Wedding Party
Natalie Birholtz
Maid of Honor
Born 7 years apart we were not close, but as we have grown up Natalie or "Kiki" has become my best friend. Fun fact: Makes itty bitty miniature art!
Derek Otten
Best Man
My LIttle Brother Derek. He and I have always been close, we're both HUGE Cubs fans, play countless hours of video games, and we love a good horror movie. As long as it doesn't have clowns. Derek doesn't do clowns. Fun Fact: Used to be really good at Drums on Guitar Hero (maybe he still is!)
Kristine Sumanis
Maid of Honor
One day in physics class our senior year of high school Kristine asked me to hang out. We went to get burgers and the rest is history. Fun Fact: Kristine and I have matching tattoos
Patrick Richardson
Groomsman
I'll never forget when I first met Pat, cuz it was the same night that Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith came out in theaters. Brian and I decided we were going to go see it at midnight. He invited Pat and that was how our friendship began. We carried on playing Halo 2 every day after school at Brian's after that. Fun Fact: Pat once won an Xbox 360 with a cap from a bottle of Mountain Dew.
Marissa Rivera
Bridesmaid
I meet Marissa at our high school freshman orientation, since then I have watched Marissa get married, buy a house, and become a mom. Fun Fact: Marissa's favorite food is potatoes of any kind.
Kyle Sundell
Groomsman
Kyle and I first met in middle school in Science Olympiad and were friendly, but I think we really became good friends after college. Kyle is a big sports fan, loves Counter-Strike, and is our resident tech expert. Fun Fact: If Kyle could have dinner with anyone in the world, it would be a toss up between Lebron James and Taylor Swift.
Carlye Friedman
Bridesmaid
When it comes to sister-in-laws I for sure have the best one! Tyler and I love catching up with Carlye and Joe, we always know it is going to be a good time filled with many laughs. Fun Fact: We are both big fans of the Jersey Shore and Carlye can do the best Snooki dance!
Brian McClain
Groomsman
I think Brian is my longest friend. We had homeroom with Ms. Heiberger together in 6th grade, but we may have played soccer together even before that. I also have Brian to thank for introducing me to both BJ and Pat. In high school (and after) the McClain house was like a second home to me. I walked right in through the garage and up to Bri's room, and we'd order pizza and play Borderlands or Dead Space until way too late. Fun Fact: Brian got married earlier this year to his lovely wife Julie!!
Nicole Rhino
Bridesmaid
Nicole attended Columbia College Chicago with me. We become fast friends over our love for art and our hate for art students. Fun Fact: Nicole just recently moved to Arizona!
William "BJ" Pionke
Groomsman
BJ is always up for an adventure, whether it's heading to a Cubs game on a whim, coming to IU to visit (and to pick me up lots of times), or just going on an aimless late night drive. We used to do those late night drives a lot, and I'll never forget the one time the car broke down and his grandparents came to rescue us in the middle of the night. He’s always game to go do something and he’s always the first person to offer his help. Fun Fact: BJ and I once worked together on the television show The X Factor.
Alanna Gonzalez
Bridesmaid
We meet at work and quickly become friends! Alanna and I both share a love for books and collectables. I recently joined Alanna and her two siblings in a spooky book club, even though Alanna does not like spooky things. Fun Fact: Her side hustle is Auspicious Delicious where she makes the most scrumptious chocolate covered goodies.
Spenser Hanson
Groomsman
I met Spenser my Freshman year of college. I think our friendship really blossomed when we binged the entirety of "Lost" in his dormroom. We both love the Cubs and he gave me a soft spot for the Colts, we went to countless IU football and basketball games, and did countless "power hours." Now he's a married lawyer with 2 kids. Wild. Fun Fact: I've been to more Colts games than Bears games because Spenser is a Season Ticket holder. I've also been to both Lucas Oil Stadium and the RCA Dome before it was torn down (RIP) for this same reason.
Mackenzie Rivera
Flower Girl
I have known both of MacKenzie's parents since high school, and it is crazy to think Steven and Marissa have a baby! I'm beyond lucky to have Mackenzie in my life. She can light up the room with her smile and is always ready to cuddle. Fun fact: I was one day off in my guess of when Mackenzie would be born.
Brooklyn Friedman
Flower Girl
One of the best things to come out of the pandemic is getting to have Brooklyn as a niece. Tyler and I are truly in awe of how incredible she is. It has been a blessing to get to see her grow up. Fun Fact: Tyler and I were the first to meet Brooklyn when she came home from the hospital.
Alvin Birholtz
Dog of Honor
I always wanted a brother and when Alvin joined our family I was thrilled! Just like a little brother he is always whining and in the way, but I couldn't imagine life without him. Fun Fact: His favorite movie snacks are twizzlers *Since the making of this website, Alvin has passed on. In our hearts he remains a big part of our special day.
Sam Householder
Officiant
Sam will be performing the ceremony at our wedding. He and I had gone to school together for ages, but reconnected after college through some of the other guys. He's the biggest Bears fan I know (he even writes for Windy City Gridiron!) but loves all Chicago sports, and loves cars. Sam and I also share a love of baseball caps. Fun Fact: He has performed a wedding ceremony before (that's how I knew he'd be good).