Samuel Douglas & Alexandra Rose
Wedding Party
Amy Teriann Kobylarz
Maid of Honor
Amy and Alex have been two peas in a pod since they became tennis partners in 2010, some would say they were a force to be reckon with on the court (and by that we mean the most annoying partners to EVER play against). Amy has been by Alex's side through high school drama, college humor, and adulting disasters. Currently they live 17,000,000 miles apart (2 hours to be exact), but are always together in heart. Throughout their 10 years of friendship, Amy taught Alex how to love boldly, bake red velvet cupcakes, and how to embarrass herself whenever an occasion presents itself. Amy is a mad scientist who can convince Alex to go through with any dare, mother of Mochi & 12 other kittens, and best friend forever and ever to Alex.
Connor Joseph Carmody
Best Man
Connor and Sam met for the first time in 3rd grade. Fortunately, their friendship grew in many directions over the years. Whether it was a game of pickup basketball or sledding on the neighborhood hills, these two were always finding something fun to do together. Once they went off to GVSU, Connor and Sam became the best of roommates and study buddies. Whether it was their shared passion for golfing, tossing the pigskin, or going out to the clubs, they always managed to make the best memories together! No matter what happened through all of the years, these two were always there for each other and Sam is very lucky to have a friend like Connor by his side through every stage of life and he couldn’t be more excited to have Connor stand by his side on 7/17/21!
Lila Anne Mularoni
Bridesmaid
Lila has been the biggest sister, second mother, and bestest friend to Alex. Their relationship dates back to January 16th, 1995, the day Alex was born. Now Lila had already been a big sister for two years prior to Alex's birth so by then Lila knew the in's and out's of how to be the best and WORST big sister ever. Lila always, always took the blame for anything and everything Alex did, even in the face of the most terrible punishments. Lila also watched out for Alex very carefully, no one could ever pick on her or harm her other than Lila herself... However many times Lila hit or picked on Alex, Alex always looked up to Lila and loved her, that is until the day Alex grew taller. Alex may now have to look down on Lila, but she continues to love and cherish Lila with her whole heart.
Nicholas David Oostendorp
Groomsman
Nick is Sam's oldest brother and best confidant. Messing with Nick was one of Sam’s favorite things to do growing up. Sam loved to jump on Nick and tackle him any chance Sam got! Throughout all the years of tackling and teasing, thankfully Nick never lost his temper. Being the oldest Nick was always teaching Sam what to do, and when he couldn't do that Nick mostly certainly taught him what not do! Over the years, Nick and Sam have shared a love of video games, golf, and delicious beer. Nick is a kind and patient person, these traits are what made him such a great brother to Sam. Thankfully, Sam will always have Nick to look up to, literally.
Daniela Simone Mularoni
Bridesmaid
Daniela, the other big sister. The beginning of this relationship was a full-on war. Daniela and Alex fought at least once every day, if not twice a day. These weren't your typical Sunday afternoon arguments over the TV remote kind of fights either. Daniela was never afraid to throw fists or feet, & by the time Alex had taken a few blows she always regretted picking the fight in the first place. Of course as the years went on, the fights continued & Alex began focusing on eating her vegetables. One day, Alex leveled up 5inches & finally won the boss battle, after that day Alex became a sage and decided to seek peace with Daniela rather than war. As they continued to grow older they became the best of friends, laughing at the same dumb jokes and sharing an unconditional love for each other.
Jacob Michael Oostendorp
Groomsman
Jake is Sam's older brother and his role as a brother was always fulfilled to perfection! Jake is one of the nicest and most thoughtful guys you will ever meet. Jake can easily strike up a conversation with anyone and by the end of conversation you feel like you’ve just made a best friend. Sam couldn't have been luckier to have Jake by his side as they were growing up and even now! Jake has always been and will always be an outstanding role model to Sam. Jake’s love of other people, desire for adventure, and stoic wisdom are traits Sam will always cherish. Jake has always been a voice of reason and insight to Sam and always challenging Sam to view things in a different way. Sam would not be the man he is today if Jake wasn't around to help him get there!
Manuella Anne Oraha
Bridesmaid
Manuella and Alex are the best of cousins, but their relationship really blossomed after the release of the original "101 Dalmatians"! Manuella and Alex would spend countless hours reenacting only the best scenes from this Disney classic, and they almost spent even more time arguing over who got to be Perdita and who had to play Pongo. Thankfully those arguments were never anything that could break the bond they built growing up together. As they grew older, those countless hours were spent staying up late, watching silly movies, and pouring their hearts out. Manuella and Alex have been giving each other advice, guidance, and belly laughs throughout every stage of life, and whenever the lights start to dim they are always there for each other to brighten one another's path.
John Vaughn Dwyer
Groomsman
John was always a great friend to Sam, during middle school and high school these two were rarely apart. Whether it was in class or out on the track field, John was always someone Sam could look up to. Fortunately, some of John's determination and discipline rubbed off on Sam, helping him get where he is today! Although Sam and John don’t get to see each other too often, John is a friend for life. These two could go months without speaking and be able to pick up right where they left off whenever they saw each other next. Whether it is video games, sports, politics, the stock market, or just cruising around having a good time, John and Sam will always be great friends.
Madison Mieko Wenglare
Bridesmaid
Mad dawg is one of the most loyal and truest friends to Alex. Madison's kindness and ability to always say the right thing never ceases to amaze Alex. Madison and Alex met through Amy, but were lucky enough to develop a strong friendship of their own. Some of Alex's fondest memories, involve Madison's complaining, sharing a jean skirt (aka Alex stealing Madison's skirt for 2 years), and a love for Ke$ha! Not many people know this, but Madison was the very first person to hear about Sam! One early morning on a bus ride for a camp field trip, Alex sat down & began to tell Madison how she met a boy named Sam. They gossiped, stalked, and laughed at Sam's old Facebook photos; 4 years later Madison stood in background taking photos as Sam knelt down on one knee and promised Alex a forever love.
Derek Pearson Smith
Groomsman
Derek and Sam have been friends for a long time, but it wasn't until college that these two really formed a bond. They always had similar interests and friends, but it was their love for having a gooood time that brought them together. Derek was always the life of the party, whether it was a small hangout or a house party, he would make sure you were having a good time (or were making it home if you happened to have TOO good of a time). Whether it was in the streets of Grand Rapids or sandy beaches in Florida, Derek and Sam always managed to capture the best memories when they would spend time together.
Aquilah Nicole Wellington
Bridesmaid
Kela and Alex's friendship started unexpectedly to say the least. In the middle of the school year Alex abruptly moved into Kela's dorm room. Alex always left her side of the room in disarray, constantly set off the fire alarm, and cried a lot. Alex was the roommate Kela did not quite want but learned to live with and eventually love. Of course, throughout the years they spent living together Alex learned to keep things clean & cook, but she preferred to dine at Keke's Kafe often. Most importantly Kela and Alex learned they would be friends for life, bonded through unique humor and the best memories. Lastly, when you meet Kela, make sure you thank her for keeping Alex alive and rational-ish throughout her college years. Keke, do you love me? Say you'll never ever leave from beside me.
Drew Thomas Taylor
Groomsman
What can you say about Drew? He is the social glue that holds everyone together. Drew always had a knack for finding similarities with everyone and that remains true for his relationship with Sam. These two always had something to do or talk about together no matter where they found themselves. Drew always knew how to keep it real and that's something Sam never took for granted. Whether it was Grand Rapids, East Lansing, Allendale, or the streets of Chicago, Sam and Drew were always finding something fun to do together. From playing pickup ball at the park as kids to vibin’ out on the sunny stoops of Chicago, Sam and Drew never shared a dull moment.