Alexandra & Derek
Wedding Party
Madison Cowell
Maid of Honor
Alexandra and Madi met in the 2nd grade at a family friend's home right after Al had moved to North Carolina. Alexandra begged Madi to play dress up of which Madi agreed, ONLY, if they played dance dance revolution together. They had a sleepover that night and became immediate best friends. If you were to ask Madi and Al about their friendship now, they would tell you that most of the time, they refer to each other as their sister. They are truly family.
Lauren Gwaltney
Bridesmaid
Alexandra and Lauren started their friendship strong back in the third grade where Alexandra attended Lauren's Cheetah Girls movie premiere birthday party. Lauren and Al continued their friendship throughout the years, going through different journeys of life, all to end up becoming college roommates through a series of wild events.
Bridgette Brody
Bridesmaid
Bridgette and Alexandra met through their college acapella group, Ear Candy, ~aca sisters for life~. Their first friendship "date" was hanging out at Alexandra's apartment, making dirt cups (if you know you know). After one night of celebrating a performance and bonding yet again, Bridgette and Al became inseparable.
Olivia Bickford
Bridesmaid
Alexandra and Olivia met in Chicago at their former job, where Al was one of the music therapy supervisors for Olivia. After Olivia's internship was over in her thank you card, she wrote "can we be real friends now, check yes or no". Needless to say, they have been attached at the hip since.
Steve Oatman
Groomsman
Derek and Steve first knew each other as friends when they were attending the same church through youth group. What started as a good time leaning into Steve's undiagnosed Arachnophobia, by showing him spiders has now blossomed into a more "mature" friendship. Steve thought Derek was so cool that he married his cousin, Miranda, also a part of the wedding party.
Miranda Oatman
Groomswoman
Derek and Miranda's relationship goes back to birth. Life has brought them close and circumstance has only grown their connection. Miranda has grown up seeing Derek's awkward chubby phase, his years of braces, and still loves him. Miranda thinks Derek is so cool, she went on to marry on of his good friends, Steve, Derek's best man.
Austen Cagwin
Groomsman
Derek met Austen through Alexandra, naturally. While convenience certainly speaks to Austen being a part of the Grooms party, his intentionality and kindred spirit are what puts him standing beside Derek. Although Derek and Austen share many interests, it is Derek's continued winning streak playing golf against Austen that brings him the most joy. If you ask Austen, he will certainly deny this...
Will Slatin
Groomsman
Derek and Will's relationship symbolizes connections of Chicago. Spending 5 years there has provided many friendships and good times. Some of the best were playing pickleball, camping, going out, and playing games, all with Will. Will has made the long trip from Chicago, though he has not had to endure it alone. Standing opposite him in the wedding is his girlfriend, Olivia, one of Alexandra's bridesmaids.