Marissa met Hannah freshman year French class at Winter Park High School and became instant best friends. The two of them, along with bridesmaid Meghan Muccigrosso, had the best adventures during marching band, working at Quiznos and growing up together. Marissa and Hannah never lost each other through the major life changes. Hannah was Marissa’s parents’ favorite person, and continues to be Marissa’s right hand, confidant and funny bone, and the most beautiful person inside and out. Hannah is a wonderful wife to Grant and an amazing mother to the most perfect little angel of a daughter, Sydney. Marissa would not have survived the heartache of teenage love or her grief of family loss without her “twin soul” and could not imagine her wedding without Hannah right by her side, as she has been for 20 years.

Derek and Jake first met in 3rd grade and have been best friends for over 20 years. No matter the distance between them, Jake has always been there for Derek to provide advice, support, and laughter through the good times and bad. Without his love and support, Derek would not be who he is today and for that Derek is forever grateful to have Jake in his life. Derek is honored to have him standing by his side as his Best Man and best friend.

Marissa met Meghan freshman year during marching band where Meghan was the best colorguard member and leader the WPHS program has ever seen. Meghan is the smartest and strongest person Marissa has ever known; and although exactly one month her junior, Marissa looks up to Meghan as a role model. Meghan has been the best friend that will gently tell you when you’re wrong but will defend you anyway and is the most amazing representation of partnership and motherhood. If it were not for Meghan’s example of resilience and bravery navigating the loss of her own mother one year before Pam died, Marissa would not have had the tools or courage to move forward when she experienced the same. Marissa is so lucky to call Meghan, her husband Nick (Marissa was there when they started dating junior year of high school) and their two beautiful children, Julia and James, her family.

Derek and Nick met while working together in 2019 when Derek had relocated back to the Cincinnati area after a difficult transition in his life. Nick was an incredible driving force in helping Derek find his confidence again and ultimately supporting him in pursuing his dreams of moving to New York City (and let’s be honest, pursuing a relationship with Marissa too). Derek is forever grateful for Nick’s friendship and for setting such a great example of a friend, husband, and father.

Marissa met Georgianna on the first day of grad school orientation at Bowling Green State University. Marissa was intimidated by how beautiful and cool Georgianna was and quickly learned how kind, strong, and wonderful she is too. Georgianna is Marissa’s rock and voice of reason and her favorite travel partner. There are stories from their adventures in their 20s that will never be repeated, but Marissa is in love with Georgianna’s greatest adventure yet: being an amazing mother to the most beautiful and special girls. Georgianna gave Marissa the biggest blessing of her life when she asked her, in some of her darkest times, to be the godmother to both of her daughters. Those girls were Marissa’s reason to go on and Georgianna held her hand through all of it. Marissa would not be here without her and is so thankful she chose her all those years ago.

Derek’s first interview that would begin his career in talent acquisition / business operations was with Chad in 2014. Little did Derek know that not only was he meeting someone who would ultimately become his professional mentor, but he was also meeting someone who would become a dear friend. Chad has supported Derek both personally and professionally, while continuing to be an inspiration to Derek in finding success and happiness. That interview gave Derek the beginning of his professional career and a lifelong friendship that he values immensely.

Marissa met Aja when Aja messaged the Delta Phi Epsilon Facebook page that Marissa happened to be running. Marissa took one look at the purple-haired, Natty drinking, Jersey Shore loving babe from Detroit and was determined to make her her best friend. Aja is the person Marissa can count on to always make her laugh and the one she knows will fight for her no matter what. Aja loved Marissa’s family fiercely and showed up every day and every minute since to make sure Marissa is OK. Aja has fought for Marissa’s happiness and supports her in every endeavor. They have the most fun drinking around New Orleans or sitting on the couch watching True Crime. Aja has the biggest heart that wants to save everyone; truly, everyone. Aja is the most incredible teacher, wife, daughter, and friend. Marissa hopes to be half the woman Aja is and is so thankful for her love, protection, and beautiful best friendship.

Derek was introduced to Cody after Cody began dating Derek’s best friend Jacob’s sister Sara. As Derek considers Jacob and Sara to be a part of his family, his expectations were quite high. Cody has easily met those expectations and continues to far exceed them as each year passes. Derek could not have picked a better partner for Sara and is grateful for the friendship that he and Cody now share too. From laughing at each other’s twisted sense of humor to supporting each other when either needed it most, Derek feels truly blessed to have Cody in his life.

Kaitlyn is Derek’s younger sister and has quickly become one of Marissa’s friends and favorite people. Kaitlyn has a heart of gold and is brave and other-worldly protective of her family, animals, and those she loves. Kaitlyn is wildly intelligent (graduating high school early), artistic, and funny. One of the reasons Marissa fell in love with Derek was how deeply he loved his sister and was never embarrassed to show it. Marissa learned why that is very early on. Marissa is thrilled that Kaitlyn shares her love for 90s and 2000s television and music that Derek hates. With two brothers, Marissa has always wanted a sister and is over the moon that she gets Kaitlyn Marie for one. Marissa cannot wait for a lifetime of memories with her new little sister.

Derek and Chelsea have shared an incredible bond since they met in middle school. Through the absolute best and worst life has offered, Derek and Chelsea have both continuously supported each other. Chelsea tried for years to get Derek and Marissa to meet and never stopped trying; for that Derek and Marissa are obviously both endlessly grateful for now. Chelsea went with Derek to introduce him to Marissa for the first time in New York City and the rest is history. Without Chelsea, none of us would be here today to celebrate this lifelong bond that Derek and Marissa will now share for the remainder of their life. For that and so much more, Derek is eternally grateful for the bond he shares with Chelsea.

Rich is Marissa's cousin or her late mother's side. Rich and Marissa instantly bonded and she looks up to him as a role model and brother. Rich is currently serving in Japan in the Navy with his husband, Carlos, and daughter Shiloh. Rich has generously accepted the responsibility of giving Marissa away in honor of her late father, Gary Poock.

Carlos is Rich's husband and one of Marissa's very dearest friends. Also like a brother to her, Carlos' protection and support mean the world to her. He has also generously accepted the role of giving Marissa away in honor of her late father, Gary Poock.

Shiloh is Marissa's cousin and goddaughter. Shiloh is one of Marissa and Derek's favorite (not so little) humans and can light up any room and space. She is joy and they are so thrilled she agreed to be this very special part of their wedding!