Despina & Paul
Wedding Party
Despina Wilson
Bride
The daughter of Greek Orthodox priest Father George and Presvytera Harriet, Despina has fulfilled the stereotype of marrying a seminarian. On top of that, she never expected to fall for someone who loves watching football as much as her parents. She loves a lot of things like a good laugh, a beautiful sunset, learning how to play Zelda, but perhaps most of all dating her best friend. It's pretty cool. Maybe not as cool as marrying him though... we'll see.
Paul Murray
Groom
In anticipation of two potential bios from others, Paul is going to write his own placeholder. Paul was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA where he became a close follower of Pittsburgh sports. He got involved with music at a young age and with ultimate frisbee in college, both of which he fell in love with, but not quite as much as being in church. After college, he went straight to seminary, where on the first day of class, he met someone who he has become very excited to marry. He is grateful to God for blessing him with incredible people to walk through life with, especially the one who will be by his side for the rest of it.
Kleoniki Wilson
Maid of Honor
The older sister of the bride and, unwillingly sometimes, her best friend. She is the sassy counterpart of the Wilson sisters and has a lethal wit, but also a heart of gold. Despina is so blessed to have a best friend and sister who not only shaped her love of show tunes and Disney, but also put up with her. Kleoniki is very excited to welcome Paul to the family!
Jake Murray
Best Man
The younger brother of the groom and surprisingly good at just about everything he puts his mind to, Jake is graciously welcoming Despina into the Murray clan, despite his lack of appreciation of her puns and sense of humor. His loss really. Jake is an avid frolfer, skier, hiker, and chess player. You may recognize him from his 2020 nomination for the Donovan Award.
Nikolia Nicholas
Bridesmaid
Despina and Niki have been friends for almost 20 years. Though they started off as mortal enemies when they met at the Detroit Metropolis' St. Nicholas Southern Summer Camp, they became close friends over the years. Their friendship and connection have continued, whether close or far. Now having the opportunity to be in each other's weddings Niki says, “I’m reminded again how lucky I've been to have a friend like Despina to grow up with."
Spiro Morris
Groomsman
Spiro Morris, a friend of both the bride and groom, is a Seminarian from the dazzling city of Detroit. The HCHC Ecclesiarch enjoys antidoron and long walks to the chapel. Spiro is considered to be a whisky aficionado and often invites the groom (his downstairs neighbor) to tastings and talks. The groom appreciates his help in teaching him how to be an adult. The epic photo- though sans his very seminarian beard- is courtesy of his own recent wedding. (Hi Elaine!)
Sophia Petrou
Bridesmaid
Originally from Rhode Island, Sophia’s friendship with the bride grew as they walked to a local coffee shop for weekly study sessions as they were both students at HCHC. One of the most thoughtful people the bride knows, Sophia enjoys her coffee, long hikes, and painting. She wishes Paul and Despina “¡Que vivan los novios!”
Devon Latzen
Groomsman
The man, the myth, the Devon. An outgoing introvert from California, Devon befriended the bride and groom at seminary and during CrossRoad adventures. He loves photography, calligraphy, good tea, and petting any puppy within a 2 mile radius (though he may be willing to travel further). He has enjoyed recently returning to his career designing software interfaces. He is honored to know the bride and groom and is excited to be a part of their big day.
Katie Smith
Bridesmaid
Fellow Hellenic College Holy Cross friend, Katie is, as some would say, a ball of sunshine. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Katie is (much like Despina) a southern girl through and through. She, Paul, and Despina bonded as they lived in the dorms and experienced life on HCHC campus together. She is so excited to celebrate with Paul and Despina on their special day!
Elias Diamond
Groomsman
A fellow seminarian, the groom and Elias are in the same graduating class at Holy Cross. Elias served on CrossRoad staff with the bride and groom but their friendship began long before that. Nights of Super Smash Brothers, random ice cream adventures with the chant professor, and winter break road trips to and from their home city of Pittsburgh brought him and the groom together frequently. Whether or not he will continue to address the bride as "Wilson" after August 22 is to be determined.
Stephen Pepps
Usher
One of the bride's youngest cousins, Stephen will serve as their Yiayia Mary’s arm candy on the day of the wedding. He hails from Michigan and enjoys hiking as well as his Greek heritage. His energy and social nature made him the perfect choice for usher, but one thing he's really looking forward to is his road trip to NOLA for the wedding. Stephen can be classified as one cool dude...
Yianni Gagianas
Usher
Yianni is Paul's first cousin. His favorite past time is sitting on the porch sipping a glass of raki and thinking about the old country. He enjoys his family here in America but often gets homesick, missing his hometown village in Crete. It's been said he once played his Lyra for 10 days straight without even taking a break to eat or drink. He usually has a serious demeanor as carries the pain of the long-lasting Ottoman oppression on his heart, but since hearing the news of Paul and Despina's engagement he's been all smiles. He too is one cool dude...
Anthony Linderman
Koumbaro
At the bottom of the list because of Zola's website formatting and not because of his importance to the ceremony, the koumbaro is the sponsor of the wedding couple, similar to Godparents in a baptism. His role is to pray for us and be a spiritual brother for us in our marriage, someone we can turn to in our times of need. Anthony is our close friend from seminary, and someone we are excited to have as an additional brother for the rest of our lives.