Erika & Brandon
Wedding Party
Sarah Highlander
Maid of Honor
Erika met Sarah during her summer on Mackinac Island. Marie, their supervisor, paired them as roommates. They became fast friends through food, early nights in, and Big Little Lies on Erika’s tiny ipad because they had to wifi. Sarah supported Erika and Brandon from the start and may or may not have had to suffer through a couple of the skype dates. Erika and Sarah still talk often and Erika could not make it thorugh the big day without Sarah.
Michael Kanczuzewski
Best Man
Micheal and Brandon met in the fourth grade when Michael transferred to Edwardsburg and Brandon was Michael’s ambassador. They became best friends fast. They have had many adventures throughout the years, especially with Michael’s wild side. With an over ten year long friendship, Brandon could not imagine going on this next adventure without Michael by his side. Side Note: Erika and Michael were friends in middle and high school, so Erika is well aware of the adventures that Michael and Brandon have had.
Marea Otero
Bridesmaid
Poor Marea was Erika’s roommate for two years of early mornings (Marea loved to sleep in), homework cramming with mental breakdowns, and holiday decorating (shout out to Ramona aka mom for decorations) at Berea College. Marea and Erika became very close during their time living together. Erika would accompany Marea to her home and spend winter breaks with Marea’s family. Marea and her family became like a second family to Erika and she could not imagine her special day without Marea there.
Tony Bucher
Groomsman
Tony has been Brandon’s friend for many years. They met at church and started to form a friendship through D&D campaigns and all things geeky. Brandon was there to support Tony during his engagement and marriage and Brandon could not imagine his wedding without Tony’s support.
Theresa James
Bridesmaid
Theresa (Tessa) and Erika bonded very quickly when they worked on Mackinac Island together. Adventures included visiting the library and doing laundry together…..there wasn’t too much to do on the island but visiting the Watercolor Cafe was a favorite memory of Erika’s. Tessa was also a big supporter of a Brandon and Erika relationship and her support extends to this day to the point where Tessa was the first person that Erika told about the engagement. With that said, Erika could not imagine her wedding without Tessa.
Evan James
Groomsman
Evan is the husband of Theresa and a more recent friend of Brandon and Erika. Brandon and Evan have not known one another long but when they are together they are like old friends. It seems fitting given the support that Brandon and Erika have had for Evan and Theresa’s marriage that they could not go into their marriage without Evan’s support.
Estefany Paniagua-Pardo
Bridesmaid
Estefany and Erika have only known one another for a year now but their friendship has grown so much despite being primarily virtual. Erika and Estefany are in the same graduate program and offer one another ample support with work and projects. Erika never anticipated being able to make a friend in a virtual program but now she could not imagine not having Estefany at her wedding.
Brianna Ervin
Groomswoman
Brianna is Brandon’s younger sister and truly one of his favorite people. They are pretty much two peas in a pod and enjoy spending time together even though Brandon terrorizes Brianna. Brandon is ecstatic to have Brianna in his wedding party.