John and Alia
Wedding Party
Michael E. Riley
Officiant
Mike is cousin to the groom. John grew up with Mike, his brother Patrick, and Sister Molly spending each summer at Grand Lake, OK, during their childhood. In 2013, Mike moved to Denver where he and John enjoyed four years as roommates. They had a pact that if one suggested an activity, the other would say “yes”. This agreement afforded them countless adventures in the woods, up the rocks, and over the ski slopes. Mike has been one of John’s closest confidants and a genuine friend. Mike lives in Steamboat, CO, with his wife Hannah, their daughter Margot and their new baby boy Mylin. It is a true honor to have Mike officiate this exciting and blessed day for us.
Katharine Skinner
Maid of Honor
Katie hails from NM. She's a mom to two beautiful children, and an avid marathon runner! She and Alia became besties through her twin brother, and Alia realized right away who was the best twin. Katie and Alia go together like white on rice and the two are soul sisters for life!
Charles A. DeVore
Best Man
Brother of the Groom. Charlie and John grew up together in Coffeyville. Charlie has been a confidant, advisor, and friend to the groom. Charlie lives in Chicago, Il with his wife Myndi and daughters Emerson and Marlowe.
Paul A. DeVore
Best Man
Brother of the Groom. Paul and John grew up together in Coffeyville, KS. Paul has been a friend, mentor, and father figure for John. Paul lives in Thomaston, GA with his wife Leigh, Sons Thomas, Renn, and Eliot, and Daughter Campbell.
Melanie Caroline Snyder
Bridesmaid
Melanie and Alia have been friends since 7th grade, and been through it all together. They both lived in NYC at the same time, while Mel was there for med-school residency. She hails originally from France, and everything about her is French and cute! Melanie is now one of only a few neonatologists in Hawaii. She got married last year, and lives with her husband Travis in Honolulu. She recently became a mom to an adorable baby boy, Henri, and has the sweetest French bulldog named Mileou.
Frederic C. Brown
Groomsman
Ric and John have been friends since birth. Born one week apart, Ric and John were best friends in childhood and roommates in college at the University of Kansas. Ric lives with his wife Spoorthi and daughter Leena in Mumbai, India
Brittany Hayden
Bridesmaid
Britty is Alia's cousin, separated in age by exactly 4 months. Like sisters growing up, Britty was forced to be in every one of Alia's plays, as well as partaking in some downright dangerous tube rides! Brittany is mom of the fancy Ms. Ruthie (the adorable blonde flower girl) and the sweetest baby boy, Wyatt. She is the sweetest cousie a girl could ask for, an avid dog lover, great mommy, and one heck of a good time!
Connor Osterberg
Groomsman
Connor and John became roommates before they met in 2020. Their relationship began as one of convenience to begin PA school, but they quickly became close friends and have remained so ever since. Connor is a sincere and warm soul who has been a close confidant and true friend for many years. Connor lives in Albuquerque.
Natalie Richard
Bridesmaid
Natalie is both close friend and family since she started dating and married Alia's cousin William many moons ago. Natalie hails from Eugene Oregon, and is a mom of two adorable little munchkins (one of whom is a flower girl)! She now teaches kindergarten in Minnesota and is fluent in Spanish! She's always down for a good glass of pinot, and always up for a good time!
Timothy J. Hearson
Groomsman
TJ and John met in high school band class during John’s freshman year. They became fast friends and have remained close ever since. TJ, Ric, and John were roommates in Lawrence, KS during college. TJ lives in Ojai, CA with his wife Kathryn and their son Aedan.
Joesha O'neil
Bridesmaid
The beautiful Joesha is our newest family member! She married Alia's cousin Colin in September '23. From the moment they met, Alia knew Colin had found a very special woman. Joesha is spiritual and inquisitive. She is currently finishing her Master's to become a marriage and family therapist! It's just a bonus that she is as kind as she is stunning!
Seth J. Aitken
Groomsman
Seth and John met in high school. They had many adventures together over the years and remain close friends. Seth lives in Lawrence, KS with his wife Kristi and their son Jensen.
Jane Larson
Mother of the Bride
As awesome as they come! The woman who makes it all happen! The badass horsewoman, business entrepreneur, dog whisperer, fearless snake-catcher, is basically the MacGyver of Moms! Thank you for all you do and who you are, we love you!
Janie DeVore Gillis
Mother of the Groom
Janie is the Mother of the Groom. She is gracious, loving, and supremely kind. She and John share a bond that transcends distance and language, and John is the person he is today because of her. Love you, Mom!
Mohammed Attallah
Father of the Bride
Making the trip all the way from Egypt to be here for our special day! Mohammed is retired now, but worked for years in hotel management, so he'll be walking around making sure everything is up to snuff! He loves animals, health and wellness, all things beautiful in nature, and loves God above all else. We are so glad you made the trip, and we love you very much!
Allen Gillis
Stepfather of the Groom
Allen served as a role model and mentor for John during formative years of his life. Known as Dr. Gillis to his patients, Allen dedicated his career in service to the people of Coffeyville, KS in primary care, ER, OB, and surgery. Notably, Allen helped to deliver John and his brother, Charlie into the world, and was close friends with our father, Tom. We are so glad for him to be with us for this day.
Nasreen Hussein
Matron of Honor
Alia's second mother, who is making the trip all the way from India to be here for the wedding! To know her is to love her. Words cannot describe how much good she has done in this world. Nasreen worked as an emergency room physician in the US for nearly 40 years. 20 years ago she opened up a medical clinic on her property in India where she provides care for thousands of patients every year. She has brought an abundance of blessings into to the lives she touches, and we love her beyond measure!
Gustav "Gus" Larson
Ring Bearer
I mean, have you ever seen a cuter boy!? Gus came into Alia and John's life in October of 2023 and words cannot describe how much joy he has brought them! He's silly, sweet, and the best of dudes. He loves belly rubs, hiking, camping, the dog park, and all the treats. The three are such a happy family, and John and Alia LOVE being dog PAWrents!
Ruthie and Selah
Flower Girls
When John and Alia got engaged, they were first to notify that they were indeed open for the position of flower girl! Ruthie (6 years old) is a natural performer and loves all things princesses and pink! Selah (8 years old) loves animals, and is also quite the little soccer star! We are so honored to have you walk down the aisle with us, girls!
Harrison and Wyatt
Ring Bearers
Harrison and Wyatt are the sons of two of Alia's cousins, but she considers them her nephews. Harrison is 12, but his 13th birthday will be the day of the wedding (we promise to make it memorable H!) He is a video game enthusiast, basketball player, and quite the track star. Wyatt is 3, and loves dogs, trucks, and cars that go "vroom!" We are honored to have them be with us on this special day!