Carson & Makayla
Wedding Party
Carson T. Vara
Groom
Carson was born and raised in Stamford, CT, with his parents, older brother Chase, and younger sister Claudia. Carson grew up playing airsoft, attending and working at his church, and of course, loving Star Wars. After high school, Carson attended New England Baptist College, where he met Makayla. After his sophomore year, he transferred to Vision Baptist College, where he is currently finishing his senior year.
Makayla D. Ryan
Bride
Makayla grew up in Stratton, Maine (population 600) with her parents and sister. Growing up she enjoyed playing sports, the piano, and being involved in the ministry at her church. In high school she joined her local fire department where she volunteered for five years. In May of 2020 she graduated from New England Baptist College with a degree in elementary education. Makayla is currently in her second year of teaching first grade.
Chase D. Vara
Best Man
The groom's older brother, Chase and Carson were always very close growing up, bonding over Star Wars and airsoft. Currently, Chase is an industrial designer living in Seattle with his wife Lucy.
Kelsey L. Ryan
Maid of Honor
The bride's younger sister and only sibling. Kelsey is one of the funniest and down-to-earth people you will ever meet. She is currently a junior at New England Baptist College studying secondary education with a focus in math. She is a hard worker and an excellent artist and baker.
Ethan O. Swiatkowski
Groomsman
Meeting the first day of college, Ethan became one of the grooms first and most influential friends. They've shared everything from Greek to basketball, at which the Carson is undeniably better. Ethan is the youth pastor at Gospel Light Baptist Church in Kearny, New Jersey.
Sarah R. Swiatkowski
Bridesmaid
The bride's college best friend and favorite roommate. They both taught together at the same Christian school while finishing their senior year of college. Sarah is one of the strongest and hardest working people you will meet. She always tells it like it is and gives some of the best advice. Sarah loves teaching, iced coffee, and Winnie the Pooh.
Anthony L. Frazer
Groomsman
Frazer was the groom's first roommate at college, and they had a very quick bond. Frazer and Carson spent many late nights discussing life, the Bible, and praying together. Frazer is genuine about everything he does, and Carson is very thankful to count him as a close friend.
Claudia M. Vara
Bridesmaid
The grooms younger sister. Claudia is a Sophomore at Vision Baptist College, studying Christian counseling. She is a hard worker and one of the most fun people to be around. She enjoys running, coffee, and spending time with her family and friends.
Mike Rivera
Groomsman
Mike and the groom's relationship has gone through many stages, from someone Carson looked up to in the teen group, to teacher, and now to close friend. Mike is one of the most loving and genuinely caring people, and he shows that through every aspect of his life.
Abigail K. Davis
Bridesmaid
One of the bride's closet college friends and one of the main reasons Carson and Makayla started talking. Abby is one of the sweetest and relatable people you will ever meet. She is always encouraging others. Abby loves coffee, cats, and spending time with her husband Josiah.
Vihti M. Maunula
Groomsman
Vihti is the groom's oldest friend, dating back to when they were both five. Over the years, they've schooled together, played together, and prayed together. Vihti is a frank, friendly, open person who loves people and loves God.
Claire M. DeLuca
Bridesmaid
One of the bride's best friends from college. Claire always has some random fact about life to share. Life is never dull or boring with her. She is always willing to listen and will do anything to put a smile on someone's face and make them feel loved. Claire is currently living in Greece helping with her parent's ministry there. She loves listening to music, reading books, and spending time with her family and friends.
Micah D. Rice
Groomsman
Transferring to a new school his junior year of college, Micah was the groom's first friend at Vision, and he has stayed his closest. Carson had the privilege to work a bus route with Micah, and witness his passion for God firsthand. Micah has a irrepressible sense of humor and a true love for God.
Jade A. Silvernail
Bridesmaid
One of the bride's closet college friends. Jade is one of the most helpful and hardest working people you will ever meet. She is an encourager and an up lifter. Jade can usually be found with a pencil in her hard drawing a picture or writing a story, Her creativity is amazing!
Michael P. Vara
Father of the Groom
Michael Vara grew up in the Bronx with his two siblings. He has worked in construction for his entire life. After working for 25 years in the New York school systems, he started his own business, in which both his sons, Chase and Carson, worked for several years. Besides his business, Michael enjoys restoring and collecting antique cars, and serving at his church.
Matthew R. Ryan
Father of the Bride
Matthew grew up in Stratton, Maine where he later married his wife Brandy and they raised their two daughters. He is a truck driver for a logging company and enjoys hunting and reloading ammunition in his free time. Matthew also teaches Sunday school at his church. He is one of the kindest and hardest working men you will ever meet.
Dianne M. Vara
Mother of the Groom
Dianne Vara lives in Stamford, CT with her husband Michael. After teaching for several years Dianne did a wonderful job homeschooling Carson and Claudia. She loves serving at her church, and enjoys crafts, and games, and spending time with people, especially her family.
Brandy L. Ryan
Mother of the Bride
Brandy currently lives in Maine with her husband Matthew. They recently bought an older home which she enjoys restoring with DIY projects in her free time. Brandy is one of the hardest working women you will meet and spent 12 years homeschooling her children. She also teaches Sunday school at her church. She now works as a book keeper for a building supply company.
Benjamin D. Ruddy
Ring Bearer
Ben is the son of Rob and Julia Ruddy, the Ryan's family friends and current neighbors. Ben loves to read books and play outdoors with his siblings.
Abigail R. Boyle
Flower Girl
Abby is the daughter of Pastor and Mrs. Boyle (The deans of students at New England Baptist College where Makayla and Carson attended.) Abby was one of the bride's first first grade students in 2019. Abby loves the color pink and unicorns.