Lauren & Kurian
Wedding Party
Bethany Glatz
Maid of Honor
Bethany remembers seven-year-old Lauren cheerily bouncing up to introduce herself to her -- the new kid in Sunday school -- and they went on to bond through elementary homeschool groups, a wacky sense of humor, and a deep love of dance of every kind (catch Bethany breaking it down on the dance floor!) Their shared commitment to spiritual growth amidst life's storms has guided their friendship across oceans and state lines, for more than 20 years.
George Thomas
Best Man
George met Kurian on a spring day in 1991. When baby Kurian was brought home by their parents, George was so eager to play with his new brother, he threw a toy car at him! Ever since, they've been the best of friends, whether in school, on the soccer field, or while living across the country (even when Kurian has admittedly been the annoying younger brother at times). They're each other's number one fan, rooting each other on in all things. Their unbreakable brotherly bond means the world to Kurian, and he is so excited to have George standing by his side on his special day.
Jennifer Guerra
Bridesmaid
This "Master Pastor" has a knack for bringing people together. Throughout the time Jennifer and Lauren shared at Fuller Seminary, the two conspired regularly to gather community for celebrations and important causes. They bonded over planning and leading a Border Pilgrimage to Tijuana/San Diego, and share a love for in-between, intercultural, multilingual spaces.
Michael Boone
Groomsman
Michael met Kurian when they were both eager first-years at the University of Virginia, and they were randomly assigned as suite-mates. Together, through late-night study sessions, they made it through chemistry, calculus, and other hurdles on the way to earning engineering degrees. Michael's faith has encouraged Kurian in his own walk with God (he was ever-persistent in his invitations to Bible study).
Lana Melonakos-Harrison
Bridesmaid
When Lauren learned that Lana -- whom she'd known from church since age 6 -- would be attending the high school where her dad taught, she decided the 45 minute drive to Granite Bay High would be worthwhile. From day one, Lana helped Lauren feel at home, both as the new kid and as someone who had never attended public school. Lana's sly wit, spirit of adventure, and heartfelt notes are just a few of the qualities that have made this friendship one for the memoirs.
Danny Kang
Groomsman
Danny and Kurian became good friends in the third grade, going on to eventually graduate from the same high school (bringing some diversity to the Poquoson High class of '09) and college (Wahoowa!). They have cheered each other on and been sources of advice for one another in their pursuits and multiple cross-country moves. When they're together, expect to hear the odd Godfather quote.
Andrea Kraybill
Bridesmaid
One lovely summer day in Pasadena, a fellow tall girl approached Lauren after church, asking: "You're Lauren, right? The Fuller Seminary student who salsa dances?" Lauren was impressed by Andrea's boldness, and delighted to discover that this new seminarian also danced! Come to find out, Andrea's creativity shines in everything she does, as a dancer, an exquisitely gifted fine artist, and as a friend. She always knows how to make others feel special and seen!
Keshav Kumar
Groomsman
As childhood friends, Keshav and Kurian shared many sleepovers, tennis matches, and late-night video game competitions. Keshav's awesome programming skills -- which he went on to turn into a career -- came in handy when Kurian and Keshav took a computer science class together in high school. While running cross country, their friendship grew, and Kurian will never forget the time Keshav finished a muddy race with just one shoe!
Kealy Jaynes
Bridesmaid
Kealy and Lauren served as Co-Editors-in-Chief of the Granite Bay Gazette, their high school's newspaper, which involved late nights working, while devouring Chipotle burritos and listening to Sufjan Stevens mixtapes. Teenage poolside chats about the nature of the universe evolved into an ongoing, ever-deepening conversation about participation in the work of justice in the world, and Kealy's commitment and passion regularly strengthen Lauren's own resolve.
Francisco Lopez del Castillo
Groomsman
Francisco and Kurian met as newly minted engineers at their first post-college job in Los Angeles. They've serendipitously ended up living in three of the same cities, which also include Melbourne, Florida and their new city, Denver! Having Francisco as a friend through all these changes has been a source of support professionally and personally. Also, Francisco's superior knowledge of cars helped Kurian hone in on his beloved Subaru Crosstrek in 2018.
Rosa Ramirez
Bridesmaid
Rosa is Lauren's fellow Enneagram 2 who never lets her get away with avoiding her feelings, especially the hard ones. She's a shoulder to cry on, a tender heart, and a strong, courageous woman of God whose gifts for music and pastoring often leave Lauren in awe (and sometimes in grateful tears). Even as Lauren has lived all over the country the last few years, regular calls with Rosa have kept her grounded and feeling at home.
Sasha Varghese
Groomsman
Sasha is Kurian's older cousin whom he has always looked up to. As kids, Kurian and his brother George loved riding with Sasha to church in Northern Virginia, enjoying valuable cousin bonding time. Having followed in Sasha's footsteps to the University of Virginia, Kurian now enjoys celebrating the highs and commiserating about the lows of UVA sports (especially basketball) with his cousin. Sasha is a great storyteller, and Kurian always looks forward to his humorous tales.