Valerie & Peter
Wedding Party
Alex Kollar
Maid of Honor
Alex and I met day one of our pre-orientation backpacking trip and instantly bonded over our similar upbringings, crazy sense of humor, and hip pains from backpacks that were too heavy due to overpacking. We then roomed together for two years at Wheaton and it became clear through our late night chats and designated not-quite-dirty laundry chair that we would be friends for life. Can't wait to travel the world until we're using walkers with this lady.
Connor Deyoung
Best Man
I met Connor my freshman year of college when I randomly sat down next to him on a couch in our dorm building. We very quickly realized we shared an insane amount in common. Throughout our time at Wheaton we played Basketball and Ultimate Frisbee together, sang together in Men's Glee Club, and roomed together. He's always been there for me: a teammate, a willing ear in times of need, a voice of reason, and one of few who share my goofy and random sense of humor!
Nicole Pearson
Bridesmaid
Nicole and I were on the same floor freshman year but didn't become friends until sophomore year when we lived next door to each other. The six of us in those tiny rooms shared many a late night together, forming deep friendships over delirium and Wendy's. We then roomed together senior year and supported each other through my long distance relationship and her busy life student teaching. Nicole is one of the most loyal people I know and I am so thankful to call her a friend.
Harris Desrosier
Best Man
Harris, as my brother, was my first and always friend. He and I have shared countless adventures throughout our life, and he is the one I can always count on, no matter what. Growing up we loved reading the Hardy Boys, and much like them, through the challenges, joys, injuries, laughing fits, happiness, and craziness of life we have always been shoulder to shoulder, ready to face it all. I love him more than words can say, and I am honored that he will be up there next to me at this wedding!
Tramaine Kaleebu
Bridesmaid
Tramaine was my freshman year randomly assigned roommate. We joke that we owe our close friendship to the random Wheaton rooming assignments because we likely would not have been friends otherwise but are so happy rooming brought us together. If you know Tramaine you know what a put together and supportive "mom" she can be to her friends, and I am so thankful that we spent most of Wheaton trading off being each other's support and sounding boards. If you need her, you can find Tramaine on the dance floor for 100% of the night putting us all to shame with her moves.
Drew Schultz
Groomsman
Drew and I lived on the same floor together since our freshman year of college, but it wasn't until we roomed together our senior year at Wheaton that we realized we would be lifelong friends. We share a love of music, sports, videogames, intense philosophical debate, and dank memes. Drew's honesty and character drew me to him (pun intended), and he will always be one of my most trusted friends.
Maddie LaMear
Bridesmaid
Maddie is a fellow archaeology grad that I met freshman year as we embarked on the same academic journey with only 4 total archaeology majors in our class. We bonded over our trips to Israel, passing coffee back and forth in Hebrew exegesis, love of cooking, and ABBA. Maddie is an fun loving and wise friend who can simultaneously be the life of the party and the most chill person in the room when I'm the least chill person in the room. She is my go to history and geology nerd and a lifelong friend.
Arekson Sunwood
Groomsman
Arekson and I met at Wheaton--roomed right next to each other in our dorm hallway. We built our deep friendship on long late-night talks, takeout Chinese food, discussing musical chord structures, and the movie Remember the Titans. Throughout the years Arekson and I had many adventures, from late-night bike rides to hours and hours of basketball and ultimate frisbee. We sang in the Wheaton talent show together and even both got to live in Boston together for a while after college. Arekson will always be my brother, and he holds a special place amongst my friends.
Laurel Desrosier
Bridesmaid
When I first got to know Laurel, Peter's sister, I was excited to learn how much we had in common and how easily we hit it off. We both love being home bodies relaxing with family over a puzzle or game as much as getting dressed to the nines and hitting the town. We both get to have a sister for the first time, and I'm so thankful to have had her in my life so far.
Trent Tovsen
Groomsman
Trent and I met once or twice in college, but somehow it wasn't until after we'd graduated that we became fast friends when I was first invited up for a weekend on the lake with him, Connor, and our other friend Michael. We both love sports, videogames, and also share a love for DIY projects, finance, and technology. It's possible Trent and I have spent more time together playing videogames in VR than time we spent together at Wheaton! Trent's earnest, loyal friendship is invaluable to me, and I am grateful we managed to form this friendship even after college!
Christine Schlais
Bridesmaid
Stine and I danced together in Zoe's Feet at Wheaton all four years. Our time at Wheaton and the years since has built a wonderful friendship rooted in random dancing sessions, long deep talks about life, and late night goofiness. Stine will be getting married a month before us to her fiance, Nathaniel, who she started dating a month before we did, which has been such a fun journey to be on together. Can't wait to dance with this one again on both of our wedding days this fall!
Christian Tewell
Groomsman
I first met Christian (Valerie's brother) when we were introduced online while playing videogames. Since then, we rapidly discovered a mutual love of soccer, digital art, technology, Renaissance fairs, and of course, videogames. Our competitive natures and like-minded intellects always keeps things fun! I'm excited to have Christian as a brother, as I've already thought of him as one for a long time now!