Laura & Rolan
"I Do" Crew
Renèe Colligan
Maid of Honor
We’ve been best friends for over 15 years, thanks to church and playing Bratz dolls together. Renée is my voice of reason, but I can always count on her to take silly and candid pictures. Life has separated us due to school or our jobs, but our best friendship continues to blossom!
Raymond Mayo
Best Man
This is my big brother, Raymond (FKA Huggy)! We met through my parents back in 1991 and we’ve been the best of friends every since. As kids, I REALLY loved traveling with this guy. But this one summer.... man I remember it like it was yesterday! We played NFL Blitz 2000 Arcade, ate unhealthy amounts of ice cream sandwiches and ended the day by watching Little Giants! While our parents were getting sucked into a time share scam, of course. Those were the days! It’s always great to have someone in your life who’s as kind and inspiring as he is. We all we got!
Taryn Falkenstein
Bridesmaid
On a middle school mission trip, Taryn and I were first acquaintances but quickly became great friends. Someone even asked if Taryn and I were sisters. I can always count on Taryn to tell it like it is! Our favorite thing to do when we get together is to walk and talk around Burke Lake.
Raymond Johnson
Best Man
This is my god brother, Raymond. We met on the school bus back in 2000. I was just a 3rd grader still trying to find his way and he always looked out for me, like a big brother would. I remember one summer we threw the biggest house party anyone had ever seen, I’m talking soooo many people. We spent the next morning buying new screen doors, gorilla glue to fix broken chairs and still trying to figure out who was still in the house. But we did it together and that’s all that matters. My dog, my bro, families for life.
Hannah Lee
Bridesmaid
Youth group, church trips and hanging out taking silly pictures is how Hannah and I’s friendship grew. She knows how to make me laugh and is the most honest person I know. Now we try and have monthly hangouts at Starbucks to chat and stay updated on each others lives!
Jared Turner
Groomsman
My brother! I met Jared when I looked over and saw that I wasn’t the only black guy working at Wawa. The bond was formed at that very second. Wakanda Forever. I have so many stories from our younger days but my favorite was when we were at the VCU practice field, playing soccer and Jared straight up nailed me on the wrist. I was fine for most of the day but around 9 o’clock that night, I was waving that white flag because I knew for sure I was going to die. Being the amazing guy that he is, Jared drove me to the hospital to get checked out. Luckily, it was only a sprain. Seems like something so small, but to have someone in your life who genuinely cares about your well being is always needed. Jared is that someone. Oh and one time, this drunk guy in a bar thought we were a couple. Crazy.
Tia Dillahunt
Bridesmaid
Longwood University 2013: Tia and I quickly became best friends. We spent every day for 3 years hanging out. Weekends were filled with sleepovers, eating junk food and watching movies. Not even a snowstorm could separate us!
Liam Ericson
Groomsman
Laaaaaaaaaamm! My brother from another anxiety attack! I met Liam back in 2014 and the rest is history (more like a blur). He also owes me a whole BMW! Back in 2016, I was out of work for 3 months due to a broken shoulder and Liam was not about to let me stay in the house all depressed. This guy forced me out of the house, took me all around the city, took me grocery shopping and made sure I was good to go for the week. At a time where I needed someone the most, he was there for me. I am forever grateful. I’m gonna need that BMW by Thursday.
Kim Rodriguez
Bridesmaid
A job at a summer camp brought us together and a friendship was formed. Despite not working together, we continue to support one another through the ups and downs of life. There is always the occasional hangout where food, drinks and/or baseball are involved!
Robert Ross
Groomsman
My other bruh cuh cuhh! (once again, for the formal folks, my first cousin. But also Mike’s brother). Our relationship didn’t really start until I got a little older, since Rob lived in another state. Although I did meet him once when I was younger and he’s always had a place in my heart. That’s family! Once we reconnected, we just picked back up where we left off. We discovered hookah together, chased kids playing ding dong ditch together, ordered $80 worth of Taco Bell together. We’ve done it all! Question though. Y’all ever been to Fayetteville?
Taylor Wichtendahl
Bridesmaid
My GMU work bestie for life! We wouldn’t have survived our job if it wasn’t for our friendship. We bonded over our love for Mexican food and Paint Nites! Also, Taylor is the one that helped Rolan execute his Valentine’s Day 2019 surprise!
Michael Ross
Groomsman
My bruh cuh cuhh! (For the formal folks, my first cousin). I met this guy back in 1992, through my folks and we’ve been boys since then. Mike has been the driving force behind everything I do. No matter what it is, he’s the first person to tell me “you got this bruh!”. Whenever I think it’s time to give up, he gives me 100 reasons why I should keep going. You can find us having bro time convos over the grill, in the dead of winter or over $70 worth of McDonalds on a Tuesday night. That’s our relationship and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. ANYTHING! It’s 60 duh-grease.