Olivia & Shane
Wedding Party
Alysa Herrera Taylor
Maid of Honor (aka Head Hoe in Charge)
Funny enough, when I met Olivia I couldn’t stand her. She and Abby sat behind me in class sophomore year and talked the entire time. It wasn’t until she disappeared and popped back up on IG saying she was moving to DC that our friendship flourished. Naturally, our first time hanging out included a sketchy house party and jumping a fence running from cops, the rest is history. Similarly, when I met Shane I didn’t like him either. Sure he bought us a table, paid for our drinks, and could bachata, but that didn't matter. He had to prove himself worthy of my friend. Could he love her the way she deserved? Could he buy her Chanel? Could he make her happier than me? Of course not, but over these last few years he’s done a decent job coming close; and, there’s nothing wrong with second place.
Chad Rogers
Best Man
Almost polar opposites in most respects, God strategically assigned me as Shane’s little brother in an attempt to keep him grounded and out of trouble. Admittedly, I have failed in that regard for most of our lives. Shane has had his fair share of run-ins with (insert vice here), but somehow he managed to become a lawyer. I take credit for that; for his formative behaviors, we owe an account to The Most High. In all seriousness, being the big brother to two siblings is not easy. There’s a lot of pressure there and he handled it well, which is why I never understood why he could never handle pressure playing ball - but that is another story. Shane has been acting real different since 2018, but looking forward to seeing the big bro move into the next chapter of his life with Olivia.
Abigail Solorio
Bridesmaid
14 years of friendship with Olivia means over a decade of laughs, stories too wild to repeat and seeing each other grow through life. From high school dances to failed relationships, she has always been there and supported me endlessly. Some might say I owe my career to her, without the innumerable near death experiences I might not have chosen a job that allows me to cherish life and care for patients. The first time I met Shane he cornered me in the club and spoke for hours about how much he loved Olivia. Although incredibly sweet, I did miss out on shots with the crew. It wasn’t just the way Shane spoke about Liv but the way he treated her and her friends (we’re a tough crowd) that made me realize how much he truly loved her. You two were made for each other, let me deliver your baby!
Uzoma "Zo" Orchingwha
Groomsman
Shane and I clicked right away. Since I was the only black person on the Colby basketball team at the time, by default he had to stay with me on his recruiting trip to Colby. A bond started through basketball, but forged through our profound respect for one another. We spent many nights debating every philosophical/policy topic you can think of, or using our charm for trouble. We took classes together, studied together, and weathered our formidable years together. He is a true friend who I could count on back then, and sincerely proud of now. It was touch and go with Shane, but I like to say I steered him in the right path. So for that, Liv owes me that she is actually marrying a respectable man. I am glad we kept our friendship strong. Congratulations to him and Liv!
Karla Granados
Bridesmaid
2008, Ms. Sampson’s 8th period algebra class was what brought Olivia and I together; that, soccer and raging hormones of course. I have so many memories with Liv. We were the only two girls in the boys 7th period basketball class- Liv in her daisy dukes in a room full of teenage boys, what could possible go wrong? Over the years we have become family and I value the constant craziness and laughs she brings to my life. It's no surprise that the first night I met Shane he was also a little loco. I remember thinking, “this is going to be one hell of ride." I love that Liv found someone that matches her crazy, don’t worry Shane, we’ll always be here to bring some peace to her life, or make sure you don’t disrupt it. I'm excited to see the life y’all build and the kids I’ll be a godmother to.
Anthony Karamourtopoulos
Groomsman
I met Shane at Brooks. He came to campus with his NY swagger - rocking his Yankees fitted on top of the school uniform. I remember dapping him up for the first time and wondering why he had so much lotion on his hands. Despite getting married, I want to make sure he never forgets that time during JV basketball tryouts when I caught him with a crossover spin-move combo to the likes of Kyrie. I know he was like, “Wow, this white boy can ball.” Shane and I connected early on. We recognized how closely our values aligned and I’m blessed to say that 15 years later not much has changed. From sleepovers as kids to trips overseas as adults, we’ve been through it all and have laughed ourselves to tears most of the way. My only question: Will he make us workout the morning of the wedding?
Marielle Eldridge
Bridesmaid
Olivia and I became sisters before we even met, but I’ll save that story for another day. Even though we may fight over who is Santana's favorite, I can’t imagine helping anyone else get into a kids costume for birthdays. Whether you need someone to hype you up or just be a listening ear, Liv is always there. She’s a bad bitch who can change a tire in 20-degree weather with just a mini dress on, and somehow never gets cold. I guess this is my opportunity to say something about her marrying Shane, but we all know she’s the prize in the relationship. Jokes aside, I’m so glad Olivia found Shane because he loves and treats hers like the Reina she is. I’m so excited to see you two flourish together as you enter this new chapter of life and love. Now Shane, put a baby in her, damnit.
Nick "Ocho" Joseph
Groomsman
My guy Shiz! It’s a pleasure to call Shane a close friend and brother. We go back since college, but we really picked up after graduating college when we both moved to DC. I appreciate Shane for being a true friend that you can really count on. Moving to a city with a few friends, Shane really played a brotherly role that I can’t thank him enough for. We have shared countless moments together from turning up and golf outings to some serious/tough convos about hard life events. I take credit in talking Shane up to Liv (I’ll take my payout in crypto please). But I am really happy for them, to watch their relationship grow and develop over the years has been a beautiful thing. Cheers to both of you. I'll have more during my drunk speech at the wedding.
Carly Ferreira
Bridesmaid
Olivia and I met freshman year of college and absolutely no one thought we would become friends. I was super bubbly, enthusiastic and cheerful and Olivia was just the opposite. It wasn’t until one afternoon when Liv stepped off of the AU shuttle looking gorgeous after a date (sorry Shane) that we began chatting , and quickly realized we had a lot more in common than we initially thought. I quickly learned that Liv wasn’t just a beautiful woman but she was also giving, kind, thoughtful, loyal, extremely hard working and resilient. Years later at a bar in DC, we met Shane and I knew right away that they were meant for each other. To this day, my thoughts haven’t changed and I am so excited to see what the future holds for this power couple. Love you both and move back to DC already!
Joseph Whitfield
Groomsman
I've known Shane since my years in undergrad at Colby College. It's difficult to pick one memory that highlights our friendship. We've been roommates, members of student gov., and members of a black solidarity club. It is easy to say that he is undoubtedly one of the most obnoxious and pure people you will ever meet. Need someone to get you excited about a random dance move? That's Shane. Need someone to argue with you about a dating analogy using breakfast food? That's Shane. If you ever needed someone to take shots during a dance production you spent months practicing for, then yes, that's Shane. No matter how trivial or serious the encounter, Shane's goal is to have a good time during it. We've watched each other grow and I look forward to this new season of prosperity and love.
Asha Kelton
Bridesmaid
Olivia and I met through mutual friends at a party years ago and clicked right away. Her confidence and take no shit attitude showed me that she was an intelligent woman who was going to go far in this world. Though some people can’t see beyond her tough exterior, Liv is a person that loves fiercely and will do anything for the people she cares about. My time with her has been nothing short of an adventure. She is a force of nature, but then again so is Shane. I met him when they first started dating, and he was able to sit through a happy hour with the girls without complaints- pretty impressive in my book. They’re both a little crazy, but they compliment each other well. Honestly these two are a dynamic power couple and I can’t wait to see the new heights they will reach together!
Erik Soli
Groomsman
Shane and I met in Geology class our freshman year of college. We both got A’s in the class. I got mine by studying and working hard. Shane got his by copying my work and flirting with the TA. After college, we both lived in NYC, working through the good (Shane crushing Columbia Law) and the not so good (Shane trying to grow a beard through finals). As a California surfer, I struggled living in NYC, but having Shane around to get me into some trouble made it an awesome time. Despite now living on opposite coasts, he remains one of my closest friends. He always checks in when it looks like California might burn to the ground and always sends a note on birthdays and holidays. And while I am no longer around daily to keep Shane’s ego in check, I know Liv has it covered.
Ana Lopez del Castillo
Bridesmaid
I met Olivia in the dorms at AU, I tried to wave her into the lounge for a workout and naturally, she threatened to kill me with her eyes and kept walking. I’m sure she thought she was scaring me away, but we slowly got to know each other over drunken conversations. We have a fair share of ridiculous stories involving too much Henny and too little clothes, but between all the threats and wardrobe malfunctions, I’ve watched her grow from the girl who takes her heels off to fight to the girl who just plans to ruin your credit temporarily. Liv is a gift in my life and I'm so thankful for her support, encouragement, and prayers through the best and hardest times of my life. When I think of Shane, I see him as the oil to her fire and together they can set the world ablaze. Que vivan los novios!
Derek Murphy
Groomsman
Feels like just yesterday, at Brooks School, where a beautiful brotherhood was birthed. The genesis of a bond, bound to one another as adolescents, by shared experience, Dipset, basketball, boarding school, and countless uncomfortable public shouting arguments. Over the years he has held a variety of crucial roles in my life that have catapulted our relationship to brotherhood: teammate, rival, trainer, confidant, tutor (footnote), therapist, ghostwriter, fashion designer, and most importantly of all, role model. I couldn’t be more proud of the man he matured from. All things considered, he’s come along way, and on the days he reeks of privilege, I’m glad he’s got Liv! Footnote: I cheated on every HS math test I ever took with Shane’s help.