Wedding Party
Theresa Walls
Matron of Honor
I met Theresa in college, and we’ve been making memories ever since. I had the honor of standing beside her on her wedding day, and now she’s returning the favor. From bonding over our love of pop-punk music to taking amazing care of me after my wisdom teeth surgery (which is true friendship!), she’s been there through so many chapters of my life. I truly couldn’t imagine this day without her by my side.
Scott Stegeman
Best Man
Scott is one of Andrew’s lifelong partners in crime and loves to introduce Andrew as his “little counsint.” Growing up, they spent time working on Grandpa Jim’s rental houses and taking memorable trips to Florida with him. One memorable time is when Scott used sunscreen to draw SpongeBob on Andrew’s back, creating the world’s most temporary masterpiece. We’re so happy he’ll be standing with us on our wedding day.
Lily Porting
Maid of Honor
Lily is Andrew’s daughter, my bonus daughter, and one of my favorite adventure buddies. The first time we met, we discovered how many rubber bands it takes to bust a pumpkin—a pretty accurate preview of life together! She works incredibly hard, has an amazingly positive attitude, and is super creative - she helped Andrew make my Funyun ring for his proposal. Lily is easy to love and I’m thankful she’s such a big part of our special day!
Zach Porting
Groomsman
Zach is Andrew’s younger brother. Like many siblings, they had their fair share of adventures growing up—including Andrew convincing Zach there were dinosaurs in the woods so he wouldn’t follow him and his friends. Thankfully, Zach survived both the imaginary dinosaurs and having Andrew as an older brother! Over the years they’ve grown much closer, and we’re excited to have Zach celebrating with us.
Claire Naes
Bridesmaid
Claire and I have been friends since sixth-grade band, where we spent years sitting side by side. I was lucky enough to become an honorary member of her family, spending so much time at her house that I felt like their third daughter. As kids, we dreamed about what our weddings would be like, so it’s extra special that we’ve each been able to stand beside one another on our big days. No matter how much time passes between visits, we always pick up right where we left off.
AJ Schepers
Groomsman
AJ has been one of Andrew’s friends for as long as either of them can remember—their parents grew up together, so their friendship started early. At around four years old, they famously debated whether it was possible to jump from the back of a house as the deck was being built to a telephone pole. Let’s just say… AJ proved it wasn’t. Thankfully, their decision-making has improved since then, but their friendship has remained just as strong.
Sydney Thompson
Bridesmaid
Sydney and I met through color guard, and for a time we saw each other more each week than just about anyone else! We worked together for Dining Services at Missouri State, taught color guard together at Willard, and coached the Pride of Missouri State Winter Guard together. All that time together created a friendship full of great memories and plenty of laughs. Sydney is one of the funniest people I know and somehow has a way of making absolutely everything more fun.
Steven Ward
Groomsman
Steven and Andrew met while working together at Target and quickly became friends. As two single dads raising young daughters, they eventually became roommates and helped each other navigate that season of life. Along the way they also tackled Tough Mudder races together, proving they can survive mud, obstacles, and just about anything else. We’re grateful Steven will be celebrating this milestone with us.