Layla & Duraid
Wedding Party
SueSan Eghbalian
Matron of Honor
SueSan is my dearest, closest cousin, who is more like a sister. I spent my childhood begging her to do my makeup, touching everything in her room, and playing in the woods behind her house together. Some of my favorite memories are from our travels to visit our family in Iran, along with other trips to New York City, New Orleans, and Turkey. I have looked up to SueSan my whole life. She always has my best interests at heart.
Shana Kelly
Maid of Honor
Shana and I met when we were 8 years old. We have traveled all over the world together. She is my co-adventurer! From surfing in Costa Rica, to hot air balloons in Turkey, sailing in Belize, *accidentally* touching a Monet painting in Austria, and visiting a former Leper island in Greece, I treasure all our memories together.
Sarah Austin
Maid of Honor
Sarah and I met in Ms. Goodlow's 5th grade class; we were the tall, lanky girls. Together we survived our awkward stage. We are infamous for our hideous photographs together, showing up in matching outfits (unplanned), and tequila shots. I am grateful for our yearly trips to Hubbard Lake and all the silly moments shared in between. So, so much love for you, Sar.
Hanna Ullmann
Matron of Honor
Hanna and I met through work. We quickly bonded over our love for the gym and eating (its all about balance). We are constantly jinxing and finishing each other's sentences. It's crazy. To this day, Hanna is my work-wife and extremely dear friend. She is the absolute sweetest woman I know, and I would be lost without her.
Meghan Erikson
Maid of Honor
Meghan and I met working in the trenches of Shepherd's Hollow when we were teenagers. She is my ride or die, soul sister, BFF. We had the pleasure of living together while I was going to law school, and we had the time of our lives as roommates. Meghan always lends a listening ear. We have been there for one another in our darkest moment, and also celebrated so many victories. Endless love for you, Meg.
Katie Rose
Maid of Honor
Katie and I became friends the moment we met. It was like I had known her for a lifetime. We tortured ourselves at Oakland University in our Calc II class with many late nights at the library, pouring over integrals. She pushed me to be a better student and person, and for that I am forever indebted to her. Moreover, Katie is the reason Duraid and I ever met. We went out to the bar for her birthday at MainStreet, where Duraid and I were introduced and ended up playing ping pong for hours.
Mikaela Buresch
Maid of Honor
Mikaela, where do I even begin? Mik is my step-sister. She is so level headed, yet completely unpredictable. She loves coconuts, Canada, and jazz. When we get together, we find ourselves doing the oddest of things. Although she is younger than me, I am so inspired by Mik. She has a work ethic unknown to man, but still knows how to let loose. I cherish our bond.
Kara Sleeper
Maid of Honor
Kara is also my step-sister. Kara came into my life when I was 19 years old. We went on a family trip to Colorado and shared the dramatic/traumatic experience of being trapped on a mountain, separated from our parents, during a thunder storm. The bond was sealed after that. When we are together, we giggle like fools. There is NEVER a dull moment: making music videos, torturing our brother, puzzles, card games, and so, so much more. I truly treasure our relationship.
Felicia Watson
Matron of Honor
Felicia ("Frankie") and I met working at a law firm and quickly became two peas in a pod. Countless sushi lunch dates, coffee runs, panic attacks, and belly laughs later, Felicia has been my rock. She is judgment free, easy going, and she is seriously a bad ass.
Alex Saloomi
Best Man
Alex and Duraid are cousins, but more than that, they are best friends. They grew up together and share many fond memories of their childhood. Alex and Duraid talk on the phone all the time, and I can always tell it is Alex on the other line, because of all the laughs.
Joshua Gatie
Groomsman
Josh and Duraid are cousins, and became very close when they were in their early teens. When Josh moved back to Michigan from California, it was like no time had passed. Duraid and Josh hang out weekly. Whether it be hanging out on someones couch, going to see a concert, or trying new restaurants together, Duraid and Josh are always having a great time.
Jerry Kizy
Groomsman
Jerry and Duraid have been great friends for years. They tear it up at their DJ parties. Jerry is one of the most logical people I know, and a natural leader. He is the one to get the plans in motion, and drag us out of the house for some late night adventures, if he has to. He really has a heart of gold.
Tommy Ibrahim
Groomsman
Tom is such a good soul. He always has the room cracking up and makes everyone feel like they're his best friend. Tom and Duraid have been inseparable for years. They bond over their love for comic con. Whether it be trips up north or to Mexico, Tom makes everything more fun.
Luke Winkel
Groomsman
Luke and Duraid became friends in high school on the Athen's football team. After countless football games together, bonfires, and just hanging out, eating dinner with Luke's family, Duraid soon became an honorary Winkel. Some of Duraid's and Luke's most memorable days have been spent getting lost in the woods, from Marquette to Saugatuck to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Again, if it weren't for Luke attending Katie's birthday, Duraid and I would have never met. We have all had so many great times together.
George Simos
Groomsman
George and Duraid met right after high school. They had a blast boxing together, playing super smash bros, hitting the clubs, and attending Faster Horses Festivals. Duraid was soon one of the guys at the weekly Simos boys' night, where they would unwind with a good Greek meal.
Durand Street
Groomsman
Duraid and Durand became friends at football camp before joining the Athen High School football team. For the next four years, they had the time of their lives as teammates. They had so many great times attending high school parties, concerts, and too many bonfires to count.
Jayden Habeyab
Groomsman
Jayden is Duraid's oldest nephew. Jayden is always calling Duraid up on the phone to catch up and shoot the shit. At every family event, you can find Duraid and Jayden joking around, wrestling, or playing a friendly game of poker. Duraid is also Jayden's god father, making their bond even more special.
Samuel Sizemore
Groomsman
Sam is my brother, but has quickly become very close with Duraid. So close, in fact, that Sam calls Duraid when he wants to come over and hang out, not me. Duraid and I have Sam over as much as we can. We love trying new pizza places together, checking out record stores, and talking music and movies. Sam has the sweetest heart. We love him so much.
Landon Shamoun
Junior Groomsman
Landon is Duraid's nephew, and he is one smart cookie! Landon speaks pretty much fluent Japanese and is an amazing wrestler. He is such a sweetheart and gives the best bear hugs. Duraid is so proud of the young man Landon is growing to be, and often talks about how he would watch Landon when he was a baby.
Soraiah Neil
Flower Girl
Soraiah is SueSan's daughter, my niece. She is as smart as a whip and sweeter than a sugar cube. Everyone who meets her loves her.
Harper Gatie
Flower Girl
Harper is Duraid's niece. She loves to be twirled around and run around in the yard to catch fireflies. She is a sweetie-pie.
Gabriel Habayeb
Ring Bearer
Gabe is Duraid's nephew. He is a super outgoing kid. Gabe is extremely confident and has a very silly sense of humor. In fact, he won the twerking competition at our family's Christmas Eve party.
Phoenix Shamoun
Ring Bearer
Phoenix is also Duraid's nephew. Phoenix is a very smart and kind boy. He is great at doing puzzles and taking turns.