“If she jumps out of an airplane, would you?” Duh!<3 I have known Alexis since high school. We have had a decade-long friendship spent supporting each other in the adventures of life whether it be in JROTC, skydiving, A.O.E, dungeons and dragons, graduations, concerts, and travels across the world.

When Alexis was very little, she wished for a best friend, so our parents gave her me! Big mistake. Little did they all know, they were signing up for years of sibling shenanigans. From the moment I arrived, we caused mayhem to the parents as well as each other as we bonded over chaos and our ever-changing interests ranging from TMNT to Miraculous to, most recently, Bridgerton. Now, as Alexis prepares to shine as bright as a Diamond on her wedding day, I couldn't be more thrilled to stand by her side and witness the beginning of her happily ever after!

From the moment I could remember, my sister Alexis has been my guiding star, and now she’s about to shine even brighter as she embarks on a beautiful new journey with Derek. Alexis has been an amazing big sister. She had been made for the role having such a strong personality. I have got to cherish the time I had with her. She is smart and I love jamming in the car listening to music and talking about books. I love seeing the glow in her eyes when she talks with me. I am glad she gets to write her own story and make a life for herself.

Derek first introduced Alexis to the Detters in typical Derek fashion: randomly in the spur of the moment at Harvey Washbangers. Ever since then, Alexis has become a core part of our family! In the time since we met, Alexis and I have bonded over sharing cute animal Tik Toks, reading, Taylor Swift, and our competitiveness about board games. Alexis has been such a bright, bubbly presence in my life since meeting her and I’m thankful every day that she and Derek found each other. I’m so excited to be part of their special day and to officially welcome Alexis into the family!

I have been so blessed to have known Derek and Lexi for almost the entirety of their relationship. There have been many times over the years that their relationship has influenced my own. When I first met Alexis, I will tell you she is the embodiment of pure joy. Love radiates from every part of her being. She opened her arms and welcomed me not only into her life but into the DeGraaff family without hesitation . We have gone on so many adventures together! Some of my favorites are absolutely the escape room ( guys, we like set a record!), Build a Bear, Viva, and Fleming's. Lexi, my love, You not only have helped heal my heart in the last 4 years, but you have given me such hope and encouragement for the future. You will always have my entire heart.

Derek has been an excellent friend since we met in college. From swimming, to cooking, to smash bros and DnD, I've had the chance to join Derek in some of my favorite moments in the last few years. I am so excited to be a part of this special day for Derek and Alexis!

Despite being my classmate for years, I got close with Derek my last semester of college when he became the first roommate I’ve had that went out of his way to make a shitty apartment feel like a home. Derek is kind, thoughtful, and has been an unwavering source of support despite being hundreds of miles away. I can’t wait to celebrate the start of his next big adventure and I am honored to be included.

The first time I met Derek as my freshman-year roommate, I confidently extended one arm for a handshake while clutching a deadly jar of peanut butter in the other.  Unfazed by my failed poisoning attempt, we became fast friends, and as long as I’ve known him, I’ve been consistently surprised by the sheer amount of get-er-done-ness that this man possesses.   Derek is a pillar of thoughtfulness, dependability, emotional maturity, and resilience. His love for Alexis is obvious, and I can't wait to see the life that they build together. Sorry for covering the dorm floor in ugly orange tape, and thanks for teaching my dumb American brain how to ride a subway.

Derek and Will met at Texas A&M, and were never charged for any crimes allegedly committed on or off campus. We attended the worst house party, abandoned a backpack when cops showed up, and aced our O-Chem Finals. A balanced college experience that wouldn’t have been complete without the friendship they share. Cheers to the happy couple!