Maria & Brian
Wedding Party
Christina (Tina) Hicks
Matron of Honor
Tina, Maria's older sister, and has been there from the beginning standing by her side, it only makes sense for her to stand by Maria's side on her special day. Through years of sharing a room and fighting over stupid stuff, late night talks and long car rides, shopping trips and phone calls their sisterhood has grown into a very special friendship. They haven't always seen eye to eye, or gotten along, but they have always been there for each other. Throughout the years Tina has been and continues to be an incredible example to Maria, and she is greateful that the Lord made them Sisters by design, and friends for life!
Caris Williams
Maid of Honor
Caris and Maria are BFFS. They met through DCP Theatre, attended church/sang on the worship team together for many years, and are now housemates! Caris is not only the smartest person Maria knows, and her set designs the stuff of magic, but her friendship has been and continues to be invaluable. Caris has stood by Maria through many ups and downs, has supported her and her many crazy ideas, and has constantly encouraged her to follow her dreams of traveling, missions and making lasting change on the world. Caris is the real deal, and Maria could not imagine any day without her, but especially her wedding day!
Kelly Sue Rieger
Bridesmaid
Kelly Sue moved into the house next to Maria when she was 2 years old and Maria was 9. After many years of playing before and after school, family vacations, snow forts and sledding, and watching nickolodian while drinking juice boxes, we grew up. it all changed to boys, college and careerers, but our friendship has only gotten stronger and more special. Kelly has always been there...she is constant, she is true and she is one of a kind. I stood on the curb for many years waiting for her bus and now she will stand at the end of this very important asile waiting for me to step into this new era, and I know she will continue to stand by and for me.
Sara Lynn Wondergem
Bridesmaid
Sara is my น้องสาวไทย or "Thai Sister" and Brian's "actual" sister. I had the absolute privlidge and honor of living and serving with her in Thailand. She was and is a breath of fresh air in situations of turmoil, saddness and despair. She is super talented and "hilarious", but above all of that she constantly reminds those around her that prayer and relationship with God are extremely important and that it is those that will continue to move us forward through difficult times. The best part is that Sara is from the East Coast, and will be home from Thailand in time to stand with us when we "Thai" the Knot!
Timothy Bruce Goodwin
Best Man
Brian and Tim have been friends since they were four years old. They not only shared the same birthday, but a long list of adventures that Tim is all to quick to share (and Brian would rather forget). Through the years both of them have left for other states or countries, but they have never left the other behind. A true friend doesn't have to be by your side to have your back and Brian has been blessed to have Tim backing him for as long as he can remember. On the most exciting day, Tim (his brother from another mother) will stand by Brian's side and watch his back as Brian begins this most excellent adventure.
David Williams
Groomsman
The day Brian flew to the east coast for the first time to visit Maria, that night she took him to see a play staring David. Brian sat and was blown away by David's talent. David opened his home and let Brian stay the week. One heart to heart conversation later and Brian knew that he and David where lifelong friends that just hadn't met yet. Over the last few years, David and Caris have continued to open their home to Brian. Brian and David also continue to preform as two members of the now legendary "Backstage Boys" music group.
Tom J. Serino
Groomsman
Big brothers are the best, and Maria is blessed to have one, who was not only her big brother, but also one of her best friends! She said over and over to Brian. "I hope my brother likes you. He is my favorite person." Well, Luckily TJ did/does like Brian and the two of them have been talking sports, philosophy, books, music, politics and life ever since. We are so honored to have him standing with us on this day and in life. Always.
Zoe and Josie Neuenschwander
Daughters and Junior Bridesmaids
Brian has known Zoe and Josie for many, many years, their entire lives in fact, and as he states in his Facebook bio, to him they are "Shining Lights". Maria has only had the honor and privilege of meeting and getting to know these incredibly special young women over the past several years. However after spending this time with them, she can say that she agrees wholeheartedly with Brian. These young women shine. They shine with Joy, with Talent, with Love for those around them, and most importantly they Shine with Christ! His existence in each of their lives, and their desire to serve Him is evident, and it is an incredible example to us. It is was great excitement and anticipation that we will walk down this aisle and into this future that God has laid out before us, as a family.
Xavier and Donatello Hicks
Junior G-men
Xavier and Tello are the nephews of Maria (Auntie Ria), and now Brian (Uncle Brian)! Before meeting them Brian heard soooo much about them both , and he thought, "there is no way they are that cool!" After meeting them, he now knows the truth, they are indeed "That cool." X and T have always been a huge part of Auntie Ria's life, so naturally she wanted to make sure they loved her guy too. They definitely loved him from the get-go, but it wasn't until after Brian began to sing fart-themed lullabies to them over the phone that the deal was sealed! We love these little guys so much, they are a delight, even when they are being little stinkers, and our day would not be complete without them!