Kimia & Andrew
Wedding Party
Maryam Kashkooli
Maid of Honor
I can’t condense 25 years of sisterhood in a blurb so you’re going to have to wait for the speech, but I will just say how happy I am that my sister is getting married to Andrew, who I have come to consider a good friend also, and I can’t wait for all the celebrations and planning and of course the big day! Love you both!
Imran Anwar
Best Man
There is some controversy regarding who first locked eyes with Andrew: Kimia at the Mass Medical Society meeting or me while sweating at the climbing gym. Andrew has been one of my closest friends and my most trusted adventure/faff partner. There are too many adventures to enumerate here – quasi sleep in the snow after almost dying ice climbing on Mount Webster, 6 hours of rappelling in Mexico while listening to 3 songs on repeat, and endless rhododendron bush-waking. But perhaps more importantly, since early in medical school, I got to witness Andrew and Kimia grow together. I’ve had the honor to be at their side for the last 4 years and cannot wait to be there for the next stages of their lives. I live in Durham NC where I am a General Surgery resident. I enjoy rock climbing and baking.
Gabrielle Hawkins
Bridesmaid
My brother has always been my hero, even before he became a doctor. On our first day together, he was already teaching me new English words while riding in my Dad's car. The first word he made me repeat over and over was "Traffic"... kind of annoying, but I still loved it. He always wanted a sibling, but he wasn't so happy when he found out I liked to play with his stuff. I am actually the person who taught him how to share and it has worked for him ever since. Now, he will be sharing the most important person, the love of his life- Kimia, as she becomes my new sister. I cant't wait to be a part of their beautiful wedding celebration. Also super excited for what is to come with their life going forward. Really looking forward to being an Aunt. Just sayin! Love you both very much!!
Skyler Dale
Groomsman
Andrew is one of my closest friends from high school. Together, we used to annoy our other high school friends by having long political conversations. When Andrew and I get together we like to keep the tradition alive with long walk-and-talks in a heavily exaggerated new-yorker accent. Some of the best times I’ve had over the past few years have been the trips and visits with Andrew and our Nanuet crew. From Maine to Boston to New York — it’s always a blast to hike, adventure, drink craft beer, and enjoy the special group of friends we have. I’m so happy for Andrew and Kimia and can’t wait to celebrate them. I currently live in Washington DC and work as a data analyst at a fintech company. In my free time, I Iike to hike, bike, play basketball, and drink craft beer.
Annie Vogt
Bridesmaid
Kimia and I met during med school orientation and immediately became each other’s ‘person.’ We shared countless study sessions, late night dumplings and sleepovers. We grew up during medical school and it was awesome to do that in tandem. Kimia is undoubtedly the most loyal friend I’ve ever had and I don’t think I could have become a doctor without her. Our friendship included sharing ALL the details about the men in our lives, and I knew there was something special about Andrew when Kimia came home from the Massachusetts Medical Society meeting where they spotted each other. I have watched their relationship grow from fun flirtation to a serious commitment, and it gives me joy to see how they care and compromise for one another. I can’t wait to celebrate their marriage by Kimia’s side!
Carl Ceraolo
Groomsman
I knew Andrew and I were going to be thick as thieves during one of the first times I met him when he wore a Less than Jake shirt to a how-to-belay class in college. Since then, we’ve gone on many adventures together, from suburban shenanigans back home to backpacking in South America to various concerts to being roommates and classmates in medical school. I’m incredibly grateful to have had Andrew as a friend over all these years and it warms my heart to see that he has found the perfect partner for him in Kimia. It’s an honor to stand by Andrew and celebrate their marriage!
Sabrina Vivian
Bridesmaid
Kimia and I met on a Facebook group to help UMaine freshmen find roommates. Back then, the idea of meeting someone online was nerve-racking but the good luck of finding each other led to our friendship. We became acquainted over a shopping trip and decided to live together our first year and again our senior year. We spent our college days supporting each other with academics, boy drama, and life decisions. We've lived apart since then but have continued to stay present in each other’s lives through visits and long phone calls. I remember one (particularly special) call where Kimia told me about a guy she had met during a medical organization meeting named Andrew. Here we are now, many updates later, and I am so excited to celebrate their Union and the next chapters of their lives.
Will McKeen
Groomsman
Andrew’s first words may have been “Do you wanna climb?” We might have become acquainted in Boston, but it was the New England outdoors where I got to know my best friend from Medical School. Whether we were hiking to the crag, rappelling after an epic route, or sharing stories over pizza and beer, Andrew Hawkins radiated a perpetual, genuine, and addictive sense of adventure. Few people could rival the impact that Andrew has had on my life, hobbies, and perspective. Who imagined that Andrew could find another rare individual with such a fervor for living life? I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how much Andrew and Kimia enrich each other’s lives. Neurology Resident Physician at Stanford University Hospital. I share my life with an unbelievably supportive partner, Kristen Valenti.
Erica Peavey
Bridesmaid
When Kimia and I met freshman year of high school, we became instant friends. We went through transitions like getting our braces off, relationships, and attending UMaine. After college, our friendship became long distant as Kimia went to medical school and I moved to Florida. Kimia has always been a loyal friend that brings “the life of the party”energy. She is the kind of friend that makes you feel important whether it be surprising you with a birthday cake or making plans to visit. As life gets busy, we still kept each other updated on our lives. A very exciting update was hearing about Andrew! After meeting him, you can see how special their connection is and how they share the same passion for adventure. I’m so happy and honored to stand next to Kimia and celebrate their marriage!
Jack Hawkins
Groomsman
Andrew Hawkins… where to start? He was my built-in first friend! On family vacations, you could never keep us still, whether it was climbing, surfing, any and all sports, or going swimming in a hurricane. Andrew was always a role model, and the older brother that I didn’t have, but things truly haven’t changed. Now that we are older, the times we get to see each other are a little more scarce, but when we get back together it’s like we never left. I’m so happy that Andrew and Kimia have found each other, they bring each other so much joy. The best thing is that Kimia can match Andrew’s child-like energy, be a great climbing partner, and keep him exploring. If I can speak for the family, we are very excited to have a great new addition to the wild Hawkins Clan.
Leila Musavi
Bridesmaid
Kimi is one of my oldest friends. We met 21 years ago, when her family moved to Maine from Iran. We were fast friends, bonding over our shared heritage. We became each other’s extended family. We grew up together, there for each other at our big milestones. Our friendship was filled with Persian dance parties, sleep overs, summer beach days, hiking in Acadia. We loved finding new adventure. Now, as adults, it is only fitting that we are both pursuing careers in medicine. Although we are on opposite coasts, whenever we talk it feels like we are back at home. Kimia has always been such a caring and driven presence, and it’s wonderful to see her find a partner that matches her enthusiasm for life. I’m so happy to celebrate Kimia and Andrew, and the life they will create together.
Quinn Hawkins
Groomsman
I have never seen Andrew happier than when he is with you and I’m very excited for Kimia to join the Hawkins clan. I have looked up to Andrew for years. Here are some of the lessons from him. First, do your homework (he is a nerd) but he sometimes drops that to shred some waves. Second, try new food. On a Hawkins family vacation, Andrew insisted on me trying mussels; they were delicious but we spent the rest of the night in different bathrooms. The third is to spend time with your family. Being the youngest when the booze starts flowing, it can be hard to get your voice out there. I realized that Andrew always had my back no matter what. Last is how to sneak beers when no one is... (ill stop there) I love you, dude. I am very honored, and I am very lucky to call you my cousin.