Alexa & Andrew
Wedding Party
Alanna Morici-Heiland
Matron of Honor
Established in 1996(ish) at Carroll Manor Elementary School, the friendship of Alexa & Alanna has contained lots of nonsense, heart, laughs, and chaos! From horror movies, margaritas, Girl Scouts, running amok through the neighborhood and eating questionable berries- then DIYing "fresh berry juice"- and wheeling each other across a basement strapped to a rolling chair- it's a wonder these two gals lived to tell the tale!
Emily Waugh
Matron of Honor
In 2012 in the Douglass House dorm at Towson University (Geaux Tigers!), both gals were given the option to leave their questionable respective roommates to live with each other; and a friendship blossomed! Alexa made sure Emily socialized, and Emily made sure Alexa studied (even teaching her a semester of statistics in 1 night- yes, Alexa passed with flying colors). When not studying to pass their brutal college courses together, these two gals could be found watching Parks & Rec, sneaking sushi into movie theatres, and thrifting. Emily is now a wife and mama, and Alexa is excited to teach her new baby niece how to do backflips ASAP.
Tessa Niehoff
Officiant
What can we say about Tess that hasn't been shared already on our site? Should we note that this wedding would not be possible without her and her desire to eat hot dogs with friends? Tess met Alexa in high school band class senior year, and the two quickly became besties. She met Andrew in college while finding her people amongst the engineering crowed at University of MD. Aside from her being the literal MVP "White Coat" of our high school class, a bilingual, kick-butt engineer and diplomat across multiple countries, and an avid adventurer/climber/biker, she is hands down the most kind and marvelous lady. We could not be luckier to know, love, and be loved by our amazing friend and officiant!
Mike Der
Best Man
In the spirited town called Adventure's Edge, two fifth graders, Mike and Andrew, embarked on a friendship that was destined to be etched in the legend. Their saga began amidst a series of rainy camping trips which laid the foundation of a friendship built on curiosity and shared randomness. Mike, with a heart as vast as the ocean and a spirit as unbound as the wind, had an insatiable appetite for hobbies and adventures. From the intricate worlds of board games to the adrenaline-pumping trails of mountain biking, his enthusiasm knew no bounds. Andrew was the perfect companion, always ready to dive into Mike's latest obsession, and alternatively ready to provide a few of his own. These adventures only added to the layers of joyous camaraderie. Through the years, their bond only grew stronger, a testament to the magic that began in the humble confines of boy scouts. Mike's endless reservoir of interests and Andrew's unwavering enthusiasm proved to be the secret ingredients to a friendship that was as enduring as it was extraordinary.
Tyler Brown
Best Man
In the lively and unpredictable world of Middle School, within the walls of the crazy classroom of Ms. Fadul, Tyler and Andrew's friendship begins. Together, they navigated the labyrinth of high school life, from surviving the most awkward of teachers to the never-ending saga of what are girls. Their friendship truly took flight during the countless weekend hangouts, where the only pla was to have no plan at all. Whether they ended up marathon-playing flash games, embarking on spontaneous trips, or simply accidently risking our lives. The pinnacle of their adventure came with a trip to Europe before graduation—a journey that was half-planned, half-whim. It was during this trip, amidst the ancient streets of Barcelona or casinos of London they learned the fine art of balancing thoughtful planning and spontaneous spirit. They emerged not just as friends but as brothers in spirit, ready to face whatever the future held with the perfect blend of planning and improvisation
Beatrice Garcia
Bridesmaid
Fun fact- Beatrice (and now husband Mike) were on Andrew and Alexa's first date at Earth Treks! While Alexa and Bea appear different on the surface because of their wildly different careers, they have found so much in common over the years. The two have non-stop laughs, amazingly similar musical tastes, love to cheer each-other on during climbing sessions, and both cherish the same reality TV (while drinking from fancy goblets)! Bea and Lex can usually be found eating sushi, sharing memes and tiktoks, watching true crime documentaries, or accidentally choosing terrible movies on wine night but laughing through them anyway and cherishing the time together.
Karen Arledge
Bridesmaid
Karen and Alexa met at Relay Elementary School in August 2019, when some goofy principal thought that two speech therapists AND an ESOL teacher could somehow share a classroom. While ultimately they didn't share an office, they shared many memories, and eventually a home for a couple of years. Ask Karen about a motel in Orlando and "The Queen", meeting a celebrity.....IYKYK! This friendship blossomed between climbing, festivals, "Gary Day", and even being home to capture the Linhard engagement!
Emma Danz
Bridesmaid
Emma is a near and dear blue- and-white NDP bestie. The pair became friends in band class and AP gov. While Emma was studios and an amazing role model, Alexa was- doing her best! Despite living in different states for much of their friendship, the bond has only grown stronger over time. Emma's sense of adventure and kindness have made for wonderful stories between Cancun, helping Lex with her business events in the pouring rain, high school tomfoolery and fiestas, yoga woes, and now-climbing!
Bridget Carrig-Brickhouse
Bridesmaid
Bridget and Alexa became friends through band class in high school. Even though Alexa didn't quite find the friend group until senior year, the years that followed have more than made up for missed time in high school! They were ALWAYS late to everything in NYC, always started something weird in fast-food lines, dressed up as Lady Gaga on multiple occasions, got caught in 2 snowstorms together, navigated Cancun and senior week like professionals, survived Anatomy and weird frat parties at Towson University, and slowly became even more conjoined when Alexa introduced Bridget to her future husband at her 21st birthday party. These two girls were surely meant to meet and be forever friends!