We're Getting Married!
V.I.P.
Derek Peierls
Best Man
From my first days back from what our parents whimsically termed “the hotel” (Overlake Hospital), Stefan and I embarked on a journey filled with life’s ups and downs. Our relationship, more than just brotherhood, has been a testament to endless debates over rightful ownership of birthday gifts and a connection that has only deepened with every shared adventure and challenge. From bickering siblings to inseparable allies, we’ve navigated the complexities of life, embracing every moment of joy and growth along the way. Outside the brotherly bond, I am a person of diverse passions and pursuits. As we welcome Melissa into our lives, I’m filled with an abundance of joy, imagining how ecstatic our mom, Libby, would be to witness Stefan enveloped in such profound love and happiness. Her enduring spirit of kindness and unity shines brightly as we celebrate this momentous occasion.
Mat Cloak
Groomsman
I hopped in my van in West VA With a dream and my carhartt pants Welcome to the road trip to the wedding Am I gonna fit in? Drove out West, not for the first time Look around, and I see the Portland sign This is all so crazy Everybody seems so crunchy My tummy turnin but not cuz I’m homesick Think it’s that I’m ready for the big day That’s when my toddler turned on the radio At my wedding Stefan DJed a custom song The wedding songs come on Stefan and Melissa, come on! I put my hands up They’re playing your song, the love is here to stay I’m nodding my head like, yeah Moving my hips like yeah I got my hands up The party is tuned on, we all love you two today We know it’s more than okay Yeah - party in Portland yay Yeah it’s a wedding in Oregon yay
Paige Spicer
Groomswoman
I am Pacific Northwest born and raised. On May 13th, 1991 Stefan's mother and mine were in labor in the hospital rooms next to each other. Stefan has been like a brother to me ever since (although I can always claim the older sister role by a few hours). I recently earned a degree in Critical Disability Studies and Psychology and work one on one with elementary school students. At any given time you can find me playing Dungeons and Dragons, practicing and listening to music, working on art projects, spending time with my family or playing with my ragdoll cat.
Sancho Sequeira
Groomsman
As outgoing people, Stefan and I actually found each other on facebook in Fall 2008 months before attending JMU. We became fast friends once we actually met in person and lived with or near each other for 3 years. We have been to each others homes across four states, ate each other's food (crab curry and whataburger/tex mex), visited 11 states, and ran over 1 armadillo together. We share a love of cooking, being out in nature, and sipping whiskey while having deep conversations until 2am. Stefan was a part of my wedding 1 year before his wedding, and I am excited to be part of Stefan's.
Henry Schmoker
Groomsman
I'm Henry! Born and raised in Tyler, TX, I was fortunate enough to be Stefan’s Semester at Sea roommate. Throughout Semester at Sea, I was infatuated with Stefan’s charisma, compassion and vulnerability. Along with orchestrating a 2230 (ship hours) yoga class (that I didn’t see through till the end), Stefan and I enjoyed Semester at Sea excursions together with their next door shipmate that included Europe, Africa and South America. Post SAS, I was fortunate enough to visit Stefan in Austin in addition to Portland after Stefan’s big move. I was always interested and supportive in Stefan’s non-profit passion and was immensely thankful he was able to not only volunteer to help Passion Impact, but also meet some of the incredible students Stefan impacted and influenced. I have always looked up to Stefan as a brother and role model, and is beyond happy to live only an hour away from him now. I am fond of Stefan’s spontaneity to try new things and can see that it's apparent how Stefan and Mel ended up together. Whether it's through solving murder mysteries, exploring Stefan and Mel’s Garden, or just enjoying one another’s company. I and my wife Hayley can truly see the connection and spark they share.
Joe Jaeger
Groomsman
Hello! I'm Joe Jaeger, cousin of the groom and Austin/California mutt, love my Oakland athletics and my Texas Longhorns! I have 3 kids and my wife, Abbie, is a Nurse Practitioner and an amazing mom. I work in ed tech, product, and AI/ML. When not working or spending time with the family I love playing fantasy baseball with Stefan’s brother Derek where I manage our pitching and he manages our batting. So excited for Stef and could not be happier with the partner he chose to navigate life’s many adventures with. Our whole family is so blessed to have the addition of Melissa and have seen just how much she loves our Stef. Congrats guys!
Bradley Burns
Groomsman
This handsome devil is Bradley Burns. I've known Stefan for over 20 years. We were bunkmates at camp at 10, then twelve years later bunkmates in Harvey the R.V. as we puttered across the western US for six months. I am empathetic, argumentative, curious, and creative. I am a Dungeon Master to 7 wonderful players, an uncle to 5 amazing niblings, and a dogdad to 1 splendiferous Pluto. I write D&D campaigns, and I am really enjoying Palworld. I love Stefan and adore Melissa, and cannot wait to celebrate their combined and magnified excellence with all of you.
Ben Scheiner
Groomsman
Hi, I'm Ben! When I met Stefan 7 years ago, he and I helped build a 100ft-long slip n' slide and immediately injured themselves. The rest was history, and the history has been very silly so far. A few years later I welcomed Melissa to the family :)
Pete Pham
Groomsman
Hello! My name is Pete Pham and I've known Stefan for a little bit now. I met Stefan in classic Portland fashion through the spirited endeavours of Ultimate Frisbee. Through throwing and catching that plastic disc, I was introduced to Melissa as well. Outside of frisbee, Stefan introduced me to his work with his non-profit where I was privileged to be able to volunteer a short amount of time to connect with the community. I'm ecstatic for the opportunity to being able to see Stefan & Melissa through the next chapter in their lifelong adventure together
Patrick Germain
Groomsman
Stefan & I met each other in sixth grade, and for the past 23 hijinx-filled years (and beyond) we continue to build our friendship. Whether taking trips to rural Louisiana or Disney World or having dad beers on the roof together, we always find a way to squeeze the most out of every situation. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife Jordan and 16 month-old son Henry, and I am excited and honored to witness Stefan and Melissa's union.
Nicky Ulrich
Best Woman
My name is Nicky and I am Melissa's older (and only) sister. She has been my best friend since November 21, 1991 and often takes on the role of my life coach/therapist/confidant/comedian/partner-in-crime. I am honored to be part of Melissa and Stefan's wedding party and witness them share their commitment to each other through this weekend celebration of love!
Gina Leonardi
Bridesmaid
“Hi I’m Gina! Melissa and I met shortly after we both moved to Portland working at Seattle Best Coffee. Since that fateful day in 2012, we’ve lived together, worked together (multiple times), eaten approximately 623 large pizzas and 34,275 french fries, gone on countless hikes and trips and adventures, and solidified our friendship as a once-in-a-lifetime, how did I get so lucky to know you type of thing. Melissa & Stefan are like family, and I’m so excited to be here for them!
Julie Lesseg
Bridesmaid
I met Melissa in 2017 through Gina, her then-roommate and my now-wife :) I immediately knew she was an absolute gem of a human and amazing friend. She and Stefan are family to us — our dogs are BFFs and we (Ravioli included) couldn't be happier for them!
Rachel Crout
Bridesmaid
Hi Everyone! My name is Rachel and Melissa and I have been friends since middle school. From the PCH drive and Starbucks runs to the never ending dance parties, we have created memories I will forever cherish. Through all of my life changes like moving across the country and getting married, Melissa has always remained a constant and I cannot wait to stand next to her when she marries her best friend.
Krista Nussbaum
Bridesmaid
Melissa was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Portland. We met through Stefan’s job but immediately hit it off talking about traveling with Melissa. She is my go-to person for deep chats and good hikes, and friendship with her feels so easy. I’m so honored to be a part of their big day!
Brian Peierls
Father of the Groom
I am Brian Peierls, Stefan's Dad and future father-in-law of Melissa. I have known Stefan for 33+ years starting with the moment I snapped the first photos of him entering this world. Although not having known Melissa as intimately or as long as Stefan, I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing her for some 8+ years going back to one of my most favorable of memories, that of pretending I was one of the Wild Things hiding from her behind a large telephone pole here in Portland! Being included in this wedding party is indeed an indescribable gift that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Noah Simons
Ring Bearer
Coming Soon!
Casey Clapp
Officiant
Coming soon!
Wendy Ulrich
Mother of the Bride
Coming Soon!
Ron Ulrich
Father of the Bride
Coming Soon!