Melanie & Luke
Wedding Party
Melanie Robison
Bride
HOW & WHEN WE MET: Luke and I met in 2012 at JMU. I was a freshman and he was a junior so we didn’t talk much. We had the same voice teacher so we did see each other in studio class every week. HOW OUR RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPED: Luke had graduated and was living in Harrisonburg while I was in my senior year of college. The only way to really know if someone was looking to date at the time was through dating apps. We reconnected and I was not sure about Luke at first. He invited me over to his house one evening and I am so glad that I went. Luke and I talked all night. It felt like we had been best friends my entire life. After about a week of us talking, I knew that I was in this for the long haul and that I wanted to marry him. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE GROOM: His advocacy and dedication. Luke has helped me grow as a person by showing me that it is important to advocate for yourself. Luke is also extremely dedicated to everything he does. I love the time and energy he dedicates to his hobbies, friends, and family. FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: My favorite memory is all of the small moments that we share on a daily basis. From forehead kisses and goodnight messages to building legos, collecting amiibos, and playing video games together. It’s the small memories that make me feel loved and seen. I can’t wait to share the rest of my life making the most of life with him!
Luke Black
Groom
HOW & WHEN WE MET: We met in David’s Voice Studio at JMU. I wasn’t particularly social in college, so the first time I really noticed Melanie was when she was performing in Studio Recital in Tony Seegs. HOW OUR RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPED: We weren’t really close at all in college, but after I graduated in 2014 I stayed in Harrisonburg for work. As a lonely young bachelor out on my own, I turned to the only place I could for companionship: dating apps. Naturally, when I saw someone I knew, I thought it was good form to say something so I reached out to Melanie. We bonded over our shared experiences, our willingness to be open with each other, and our constant ability to make each other laugh and smile. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE BRIDE: How big her heart is and how much she truly cares about the people she loves. She treats everyone with respect and she always inspires me to be more kind, patient, and empathetic. FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: Our engagement. It was so effortless and distinctly “us”. We shared a fantastic weekend together and with our families, and we couldn’t have asked for a more picturesque place to share our love than where it all began. .
Morgan Robinson
Matron of Honor
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE BRIDE: I met Melanie in 2006 during our seventh grade chorus class. HOW DID YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE BRIDE DEVELOP: Forced friendship, I bothered Melanie enough times for her to give in and become my forever friend. Either that or I bribed her with juicy boy stories, candy, and followed her home to hang out at Debbie’s house. FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: This is difficult to choose just one. The first one that pops into my head is coming to see Melanie do her thang at choir concerts, getting burgers afterwards, and de-briefing. I had so much fun seeing Melanie up there with all her students! FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE GROOM: He is a nerd that embraces, supports, and celebrates all of your hobbies and interests. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE BRIDE & GROOM: Another tough one, dayum, ummm I always love to come over to your place, hang out with the beans, eat snacks,and learn new board games like when you taught me parks and before I left your house it was in my amazon cart. .
Andrew Webster
Best Man
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE GROOM: Luke and I met his freshman year at JMU in 2010. We, along with all of the groomsmen and the bride, were in the same voice studio with David Newman. HOW DID YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE GROOM DEVELOP: We initially got to know each other from being in the same studio and sharing vocal ensembles and classes, but our friendship really developed when we became roommates. We bonded over a shared love of music, gaming, and (unfortunately) Washington Football. FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: It’s hard to pick a specific moment, as my fondest memories are in the everyday moments we shared as roommates. If I had to pick a few highlights, they would be performing together in Amahl and the Night Visitors, recording funny music videos in the apartment, and throwing the football in the Mill parking lot. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE BRIDE: Melanie is wonderfully kind and supportive. She’s the type of person who always has your back and is ready with an encouraging word. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE BRIDE & GROOM: I came to visit and a group of us ended up at their apartment where we watched The Bachelor. It was the first time that I got to see them interact as a couple, and it was immediately clear that there was a great deal of affection between them. Seeing their shared sense of humor in the way that they bantered during the show was a lot of fun to see.
Mary Barber
Matron of Honor
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE BRIDE: We met in 2006 during middle school choir. HOW DID YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE BRIDE DEVELOP: Over the course of numerous choir trips, concerts, rehearsals, parties, and sleepovers, I got to know Melanie more. She was, and remains, the woman who always has your back, who always makes you smile and laugh. She’s the kind of friend you text, call, or meet up with, and it’s as if no time has passed since you’ve last talked/seen one another. She is loyal, caring, and loving, and I absolutely love every second I’ve spent with her the past 17 years! FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: I’m truly torn between our shopping adventures where we would pick out truly insane outfits for one another to try on, or our skype calls when I was living in Singapore. In either case, I am always so thankful for Melanie’s presence in my life, and her commitment to our friendship, even when I did crazy things like move all the way across the world. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE GROOM: I love how Luke loves and cares for Melanie. He is so attentive, and their communication with one another is beautiful. He makes her smile and laugh with the best puns and dad jokes. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE BRIDE & GROOM: When I went over to their house. We played games and talked for hours. It was that night where I realized how truly perfect Luke and Melanie are for one another. When you spend time with them, you can immediately tell that they are best friends and perfectly complementary to one another.
Mike Sakell
Groomsman
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE GROOM: Luke and I first met in choir at JMU in 2010, we shared a voice studio with David Newman and sang in choirs together. HOW DID YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE GROOM DEVELOP: Pestering John McCarty. Making 99 SPC catches in the mill parking lot and high stepping to eternal glory. Commiserating as a fellow commander fan. FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: Singing together in Spoleto and in the Luray Main Street Singers. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE BRIDE: Her ability to spot a stand up guy. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE BRIDE & GROOM: Can’t wait to share some at your wedding!! .
Alyssa Fulleda
Bridesmaid
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE BRIDE: Melanie and I met in 2006 during our seventh grade science class. HOW DID YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE BRIDE DEVELOP: Science Olympiad!! The only way we could remember the science words were inside jokes! FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: When Melanie bribed me in high school to start ditching my oversized shirts. The deal was if I didn’t wear an oversized shirt for my entire birthday month, my present would be anime themed items. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE GROOM: I love how Luke fits so perfectly in any group he joins, he comes in with such positive energy, you can’t help but feel like he’s been there forever! FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE BRIDE & GROOM: When I first met Luke at Melanie’s recital. I could tell by the way they made each other happy that Luke was the one. .
Ethan Murphy
Groomsman
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE GROOM: Luke and I were in the same major and voice studio at JMU. We met August 2010. HOW DID YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE GROOM DEVELOP: Our friendship blossomed in the Spring semester of freshmen year. Luke asked if I had a roommate for next the year and I told him no. Even though we didn’t know each other well, we agreed to be roomies. He’s been a lifelong friend ever since. From going to football and basketball games to dinners and visits with Luke’s family, we’ve had a wonderful friendship. FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: My favorite memories with Luke are the times I went with Luke to Luray to visit his family. I met Luke’s grandmother, saw where he grew up, and went to a lovely park with his family where we took a picture that I still have hanging in our home. While these memories may seem simple, they are the fondest I have because it represents the closeness I felt with Luke and his family. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE BRIDE: Melanie is so unapologetically helpful. I remember how much she jumped in and helped in any way she could when we were at JMU. She is very selfless and caring. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE BRIDE & GROOM: My favorite memory of Luke and Melanie was picking them up from the Bismarck Airport for my wedding. It meant the world to me that these two lovely souls took time out of their lives to fly to the prairie land of North Dakota and celebrate with Abbey and me. I am so excited that I get to do the same for them!
Neha Vashistha
Bridesmaid
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE BRIDE: Melanie was my high school choir teacher! We met my freshman year in 2017. HOW DID YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE BRIDE DEVELOP? Melanie was someone I immediately wanted to know and learn from. She was an exceptional teacher and provided the best advice, support, and guidance. After learning side by side with someone that special for four years, a friendship is almost guaranteed. I graduated, and we’ve been friends ever since. FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: Approximately 5 minutes after I had walked across the stage at graduation, I got a text with lots emojis and memes. Turns out it was Melanie :) FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE GROOM: Luke has always been fiercely protective of me and always has my best interest in mind. There isn’t anything I could ask him where he wouldn’t be 100% honest. FAVORITE MEMORY WITH THE BRIDE & GROOM: Our first dinner together as friends was at Red Robin (duh). I remember getting out of the car and just seeing both of them standing there looking at me with the biggest smiles. After hearing so much about Luke for so many years, and knowing him as friends, he was rightfully coined: bestie. That dinner didn’t have a minute without one of us laughing, it was amazing.
Anthony Khong
Groomsman
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE GROOM: I met Luke in the Fall of 2010. We were both in JMU Chorale. HOW DID YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE GROOM DEVELOP: When Luke joined PMA and he became my little brother in the fraternity! FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER: So many to choose from, but if I had to pick one: "This painting... IS Pour Toi, Mere" FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE BRIDE: How genuine and passionate she is about everything she does. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE BRIDE & GROOM: Studio class shenanigans with David Newman. :) .
Debbie Robison
Mother of the Bride
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE GROOM: Luke and I met not long after Melanie and Luke began dating, but I saw a picture of Luke playing in a school basketball tournament before then. FAVORITE MEMORY WITH THE BRIDE: My favorite memory of Melanie is when I would sing her baby song to her each morning and she would smile and hold up her arms to be lifted out of her crib. FAVORITE MEMORY WITH THE GROOM: My favorite memory of Luke is when he played the piano during Peter Pan. Impressive! FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE BRIDE: How much she cares for others. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE GROOM: His love of painting gaming figures.
Timothy Robison
Brother of the Bride
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE GROOM: On the road to Viridian City, met my friend along the way. FAVORITE MEMORY WITH THE BRIDE: Growing up pinching those plump, puffy, plush baby cheeks. FAVORITE MEMORY WITH THE GROOM: Dominating Luke during every family game night ever. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE BRIDE: All of the things - I am so very proud of her and the woman that she has become. Also, did I already mention her cheeks when she was a baby? FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE GROOM: His Freakin' Boundless Determination
Tracy Black
Mother of the Groom
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE BRIDE: I met Melanie in 2015 when we went out to dinner to Texas Roadhouse in Harrisonburg. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE GROOM: The first memory that stands out to me is from Luke’s childhood. Luke would come jumping into our bed on Saturday mornings to watch TV. The second memory is from when Luke was in the JMU MRDs and he sang Nessun Dorma as the vocal soloist. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE BRIDE: When Melanie refinished Dianne’s fathers flag box. The box had been damaged in a house fire and Melanie spent hours in the backyard sanding the box back to its former glory. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE GROOM: His passion for sports that we share. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE BRIDE: Her commitment to supporting women owned businesses around the world.
Richard Black
Father of the Groom
HOW & WHEN YOU MET THE BRIDE: I met Melanie in 2015 on the front stoop of Luke’s townhouse when picking up Luke to go to dinner. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE GROOM: My favorite memory of Luke is when I got to watch him preform at his senior recital at JMU. FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE BRIDE: When Luke and Melanie got engaged on the Quad at JMU. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE GROOM: Luke’s commitment and loyalty. FAVORITE TRAIT OF THE BRIDE: Melanie’s compassion.