Holly & Kyle
Wedding Party
Kara Voss
Maid of Honor
Kara and Holly met on a beach in Naples, Florida in 2002, while their brothers (who didn't know each other) were sailing in a regatta there. Hard to say who approached who, but the duo were playing with beanie babies so naturally, they befriended each other. Long story short, they hit it off big time, only to quickly learn that they lived 15 minutes from each other in Miami. They have been friends the 20+ years ever since! Common interests include Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, boating, sustainability, skiing, hiking, and traveling.
Andrew Zaldivar
Best Man
Z and Kyle were freshman year roommates at the Air Force Academy and have been best friends ever since. They have spent a lot of time pulling pranks on one another, discussing world affairs, and general life events. Unfortunately, due to different career paths, they only get to see each other once every few years. Z is flying all the way from Tokyo, Japan to join the festivities! Their common interests include Halo, calf raises, skiing/snowboarding, and hanging out.
Xenia Dvoriantchikova
Bridesmaid
Holly and Xenia met in 2006 -- aka, two sixth graders who were probably venting to each other about math class one day. They have been friends ever since -- from roaming Palmetto Middle School and Palmetto High, to exploring Miami and beyond (and looking back, Holly appreciates all the pre-, during, and post-puberty awkward selfies she has with Xenia). Throughout the highs and lows of life, the two have been there for each other through it all! Common interests include 10th grade chem class (JK!), yoga, traveling, personal growth, Miami, and hanging out.
Kevin Cardenas
Groomsman
Kevin and Kyle tried to be college roommates but broke up and eventually settled on being squadmates at the Air Force Academy. Both operations research undergrads, they partook in numerous mathematical modeling competitions where they once placed in the top 9% in the world! After graduation, Kevin and Kyle got back together and were roommates again for two years in grad school before splitting up for their jobs. Since then, they make an effort to see each other as often as they can. Common interests include craft beer, Python, skiing/snowboarding, and tacos.
Carissa Crawford
Bridesmaid
One day in 2016, Kara texted Holly out of the blue. She said "my good friend Carissa is moving to Boston from San Diego. I think you guys will hit it off... you may want to even consider being roommates!" And well, Kara was so right. Not only have Holly and Carissa been close ever since the day Carissa moved to Boston, but the duo went on to live together for 2 (very fun!) years--with a lifetime of friendship ahead of them! Common interests include long city walks, Boston, eating icecream at JP Licks at 10pm, boating, skiing, and hanging out.
Michael Yam
Groomsman
Mike and Kyle were roommates freshman year with Z, where every day was a new adventure. During their time as roommates, Mike played "ET" by Katy Perry 2,314 times, a record according to iTunes. Since graduation, Mike and Kyle spend time together visiting as often as possible, including touring historical sites as well as Las Vegas. Common interests include all-you-can-eat sushi, video games, traveling, and dogs.
Gabby Palko
Bridesmaid
Gabby and Holly met at Colorado College (CC), likely in an environmental-related class (Holly was an Environmental Science major, Gabby an Environmental Policy major). Throughout their friendship both at CC and beyond, they would chat about their career aspirations, their passion for sustainability, and their love for the outdoors... until one day, Gabby went off topic in their conversations - in a text to Holly she said "I think you should meet my brother Kyle." Well, here we are now :) Common interests include sustainability, skiing, Colorado College, traveling, and the Palkos.
Benjamin Vowell
Groomsman
Ben and Kyle were forced to room together during Junior and Senior year at the Academy because nobody else wanted to live with them. Who would have known that such a match would have blossomed into a long-lasting relationship. Ben admired Kyle's suave, intellect, and skiing ability. Kyle admired Ben's business acumen, good looks, and philosophical mind. It was a match made in heaven. Common interests include music, philosophy, investing, and skiing.
Jovan "Pop" Popovich
Usher
Pop and Kyle have known about each other since 2011 when they were both operations research undergrads, but did not really become friends until one day in grad school when they were both touring the same gym! Since then, their life has been intertwined with queso, margaritias, the beach, and the Air Force. Both OR analysts, they've had opportunities to work together daily in Texas for a year, until Pop went to Hawaii and Kyle went to Boston. Common interests include tex-mex, R, music, and long walks on the beach.
Andrew Shea
Usher
Andrew and Kyle both moved to Barrington in 2004, where they were immediately known as "the kids who wanted to join the military." Both born to military families, service was in their blood. They spent time together in high school skiing, going to sporting events, and fighting off the ladies. They eventually parted ways and Andrew went to the Naval Academy, but has never been more than a flight away. He can also claim photo credit for the engagement shots on top of Sunday River (thank you Andrew). Common interests include hucking cliffs, outdoor gear, boating, and beating Army.