Our Parents
Butch and Dolly Soliven
Tim and Lety Brady
Maria Bird
The Bird of Paradise
Meet Maria. She’s an older sister to three, mother to one, UX connoisseur, web design guru, seasoned world traveler, unofficial delta ambassador, and the creative director behind many incredible family events and instagram posts. She is the physical manifestation of the phrase “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
I consider myself lucky to have her as a role model. On countless occasions she has taken me under her wing (pun intended) and taught me everything, from how to part my hair on the “cool side”, to the importance of community. I’m so grateful to have her by my side.
Franchesca Branch
The Olive Flower
Frankie has never, ever, had a bad hair day. She exemplifies beauty and grace in the best way possible, but also demonstrates ferocity and determination in everything she does.
I wanted (and still want) to be just like Frankie when I grow up. I admired her musical talents, her artistic ability, her sense of style, and her unparalleled confidence. I want to thank her for sharing her room and her birthdays with me, and for being a part of the most important day of my life.
Bernaline Soto
The Sampaguita
To know Bern is to know the overwhelming feeling of ease. She has the uncanny ability to make every situation feel easy, and every person feel loved. Any one of her many, many friends can attest to her incredible kindness and loyalty.
I can’t recall a bad time with Bern. Even when things go wrong, she knows how to adjust, adapt, and get the good times rolling again. She’s my soul sister, my ride or die, and I simply cannot get married without her.
Kayla Morales
The Sampaguita
Kayla has seen some s#%t, in both her work as a nurse, and in her personal life as an avid jetsetter. She’s incredibly funny and adventurous. She’s the friend that will both check you when you need a dose of reality, but also encourage you when you need it most.
Kayla and I have traveled together often enough for me to state with complete confidence that she is *not* a cuddler, but that doesn’t make her any less sweet or kind. I’m very excited to be embarking on my next great adventure with Kayla by my side.
Sarah Saunders
The Wildflower
Introducing Sarah Saunders. Sarah is a pioneer in the world of biomedical sciences. She’s as accomplished as she is beautiful. She’s also an incredibly selfless person.
I honestly don’t know if I could have made it through college without her. As if on cue, Sarah showed up at a pivotal moment in my life and helped me navigate through some difficult times. I learned how to never give up by following her shining example. I’m incredibly grateful for her friendship, and am excited for the good times ahead.
Krishna Kinariwala
The Lily of the Valley
Krishna could heal a person, both medically and emotionally. She’s intelligent, passionate, and an unwaveringly loyal friend.
Krishna and I have been friends for twenty years. We’ve watched each other grow up. We’ve gone from daydreaming about european princes in middle school, to complaining about classes in college, to wondering what the future holds while eating cookies at midnight on the walk back from a bar in Philidelphia. We’ve had more than our fair share of long drives to nowhere in particular, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. Krishna is the most loving and understanding person ever, and I’m so honored to have her with me on such an important day.
Whitney Brady-Guzman
The Cleric
Highest Stats – Intelligence, Wisdom
Proficiencies – History, Religion, Calligrapher’s Tools
Background – Texas born, VA raised, academic superpower and PhD, lives in Baltimore but is somehow a Maple Leafs fan. Lover of cats, most Netflix TV shows, and black teas, she was bullied as a child by her older brother but was never afraid to punch back. Came out stronger for the adversity and is kind, strong, and relentelessly optimistic. Hope you’re ready to party with my little Sis!
Tony Bird
The Druid
Highest Stats – Wisdom, Dexterity
Proficiencies – Athletics, Nature, Carpenter’s Tools
Background – VA Beach native, Richmond/VCU survivor, and Eagle Scout, Tony is always down for any type of adventure either on land or sea. Ready with his skills as a woodworker and gardener, he is a source of equal measure random facts and sage, sincere life advice. Has taken the respected mantle of “forever DM” in weekly D&D game nights, loves Fallout, Fortnite, provocative sci-fi audiobook series, and a pefectly cooked sous vide steak paired with his own homebrewed beer. Hope you’re ready to party with Tony!
Jeff Buck
The Paladin
Highest Stats – Intelligence, Constituton
Proficiencies – Investigation, Arcana, Tinker’s Tools
Background – Charlottesville raised, VCU tested, and now Professional Engineer extraodinare. Always ready with a wisecrack, a story to tell, and to find the divine magic in anything. Has a passion for road biking and constantly seeking to push his physical limits, has played Mass Effect as many times as he’s created D&D characters (which is a LOT), is the best thrifter/dumpster diver/treasure seeker ever seen, and can fix or jury rig almost anything. Hope you’re ready to party with Jeff!
Don Soliven
The Rogue
Highest Stats – Intelligence, Dexterity
Proficiencies – Investigation, Insight, Dice Set
Background – VA beach native, ODU Monarch, and now dominating the digital domain with an rogue’s cunning. Whether conducting advanced simulation work for top secret projects or operating from the shadows during late night gaming sessions, Don rarely meets a mission he cannot complete. Posesses endless knowledge of DC Universe and Marvel facts, the ability to dominate any board or card game, mastery of the MMO/FPS/Looter-Hero-open world game, and can cook a perfect sushi bake in record time. Hope you’re ready to party with Don!
Will Glass
The Bard
Highest Stats – Charisma, Dexterity
Proficiecies – Performance, Nature, Lute
Background – Fluvanna county and Scottsville native, Lynchburg denizen, and a (mostly) decent fisherman, in freshwater or salt. Will is a too-modest IT wizard, proud guitarist, avid domestic and international traveler, and a devoted Baltimore Raven’s fan since the Joe Flacco days. Always eager to talk football, listen to nearly any genre of music, and to plan his next trip to new places. Hope you’re ready to party!
Ryan Branch
The Ranger
Highest Stats – Wisdom, Constitution
Proficiencies – Insight, Persuasion, Cartographer’s Tools
Background – 757 native, famous Longwood partier, and renown for always having a cooler full of good times. When not wrangling 14,000 TEU container ships or his orange tabby cat, he is steadfast source of Stickfigure tunes, Philly Eagles pride, and maybe even some bourbon recommendations. Never lacking with a laugh, a Miller, and chill vibes. Hope you’re ready to party with Ryan!