Melat & Derek
Wedding Party
Liam Tadesse-Jensen
Ring Bearer
The goodest boy.
Remi Tadesse-Jensen
Flower Girl
Like Sour Patch Kids, Remi is sour but sweet.
Khadijah Ameen
Maid of Honor
My Maid of Honor, Best Friend, Mentor, Sister, and friend for life. I don't think I could have have survived Chicago without her. Khadijah will likely save the world and be our first Black, female president but until then I'll monopolize her time with menial wedding tasks.
Jayce Jensen
Best Man
My younger brother, best friend, and my Best Man. From practicing our WWF wrestling moves on each other to traveling London so that he could capture the proposal. Jayce has been there for me entire life and I can’t wait to have him by my side on our big day.
Zufane Tadesse
Bridesmaid
I'm not entirely sure when we first met but I've been referring to Zufane as my cousin ever since I can remember, blood couldn't make us closer. There are very few childhood memories that don't involve Zufane. We discovered (dial-up) internet together, traded and made burned CDs for each other and rode bikes together. Today we still ride bikes together, we just get mistaken for a couple when we do it.
Ashton Miller
Groomsman
Chances are you’ll see Ashton, AKA Ashton Slaymaker, on the dance floor or at the bar. You’ll know it is him when you see him, which will probably be at the bar. He is one of my best friends. We’ve been through high times and we’ve been through low times but we’ve always been there for each other. I’m excited that he will be there for the best of the high times in my life, my wedding.
Kim Jauregui-Diaz
Bridesmaid
Kim and I go way back to the days of Abercrombie popped collars, jean skirts, and suffocating Hollister perfumes, also known as Freshman year of High School. Some of my best memories (and questionable decisions) involve Kim, I never laugh harder or louder than when I do when I'm around her. I was honored to share Kim's special day with her and now it's her turn to help me take Patron shots.
David Mursener-Gonzales
Groomsman
The friend/co-worker from the “How We Met” story. I met David when we both worked at Discover. I had just come back from my internship and he was just about to leave for his. I don’t think either one of us knew all the memories and friendship that would follow.
Feven Kebede
Bridesmaid
It's safe to say Feven and I singlehandedly kept Barnes & Noble in business during our college years. We’ve shared plenty of late-night study sessions, sushi dates, and heart to heart conversations. We grew so close we’ve actually been mistaken for each other and even dressed up as Tia and Tamera for a budget friendly Halloween (you can’t unsee it now, can you lol). Although we haven’t lived in the same city for years, we’re always able to pick up right where we left off whenever we’re together.
Ezana Tadesse
Groomsman
Ezana is Melat’s older brother. From the moment we met, he has welcomed me into the family with open arms. It’s honor to have him be part of our special day.
Weddeth Mihitawi
Bridesmaid
Heart of gold, that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Wedds. She’s the type of person that makes you want to be a better person and friend. Wedds knew Derek was planning to propose years before he went through with it so when I called to share the news the night we got engaged all she could say was it’s about time!
Dallan Withers
Groomsman
Dallan and I have known each other since we young Bobcats attending Bennion Jr High. It wasn’t until my 21st birthday party that we became more best friends. That night... well it’s better to stop here. But let’s say it was the first of many drunk memories that always make for a great story. I can’t wait for him to be a part of my Wedding.