derek and David have been friends for over 25 years. When Derek and David first met they were arch enemies. Derek had just started a new school where David was the lead trumpet player. At his previous school, Derek had always been number one. The feud was short lived and they quickly became best of friends. After his sophomore year, Derek moved back to St. Louis. David came to visit on weekends and even went on vacation with Derek's family. Over all they years, they have remained in contact, celebrating milestones in each others lives. David now has an amazing partner named Ryan and a beatiful daughter Olivia. Derek is so grateful to have David standing next to him in support after all the years and memories they have built together.
Christopher Tomesko
Groomsman
There are hardly words adequate to describe Matthew's brother-in-law, Chris. A man of intelligence, charisma, diligence, and generosity, Chris is the inspirational figure Matthew never knew he needed. An amazing father to Matthew's nephew & godson, Christopher, and friend to all he meets, Chris is a man who accepts people into his life who bring honesty and love. He knows how to have a fun time, but is also the business man you don't want to confront. Chris knows best how to make a deal, leading the way with Christmas-time engagements. He has made Matthew's sister, Lauren, one of the happiest women. Knowing of Derek and Matthew's pending union, he has been a fervent supporter and constant companion through the journey. Matthew is excited to have him standing beside him on this special day.
Cheyenne Pellicoro
Groomswoman
Derek had decided to go back to school in his 30's to explore a new carreer option. While studying Costume Design in NYC, he met Cheyenne in the same program. Right away, he knew she was a force to be reckoned with. She was bold and opinionated. She was creative and funny. Most of all she was compassionate beyond her years. Cheyenne has always been the kind of friend that shows up when she sees a friend in need. Although Derek and Cheyenne are years apart in age, they have never had a problem being there for one another and cultivating the kind of friendship that lasts forever. Cheyenne has always been like a little sister to Derek. Honestly, Derek owes her more than simple words could ever express. Derek is overjoyed to have her alongside him on such a joyus day.
Kristin Daniels
Groomswoman
A woman who's heart knows no bounds. Kristin and Matthew share a friendship that defies convention. Kristin and Matthew have known each other for the better part of 25 years and have been best friends since high school - in fact, they share the same birthday! There are no secrets between these two that have gone unknown - the good, the bad, and everything in between. Countless memories of life's greatest accomplishments and saddest moments, Kristin was one of the first to tell Matthew that Derek was "the one." She has vetted their long distance relationship and has celebrated their engagement - in fact, she has the video of the occasion! Matthew would not be the person he is today without her honesty and irreverence. Neither Matthew nor Derek could imagine their special day without her!
Caroline Steinkamp
Groomswoman
Derek and Caroline met on the great Theatrical Stage. After getting to know each other as fellow actors, they became friends of mutual friends. Over the years, little by little those other friends have come and gone and yet "Aunt Carol" remains. Derek Isn't sure where that nickname originated, but he knows why he uses it. Caroline is like the fun aunt everyone either has, or wishes they did. She's the one at family events that you hope is there, and miss if she isn't. She is always the life of the party, and also the best set of ears when you need to talk something out. You'll basically find Caroline at Derek and Matt's anytime she's not busy with work or music. Caroline is one of the good ones and both Derek and Matt are truly happy to share this day with her.
Danielle McLaughlin
Groomswoman
To say that Matthew & Danielle have always been on the same wavelength would be a lie. Yet, their unique -and at times sarcastic - friendship has been one that has tested time, maturing into an unbreakable lifelong bond. She has known how Matthew lives & loves, with he also privy to the same knowledge of her, it was on Danielle's birthday she first met Derek - the man who would change her friend's life for good. In quoting Broadway's blockbuster musicals, taunting each other with memories of years passed, and now sharing holidays at their respective homes, Danielle has been the mirror & springboard for Matthew's most intimate self inquisitions. From Pippin's muse and Prom sagas, to Christmas morning cookies and FaceTime convos, Derek & Matthew could not make this day happen in her absence.
Cali Tucker
Groomswoman
Cali and Derek lived across the hall from each other in Nashville. Both of them were pursuing Music and met in the hallway one day. They became quick friends. Many nights they shared new music they were writing, wrote together, and sang until they fell asleep in each others apartments. They have had so many adventures together it seems unreal. From auditioning to "The Voice" as a duet (and doing pretty well) to working on fitness in preperation for her run at Miss Tennessee USA. They have shared so many unique times and come out better friends after every single one of them. Cali has been loyal and true through every stage of Derek's life. When she found out Derek and Matt were getting engaged, she was elated. Derek's wedding party would be imcomplete without her in it.
Michelle Laing
Groomswoman
Matthew & Michelle have known each other for 31 years-- and counting! The girl who grew up around the corner, Michelle is and always has been an integral part of Matthew's life. Matthew's "sister from a different mister," as he has affectionately (and jokingly) referred to her, has been one of Matthew's closest confidantes. Although they have spent the better part of their adult lives apart, they have not gone without seeing each other. Michelle, the active "world traveler" made the expedition to visit Matthew in Grenada in 2014, enjoying everything that makes their friendship so special - love, laughter, beaches, and drinks! Picking up every conversation as though there isn't time and space between them, Matthew is excited to have his lifelong friend beside him on this most important day.