Wedding Party
Susan (Gia) & Hamish Gardner
Mother & Father of the Bride
The bride’s parents have been happily married for 34 years - long enough to prove that love, patience, and a good sense of humour really are the secret ingredients to a lasting marriage. Through every stage of life, they’ve been Kayla's biggest supporters, cheering her on, offering advice (solicited or not) and always showing up with endless love. Their partnership has been a constant example of what a strong, supportive marriage looks like, and Kayla is incredibly lucky to have had them guiding her every step of the way.
Vanessa Vendrasco-Aere
Maid of Honour
Vanessa and Kayla became best friends in highschool while choreographing musicals together. Somewhere between jazz hands, late rehearsals, and ambitious dance lifts, their friendship quickly turned into something more like sisterhood - and it’s been that way ever since. What Vanessa lacks in height, she more than makes up for in personality. As a feisty Italian with a voice that could rival a stadium announcer, she’s almost always the loudest person in the room - and definitely the most fun. Beneath all that sass is a heart of absolute gold. Vanessa would do anything for the people she loves, and Kayla is lucky to be at the very top of that list.
Lucy Sim
Bridesmaid
Lucy and Kayla have been besties since Kindergarten, sharing a ridiculous sense of humour and a long history of late-night laughter and dramatic show-tune singalongs. Lucy is also Kayla’s most enthusiastic supporter, famously writing page-long positive notes after seeing each show Kayla directs. That level of support has been there since the very beginning (in Grade 2, Kayla named her hamster after her - a true honour). Generous, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically herself from day one, Lucy has been a constant in Kayla’s life, even travelling all the way from London to be by her side for her big day. Forever her deg.
Michelle Russell
Bridesmaid
Michelle and Kayla's friendship also began in Kindergarten, which means Michelle has seen it all - every embarrassing phase, every questionable hair style, and every celebrity crush (Cook vs Archie?) and somehow still stuck around. She’s Kayla’s ultimate reality check, always leading with honesty and keeping her grounded. A certified fashionista, Michelle is always on trend, effortlessly stylish, and armed with a quick wit that can make anyone laugh, even when she’s roasting you. Fiercely loyal and endlessly loving, she’ll go to bat for her people without hesitation, and Kayla is one of them.
Drew Grewal
Bridesmaid
Drew and Kayla have been side by side since the very beginning of high school, getting through those formative years by spending countless tea-fueled nights in her parents’ basement dreaming about the futures they’re now living. Drew is the kindest, most gentle soul who always puts her people first, though she’s also famous for delivering hilariously sassy one-liners that still catch Kayla off guard. Drew is a mom-to-be who will have a newborn by the wedding day (we'll make sure to have those eye patches ready for her on the morning of), the fact that she’s still showing up as a bridesmaid is a testament to the kind of friend she is - loyal, loving, and absolutely irreplaceable.
Quinn Deschamps
Bridesmaid
Quinn and Kayla have been friends since Grade 8, back when their biggest concerns were homework and weekend plans. Their friendship grew stronger when they went to UBC, even living together on campus for a year - an era that included plenty of questionable decisions, great memories, and many post-night debriefs, usually after time spent at The Bourbon (RIP). Quinn is fiercely loyal, incredibly strong and resilient, and an amazing mom of two. She's also a fellow teacher, sharing Kayla’s passion for education. Quinn has an uncanny ability to know exactly what Kayla needs in the moment, whether it’s wise advice, tough love, or a perfectly timed laugh.
Milan and Jadranka Nikić
Parents of the Groom
Milan and Jadranka Nikić have built a remarkable life together over the past 50 years, one defined by unwavering love, sacrifice, and purpose. They are the foundation of everything Vlad has become, instilling in him a strong value system rooted in integrity, respect, honesty, and a deep commitment to family and children. Through their actions, they demonstrated determination and resilience, prioritizing Vlad’s growth and well-being above all else - even at the cost of their own careers; and in doing so, they instilled in him a deep appreciation for pedagogy, teaching, and education, inspiring a lifelong respect for learning and the transformative power of guiding others. Vlad credits them as the best parents anyone could ever ask for, acknowledging that every success in his life traces back to their guidance and sacrifices. He carries profound gratitude for all they have given him and hopes that one day he can be even half the parent that Milan and Jadranka have been to him.
Malkinder (Raja) Johal
Best Man
Malkinder (Raja) Johal has been a cornerstone in Vlad’s life since the moment they met at Delview, where they quickly bonded not just as colleagues but as kindred spirits in teaching, sharing a passion for educational theory and a deep commitment to shaping young minds. What started as conversations in front of the staff room soon grew into a meaningful friendship built on mutual respect, thoughtful reflection, and plenty of memorable moments along the way. Raja’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom - he introduced Vlad to the Grouse Grind and has been a steady example of what it means to live a balanced, intentional life, prioritizing both physical health and mental well-being. Whether it’s offering perspective during stressful moments or encouraging healthier habits, Raja has had a lasting impact on Vlad, and the fact that he stands here today as his best man speaks volumes about the strength, loyalty, and genuine care that define their friendship.
Jason Sall
Groomsman
Jason Sall has been a huge part of Vlad’s life since their Delview days, where Jason was the counsellor and Vlad was teaching psychology, and it didn’t take long before they realized they were basically speaking the same language when it came to how people think and how to support them. What started as shared ideas quickly turned into a strong friendship filled with great conversations, lots of laughs, and a healthy dose of friendly competition. Jason is also an absolute beast on the basketball court - something Vlad both admires and tries (sometimes unsuccessfully) to keep up with - and countless pickup games at Delview and local gyms only made their bond stronger. Beyond the games, Jason was a constant support during Vlad’s coaching years, always showing up with encouragement, insight, and a positive energy that made a real impact not just on Vlad, but on his players too. Jason is the kind of friend who makes everything more fun, keeps you grounded, and shows up when it matters most.
Ogi Vasiljevic
Groomsman
Ognjen (Ogi) Vasiljevic has been part of Vlad’s life since way back in 2000, when Vlad moved out after high school and started at Douglas College, stepping into a brand-new chapter where Ogi was already setting the bar incredibly high. As an honour roll student at UBC and a full-on chemistry genius, Ogi wasn’t just impressive - he was the kind of role model who quietly pushed Vlad to take school seriously and actually see the bigger purpose in post-secondary life. Their friendship goes far beyond academics though, built on a shared Yugoslavian background and the values that come with it: peace, fairness, hard work, resilience, authenticity, honesty, and always showing up for others with genuine kindness. Ogi pushed Vlad to sharpen his thinking and expression, patiently coaching him through essays and academic papers until clarity, structure, and confidence became second nature. He’s the kind of friend who leads by example, keeps things real, and reminds you of what actually matters.
Mankaran Dhanda
Groomsman
Mankaran Dhanda has been part of Vlad’s story since his days at Delview, graduating in 2011 as a key member of the very first team to qualify for the Provincial Championship - a moment that set the tone for everything that followed. What makes their connection special is that it didn’t end after Mankaran's graduation; instead, Mankaran stayed all in, helping Vlad grow as a coach and playing a huge role in building Delview into the basketball powerhouse it became, with five more Provincial Championship appearances to show for it. Through early morning and late evening practices, big games, and countless hours in the gym, their bond only grew stronger, rooted in trust, hard work, and a shared love for the game. Today, Mankaran continues to inspire as a lawyer, a coach at NDSS, and an incredible husband, and Vlad couldn’t be prouder of the person Mankaran has become both on and off the court. Above all, Mankaran is someone defined by his loyalty, deep love for his family, a selfless willingness to sacrifice for the people he cares about, and a consistently positive attitude that lifts everyone around him.
Jaskaran Dhanda
Groomsman
Jaskaran Dhanda has been part of Vlad’s journey since the very beginning of his teaching career, arriving at Delview as a grade 8 student the same year Vlad stepped into his role as a first-year teacher, making their connection one that has grown and evolved over time. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Jaskaran joined the Delview basketball program, first as a manager, but it didn’t take long for his dedication and love for the game to shine through, eventually growing into a full coaching role by Vlad’s side. As one of Vlad’s most dependable students and later a trusted assistant coach, Jaskaran truly reflects the values Vlad cares about most: hard work, honesty, resilience, authenticity, humility, and a genuine, lead-by-example approach that naturally builds positive relationships with other people. Their journey has come to full circle as they now work together at NDSS, where Jaskaran serves as both Athletic Director and senior boys basketball coach, and where Vlad feels an incredible sense of admiration and fulfillment watching Jaskaran grow into such a remarkable educator.
Marco Redavid
Officiant
As Kayla’s big brother, Marco spent most of her childhood relentlessly annoying her -although he would claim it's the other way around - and somehow now he’s the one marrying her. Honestly, how did this happen? As President of Redavid Salon Products, he leads in his work with the same qualities that define him in every part of life: endlessly loyal, hardworking, resilient, and deeply protective of the people he loves. He’s also an incredible father and the kind of big brother who has always shown up when it matters most. Kayla and Vlad couldn’t be happier or more honoured to have him officiate such an important moment in their lives.
Vincenza Redavid
Flower Girl
At just four years old, Vincenza Redavid already runs the show. As Kayla’s niece, she was the very first to make her a Zia - a title Kayla is honoured to have. Vincenza is loving, curious, intelligent, stubborn, and fiercely independent (basically a tiny CEO in a princess dress). She loves princesses, unicorns, babies, and binge-watching Zia Kay’s cake videos like they’re prestige television. When Queen Elsa personally asked her to be Zia’s flower girl, there was really only one answer she could give.
Bello Redavid
Ring Bearer
Bello Redavid is Kayla’s nephew and, at almost three years old, already living life at full speed. Sweet, cuddly, goofy, and surprisingly tough, Bello keeps everyone on their toes - usually bearing Lightning McQueen in hand. He’s completely obsessed with cars like his Daddy, loves anything involving music, and can turn any room into a dance floor. He is also forever indebted to his Zia for introducing him to the cinematic masterpiece that is Shrek the Musical. As ring bearer, Bello will be bringing plenty of charm, a little bit of mischief, and hopefully the rings down the aisle.