Courtney & Nick
Wedding Party
Laura Walawender
Matron of Honor
Laura has been stuck with me since birth, however we've come a long way since dividing our room with masking tape. She has been my constant number one supporter throughout my life, always pushing me to be a better version of myself. Laura never lets me forget who I am and what brings me happiness, and I am so grateful to have a sister I can call my best friend. I can't believe it's time for you to be my matron of honor, it seems like just yesterday I was sitting next to you during your own wedding ceremony! Go Blue forever!
Darren Appel
Best Man
Despite the fact I lived in the dorm directly above Darren, we first met because we were put in the same math homework group. Even though we were never roommates, Darren and I were best friends during college and have remained best friends since. After graduating, I've lived with Darren in Chicago more than once on my many moves across the country. We've tried to make it a tradition to get together on Easter weekend and do something fun, which so far mostly includes Darren visiting wherever I'm living (like New York and Seattle). Fun fact - I will be Darren's Best Man (he's also getting married in 2022), and there will be a lot of overlap in our wedding guests and (maybe) the content of our speeches.
Danielle Grubb
Bridesmaid
Danielle (Nina) and I have been best friends since the 3rd grade! I recently was able to stand by her in her own wedding, and I'm so excited she'll be in mine! Since sharing our first secret together under the vanity in my parent's bathroom, to growing up together and continuing to love each other, I'm beyond ecstatic to continue calling this person my best friend.
Zee Oluwaremi
Groomsman
Zee and I first met as blind roommates at U of M. I couldn't find Zee on Facebook before moving in because I kept looking for Zerubbabel instead of Zee so I really had no idea who I was meeting or what to expect. Fast forward and we were roommates and close friends for all 4 years of undergrad. Zee's one of the first people I met at Michigan and we've remained great friends ever since.
Rachel Thorpe
Bridesmaid
Words do not begin to describe how much I love this human. We experienced the growing pains of college together, and half of my stories would not be as good if Rachel wasn't in them. We live far away now, but always find our way back to each other. Snorts n' Thorpe 2022!
Evan VanBeelen
Groomsman
I met Evan freshman year, when he was nicknamed "Cowboy" by one of Darren's friends because he actively wore a cowboy hat everywhere. I've had so many great experiences in mid-Michigan with Evan and his family - they've hosted my mom and me for thanksgiving; Evan and I have gone hunting together multiple times; and we survived a hurricane in South Carolina at a NASCAR race together.
Nicole Tey
Bridesmaid
Nicole and I met in 2019 during my rotating internship in Seattle, WA and we hit it off immediately when we took a detour to Target during a Seattle scavenger hunt. We supported each other during arguably the toughest year of our careers, but still managed to beat Overcooked 2 together during lockdown. Although she's far away in Georgia now pursuing her dream as a veterinary criticalist, we still manage to talk nearly every day. Plus, I still get to wow her with my amazing jokes. Otters for life!
Mikey dePala
Groomsman
I've known Mikey the longest of anyone in the wedding party, We went to elementary and high school together, so I guess we first met when I was 5? We've always been good friends (see photo of us from Twin Day in high school), and I was thrilled when Mikey and his girlfriend, Mary, moved to Seattle in 2018. They were some of our best friends during our (too short) time in Seattle.
Taylor Johannigman
Broomsmaid
One fall day in 2015, on a concrete bench outside the veterinary school, I shyly asked Taylor if I could sit with them and eat lunch. Luckily they said yes, because it formed a beautiful friendship between two crunchy hipsters. At times mistaken for twins, you may only tell us apart by Taylor's tattoos. Thank you Taylor for being my cosmic twin and my sounding board for everything. You are an incredible person and I'm so excited for you to be in my wedding party!
Jibran Ahmed
Groomsman
Jibran and I first met during something related to MUSIC Matters, a student organization we were both involved in at Michigan. Darren, Jibran, and I (and every once in a while Evan made an appearance) spent many late nights solving all of MUSIC Matters' problems in Darren's basement (with our fair share of cheap Mexican food and cheap beer).
Melanie Mironovich
Bridesmaid
Melanie has been my wonderful best friend since the start of veterinary school, where we slowly but surely exposed each others mutual love (and mild obsession) with cats. She kept me sane in vet school, and made sure I closed my books every once in a while and enjoyed the beautiful city of Columbus while we could. Thank you for always being my rock, and someone who can always lift my spirits. I love you and can't wait to be reunited! P.S. please don't slap me again
Eduardo Salas
Groomsman
I met Eduardo a couple times during my freshman year of college. We became friends over the years, as he was roommates with Evan and Darren sophomore year, and we were all in the same class in business school. He's introduced me to the best Mexican food in Detroit and his family has hosted me several times over the years including when Eduardo's Jetta broke down on the way home from a Red Wings game. Eduardo is an avid gardener and griller - please ask him about the benefits of a 22-inch premium Weber kettle grill.
Alex Doroba
Bridesmaid
Alex has been one of my best friends since 7th grade, where we were randomly introduced by Nina one day after school. We've grown a lot since first meeting, and have experienced a lot of major life changes together. Although we live far apart now, Alex is someone that I might not see for years but whenever we reconnect it's like no time has passed. You are the voice of reason when I am lost, and I am so grateful to call you my friend.
Dinkar Suri
Groomsman
Dinkar was my best friend, eventual roommate, and gambling buddy from my short time as a banker at RBS in Connecticut. We joked that we often spent 24 hours a day within about 10 feet of each other. We were roommates at an apartment 2 blocks from work, worked one desk away from each other, and did all the same activities together (golf, basketball, eating pizza). We've thankfully remained close despite both of our many moves (mine across the USA, and his across the world).