Mike & Alissa
Wedding Party
Madeline Suess
Matron of Honor
Madeline and I met in grad school in Pittsburgh! We first met on orientation day, and then again at a welcome reception where I had managed to spill red wine on my white dress and Madeline had a tide pen in her purse! However we didn't get to truly talking until we were both invited to a statistics study session at the library. We were the first to arrive and I was starving like always, so I asked Madeline who I had never had a conversation with if she would go to Panera with me and have a grilled cheese. The rest is history! We both moved to Washington D.C. when we graduated and get to see each other all the time:) Madeline and I spend our time together at the beach eating yummy seafood, dancing to soca while she tries to teach me to cook, and exploring new themed pop up bars in D.C.!
Randy Alston
Best Man
Randy and I met in our first class of grad school at Pitt. We bonded over game theory - the prisoners' dilemma to be exact. The two of us were the only ones in the class that said that the prisoner should defect and turn on their comrade (the correct answer for the game). One would think that a friendship based on betrayal wouldn't go far, but we quickly became best friends and could always be seen with each other. Some thought that it would be Randy and I, not Alissa and I, who were fated to end up together - others thought we were brothers. As time went on we both moved to DC, I got him a job, he got me a job, and we kept hanging out like we were still in school. When I was informed that I needed a Best Man to stand with me at my wedding, I couldn't think of anyone else for the job.
Mike Ball
Groomsman
Mike and I have been friends since middle school. Soon after starting eighth grade, we were called to the school's office along with some other kid that Mike always remembers the name of, but I never can. We were told that we had all just started school there after having moved to Valparaiso. We were asked where in town we lived and Mike and I found out that we not only lived in the same area, but also on the same street. Afterwards, I asked him if he liked The Lord of the Rings. To my dismay, he said no. He did say that he was a big fan of Star Wars though. I had some interest in Star Wars, so I figured we could become friends on that and I could devote more interest to it. I began making the 0.1 mile walk to stand at his bus stop instead of mine and we quickly became best friends.
Kayleigh Clark
Bridesmaid
Kayleigh and I met in college in North Carolina, where we joined the same sorority 9 years ago. Although, we didn't become friends until Sophmore year! Kayleigh visited me when I was interning in California that summer, where we spent our time surfing, dancing, exploring different beaches and so much more! After that, we were inseparable! I actually ended up moving to Pittsburgh, Kayleigh's hometown because she made a PowerPoint presentation of why I should go to grad school there! Kayleigh lives in San Diego now and I visit her there and vice versa. Kayleigh is a bright light in my life and such a joy to be around, we always have so much fun together! She's great at making me forget everday frustrations and just focusing on the present.
Michael Baumann
Groomsman
Michael and I met at our San Damiano scholarship orientation at Marian University of Indianapolis. After working up the courage with some encouragement from his friend, Lauren Kissel, Mike asked me if I wanted to be roommates for our Freshman year. I thought that he was better than some rando, so I said sure. Little did I know that we would become inseparable. We ended up running the school together and were roommates for three of the next four years (Sophomore year is a long story). I joined the speech team because he was going to - one of the experiences that helped form my college experience. Throughout our time at Marian, we both began to learn who we are, who we could be, and what we're doing in this world. Looking back, I couldn't imagine going through college with anyone else.
Kimberly Goody
Bridesmaid
Kim and I met first year of grad school in Pittsburgh and have been close friends ever since! Luckily, she also moved to Washington D.C. when we graduated, and now lives less than a mile from my apartment so we get to see each other all the time! Kim is always spoiling me with Monday night bachelor episode dates where she provides the best cheese, snacks and wine! I love how Kim is always up for an adventure! I know I can call her at any time and she will be ready to do anything I feel like doing! She is always there for me. We love exploring new places in D.C. together on the weekends especially new oyster or beer spots! She is also friends with Mike, which is good to know they both have someone to grab breakfast with or chat early in the morning while i'm still sleeping!
Steven Byers
Groomsman
Steven and I have known each other since he was born. In the 16ish years that we lived together, Steven and I didn't always have the best relationship. I used him to learn how other people think, react, and flip over the handlebars of their bike when you stick a baseball bat in the spokes. As we grew older, we began to become friends - a time that was cut short when I left for college. When Steven graduated from college, I had the opportunity to try again when Steven moved to the DC area. Since then, we've hung out when we can, sharing our love of beer, bacon, and talking about nerdy things nobody else cares about. I'm so grateful for the chance to really become friends with Steven over this short period of time. Steven is one of the smartest, most caring, and generous people I know.
Emily Grisnik
Bridesmaid
Emily and I met through our mutual friend Kayleigh. We were both her bridesmaids and got to know each other through all the festivities for her wedding! We bonded so much at the bachelorette party, that when we went to the bridal shower people were asking if we knew each other from before. It was actually at Kayleigh's bachelorette party where I helped Emily pick our her apartment she would move to in southern Maryland, which happened to be close to me in DC! Once Emily moved, she started coming to DC all the time and staying over on weekends and the rest is history! Emily is now moving into the city so we will be even closer and get to see each other more! I am so grateful to have this kind and bubbly girl who radiates positivity in my life!
Kenny Pankey
Groomsman
Kenny was my first guy friend at work. I think he came to the United Nations Foundation about six months after I started. We sat next to each other and were both assigned on a few related projects, which was great because he's smart and works hard. Over time, Kenny and I became friends and he eventually moved to the same area of town as Alissa and me. Still living just a block away from us, Alissa and I love to hang out with Kenny and his girlfriend, Allison, to cook burgers, drink wine, drink beer, drink other things, try to dance salsa, and have a good time wherever we happen to be. Though Kenny is one of my favorite people, I did have some reservations having him as a groomsman - Kenny is the most stylish person I know and I'm concerned that he'll look better than me at the wedding.
Lauren Ignozzi
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met at college in North Carolina 9 years ago! We got to know each other when we both rushed the same sorority and community service fraternity. After many lunch dates, and nights out the rest is history! Lauren ended up moving to the Washington D.C. area around the same time I did so we get to see each other all the time! I love spending time with Lauren exploring DC, visiting the wineries in Virginia, going to brunch, having game nights, going to festivals, and hanging out by the pool during the summer! Lauren is also getting married around the same time as me and it's so special to be able to enjoy being future brides together! Our fiancés are also friends which is an added bonus for double dates! Lauren is one of the strongest people I know.
Rodrigo Vazquez
Groomsman
Rodrigo came to UNF about six months before I left to work in Defense. Even though we didn't work together for very long, his sociability, wit, and easy-going attitude made sure we stayed friends long after our tenure there. Organizing salsa nights and happy hours, he's been the backbone of keeping the crew together. Living in our neighborhood, Rodrigo and his wife Katie have been really helpful with ideas and advice during the wedding planning process. Rodrigo has lived around the world, is fluent in multiple languages, and even earned his law degree in Japan. This international man of mystery is always looking to have a good time, whether it's watching the Super Bowl, playing a board game (as long as you're playing by the rules), or out at a bar. Look for him out on the dance floor!
Dominique Marion
Bridesmaid
Dominique and I met at boarding school in Canada and we became close pretty much straight away. My parents ended up moving to Bermuda where Dominique is from, so we got to spend most of our summers and christmas breaks together during high school and college! Dominique is one of the most fun people I know and someone who has always pushed me outside of my comfort zone! We have always had the best time together whether on a cruise, at the beach, at a cricket match, at the movies, or discovering a new restaurant. This girl keeps me young. I know I have a second home in Bermuda with her whenever I want it!
Steve Worman
Groomsman
I met Steve in my second year of grad school. Since he was a PhD student, we didn't have any classes together at first, but we still became friends while studying, or avoiding studying, at the Ridgway Center. We got to know each other even better when we suffered together while being "socialized into the discipline" in one of Dr. Grauer's classes, and blew off steam playing and discussing PC games. After finishing his classes, Steve and his family moved out to the DC area. Since then, we've tried to hang out as much as we can to play war games. He was also the one who helped me get my nerves together before I proposed to Alissa. Steve is absolutely one of the best dads I've ever met (I said "one of", Dad) and I'm excited to also have his daughter, Ivy, in the wedding as a flower girl!