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Alex and Anina Carder

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Tied the Knot: June 30, 2018

Anina (Cicerone) Carder, 27, earned a master of physician assistant studies in neurosurgery and resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her groom. “I learned to ride motorcycles while backpacking in Southeast Asia with my maid of honor, Dani Douglass,” shares Anina. “I’m fluent in Spanish; I was the captain of the Western Michigan University women’s soccer team, and I love life, music and spending time with friends and family.”

Alex Carder, 28, earned a bachelor of arts and sciences from Western Michigan University. “I have had the chance to see three different countries, traveled all over the U.S., and met many fantastic people chasing my dream of playing football professionally,” he notes. “I was the captain of the Western Michigan University football team; I love to cook and spend time outdoors.

Anina and Alex met celebrating a football win during their time at Western Michigan. “The house that Alex lived in threw a party to which the ‘soccer girls’ were invited,” Anina smiles. “I vividly remember meeting him for the first time. I think we did a good job initially pretending it wasn’t love at first sight.”   

While living on the west side of Grand Rapids, Anina and Alex would often walk across the Blue Bridge after watching live music at Founders Brewing. “This was always the highlight of my night; I loved that bridge!” she enthuses. “One specific night my family was in town to help us move into a new home. We went out on the town with them and ended up running into about ten friends. At the time, I thought it was a wonderful coincidence. We spent the night celebrating and walked our way home over the Blue Bridge with many of our friends and family.  In the middle of my favorite spot in Grand Rapids, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife! It was such a fantastic, special moment that I will cherish forever.”

The blissful couple tied the knot on June 30, 2018. Anina’s Maid of Honor was Dani Douglass; bridesmaids were Angela Bartolomeo, Anna Lisa Bonichi, Rachel Carder, Michelle Lindsey, Megan Fleischer, Courtney Rousseau and Kate Venner. Standing with Alex as Best Man was Bryce Atagi; groomsmen were Peyton Carder, Andrew Carpenter, Russell Cicerone, Jesse Guava-Lehker and Jake Minster.

“We were fortunate to have our family stay in Michigan with us after the wedding for an extended vacation and wonderful July 4th on the beach!” the couple shares. “We are planning a delayed honeymoon to Costa Rica, where we’re excited to hike, explore and be off the beaten path.”

Bridal Gown
The Wedding Shoppe

Bridesmaids’ Gowns
BHLDN

Groom’s Suit/Tux
Indochino

Groomsmen Suits/Tuxes
Indochino

Florist
Green NV

Caterer
Kangaroo Kitchen

Venue
The Cheney Place

Ceremony
Basilica St. Adalbert

Hair Styling
Chasing Vanity Salon

Band
Brena

Jeweler
Crews Jewelry