Wedding Party
Rhonda Williams
Mother of the Bride
Marissa's best friend and guiding light. The woman who's patience knows no bounds. Rhonda is very much the mom who is always prepared and knows everything, though it took Marissa a long time to realize, accept, and admit. Marissa and Rhonda continue to teach each other lessons and always take opportunities to learn from each other. A lighthouse of generational change, Rhonda's story is one of hard work, love for her family, and determination toward her vision for what she could create for them.
Geeta Banwasi
Mother of the Groom
Geeta was a woman of incredible courage and strength. She brought Karan to America and raised him on her own in New York City before they moved to Chicago in Karan's high school years. She never met a person who she didn't try to help or try to feed dinner to and she never met a problem she couldn't tackle. She taught Karan many things lovingly but with a high level of discipline, namely how to care for his loved ones, how to harness his drive toward success, and how to be a good person.
Kevin Williams
Father of the Bride
Kevin is lovingly referred to as "himself." Though it is hard to explain with so little space, it essentially means that Kevin is going to do exactly what he wants to do exactly when he wants to do it. That being said, all he ever wants is to see his family happy and successful. He has done everything in this life toward that end. Marissa has always been a daddy's girl. The most famous lesson Kevin has taught and continues to teach Marissa is "finesse, not force," a lesson that Marissa's uses daily in her use of strength, her communication, and every facet of her life. Also, GO PACK, GO!
Kavita Rao
Cousin of the Groom
While they are cousins, Kavita has always been like a big sister to Karan. They grew up together, spending weekends and festivals together, until Karan move to the US. Eventually when she moved to the US they continued to spend Karan's adolescence together. Kavita was the person Karan could talk to about things he couldn't discuss with his mom. Kavi is always there to listen and work through problems with.
Jene Iceberg
Maid of Honor
Jene and Marissa met at the bus stop in elementary school and have been friends ever since. Marissa and Jene bonded over ruling their respective domains in the theater departments of both Pasco and Chiawana High Schools. Jene's constant, warm presence in Marissa's life has been a guiding beacon. Jene is the kind of friend that will drop whatever she is doing to help you, making sure you always know where her priorities lie.
Kenny Ng
Best Man
Kenny and Karan met at Amazon in 2019. Kenny's welcoming smile and ability to guide Karan through the intricacies of Hot Pot made them fast friends. Kenny and Karan solidified their bond throughout the pandemic being one of the few people Karan would see regularly. Kenny's willingness to include Karan in all of his self-improvement endeavors has made lasting change in Karan's outlook on life.
Aaron Horton
Bridesman
Aaron and Marissa met at the University of Washington at the age of 18. They bonded through just as many nights out as they had sitting on the tiny space on the floor between the beds in Marissa's dorm room eating ice cream. Marissa has standing plans with Aaron every June for pride. Aaron is emblematic of Marissa's time in Seattle and is a constant in Marissa's life.
Amy Lovejoy
Groomswoman
Amy and Karan met in 2014 when Amy started working on the same team as Karan. Many nights out were spent talking shop and life. Amy's constant focus on making herself better improves everyone around her, including Karan. Amy is a friend who has and will continue to stand the test of time and Karan will always admire her intelligence and work ethic.
Allison Carey
Bridesmaid
Allison and Marissa also met freshman year at the University of Washington. Allison always felt like home to Marissa and Marissa could always count on her for good advice and shared warmth through love and coffee. Allison has always been an example of strength and fearlessness for Marissa and an example of how to lead with love.
Philip Pilosi
Groomsman
Karan first heard Phil in his CS 366 class in undergrad at the University of Illinois, Chicago, though he didn't befriend him until the following semester. Karan and Phil are famous for their spirited discussions which feel more like arguments to anyone who witnesses them. Karan and Phil bonded over their love of video games, computer science, and all things technology. They were roommates during their senior year when Karan's mom opened her home to both Phil and Todd.
Julissa Sydnor
Bridesmaid
Julissa and Marissa met in middle school when Julissa moved to the Tri-Cities from California. Marissa still remembers the moment she met Julissa in the hallway when, and we aren't kidding, another friend named Marlissa made Julissa sing for Marissa. Julissa and Marissa spend every July together in the Tri-Cities herding Marissa's dad's friends and cooking amazing food at the Boat Races. The only thing more beautiful than Julissa's voice is her soul which she has used to guide Marissa with wisdom and friendship.
Todd Silvia
Groomsman
Todd and Karan also met in school at the University of Illinois, Chicago after realizing that they had practically every class together. Todd and Karan are famous for their ACTUAL arguments where they always come out better friends. After Karan got Todd addicted to World of Warcraft in college, Karan and Todd spend hours gaming together over Discord. Karan has always appreciated the logical lens through which Todd sees the world. If Karan has a problem and has the opportunity to talk it through with Todd, Karan always feels better prepared to tackle the issue head-on.
Sarah Heilman
Bridesmaid
Sarah was brought into Marissa's life by her brother Tyler when they started dating. Sarah and Tyler are two peas in a pod who graciously let Marissa snuggle in, on occasion. Sarah approached forming a relationship with Marissa with such grace and intentionality that she earned the most special place in Marissa's heart. Sarah is quick witted and kind and a cornerstone in our growing family tree.
Tyler Williams
Groomsman
Tyler is Marissa's brother and a groomsman in the wedding. Tyler and Karan met when Marissa and Karan started dating. Karan and Tyler have similar personalities in their love of gaming and ranting about the world at large. Neither of them have met a word they didn't like to say aloud. Karan appreciates the intersection of Tyler's knowledge and his hands on understanding of the physical world. Tyler provides much support for the family and is a wonderful son and brother.
Navigail Williams
Pet of Honor
Marissa adopted Navi in 2017 and Navi subsequently adopted Karan as her dad in 2021. She is the ruler of the Wilwasi kingdom and lets Karan and Marissa know exactly how she is feeling about whatever they are up to. She is a very dog-like cat who follows her parents from room to room as she checks on everything in the home. She is very at home both in Seattle and in Pasco with "Gam Gam and Pa" where she often spends long stretches of time at "summer camp" or "winter break." As the esteemed pet of honor, if Navi was attending the wedding, it would be distinct privilege to inspect and subsequently knock over all open containers.