Wedding Party
Melissa Tassoni
Maid of Honor
Kayla and Melissa have been best friends since the 7th grade where they met on the school bus. Kayla was the new girl and Melissa adopted her as the introvert to Melissa's extrovert, the Slytherin to her Hufflepuff. Though they now live on opposite sides of Michigan, when they are together they can normally be found drinking wine and catching up, talking over whatever they decided to watch on TV.
Joe Sysol
Best Man
Joe and Scott have been friends since high school with fond memories of camping and hanging out and watching movies. They still attend the Renaissance Festival every year (where Scott longingly stares at the turkey legs), go kayaking, tubing, watch the lions and are the reigning fantasy football champions in their league.
Lexi Roll
Bridesmaid
Kayla is 12 years older than her little sister, Lexi, but despite their age gap, they have always been close. Kayla has had the honor of watching Lexi grow up into a beautiful young woman and has become one of her closest confidantes. Lexi has encouraged Kayla's reborn reading habits and expanded her viewing of scary movies and shows that Kayla would have never given a chance.
Carl Wharam
Groomsman
Carl is Scott's older brother by 3 years. The two grew up up together competing in anything that could be made into a competition. The relationship has grown much more friendly and the two have a several year daily meme streak. Carl also blessed Scott with a beautiful niece, Ava.
Lauren Parkinson
Matron of Honor
Kayla and Lauren initially met freshman year at Michigan State where they were in the same sorority but they really met sophomore year when Lauren began dating one of Kayla's best friends, Bram. While Kayla was living with Bram and Nick, Lauren and she became fast friends. Coming home to the apartment to gossip with Lauren was always a highlight of Kayla's week and not much has changed years later when they get together.
Nate Weber
Groomsman
Nathan and Scott have been friends since middle school. They grew close riding four wheelers, going camping, playing paintball, and shooting very amateur video projects for school. They still frequently meet up for puppy play dates between Teddy (a certified silly goose), Chomper and Oli.
Sara Gomez-Perez
Bridesmaid
Kayla met Sara in the 2nd grade, Kayla was the new girl and nervous about being made fun of for her new retainer but Sara thought it was so cool. Sara immediately included Kayla and boosted her confidence. They bonded over Taylor Swift at first, and still are, but have let friendship, tattoos, and the good and bad of life keep them connected for 22 years.
Jakob Derheim
Groomsman
Jakob (Bull) and Scott became close friends when Bull moved to Manchester in the 8th grade. Their shared interests in paintball, airsoft, basketball, track, and camping brought them close throughout middle and high school. They still often meet up to light things on fire (have bonfires), birthday parties, friend gatherings and so Scott can play with Bull’s dog Luna.
Bram Parkinson
Bridesman
Kayla and Bram were introduced freshman year at Michigan State by Nick when they all started eating breakfast together before their 8am Chemistry class. Bram has had the patience to teach and reteach Kayla Youker, along with teaching her many other card and board games. Kayla and Bram (and Lauren) lived in the same apartment complex after graduation that gave them cherished countless nights of wine, sushi, and games.
Alex Mutchler
Groomsman
Alex and Scott have been friends since elementary school, with photos probably taken on a disposable camera to prove it. They grew up together riding four wheelers and playing basketball, video games, paintball, and running track together. They often still meet up for friend gatherings, the Renaissance Festival and bonfires.
Carlie delaPaz
Bridesmaid
Kayla and Carlie met at Michigan State when Kayla became her mentor and soon after, big sister in their sorority. Between music, movies, and all things spooky, they have found very little that they don't both like. Good, bad, and everything in between, Carlie has shown up for Kayla and vice versa. Carlie also made Kayla a first-time cat aunt with her adorable cat Binx.
Jake Roll
Groomsman
Jake is 8 years younger than his big sister Kayla. Scott, Kayla, and Jake can be seen watching whatever sports are on when the family gets together. Though they have different #1 college basketball teams, University of Kentucky and Michigan State, March Madness is something they both love. They even attend a game together in 2024 when the tournament was playing at LCA in Detroit. <fact check oops
Lauren Franko
Bridesmaid
Kayla and Lauren met at Michigan State where they were in the same sorority. Kayla was the fundraising chair and reported to Lauren who was the VP of finance. Their meetings started with coffee and eventually turned to dinner, movie nights, and a quick friendship. Lauren even braved a freezing snow storm to go out with Kayla at midnight for her 21st birthday. Lauren is the dancing queen of the group and knows how to get everyone singing and dancing on the floor.
Stephen Oliphant
Groomsman
Stephen and Scott met at Kalamazoo as freshman on the basketball team. Outside of the many basketball memories on the court, Stephen gained fame for his musical talents as a producer: Scuba Beats. The two often meet up to watch basketball, and reminisce about the days when their knees didn't hurt.