​​September 14, 2013
Sarah Olson
​My best man, my best friend, Steve has always been there for me since we became track stars in 8th grade. We initially met in 6th grade gym class when he overheard a conversation I was having about possibly "dating" Allison. "Don't do it" he said, to which I ignored and we promptly broke up 2 weeks later. I've trusted his judgement ever since. He was the first one to know of my impending proposal to Melissa to which he immediately
encouraged "do it".
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​​If it weren't for this country girl living in the city, I might not have met some of my best friends. I met Jac around midnight a week before classes started, when a freshman in our building started a toaster oven fire and set off all the alarms. From that moment on we were all inseparable. I may still have two left feet, but every week Jaclyn would teach us new dance moves in their apartment and we'd head down to Kzoo for some country line dancing at Bresa del Rio.
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Rick will forever be immortalized as my travel companion. We traversed not only Asia together, but also middle school, high school, early adult life, and emerging technology. While Rick is the only non-MSU Spartan in the party, what he lacks in overzealous collegiate debauchery he makes up with a heightened sense of originality and fun.
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Jaclyn Drenth
Rick Maisano
The best "faux" roommate, Chelsey made my first year in Grand Rapids one that I'll never forget. My room mates were a tad unsocial, so I'd drag my homework to Chels and Jac's apartment and we'd cook up chicken alfredo for little family dinners while finishing up art assignments. While we spent every Thursday night at Bresa, Chels and I loved our friday 'class-free' morning ritual of pancakes and watching Gilmore Girls while catching up on the previous nights highlights.
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Chelsey Sclesky
Brett interrupted my brief neighborhood dominance in the summer before fifth grade when he moved from Livonia. There was a period tension by proximity (which I'm sure only I realized) until we actually met a couple of weeks later. Since then Independence
Valley has not been the same.
Also an MSU Spartan, we've been involved in lots of big moments together, such as choosing Riv $1 burgers or Harper's $3 pitchers.
Brett Gallagher
I specifically remember how ecstatic I was to introduce Shannon, also affectionately referred to as "Shan Shan", to all the girls. I knew that her infectious laughter and bubbly personality would fit right in with our group on our annual "Girls Christmas" outings, dance offs (which she's schooled us all in), and road trips up north. Shan always get a laugh out of me, especially when she incorporates her exquisitely perfected elephant impersonations into conversations.
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​Steve and I actually met and became friends in 3rd grade, when our paths separated only to be reunited in 11th. Steve and I roomed together for three years (maybe 3.5 if you count all of the weekend visits freshman year) so Melissa definitely has some catching up to do.
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Steve Morin
​Sarah and I fatefully met at Kendall when she was searching for a room mate at good ol' Briarlane Apartments. Her shared love for sarcastic remarks and ridiculous banter is what truly won my friendship over. We may not have been born sisters, but Sarah's the closest to one that I've ever had. She also played the important role of matchmaker to Michael and I. "He's just some friend coming to visit for dinner", turned into 5+ years of dating and an engagement.
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Steve Chenet
Shannon Hachenski
Our Bridal Party
The Who's who on our wedding day
