Wedding Party

Oliva Kuthuru

Bride

Zachary Kuligin

Groom

Nissy Wills

Matron of Honor

Our friendship started way before we even existed. Our moms were friends in college and ventured to America around the same time after having families. Although we didn’t get along too well in our childhood, we sure made up for lost time after we became extremely close in our own college years. Oliva has been my rock since I moved out to college and started my career and family. She has always been a piece of home to me. Our friendship has stood the test of time with so many fun memories and shared tears. We are always there for each other. Oliva is who I call when I’m in need of a laugh, a shoulder to cry on, or random medical advice. I couldn’t imagine a life without our daily morning calls and our endless memes of messages. I am so excited to celebrate your true love and journey to marriage! Fun fact: I am the only person Oliva trusts to do her makeup. If you knew how big of a deal that is… you’d make it your fun fact too!!

Calvin Kuligin

Best Man

Being Zak’s younger brother, we’ve naturally known each other my whole life. We’ve shared a bedroom in Namibia, South Africa, and even the States so we have some stories from over the years. One funny story when we shared a room that comes to mind is when I woke up at 3am in the shower after sleepwalking. I walked out of the bathroom to a very rightfully so confused Zak sitting up in bed exclaiming “What on earth are you doing?” I simply responded “I don’t know.” Zak proceeded to give me THE most confused face and turn over letting a few huffs and puffs out along the way. Fortunately Zak has always been there to recount my sleep walking and talking the next day, even with me depriving him of sleep over the years. Fun fact: I love nature so some of my favorite experiences have been petting and feeding elephants and swimming with sea turtles. He was my best man for my wedding and I cannot wait to be his.

Shraya Divaker

Maid of Honor

I met Oliva as a kid at my grandparents' church, but our friendship truly began after college. Living only three minutes away from each other, we would go on coffee runs, wake up early to carpool to the gym, study together, talk about our spiritual journeys, and celebrate our shared birthdays. Through many career and life changes, Oliva and I became best friends and roommates, living together in Philadelphia and growing even deeper in our sisterhood. I would not be the same person without her love and support over the years, and I am overjoyed to be a part of her wedding day!

Thomas Atadan

Groomsman

I met Zak through my wife—making him not just a great friend, but also my brother-in-law. We hit it off right away, bonding over countless conversations and adventures. Over the years we’ve even traveled internationally together and even been stranded together on an island after a run-in with a fateful cyclone. Fun fact: I recently published my first sci-fi/fantasy novel—so if you need a book recommendation, I’ve got you covered!

Shruti Ravula

Bridesmaid

We met when Oliva and her family were visiting Martha's Vineyard the summer of 2012. They decided to stay over one night at our place. She slept in my room with me, and we hit it off instantly. We were up for many hours talking and laughing. It was a sisterly bond that happened in an instant, and to this day, it still remains. Oliva is the reason for my happily ever after. Convincing her cousin to come see this girl whom she thought would be a good fit for him, she certainly was spot on! My favorite memory of us is when we were headed to the Wednesday worship night at church. Oliva wasn’t having a good day, but suddenly, she snapped out of it and made the following statement: "Akki, you’re getting QT (quality time) with this cutie." I don't know what it was, but it was so spontaneous, and I still chuckle when I think of it. Even when she was down, she managed to make someone else laugh :) Fun fact: I love to plan and decorate for events or come up with ideas for party themes. I do have the tendency to be a little extra!

Matthew Terry

Groomsman

Zak and I met the first day of college, moving into our room together freshman year. Ever since that first day, we naturally became friends due to our shared interests, humor, and easygoing personalities. In the beginning of the semester, we would get confused for each other when separated and mistaken for siblings when together. Looking back, this was probably a sign of just how close we would grow over the years. Fun Fact: I’m always up for a DIY challenge—whether it’s making my own mustard, fermenting wine or mead, or tackling a home renovation project.

Danielle Kuthuru

Bridesmaid

My name is Dani, and I have the privilege of being one of Oliva’s bridesmaids, and more importantly, her sister-in-law. We have known each other for almost 4 years now. We hit it off immediately- so much so that we would joke that Onyx, her brother, was actually the third wheel when the three of us would get together. We most certainly share a love of dining out for good food, especially if the ambiance is also top notch. While Oliva is a Michelin star chef herself, I prefer to stick to baking, most notably Christmas cookies! While I would say that I do not have any exemplary talents, I do enjoy my hobbies; one of which is exploring the great outdoors. From hiking National Parks with my husband, to paddleboarding in the Lowcountry or snorkeling in Cancun, I love land and sea activities. Oliva is also always willing to join in on an adventure and I love that about her. While she is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime by marrying Zak, I must say that I could not be happier for them both. As God brought Oliva and Zak together, I know that they will have a lifetime filled with joyous memories and endless fun. I am looking forward to seeing where life takes them both!

Onyx Kuthuru

Groomsman

I first met Zak at brunch after church when my sister introduced us. Over time, the more I’ve gotten to know and spend time with him, the more I’ve come to love him. Zak fits right in, and we’re all overjoyed that he’s now part of our family! One of my favorite memories with Zak was spending an entire day hiding him in Atlanta as he planned to surprise Oliva at her own surprise engagement celebration and meet our extended family. It was funny watching him lowkey stress out, especially when Oliva started getting a bit suspicious. He had to come up with an excuse for turning off his location, claiming, “I got a new phone for Christmas” … yeah, as you can imagine, that was a bit of a stretch! But in the end, Zak pulled off an unforgettable moment for Oliva and very much impressed our family! Fun fact: I enjoy visiting national parks and have been to 27 so far—with a goal to see them all! Hopefully, I get to explore a few with Zak and Oliva over our lifetime!

Joanne Sandhanamudi

Bridesmaid

I’ve known Oliva Akka my entire life. From the moment I was born until now, she has been the most consistent presence in my life. She is not only my older sister but also my best friend. Even though I don’t always say it, she is the person I look up to the most and has always been my greatest role model. Some of my fondest memories are the ones spent with her—whether it was having sleepovers and putting on fashion shows in her room, or now, driving around on endless car rides blasting our favorite songs and still having sleepovers. No matter the time of day, she’s always there for me, and I know I can count on her for anything I need. I am beyond happy for you, Oliva Akka, and I am so excited for the beautiful journey you’re about to embark on with the love of your life. Fun fact: I used to be the little kid she had to entertain at family events, and now I'm the bridesmaid making sure she has the best day ever!

Andrew Sciuto

Groomsman

I met Zak my first year at college, about eight years ago. I was looking at different housing groups and I thought “Dang what a stud and upstanding citizen. I need to join this group ASAP.” And the rest is history Funny story: For whatever reason, my roommate was convinced that I was the fastest guy in our housing group and signed me up to take on any challengers in a 100 yard race. Zak happily took the challenge. I was a little nervous because I had seen Zak easily touch the basketball rim before but I couldn’t let my roommate down so I told Zak I would smoke him in a race whenever. Zak and I raced on the track. Although I started out ahead, Zak caught up and passed me for the win. After he finished he veered towards the fence and I gradually slowed down going straight ahead. I turned around preparing for the much deserved smack talk only to see Zak out of breath throwing up from all the physical exertion. So I’ll let you make the decision of who really won… Fun fact: I try to do one outdoorsy vacation per year. This year I am going to Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon.

Bethany Dennis

Bridesmaid

Oliva and I met in the basement of our apartment building in Graduate school in Pittsburgh. It was gross and creepy, but we hit it off and I'll forever be grateful for that basement lol! We bonded over a lot of jokes, our common fascination of human anatomy, and our love for Jesus. There are way too many memories to share, but one of my favorites had to be our bus trips together exploring the city or going to church. We would always manage to find something to laugh about or simply get deep into conversation. Although we were there for our education, I would say God had us there for each other. Fun fact: I grew up dancing at my family-owned studio and have gotten to perform for the Philadelphia 76ers! Don't ask me anything about the sport though lol!

Clayton Hammes

Groomsman

I met Zak my freshman year of college when he was a junior, but it wasn’t until my junior year that we became friends. After we both had graduated, we traveled to Brazil and Japan together, which allowed us to truly get to know each other and made Zak one of my best friends. Fun fact: I’ve lived in 6 states and been to 8 countries with a 9th in September. I’m also good at pickleball and went undefeated in a friendship Olympic tournament.

Mava, Ziva, Selah, Asha

Flower Girl

Mava Ravula: I first met Chinny when I was m 3 months old, and she came to visit me. She always gives me kisses and plays with me and when we were in Philadelphia, she always took us to get ice-cream. I love chinny and I can't wait until her wedding and to be her flower girl! Ziva Ravula: I first met Chinny when I was 8 months old at the Virginia family reunion. Chinny is so cwazzy she gives me lot of hugs and kisses and she says I am one wild child. I love chinny so much and cannot wait to be a flower girl at her wedding! Selah Ravula: I first met Chinny when I was 6 months old. I was initially hesitant, but eventually let my guard down to let her in. I have fun going on long car drives with chinny, Jonty and Dada. The conversations are deep and A+. I cannot wait to be a flower girl at her wedding! Asha Wills: I first met Mimi when I was 21 days old! FYI- she’s my God Mother….I am a fun and mischievous toddler who loves her Mimi so much! I am looking forward to being a flower girl and to celebrate Mimi and Zak’s love! I am a huge fan of Zak which is also a very high honor.

Carmi

Ring Bearer

Hi, I am Oliva's Nephew, and I am entrusted with the most important job of all: carrying the wedding rings down the aisle. Well, that is what they told me, anyway, but I am still figuring out this whole walking thing. I may forget my task, get distracted by the cool people around me, or maybe leave the pillow behind entirely- who can say? However, one thing is for sure: I will be dressed to impress, with sheer determination to get those rings to my future uncle, Zak, at the end of the aisle!