Caroline & Stephen
Wedding Party
Caroline Williams
Bride
Caroline is from a small town in southwest Kansas called Dodge City. She is one of seven children, with 1 sister and 5 brothers. She ran cross country and played softball at Newman University before graduation in 2023. Both parents being healthcare professionals has inspired Caroline through all her life, which is why she is actively pursuing dentistry at The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, where she will graduate with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in May of 2027. Caroline is very outgoing, and loves to get out and hike, run, walk, or anything that keeps her from sitting still at home all day! She is most looking forward to creating new memories and experiences with her future husband, and cannot wait for the day to be here!
Stephen Bauer
Groom
Stephen grew up in Stroudsburg, PA with his parents and older sister, Jackie. He went to college at Hofstra University in New York. After graduating, he moved to Colorado (with no job lined up, but tons of hope and big plans) and now works for Charles Schwab! Stephen enjoys skiing and watching any sport that is on tv. One of Stephen's favorite activities is baking! His friends are always requesting baked goods from key lime pie (a fan favorite) to cinnamon rolls (a family favorite) to a classic banana bread if on a time crunch. He loves going to local breweries with Caroline and playing boardgames or cards. One of Stephen's life goals is to visit all 50 states, which he can't wait to do with his new wife!
Hadley Semrad
Matron of Honor
Hadley is Caroline's younger (and only) sister. With 5 brothers in the house growing up, Hadley has been Caroline's best friend since they were babies. With Hadley recently being married, she is excited to step away from the spotlight and help Caroline and Stephen with their wedding. Hadley is extremely thoughtful and caring, and has been the biggest help in everything wedding planning.
Justin Marcus
Best Man
Justin and Stephen met during orientation week at Hofstra University on July 9, 2019. They took every single college class together, except for one. Stephen can always count on Justin to find a good dinner spot by checking the reviews off yelp. They both share a love for Costco and since college, talk on the phone weekly to catch up and plan the next hangout spot for the group!
Lauren Esfeld
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Caroline met during their freshman year of college at Newman University. Although their relationship had a very interesting start, they ended up living together in a house off-campus for the last 2 years of school. Through this, they became best friends and created so many new memories and friends together. Lauren has been with Caroline through breakups, birthdays, professional school applications, and everything in between. Now that she is in Texas in optometry school, we can't wait to see her again to celebrate with us!
Mark McDonald
Groomsman
Mark and Stephen met during Little League baseball early in their childhood. Stephen never fails to mention the Homerun he hit off Mark on July 7, 2014! Baseball and The New York Yankees is always a topic for discussion! Together, they have matured in many ways. Mark has always been there for Stephen as they talk about religion, relationships, career and life goals.
Chase Neale
Bridesmaid
Chase and Caroline met in dental school in Colorado and quickly became friends (and alphabet partners). Through stab lab, gas lab, and all of the other dental things, Chase and Caroline have supported each other. Chase was in on the super secret engagement and helped Stephen plan and coordinate! Although they've only known each other a short time, Caroline and Chase have a deeply rooted friendship (rooted in trauma or love, thats the question)
Ryan Neale
Groomsman
Ryan and Stephen met through Caroline and Chase (his wife)! Even though they had just met, Stephen trusted Ryan to help plan the engagement surprise! They both enjoy racket sports, pickleball & tennis. The boys have been able to bond in more ways than one by both enjoying a good train ride. Their friendship is growing each time they hang out!
Jada Key
Bridesmaid
Jada and Caroline met in college at Newman University, as both girls were college athletes. Since it's a small university, all the athletes knew each other, but some got to know each other more than others-- that was the case for Jada and Caroline. Jada would frequently visit Caroline and Lauren at their house, and her presence became such a light every weekend. Although Jada has been busy playing professional volleyball in Europe, her relationship with Caroline has remained consistent, and we're excited for a friend reunion at the wedding!
Harrison Partenio
Groomsman
Harrison and Stephen met in college, and he was always known as "the dad of the group" because his extensive knowledge, thought, and input on any topic mentioned. They catch up often about any sporting event or what newly found item Harrison bought at the thrift store. They went a full two years without seeing each other after college, but the friendship never skipped a beat!
Hope Holden
Bridesmaid
Hope and Caroline met on the first day of college orientation-- Caroline was a freshman, and Hope a transfer junior. When Hope found out Caroline also played softball at Newman, she took it upon herself to mingle with all the other athletes in the school, and she made sure Caroline came along with her. Hope is a Wichita KS native, and was the best tour guide for Caroline throughout college, showing her everything the city had to offer. They spent plenty of time together bonding on the bench at softball games, and their relationship only grew from there.
Elliott Williams
Groomsman
Elliott is one of Caroline's younger brothers. Him and Stephen always find a way to hangout while visiting Kansas! Both are massively competitive; Stephen once beat Elliott 10 consecutive times in darts and then in 1 on 1 basketball all in a summer's afternoon. Elliott is always keeping Stephen up to date on the lore.