Jessica (Bridesmaid)'s House

Bridal Shower

Glory Days Grill

Welcome Party / Hang Out

Turf Valley Resort

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Many years in the making… the wedding of Christopher Muller and Zara Simpson is finally happening and all the information you need to prepare to celebrate this long-awaited moment can be found here.

Our Wedding

chris and zara talked daily and hung out a few times in the month since they met. on new year’s, chris came to spend the evening with zara and her band friends at the apartment of zara’s future sorority big sister / bridesmaid jessica. fortune would cause chris’ coolant to leak and zara would drive chris home at the end of the evening / in the early morning. chris asked zara to “divorce leslie (mok) on facebook…” and quickly flipped to “would you be my girlfriend?”

January 1st, 2009

Not sure these kiddos knew the meaning of the word, but alas, it twas exchanged fairly early on in getting to know more about each other. Zara and Chris would spend most of Spring 2009 attending basketball games when Zara wasn’t busy with Band Sorority stuff (a pursuit which ultimately would not work out at that time).

“I love you” -  Approx. Feb 2009

May 22nd, 2009 - Chris met Zara’s family at the (now demolished) Quality Inn, College Park where they played Apples to Apples. Chris won handily despite having never met her parents, aunt, or siblings before.

Our Story

Use the QR code to upload your photos so the bride and groom can experience their wedding from all points of view.  Thanks in advance.

Photos

Bridal Party

Nadine is Zara’s sister and likes to think she would still be matron of honor even without the nepotism. 

Nadine

Fast friends since age 8, Zara and Elysse spent many years bonding over the Spice Girls, Harry Potter, and summer camp. At 16, the two traveled to the UK together, and Elysse knew she had a best friend for life. Elysse is excited to celebrate this special day with her beloved childhood friend.

Elysse

Zara and Jessica met at UMCP in 2008. Through their shared love of Disney and band they soon became great friends. Jessica would later become Zara's big sister in the honorary band service Sorority Tau Beta Sigma. After college they continued to have many exciting adventures together. Jessica is thrilled to be part of Chris and Zara's big day!

Jessica

“Oh the places we go! The fun to be done! … We’re off to great places! We’re off and away!” (Adapted from Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go!) 
Ivania and Zara met in 2010 in the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band. We became Tau Beta Sigma Sisters in 2011. And continued our strengthening our friendship by being consistent travel buddies and having silly adventures around the country. 
Felicidades to Zara and Chris, both whom Ivania holds dearly in her heart and is honored to be part of their special day!

Ivania

Zara and Morgan met as teachers at Old Mill, forming a strong bond over lesson plans and middle school antics. Their friendship deepened when Zara introduced Morgan to the movie Moana, a fixture in their grading sessions until Encanto was released. Beyond school hours, they grew even closer, enjoying smoothie dates and outdoor adventures. Throughout the years, Zara not only became Morgan's best friend but also endeared herself to Morgan's two boys, who absolutely adore the bride-to-be. Morgan feels honored to stand by Zara's side on her special day!

Morgan

Leslie met Zara when they worked at the same school, Leslie was a new coteacher. They were not originally paired up, but they knew they should be. That happened the next year, and it was going great until the world shut down (2020, you understand)… however, in distance they bonded more trying to educate virtually. Then they were split again… then Leslie was 6th grade math… but many happy hours, hangouts, and a few mental breakdown and wellness days later, here we are still close. Leslie is excited to stand beside Zara as she marries Chris!

Leslie

Hannah Elyse Simpson is Zara’s big sister, fiercest cheerleader, and most ready argument opponent. She lives in New York City where she enjoys running an Etsy shop, leading young adult missions to Israel, and volunteering on humanitarian responses with the American Red Cross. Hannah is currently trying to figure out an appropriate date for her own wedding, because she doesn’t want to go stag.

Hannah

Groom Squad

Sanjay is Chris’s best and favorite friend. They became random roommates in 2010 and have had random adventures ever since. Fly Eagles Fly. 

Sanjay

Andrew

Chris and paul met as dorm neighbors in 2008 at UMCP, eventually becoming roommates and lifelong friends. Spending time watching UMD sports, working on computer science projects, playing Magic the Gathering, and eventually visiting Japan together, Paul and Chris have shared many memories. Paul can’t wait to celebrate Chris and Zara!

Paul

Ryan is Zara’s brother and Chris’ future brother in law - it’s tough to put an exact date on when Ryan first met Chris, but needless to say, it’s been a while! Over the years, they’ve bonded over lengthy sports discourse, GeoGuessr, and destroying the rest of the family at Taboo. Ryan’s excited to be a part of the big day and to finally welcome Chris to the family (even at the expense of a longstanding family bit)!

Ryan

Wedding Party

Q + A

Wedding hotel info for Saturday 5/25 at Turf Valley in Ellicott City, MD Attendees can call the hotel to make reservations by dialing 410-465-1500 and 1-888-833-8873 OR go to website turfvalley.com/reservations and use the code 28G38U to book the room. Use our names Simpson/Muller wedding Reserve ASAP

Hotel rooms are available at the Turf Valley Resort. If you are unable to book due to the holiday weekend, several other hotels are listed (though we do not have blocks).

Near Howard County Welcome CenterMake yourself at home in one of the 6 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature jetted bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Conveniences include desks and separate sitting areas, and housekeeping is provided on request

The Wayside Inn Bed & Breakfast

Near Blandair Regional ParkMake yourself at home in one of the 83 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Wired and wireless internet access is complimentary, while 25-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary weekday newspapers, as well as phone

Hampton Inn Columbia

Near Blandair Regional ParkMake yourself at home in one of the 104 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. 32-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and separate sitting areas.Located in Columbia, 

Extended Stay America Suites Columbia Columbia Parkway

Near Timbers at Troy Golf CourseMake yourself at home in one of the 98 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wired internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary weekday newspapers, as well as phones with free loca

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia

Near Blandair Regional ParkMake yourself at home in one of the 118 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. LCD televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.A stay at Staybridge

Zara & Chris

Zara & Chris

Registry