The Wedding Party
Samantha Quezada
Maid of Honor
Sam and I met at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. She was on the softball team, and I was a soccer player - but we made it work. From the start of our friendship, Sam has always been a voice of reason for me; she always knows the right thing to say (whether or not it is what you really wanted to hear). She can light up any room she walks in and will always try to find a positive spin on things. Sam and I have taken a few trips together, one being to Vegas where we were out way later than either of us were used to each day, another being to North Carolina where we learned our love for sweet wine by noon, and more; but I think my favorite trip will be this walk down the aisle with her as one of my maids of honor.
AJ Katona
Best Man
AJ and I met during t-ball league and got close over the years of playing together. While through middle school, when I moved, we grew apart; we reconnected in high school when we both started cross country. Since then we have spent countless hangouts and boys nights together and I wouldn’t want anyone else standing up next to me.
Gabriela Rodriguez
Maid of Honor
Gaby and I also met at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. Gaby and I met originally being neighbors in our dorm hall, casually passing each other on the way to the laundry room; and then it grew a little more with us both being out for injuries the same year (Gaby also is a softball player, I guess I have a certain friend type). From the first night Gaby and I hung out, I knew she was one of the most loyal people I will ever meet... and that she would help me to live a little. Gaby is someone who will always keep you on your toes, but in the best way. Sam and I have her to thank for keeping us up past our bed times every night in Vegas, but I would do it all over again. She knows how to get a party started, make everyone feel included, and also stand 10 toes down when something gets hard - I am so lucky to have her as one of my maids of honor.
Zachary Tobin
Best Man
Zach and I met on Xbox through a mutual friend in middle school. It wasn’t until 8th grade when our friend had a birthday party that we got to meet in person for the first time. We got a lot closer at the start of high school when I convinced him to run cross country. Well, I convinced him and after an entire summer of sleepovers and a knee surgery, here we are. Wouldn’t want anyone else as a best man, other than AJ, but you guys have to share. lol.
Macy Tomasso
Bridesmaid
Macy and I met through working at the YMCA. It was always fun working the same shift and confuse the members as I go by Stacey and her name is Macy (there was a third girl named Lacy who also would occasionally work the same shift as us), but what mattered more was the times outside of work. Initially starting in group settings - which is how she helped me meet Caden - to just us whether it have been something like going to Target or having a night in or going to a local Mexican restaurant for chips and queso. Macy is someone who will always do everything in her power to show up for you, no matter how big or small the occasion. While we didn't meet until later, I feel like I have known her my whole life. I am so thankful to have her standing on my side.
Morgan Kral
Groomsman
Morgan and I met through Macy when they started dating. When we met we instantly knew we were gonna be friends. Since both of us were really into golf, we spent a lot of time getting to know each other while playing. Since then we’ve had many rounds and even more Busch lights. So glad to have him standing up in my wedding.
Lauren Flanigan
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I originally met in grade school playing in the local youth basketball league, but since she went to public school and I went to Catholic school, our friendship did not get to grow to a deeper level until the lovely high school years. Lauren has been there for me through it all - from high school dances, to tricking me into playing softball in high school, through college (managing Biology degrees and athletics is not for the weak), and so much more. Lauren is the first person I met who truly understood what it meant when we said we couldn't hang out because we had some tournament going on that weekend, or when we had to go to school even on Senior Ditch Day because we had a softball game that night. She is someone I know I will have in my corner for life. I had the pleasure of standing up in Lauren's wedding, and I am so grateful she agreed to stand up in mine as well.
Mike Carrano
Groomsman
Mike and I met around a decade ago on a paintball field when I first started getting into tournaments. My dad would drive me there every other weekend to play and during that time I met Mike and a few other guys who were putting together a team. They talked with my dad and asked if I wanted to join their team. After playing for a couple years everyone went their separate ways, but Mike stayed in contact with me. We became super close and I’ve always called him a big brother. We’ve spent countless gym sessions, BWW nights, and video game hours together. It wouldn’t be complete without my big brother in the wedding party.
Mack Marovich
Bridesmaid
Mack and I also met in grade school playing basketball. We were sitting at practice one day, I had my little iPod nano and was watching Star Trek and she asked if she could watch with me; and the rest was history. While I have recently learned that she does not actually like Star Trek (it's fine Star Wars is better); she has been by my side since that day. Mack was one of the first people whose house my parents actually let me spend the night at growing up (this is a big deal). She has always found a way to keep life interesting, from trips to Notre Dame to squeezing into those random kids rides at the mall together to being my country concert partner and so on. She has been by my side through all stages of my life so far, so it was a no brainer to have her on my side for this.
Nick Peloza
Groomsman
Nick and I met in high school gym class our freshmen year. We both chatted with each other at times and then grew closer and closer as the year passed. Over the last 5 years or so, we have had many date nights, late night talks, laughs, and I even got him into paintball and then reffing. We ended up both taking the referee certification course together and getting to ref with one of my best friends on the field has been awesome. Nick, so happy to have you in my party, and what would make it even better would be to come ref an NXL event.
Jazmin Barragan
Bridesmaid
Jazmin and I officially met on day 1 of PT school (I say officially because it turns out we had sorta met over the phone up to a whole year before while working at ATI). In that lecture hall, we could've sat by any other of the 30 classmates we had, but instead we were by each other; and stayed that way for 3 years. Jazmin has helped me get through a lot of tough times - she has seen me smile, laugh, cry (specifically after exams), and so on. If I had not gotten anything out of Governors State - aside from the degree of course - I would be happy since I gained a true friend. She is loyal, validates my feelings and actions (even when sometimes I am wrong), lets me speak my mind, is a fellow Bad Bunny enthusiast, and is true to herself. She is one of the strongest people I know. I am so happy to have her in my wedding party.
Ryan Mikus
Groomsman
Ryan and I have been confused as brothers many many times. Which is reasonable since we’re cousins. We got closer once our parents reconnected more and have spent many golf rounds, parties, and life moments together. I am so happy to have him standing up for me.
Makenna Cooper
Bridesmaid
Makenna and I met through Caden, if not evident by the last name. She was always kind to me and through the years with Caden and I's relationship growing; so has my relationship with Makenna. She is independent, funny, and has a social battery that runs at about the same pace as mine. Makenna is someone that I know I can go to if I ever need to just have an escape (her room is a safe space). She is someone who is willing to be someone to talk or to be a listening ear - and rarely does the time of day matter. I am not just gaining a husband on October 8, 2027; but I am gaining a sister-in-law too (and solidifying our friendship because by law she is also going to be stuck with me). I am so thankful to have her with me through all of this and look forward to joining her family.
Robert Barron
Groomsman
I met Robert a little after Stacey and I started dating, since he is her brother. He is a guy of few words, but if you do want to get him to talk, the best way is about cars. While he does not say too much, when he does talk (and it is not about cars) it is normally pretty funny - even if it involves making fun of his family, but that is how they show they care. I am happy to have him in my party and am even more happy to be gaining him as a brother-in-law.