Joseph & Semrin
Wedding Party
Joseph Gillespie
Groom
he would, "rather be nice and shiny." That pretty much sums it up. Don't ask him about early American history or show him a Roman wall...you'll be stuck there for hours.
Semrin Aleckson
Bride
or is it Natalia....Hint: If you quote Disney movies or Harry Potter to her, she will be your best friend. Also, she will tell you about the latest vlog she's been watching.
Leo Mayhew
Honor Attendant
Leon is the officiant for this whole thing. Started out at Mount Vernon where the groom, in order to get his attention, would use Morse code to signal him. Leroy was not a fan of this. Since then, Leonardo and Joe have become close friends. A friendship based on insults, puns, and many conversations on slavery. Slavery will likely come up as a topic between these two during the wedding.
Michelle Drouse Woodhouse
Maid of Honor
Michelle is Semrin's amazing role model, big sister (both in real life and in Pi Beta Phi) and best friend since day 1 (honestly I don't know what I would do without her). Ever since Semrin could walk, she would often be seen following Michelle around like her shadow and has been Michelle's #1 fan ever since. Not many 10 year olds get to say their cool big sister took them to their first concert (it was Britney Spears and it was AWESOME) or took them on an amazing sister trip to Maui when they graduated middle school. Michelle is the ultimate #bosslady. She does it all...works hard, stays active in her Pi Phi Community, and is the world's best mom to Ava and Lana (the flower girls!)
Michael Gillespie
Best Man
Eldest brother of the groom. Michael works as an English teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools.
Siobhan Wicks
Bridesmaid
Siobhan and Semrin met at the 8th Grade spelling bee at DJAMS. Good thing neither of them knew how to spell "Chrysanthemum" because that sparked a friendship that has lasted over 12 years. And as if it were foreshadowing in a young adult novel, Semrin ran into Siobhan at least three times the summer before they started High School. Through French class shenanigans, fangirling over books, High School, and even long distance friendship these two have stayed the best of friends and will continue to do so (Sorry Siobhan, you're stuck with me!).
Kevin Gillespie
Groomsman
Younger brother of the groom. Both grew up interested in some rather nerdy things. Since then both do rather enjoy similar hobbies of painting miniatures and games.
Francesca Wicks
Bridesmaid
The eldest Wicks Chick and basically the cool big sister of Semrin's friend group at Aliso Niguel High School. Semrin and Francesca have been on some amazing adventures together, including midnight gallivants to Platform 9 3/4 followed by a London McDonalds run. She's the "Dulci de Leche" to Semrin's "Life Saver with Cinnamon Flavor". They're basically sisters from another mister...and another mother.
Jonathan Gillespie
Groomsman
Youngest brother of the groom. Recently, started college at George Mason University as an engineering student. Jesus Christ why are there so many of them?
Teddy Wicks
Bridesmaid
Semrin and Teddy can be caught on the phone for hours talking about anything related to Taylor Swift, makeup, and just life in general. They really started bonding over Glee back when it first came out and would randomly sing the songs to each other. Their friendship further developed when Semrin started giving Teddy rides home and they would laugh at the random songs on the radio. They have been besties ever since. BATH AND BODY WORKS IS...THE WORST.
Michael Fitzpatrick
Groomsman
One of the oldest friends of the groom. They met in Middle School and bonded over Games Workshop. Since then they regularly meet to play with little toy soldiers. Michael often wins.
Linda Santamaria
Bridesmaid
Linda and Semrin met at George Mason Unversity Freshman Orientation back in 2010. They were randomly selected to be suite mates in their college dorm for their Sophomore year and have been inseparable ever since and are often overheard calling each other "soul mate". They share a love of all things Harry Potter and Taylor Swift, and enjoy eating papusas (look them up). They often have deep conversations about the world and can talk for hours. Their love knows know bounds and Linda is stuck with Semrin five ever (that's more than for - ever).
Cindy League
Groomswoman
Close friend of the groom. They met while working at Mount Vernon. While she works in D.C. now they still keep in touch and can often be found playing board games with Semrin and other friends from Mount Vernon.
Keith Aleckson
Father of the Bride
Keep a look out for this wonderful father of the bride. Him and Semrin are often found together talking about anything and everything and quoting Big Bang Theory. The father daughter bond is strong in these two.
Gary Gillespie
Father of the Groom
Father of the groom. Served in the Air Force and took his kids on many wonderful adventures around the country to where he was stationed. Essentially, he was the "ultimate dad."
Sevda Aleckson
Mother of the Bride
The Anne "mother" of the bride. Sevda came all the way to the United States from Turkey when she was 17 and has instilled a love of Turkish culture, food, language, and hospitality in Semrin. The two love shopping for deals and sharing in many adventures together. They are the mother-daughter duo to beat.
Linda Gillespie
Mother of the Groom
Mother of the groom. She is, like one of her sons, a teacher in Fairfax County, a d teaches chemistry. she also tells chemistry jokes periodically.
Ava Woodhouse
Flower Girl
The oldest niece of Semrin. When they get together they are often seen playing Barbies or some other game that Ava made up.
Jack Jack
Ring Bearer
But really he carries one of the rings
Lana Woodhouse
Flower Girl
Lana is the Semrin's youngest niece and little ball of energy. Lana is Ava's shadow and Semrin loves anytime she gets to spend with her adorable nieces.
Mary Mac
Ring Bearer
She carries one of the rings too!