Wedding Party
Lexi Wennesheimer
Bridesmaid
I am Corey’s favorite cousin, Lexi. Growing up, Corey randomly showed up and started sleeping on the couch. My parents told us he was moving in. I hated it. I had to share my bedroom with my little brother, which was awful. Turns out Corey was my first bully—which made sense why I didn’t want him to move in. I wanted to be a tomboy and hang out with Corey and my brothers. One day they were shooting Nerf guns and Corey refused to let me downstairs. He said it was “for boys only” and told me to go play with my Barbies. A few years later, Corey had a surprise. I was sitting at the counter, probably snacking, when a bleached blonde girl with raccoon eyes walked in. Me, being a curious 10-year-old, stared at her. I didn’t know I’d end up thinking of her as a sister. Soon after, I helped her plan her baby shower. Ashley gave me a cupcake to find out the gender—we all bit in and learned it was a boy. That little boy would soon take over my room for two months. In true Corey fashion, he bullied me, made me watch his kid for 9 years, and took over my bedroom… kidding (sort of). But I’m glad to have all three in my life. Babysitting taught me what birth control was. Over time, I finally started growing up (kind of). Poor Ashley and Corey endured my crazy phases (and still do). Years later, we got close. Ashley sent a pic of a ring in a group chat with my mom. It took a few years for Corey to propose, but now I finally have another girl cousin. I love them and wish them the best.
Heidi Wennesheimer
Bridesmaid
My husband and I had the honor (and challenge) of raising Corey during those fun, hormonal, eye-roll-filled teen years, and somehow managed to teach him actual life lessons that he shockingly still uses today. We witnessed his transformation from a boy who thought deodorant was optional, questionable fashion choices, and poor car decisions to a man who became a devoted father and husband. I met Ashley in the summer of 2014 and we quickly became close. In 2015, she was expecting her first child and soon after, they moved in with us. From late-night chats to diaper duty and feedings, I had the privilege of helping care for their son and witness the beginning of her incredible journey into motherhood. Hunter is now a hilarious 9 year old who somehow inherited all Corey’s stubbornness and Ashley’s sass. I also dragged her to some pretty grueling workouts under the premise of “fitness” - but really, it was just an excuse to suffer together and then justify eating carbs. Through burpees and pushups we became family. I've watched her handle motherhood with grit, grace, and the ability to function on little sleep. Ashley, you are marrying into a circus. But it is our circus and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Kennsington DeGroot
Bridesmaid
The bride and I became family when our parents met in 2013—and while there was never an official title (ahem, Melissa and Jim?), our bond has always been full-on sister vibes. Over the years, our connection has grown through shared laughs, a mutual love of cats and romance novels, and memories that still makes us smile. One that stands out? The year Ashley and Corey came back to her dad’s house after Roar off the Shore—so many laughs, so much chaos, and the kind of night you never forget. I am beyond excited to stand by Ashley’s side and promises to bring the love, the support, and possibly a book tucked in my clutch—just in case.
Taylor DeGroot
Bridesmaid
Sister / Emotional Support Human When Ashley and I became sisters, due to a forced family merger during those awkward teen years, I figured I’d give it a year before we either became best friends or ended up on a reality show. Thankfully, it's the first one (with just enough chaos to keep it interesting). Over the years, I’ve watched her grow into the amazing woman she is today—graceful, intelligent, and still somehow able to spill a full glass of wine while sitting completely still. That’s why I once gifted her a sippy cup. (You're welcome, Ashley LOL ) On her wedding day, I’ll be right by her side as she marries the love of her life; tissues in one hand to make sure she doesn't ugly cry in the photos, and a Tide pen in the other—just in case the wine strikes again.
Brandon Krueger
Best Man
I met Corey when I was in 2nd grade, when we got into a fight and ended up in the principal's office. When Corey broke his finger in his Senior year, he asked me to do his writing for him in class, and the rest is history. We have been best friends since, getting into all sorts of situations that would take too much time to explain. I'm happy to be standing by his side as his best man on this day as they start the next chapter of their lives together.
Connor Wennesheimer
Groomsman
As the second-oldest cousin, I’ll admit that growing up, Corey and I didn’t exactly get along. We were pretty different as kids, and that meant we didn’t share many memories—at least not the good kind. But over the years, things have changed. We’ve both grown up (more or less), and even though we still don’t see eye to eye on everything, we’ve found some common ground and mutual respect. It’s been great to reconnect a bit as adults, and I’m genuinely glad to stand by him today as he starts this next chapter.
JD Wennesheimer
Groomsman
As the groom’s uncle, I’ve had the privilege (and sometimes the burden) of helping raise him from a clueless kid into the man standing here today. I was there for all the embarrassing highlights—like when he face-planted into his car and busted his teeth, cried on his bike because he thought a scarecrow was out to get him, and pretended to be asleep anytime a scary movie came on. I perfected the art of flicking his lip when he mouthed off, and when he turned 18, I took him in and tried to teach him about real life: finances, fixing his leaky car, and even raising a kid. To his credit, anytime I asked for help—whether it was moving something heavy or fixing something broken—he always showed up, even if I could see in his face that he really didn’t want to. Watching him grow from the boy who ate all my food and ignored my advice into a man who somehow convinced someone to marry him has been both hilarious and rewarding.
Damian Wennesheimer
Groomsman
Ever since I was five years old, Corey has had a huge impact on my life and the choices I’ve made as an adult. I honestly consider myself lucky, because I’ve never thought of myself as the greatest leader. Being the oldest child between my mom and dad, I often felt the weight of setting a good example for my siblings. Thankfully, I had Corey to look up to. He showed me what it means to be a true, compassionate man, and he became someone I could learn from—through both his strengths and his imperfections. Some of my best memories are with him. From doing alligator rolls in the pool to see how long we could hold our breath, to fishing off the old bridge by Grandma’s house, to our countless “legendary” sleepovers full of shenanigans. We spent hours playing Call of Duty, always trying to outdo each other—though I’ll admit, I was usually the one at the top of the leaderboard. And of course, there are the unforgettable (and hilarious) moments, like when Hunter and I were playing Superman and he ended up throwing up right in my mouth—something I’ll never forget. Looking back, I realize that knowing Corey and growing up alongside him truly changed my life for the better. What started out as having a cousin turned into gaining an older brother.