Wedding Party
Sam Rounds
Bride
I was born in Tuscaloosa, AL on the "coldest day of the year." I moved to Las Vegas at 5-years-old and have grown up in this city. I went to the University of Oregon Clark Honors College for my bachelors degree and thesis defense. I have been collecting various diplomas and career certificates ever since. I have been in entertainment all my life, working in film, theater, magic, music, and circus. I have been performing both domestically and internationally with either touring shows or one-stop event productions. I can usually be seen on stilts, ball-walking, figure skating, playing trumpet, or hanging upside-down on an aerial apparatus. I wish to continue performing as long as my body will allow me to do so. Getting hired at gigs or other events feels good for my soul. Since 2020, I have been able to take a step into the world of veterinary medicine. I am now a licensed veterinary technician in the state of Nevada. My favorite department is surgery (mainly dental procedures), and my strengths lie in calculating medical math. I plan on becoming a veterinary technician specialist in dentistry. This field of work also gave us our goodest boy, Nugget Moishe, back in 2021. He's been my favorite little patient ever since. Luke and I have been together since mid-2018. I'm so fortunate that I have found someone with whom I can work, perform, train, live, laugh, and love ;)
Luke Cresson
Groom
I’ve spent the last decade working in live entertainment, contributing to some of Las Vegas' most iconic shows. From the thrill of high-energy stage productions to the precision of technical lighting, my career has been filled with incredible experiences and talented people who’ve shaped me along the way. But when I’m not behind the scenes or lifting weights, I’m either immersed in a video game or playing with my best boy, Nugget, who’s always there for a good cuddle or an adventure of his own. Sam and I met at the gym, bonding over our shared love of fitness, and something clicked right away. After our first date, we shared a hug that neither of us wanted to end—I think that’s when I knew we had something truly special. Since then, we’ve taken on life’s adventures side by side, whether we're training together, working together, or planning our next big step. We’ve had so many amazing moments, but this next chapter as husband and wife feels like our biggest journey yet. I’m beyond excited to marry the love of my life, surrounded by our incredible friends and family. From dancing the night away to celebrating every laugh, and every memory, this day is a celebration of all that brought us here and all that’s still ahead. I can’t wait to share this with each of you—let’s make it unforgettable!
Teresa Beardsley
Maid of Honor
[ Cousin | Tiny Human Wrangler | Space Cadet ] Since we were knee-high to a grasshopper, Sam and I have shared a love for so many things—sparkle, Halloween, animals, and, yes, knives. She’s the only person I’d trust to teach my baby circus tricks. Now, she’s found her perfect match in Luke, a guy who matches her quirk and charm. You can catch me on the dance floor, squishing babies, or fawning over my cousin. Outside of the wedding, you can find me on top of a mountain in the Angeles National Forest with my daughter Paz, our super gay besties, and our critters. Alternatively, on the road where I operate my remote consulting business. Here’s to Sam and Luke—cheers to a lifetime of adventure.
Robert Knowles
Best Man
I’ve been in entertainment for over two decades, performing in shows and dance companies around the world. When I’m not immersed in the world of performance, I enjoy movies, cooking, games, and spending time with friends and family. I met Luke through several mutual friends when he was working with ShowStoppers, and we quickly became good friends. To my surprise, he later joined the cast of O. That’s when I met Sam—at a work party, where we were both hiding out. We bonded over our shared love of the arts and our mutual disdain for large groups. I’m thrilled to be part of the celebration with friends and family, and I’m so excited to witness these two beautiful humans join in marriage.
Alana Andrus
Bridesmaid
Hi all, my name is Alana Andrus. I’m 33 years old and am a Capricorn/Aquarius. I do like piña coladas but hate getting caught in the rain. I live on the north side of Chicago with my husband, Jesse, and our little old dog Hank (pictured on right). I hate spiders, am easily distracted by dogs and other animals, and if I drink too much my Chicago accent gets stronger. Last but not least…I’m cousins with the bride! And I’m totally not gonna cry on the big day!
Micheal Gonzales
Groomsman
Luke and I first met in 2014 while working on Steve Wynn's ShowStoppers, and we became fast friends. Fun fact: we both met Sam through the personal trainer we all shared! Now, Luke and I are proud to work together at Cirque du Soleil’s O.
Tristin Hall
Bridesmaid
Tristin is honored to be the "baby cousin" of the bride. They are a Chicago based actor, writer, and Fight and Intimacy Choreographer. They've trained with SAFD, BASSC, and IDC and have had the honor of working at a large variety of Chicago theaters. When they aren't in rehearsal, Tristin is usually reading, crocheting, doing legos or hanging with their two beautiful noodle dogs Soba and Ramen.
Ian Billings
Groomsman
Luke was one of my earliest friends in Vegas and we quickly bonded over our mutual love of theatre. As I became settled in Vegas we became roommates until eventually Luke left me to Live with Sam. I can't wait to see Luke and Sam take this new step into marriage!
Chuck Rounds
Father of the Bride
I was the first person to see Sam and she’s been my favorite ever since. When she was an infant, I took her to my university lectures, rocking her bassinet while I taught theater history. I took her to school, helped with homework, and built my career around her. As a photographer, critic, and editor of a Las Vegas entertainment paper, I was fortunate to be able to put Sam first. I even pulled her out of school for new Star Wars and Lord of the Rings movies. In 2004, I directed a circus show at SeaWorld with Russian circus kids. I brought Sam along, and she bonded with the kids through movement and music, sparking her love for circus arts. After graduating from college, she got a job with Lightwire Theater, a company I was managing at the time. I knew that people would think that nepotism played a role. She came into that job being referred to as 'Chuck’s daughter.' I quickly became known simply as 'Sam’s dad' as I followed her performances across the country. She excelled as my company manager in Nashville, and even joined me in NYC as an elf for a Shark Tank episode. During COVID, we launched a landscaping business, and Sam began pursuing a veterinary career. I even wrote a book about our relationship, Pug Notes to My Daughter (available on Amazon). I’ve taught her all the essentials: power tools, knife and axe throwing, cooking enchiladas, and most importantly, showing up for each other. Sam brightens my life every day, and I am proud to call myself her father. <3
Fred Cresson
Father of the Groom
I’m so pleased that Luke and Sam have found one another. They’re both fun-loving, creative people with a great sense of adventure. And these traits will serve them well as they embark on a new great adventure together, married as best friends and life companions. After more than 45 years working in various employee communications positions, I am happily retired. When I’m not working on various house projects or activities for my Quaker meeting, you can find me in my Zen place: in the pool at the local rec center swimming laps. I swim at least one length of the pool for every year I am old without stopping. Each year, I enjoy whitewater canoeing on the Delaware River in the spring, family vacations during the summer to the Outer Banks, and to the Pennsylvania mountains to see the colors of the fall foliage. I married my best friend Cathy in 1981. After 43 years of marriage (44 years by the time Luke and Sam get married), here is my marriage advice: Treat one another respectfully and hold each other’s souls gently.
Helen Rounds
Mother of the Bride
I’m Helen, the mother of the bride. Gosh, I’m excited to write that! Born and raised in Alabama, I’m the eldest daughter of Harold “Sonny” and Rietta (Kiracofe) Pettit. After graduating from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), I paid off my college debt by working as a performer. Later, I accepted a teaching position with the Clark County School District and moved to Las Vegas. There are lots of things I love to do: reading, going on walks with my granddog Nugget, giving him belly rubs, and getting the sweetest puppy kisses. I love hanging out with my daughter, watching scary movies and trash TV, going shopping, and, of course, working out—Zumba, hot barre, cycling, you name it. Sam, for over three decades January 18th has been my very favorite day. Soon, October 20th will become my favorite day, too. Sam and Luke, I love you both. I’m so proud of you both. You are best friends. You adore each other. You support each other. On October 20th, I’ll be there with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart. Seeing my beautiful daughter marry the man she truly loves, motherhood doesn’t get any better than that. Congratulations, Sam and Luke!
Cathy Cresson
Mother of the Groom
What a wonderful day 10/20/2025 will be and I’m so glad that Luke and Sam will be the headliners. These two hold in common a joy and love of life. It’s obvious when I first met Luke – it was a labor of love with a show-stopping entry! From that day on Luke is a jump first and then sagely consider what to do next. I’m so very happy that after this seven-year wait of sagely consideration, Sam is becoming a permanent addition to our family. It was only after a five-year wait that I married my best friend Fred in 1981. In between getting married and having Luke, I received my law degree. I’ve now spent more than 40 years working in the field of real estate law. For the past 17 years, I’ve been working as a contractor for companies that build solar farms, concentrating on the land title aspects of land purchases and leases. I really enjoy the work (which is why I haven’t retired yet). Each year, I enjoy our family trips to the Outer Banks during the summer, and to the Pennsylvania mountains to see the colors of the fall foliage. I also enjoy listening to audiobooks, playing computer games and figuring out New York Times on-line puzzles. After 43 years of marriage (44 years by the time Luke and Sam get married), here is my marriage advice: Enjoy one another’s company, even when you’re doing the mundane things in life. After all, spending time being present with your best friend is a gift you can both appreciate.
Minnie Madden
Officiant
I met Sam when she was 10 years old. At the time her father was working as editor for an entertainment newspaper I owned, “ CallBack News.” He was so quiet I thought we had hired a mime. I couldn’t quite get a read on him until I met Sam. She was an extraordinary child. Creative, curious, smart, funny and I thought, “well if he can raise a daughter like that, he must be okay.” Twenty-one years later I am proud to be a part of their family. Her father and I ended up partnering in an event/entertainment company, “Desperate Characters,” producing, directing and choreographing live show entertainment. We hired Sam and Luke to work for us as elves. We have the photos to prove this. I am honored to have been asked to officiate Sam and Luke’s wedding. I promise to keep it together, not cry too much, and not throw myself on the floor in dramatic fashion. Love them to the moon and back.