Dylan & Kristen
Wedding Party
Kristen Gmerek
Bride
Kristen's inner-hippie will forever keep Dylan on his toes. She is constantly dreaming up another adventure, creative endeavor, or larger-than-life goal. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Kristen hopes to further explore the world, dance outside of her comfort zone, and fall in love with the little things in life, alongside her partner Dylan. Dylan's nicknames for Kristen are bar Star, Hippie Momma, Frau, and K-risten. P.S. It is going to take a lot to get Kristen off the dance floor on July 18th...
Dylan Videto
Groom
Dylan is a big-hearted, live-music enthusiast with Dad jokes for days. Although Kristen met Dylan with what she claims was a "Chin-strap", he has grown his facial hair into the unstoppable red beard it is today. Dylan is a rarity in this world. Not just for his booming laugh, but for his open-minded perspective on life. He is hoping someday to bring together his philanthropic passion and professional endeavors. Who knows, maybe the world needs a non-profit brewery after all? Kristen's nicknames for Dylan are Bar Star, Strudel, Sweet Man, Mountain Man, and D-Ylan.
Elise Gmerek
Maid of Honor
Elise and Kristen have always been kindred spirits. More often than not, you could find Elise and Kristen on imagination island or arguing over who could use what Barbie house when they were kids. Not only did they share bunk beds for 6 years in Hong Kong, but they shared a love for wearing matching outfits anytime they could. Thus the phrase, "Same, Same" came to life... Kristen will always love the sing-along drives around Buffalo with Elise that became somewhat of a tradition once Kristen left for College. It was a way for Kristen and Elise to catch up, sing their hearts out, and embrace their love for music together. Beyonce and Frank Ocean were usually at the top of the playlist for these drives. Kristen's Nicknames for Elise are Lili, Cheekers, Cheeks, and Li
Justin Videto
Best Man
What started as a childhood rivalry has now grown into pure brotherly love between Dylan and Justin. Beer, Beats, Battlefront - these are a few things that truly encompass this red bearded duo. From cooking brunch side-by-side to tasting the newest beer at Ballast Point, Justin has quickly become one of Dylan's closest confidantes; not to mention, Kristen's second favorite red bearded man (behind Dylan of course). There have been many late nights spent in Kristen and Dylan's family room, listening to Justin's new music and teaching Dylan songs to play on his own. Simple. That's all it needs to be with Justin to embrace who he is. A song that will always remind Dylan of Justin is "Through the Valley" by Shawn James.
Jayme Gmerek
Maid of Honor
Jayme is the Yin to Kristen's Yang. She is unapologetically fierce, fashionable, and loyal to her family/friends. Not only has Jayme become a strong sense of emotional support for Kristen, but a voice of empowerment and inspiration to live a life that is full of joy, playfulness, and strength. Jayme's love for music has always inspired Kristen. One of Kristen's favorite memories of Jayme is watching her perform on stage during her musical days. Her presence is powerful and never goes unnoticed in a way that lights up a room just like their momma. Jayme definitely will be the last one on the dance floor... Kristen's nicknames for Jayme are J and Jajigee.
Drew Cipolla
Groomsman
Drew is the ultimate dog dad and future brew master (still in training). Dylan met Drew in high school through mutual friends. They have endured Tough Mudder races, Bacardi Limon, and two years of co-inhabiting together only to come out the other side with endless stories and a new found love for staying in on Friday nights. From chin straps to goatees, this Bromance has come full circle and we can only imagine what the future holds for these two. A song that will always remind Dylan of Drew is "Young, Wild & Free" by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa.
Grace Krzan
Maid of Honor
Grace and Kristen met in highschool when Kristen still had side bangs and Grace had skater shoes (Etnies to be exact). What began as a friendship of rebellion and joy rides bloomed into a sisterhood of unending support, unconditional love, and adventure. Kristen and Grace traveled to Mexico together where Dylan and Kristen met for the first time. Grace is currently studying to be a vet at OSU and is one of the most compassionate and loving souls. She truly gives some of the best hugs and seeks to open an elephant sanctuary in Thailand someday. Her honest and positive view of the world continues to inspire Kristen and everyone around her. Kristen's nicknames for Grace are Booer and Amazing Grace.
Rob Davidson
Groomsman
Rob inspires anyone's inner child, including Dylan's. He has more energy than a Hawthorne Heights mosh pit and enough devious ideas to keep you on your toes. But one of Dylan's favorite memories of Rob is when they chose to ditch the party scene in college and stay in reminiscing to the soundtrack of early 2000 punk/emo music. Those kind of friends don't come around often, but when they do you know life is about to get that much more rowdy. Rob has had Dylan's bachelor party planned since his birth. Atleast that's how it feels.... We love you Rob! A song that will always remind Dylan of Rob is "Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard.
Hannah Kozerski
Bridesmaid
I think the best way to summarize Kristen and Hannah’s relationship is to take a look back at Kristen’s Grub Hub account from college. Life-long talks over pizza after a long night out was Kristen and Hannah’s go to. They were introduced at a dance in college when a Beyoncé song was playing through the speakers – it was all down hill from there. Through breakups, make-ups, and life’s twists & turns, Hannah has without a doubt been Kristen’s source of wisdom, supportive vent sessions, and new music. Hannah’s family has also become close to Kristen’s heart through the years as they opened their doors for Kristen during holidays and school breaks when Kristen remained in Michigan. Maybe it’s time to claim her place as the 2nd Kozerski daughter? Kristen’s nicknames for Hannah are Han and HK.
Paige Demoe
Officiant
Oh Paige... Where to begin. How about when you so generously cooked a three cheese, three pasta mac n' cheese "dish" for Dylan and Kristen when they first started seeing each other? Although you would not have made it anywhere close to the finals on Chopped with this particular dish, they appreciated the effort and your willingness to feed them after a long night out. Paige has known Dylan and Kristen since before they met. Some would say she saw both of them evolve as individuals and as a couple. Thus, why Paige felt like the only soul who truly has the perspective - and legal rights through the power of ordainment - to marry them on July 18th. Her eye-liner game is strong, but her Vans game is stronger. A song that will always remind Dylan of Paige is "The Anthem" by Good Charlotte.
Rheanne Pecsenyse
Bridesmaid
Rheanne and Kristen met in Swahili class at Michigan State. What began as a supportive friendship through verb conjugations and speaking tests, bloomed into a bond over stepping outside of their comfort zones and finding their purpose in life. In the summer of 2015, Rheanne and Kristen studied abroad in Tanzania, East Africa together. It was an eye-opening and heartbreaking experience to say the least, but it highlighted the importance of empowering others to create positive change in the world for both Rheanne and Kristen. Rheanne continues to inspire Kristen as a determined and independent womxn always seeking to support communities and institutions fighting for those who need it more than ever. Kristen’s nickname for Rheanne is Dada (sister in Swahili).
Trish Connolly
Groomswoman
Trish is the one of the most kind-hearted, beer-loving souls Dylan has had the pleasure of calling a best friend. Although Trish now lives "across the pond" in a flat with the British love of her life, Dylan and Trish still find time to try new beer, reminisce about their Michigan State endeavors, and satisfy Trish's taco cravings. She has always been someone that Dylan can confide in ever since they pledged AKPsi together and beyond. A song that will always remind Dylan of Trish is "A-Punk" by Vampire Weekend.
Hannah Tizedes
Bridesmaid
Hannah is the barefoot, bright-eyed, long-locked, hippie soul sister that brings out the beauty in life everywhere she goes. Hannah and Kristen met at Yakeley Hall Freshman year. They bonded over creative adventures, barefoot walks around Campus, and long conversations about what it means to create a sense of purpose in this lifetime. Hannah is all about sustainability, veganism, and changing the world one trash pick up at a time. She is more than just a Bridesmaid so look out for this force of positive energy in the future! Kristen's nicknames for Hannah are Hippie Hannah and Grunge Hippie Soul Sister.
Jesse Jezak
Groomsman
Jesse and Dylan have known each other long before "Selfies" disgraced the internet. Building forts and camping in the backyard were a few integral parts of their childhood together. Jesse's down-to-earth nature has always been an admirable part of who he is and influenced Dylan in many ways. Their mutual love for live music led them to multiple Lollapalooza festivals together, including one where Jessie drove all the way from New Orleans to Chicago with no AC... A song that will always remind Dylan of Jesse is "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore.
Katelyn Videto
Bridesmaid
Katelyn is the Grace to Kristen’s Frankie (if you haven’t caught the show reference, you are missing out). She is without a doubt a role model and inspiration. You can probably find Katelyn curled up with a good book or planning her next trip abroad or at home. She continues to exemplify everything Kristen could hope for in a sister-in-law and then some. She is strong, poised, and quite the whiskey Connoisseur. Kristen and Katelyn will most likely have a trip planned before the wedding is over. Kristen is still brainstorming nicknames for Katelyn. Time will tell.
Brandon Rayburn
Groomsman
We would like to kindly start by asking that you DO NOT call Rayburn by his first name if you see him at the wedding because he will not respond. Dylan has yet to meet anyone that can kill more Zombies than Rayburn. They spent countless days and nights gaming and "saving the world" together. Dylan and Rayburn met playing basketball in high school and despite Rayburn attending school at MSU's Little Sister (U of M), they have still remained close confidantes. A song that will always remind Dylan of Brandon is "Dat New New" by Kid Cudi.
Amy Natyshak
Mother of Honor
Since Alison can not be physically present for her daughter's wedding, Kristen has asked that Alison's soul sister, Amy, be the Mom of Honor. Amy has been an integral part of Kristen's healing when it comes to the loss of her mother, including honoring her mother's legacy in ways she never thought possible. The bond that Amy and Alison have is one that you only seem to read about, but instead came to life and lit up the lives that were lucky enough to witness it. Kristen's official nickname for Amy is now Mom of Honor from here on out.
Lori Videto
Mother of the Groom
Lori is a kind-hearted, energetic, and thoughtful soul. Her love for singing and playing guitar inspirited each of her kids to find their own passions within music. Lori is always ready to dance, celebrate life, and surround herself with loved ones. Dylan will always remember his mom cheering him on from the bleachers during his basketball games, rewarding him with candy at the end of almost every grocery store trip when he was a kid, and golfing with her on courses throughout Michigan (She kicks ass). A song that will always remind Dylan of his mom is "Bound for Glory" by Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Jay Gmerek
Father of the Bride
Kristen’s father has been such a blessing to the lives he touches. As a man of great emotional capacity and strength, he continues to inspire Dylan and Kristen with the way he carries himself through loss, love, healing, and hope. Dylan couldn’t be more excited to be Jay’s first son, but also to carry along the Gmerek tradition of knowing good beer from bad beer. Jay was instrumental in converting Dylan to a proper Bills fan and Sauna enthusiast. The bride and groom are honored that Jay will be at the wedding supporting and celebrating alongside them. Kristen’s nicknames for Jay are Jman and Baba.
Steve Videto
Father of the Groom
Steve was the original paparazzi. There was never a Christmas or Band performance without the 5,000 pound shoulder camera operated by Steve filming the entirety of the event. He always inspired the technical side within Dylan starting with building their own computers and playing the original "Call of Duty". Steve is a man of memorable one-liners, including "I'm Just Saying". His love for sailing translated into several adventures along Lake Michigan with his family that continue to be some of Dylan's fondest memories. A song that will always remind Dylan of his dad is "Old Time Rock & Roll" by Bob Seger.
Alison Gmerek
Mother of the Bride
10.20.1965 – 08.10.2008 “When she shall die, Take her and cut her out in little stars, And she will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun.” ― William Shakespeare