Carol & Luke
Wedding Party
Wen Jie Zhou
Best Man of Honor & Officiant
Brooklyn, New York Arguably, Wen Jie started it all by playing matchmaker and setting an oblivious Luke straight. Long time best friend of both the bride and groom, Wen Jie met both Carol and Luke freshman year of college. Many nights of studying, playing and laughing led to a strong bond through their four years living, working and going to school together. After college, a mutual love of travel, hiking and skiing led them to explore Tanzania, Denver, Salt Lake City, Lake Tahoe, Nassau, Patagonia and Peru.
Kirsten Ackerman
Bridesmaid
Milford, Connecticut Carol met Kirsten during the peak of Kirsten's Twilight fandom in 2009, since then, the two bonded over a joint love of Brueggers Bagels, Christmas Cookies, Games, Animals and Travel. The two survived attempted murders by the Patagonian wind and multiple rounds of Mafia with the family. Whether they are playing basketball, doing yoga, picking apples, making s'mores, hiking through the wilderness or doing nothing at all, their time is always filled with giggles and fun!
Ben Dunham
Groomsman
Mantua, New Jersey Luke and Ben met in the summer of 2009, when Luke came to visit Carol in Mullica Hill for the first time. One of Luke’s first memories of Ben was seeing his impressive collection of Warhammer figurines, which had all been meticulously hand painted by Ben, and getting to tour Games Workshop to see how they were used in battle. Since this first meeting, Luke and Ben have developed a shared interest in a number of board games, including Risk, Magic The Gathering and Dominion.
Tyler McVey
Groomsman
Mobile, Alabama Tyler is Luke’s not-so-little, younger brother. With three sisters, Luke can remember how excited he felt when he first found out that he would have a brother and the whirlwind that was his arrival. Growing up together, Luke and Tyler played a lot of basketball in the driveway, catch--both inside and outside the house--Call Of Duty, Wii Sports, Spit/Rat Slap/Spoons, watched days worth of Hot Wheels and Spongebob and have had many discussions about computers/technology (including building a computer over Skype).
Brittany Shiver
Bridesmaid
Indianapolis, Indiana Partner in crime since diapers, Brittany and Carol have been through the roller coaster of life and family together. As two of the eldest granddaughters of 23, the two bonded over babysitting and chasing the younger cousins around. From playing with barbies, to clinging for life on the inner tubes and chaperoning our crazy Aunts in Las Vegas - fun is always had when they are together.
Jonathan "JK" King
Bridesman
Houston, Texas Jonathan "JK" and Carol met fresh out of college on their way to boot camp training at GE. JK was the loud, outgoing one with the infectious laugh to be heard across the room. JK and Carol bonded over turtle races, ice bars, and celebrating Monday nights. Two-time roommates, JK helped Carol to adopt Aleta, explore Thailand and China, decide to move to California and, most importantly, became family.
Maggie McVey
Bridesmaid
Brooklyn, New York Maggie and Carol quickly bonded over a love of Harry Potter and fear of wild animals (aka Duffy the dog and Snowbell the cat). Since then, they explored the history of Philadelphia, including an accurate Rocky impersonation, and laughed through many family game nights. Maggie continues to be an excellent source of show recommendations (have you checked out the Crown or Nailed It?) and girl power inspiration.
Tim Shields
Groomsman
Albuquerque, New Mexico Luke and Tim met while working at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Both having moved out from the East Coast after completing their engineering degrees, they worked in offices next door to one another. During their time together in New Mexico, they spent countless weekends hiking--including the Grand Canyon, rim-to-rim--rock climbing, watching Doctor Who, cooking, playing volleyball and many, many board games.
Dan Lewanda
Groomsman
Dallas, Texas Dan and Luke were first introduced to each other in fifth grade, when they learned that Luke’s grandmother was a longtime customer of the Lewanda family jewelry store. Since then, they have bonded over late night movies at Crossgates mall, Rock n’ Bowl/Dollar Tuesdays at Town n’ Country lanes, air hockey, fourth meal at Taco Bell and custom built PCs.
Chinmay Karanjkar
Groomsman
Los Angeles, California Chinmay and Luke cannot remember how or when they first met, but agree that it was most likely Sophomore or Junior year of high school. They have spent--and more or less continue to spend--many hours playing ping pong, Halo, basketball, tennis, wine tasting and watching a variety of T.V. shows and stand-up comedy
Aleta
The Best Dog of Honor
Luke and Carol's baby nugget came into their life when Carol adopted her in Houston. Aleta loves her new life in California. The three enjoy long hikes, walks and puppy snuggles. Although she won't be physically present at the wedding, she will be there in spirit and can't wait for Luke to officially be her Dad!