Barbara & Jared
Wedding Party
Karah George
Maid of Honor
Karah and I have been best friends for TWENTY years! Karah, you are really more like my sister than my friend. We have been through all the ups and downs of each others' lives, and I know that no matter what happens, we will always be besties. You have always been there to pick up my broken pieces, tell it to me straight, and to support me, no matter how far away from each other we live. I love you more than you will ever know.
Colten Simcheck
Best Man
Closest in age to me, Colten is part of the clan that makes up the best brotherhood someone could ask for. While some may call us "step-brothers", we've built a bond far tighter than that since we were six years old. He's experienced many things already and I admire that about him. From commercial diving school to Army deployment in Afghanistan, and much more, I've enjoyed living vicariously through him. The choice for best man wasn't an easy one, but the big day wouldn't be complete without him.
Andrew Portillo
Man of Honor
Andrew is another one of my best friends and a part of our family. Andrew, we went from you shaking (literally!) the crazy out of me while you were my boss at Applebee's to us being as thick as thieves eight years later. I can always count on you to tell me what I need to hear. You are my travel buddy, my reality TV buddy, and Ember's most favorite uncle! Your friendship is invaluable to me, and I love you long, long, long time!
Joshua Kucera
Groomsman
A wonderful father and dedicated husband, Josh has always been steadfast in his loyalty. Family is first for him and he doesn't hide it. I'm proud of the husband and father he's become, and am grateful for the brother he's been. I appreciate the relationship we've had our whole lives and I look forward to him honoring me by standing by me during this marriage.
Conrrado Saldivar
Bridesman
Conrrado, my best friend and my wedding planner! I'm so happy we met each other in the 3rd/7th/8th grade ;) But really, you are a huge part of my life, and I am so thankful to have you in my tribe. You are one of the best, smartest people I know, and you have been with me at the lowest points of my life. You make me ridiculously proud on the daily, and you are another lifelong friend and family member that I will never take for granted. I love you!
Austin Simcheck
Groomsman
Austin may be the youngest of us brothers, but don't let that fool you. He's the most educated and is certainly the intellectual of the group. His wit is hard to compete with and I enjoy contests of the mind against him (though I usually lose). He's one to always give his last $5 if he feels you need it more than he does, and his honesty is very welcomed in an age where it's rare.
Jennifer Simcheck
Bridesmaid
Jen- my beautiful sis. I am so thankful that I am officially gaining you as my sister. You have always supported Jared and I and have been so positive and full of energy. I have always admired your strength and drive. You have helped lift me up when I have been down on myself, and you are always down for all the family adventures! I love you, and I'm so thankful that you're in my life.
Eric Nelson
Groomsman
Eric may be my cousin, but we've grown very close over the last several years. At this point I look at him as not only a cousin, but a very close friend. We work together, hang out together, our families are very tightly knit, and yet we don't seem to get sick of each other (too often at least). I've always appreciated the advice and mentorship he's shared, both at the office, and out on the deck with a beer in hand. An accomplished family man, his experience is often welcomed. The decision to include him in our day wasn't a hard one.
Cherie Kucera
Bridesmaid
Cherie- another beautiful sis. I am so thankful that you too will officially become my sister. I feel like we have been close since we met, and I admire the wife and mother you are. Thank you for always being accepting of me and supporting Jared and me. Thank you for loving Kannon like he is your own, and helping guide me on my journey of being a stepmom. I love you!
Colby Aaberg
Groomsman
One of my oldest friends, Colby has been a close member of the inner circle for about 20 years. I should thank Colten for the friendship between Colby and I, as that's how he infiltrated the group. In that 20 years, we've developed a relationship of our own, aside from the rest of the group. He's always there to lean on and is selfless in his support. He's a brother to me at this point and I'm very excited he's accepted his role in this event.
Jennifer Kruger Duran
Bridesmaid
Miss Jenn - I am so thankful for your friendship. After we quit working together, you remained a huge support and light in my life, and I am so grateful we stayed so close! You are so loyal, kind, and thoughtful. You always listen to me no matter how ridiculous I'm being! You will always be my "sad salad" buddy, and I love you!
Matt Petersen
Groomsman
Matt is my oldest friend and we've experienced just about anything life can throw at you together. We've shared birth, death, marriage, movement, business, and about anything else you can imagine. We met when I was 12 years old and have been as tight as friends can be since, despite the distance between us now. Without a doubt a brother as much as a friend, his friendship has been one of my most valued possessions and I cannot thank him enough for being a part of this.
Amanda Nelson
Bridesmaid
Amanda deserves a lot of credit for Jared and I meeting! Amanda, you are one of the most driven, smart, amazing women I know, and I feel privileged to be your friend. You have always supported me, and you are definitely family to me. Thank you for mixing the vanilla vodka and wine and allowing Jared and I to have a few words with each other that first night lol! It's fine, you're fine, I'm fine, everything is fine. I love you lady!
J.P. Krauss
Groomsman
J.P. is my (Barbara's) older brother and only sibling. I am so grateful for the close relationship we have. Over the years, J.P. has become someone that I depend on for support. I truly cherish the time we get to spend together. Every Christmas I used to fly to California to visit him and watch him perform with the Pacific Chorale. Those trips, and the quality bonding time we shared are some of my most treasured memories. More recently, J.P. has supported me through some very difficult times, and I will forever be so grateful to him for that. I love you big brother, and we are so thrilled that you are going to be a part of our special day!
Tayler Stephenson
Bridesmaid
I met Tayler in college and instantly admired her. Tayler, you are smart, driven, and extremely motivated. You gave me a chance to do the thing I love the most in life again - dance. We became fast friends, and although you are younger than me, you are someone I look up to greatly. I love you my friend, and I'm grateful that our paths happened to cross.
Savannah Hernandez
Bridesmaid
Queen! I am so thankful for our friendship and that we met through the paralegal grapevine. I love that we can talk about anything, and you always lift me up. You are an amazing mother, wife, and friend, and I am fortunate to be able to call you a friend. We just click, and I love you!
Kannon Kucera
Junior Groomsman
Where do I even start with Kannon? The Lord couldn't have blessed me more with a son like him. He's smart, compassionate, trustworthy, accepting, and many more wonderful things. It's been the greatest joy and honor to raise him and to watch him grow from the beautiful baby he was, to the young man he is now. Him being up there with us on this day was not only a necessity, but the blessing we both wanted and needed from him. I love you bud and couldn't be more proud of you.
Madilynne Kucera
Junior Bridesmaid
My beautiful niece Madi. You have the kindest heart and most gentle soul. I am so proud of the young woman you are becoming! I'm grateful to have you in my life and in our wedding.
Ember Kucera
Ring Bearer
My little baby bear. I am the crazy dog lady, and I have no shame. Ember has had a HUGE impact on my life, and I can't imagine a world without her. I love you so incredibly much, tiny dog. For all the things I've held in life, the best so far is you.
Ned Kucera
Ring Bearer
Our little Ned is the newest addition to our family! Jared has wanted an English Bulldog named Ned for years, and now we finally have him! We love his little wrinkly-potato self, his sweet cuddles, and his hilarious antics.
Ariebella Kucera
Flower Girl
My beautiful, rambunctious, spirited niece, Ariebella! I love you, and can't wait for you to be a part of our big day. There is never a dull moment with you, and I can't wait to watch you continue to grow!
Norah Rae Nelson
Flower Girl
Norah Rae - my sweet, sassy, beautiful cousin/niece. You brighten my days so much, and I know you only agreed to do this if we bought you multiple animals, including a unicorn, but I'm forever thankful that you did! We might have to take a raincheck on the unicorn though...
Rooklyn Kucera
Flower Girl
Roo - my newest, precious little niece. You haven't been in the world long, but you have made a huge impact already! Love you sweetie pea!