Christie & Cory
Meet Our Wedding Party
Barb Schafer
Matron of Honor
Barb and I met at UMD through mutual friends, but bonded on our study abroad trip in Spain. By the end of our trip we made a pact; we would be each others maid of honor. Later we roomed together with Ellen (Bridesmaid) in Duluth for a year. I also helped introduce her to her now husband and father of her children Jason (Groomsman). She in return helped me with Cory by telling him “Her best friend who’s a blonde may have a crush on him”, and the rest is history. We have grown so close I consider her family, along with all the Marko’s that come along with that (she comes from a big family!). Now it’s time for her to hold up her end of our pact and be by my side for the big day.
Nic Trondson
Best Man
The first time Nic and I hung out was set up by our moms. We knew of each other from football but never really talked to each other. 14 years later and Nic is still my best friend. He pretty much lived at my parent's house throughout high school and is considered the adopted brother of my family. Nic is one of the most loyal people I know and he always has my back. I am honored to have him as my best man.
Noel Lind
Bridesmaid
Noel is the older sister I never got, but have always wanted! We have grown close over the past five years, and wedding planning has only made our bond stronger. I’ll never forget one of the first times we went out to some bars on the Iron Range, Noel told us “If you guys are stranded you can call and I will come get you. I won’t be happy about it but I will come and get you.” That’s the first time I experienced how it feels to have an older sister. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her, and cannot wait for her to be a part of our day!
Isaac Clapsaddle
Junior Best Man
Isaac is my twin that was born 15 years late. He was a big surprise for our family but when Isaac came into our lives everything changed for the better and life without him is pretty impossible to imagine. Ike has an innocent old soul and tends to surprise people with what he says. Christie and I are both very excited to have our little brother standing next to us on our big day.
Ellen Samuelson
Bridesmaid
Ellen and I became friends when we pledged a sorority at UMD. We instantly clicked and ended up rooming with Barb (matron of honor). This really brought us closer together and we’ve have gone through some crazy experiences! She is someone I can always count on to be there for me no matter what. She is such a genuine, caring person that I am honored to call my friend, and now bridesmaid!
Eric Hiti
Groomsman
If Nic and I were ever getting into trouble, it was probably Eric's idea. Eric and I met in youth hockey and have remained close friends ever since. Eric, Nic and I were even roommates our freshmen year in college. Eric and I also worked road construction together. I can always depend on Eric for some brutally honest feedback.
Emily Bombich
Bridesmaid
Believe it or not, I actually met Emily before I met Cory. She was in a different sorority than me but we both hung out with the fraternity that Cory later joined. Little did I know she was my future husbands cousin! If she could be in two places at once, she would be on both Cory & I’s side. She is amazing and we love her so much!
Alex Goodale
Groomsman
Alex is one of my closest cousins. He was always with us growing up and you could always find Noel, Al, and I working on a fort somewhere in the woods. Some of my earliest memories are of Al, Noel, and I riding Tonka trucks down the sidewalk hill in front of our house. That and picking fresh raspberry's and rhubarb at his house.
Kayla Doherty
Bridesmaid
Kayla is my oldest friend in the books. We started hanging out in junior high and have been close ever since. We’ve made really great memories together and I know she is someone I can go to for anything. She isn’t afraid to be honest and I love that about her. She has always been there for me and I am beyond excited that she’s going to be by side on our special day.
Joey Marolt
Groomsman & DJ
Joey and I grew up in the same town but didnt really start hanging out together until we were on the drumline together in high school. Joey is an extremely dependable friend and will always volunteer to help when needed. Not only will he be our groomsman, he will be our DJ too!
Brooke McCullough
Bridesmaid
Brooke and I went to high school together and then we decided to room together in the freshmen dorms at UMD. We would always hear the horror stories of rooming with someone you know but that wasn’t the case for us! We did everything together and grew really close. Brooke will make you laugh so hard it hurts. It was hard for me to see her go when she moved to Boston after Freshman year but she has since moved back to Minnesota and we’ve picked up where we left off!
Jason Schafer
Groomsman
As Christie would tell you, Jason is her older brother. Through college he was a very good friend and always looked out for her. Then when I joined the same fraternity as him he offered me the same level of friendship. When Christie and I first started dating Jason gave me the big brother speech. "You had better not hurt her." It meant a lot to me to know that Christie had someone like that looking out for her. Since then Jason, Barb, Christie, and I have become very close.
Natalie Knaack
Junior Bridesmaid
Natalie has always been my partner in crime when it comes to tackling our ball of energy niece Jersey (flower girl). Natalie is Cory’s cousin so we met when Cory introduced me to the family. Natalie has always been such a mature, down to earth young lady. I always have to remind myself she is still a teenager! We are honored to have her in our wedding party.
Jesse Lind
Groomsman
Over the last few years Jesse has filled the role of older brother very well. When Noel first brought him around I knew that he would fit right in with our family. You'd be surprised to find out that this soft spoken guy can belt out a mean karaoke version of Meatloaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Light."
Jersey Lind
Flower Girl
Cory and I used to joke that if we ever broke up, we would need to set up visitations for me and his niece Jersey. I cannot begin to describe how much I love this spunky little girl. She is constantly surprising me and I have enjoyed watching her continue to grow. When Cory and I first started dating she still had her nook. Now she is getting taller by the day. Every bride needs her flower girl and I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect for the job!
Jameson Lind
Ring Bearer
J-Man! Of course we had to have our nephew Jameson be our Ring Bearer. As I write this Jameson is just starting to talk a lot and the way he says Auntie Christie would melt your heart. If he is anything like his older sister Jersey I am sure he will be talking our ears off before the wedding day.
Lauren Brink
Personal Attendant
Lauren and I met in junior high volleyball and have been friends ever since. She couldn’t get my last name right on a tall crown she made me out of construction paper as part of a team gift exchange, but I forgave her. Lauren is someone you can be super silly with and just let go. She isn’t afraid to make fun of herself and be goofy which is why I love her!
Monty Heitzman
Usher
Monty is my oldest friend. With our parents being good friends we met when we were just babies. Luckily enough for us we were able to graduate college together with very similar degrees. Monty is never afraid to speak his mind and will always follow his own path.
Tony Och
Reader
My cousin Tony is my partner in crime when it comes to family gatherings. No matter where we are or what we are doing, I know Tony and I will have fun doing it. We always rip up the dance floor at family weddings and we performed at our cousin Stephanie’s wedding.
Jake Heitzman
Usher
Jake is my 2nd oldest friend. Jake and Monty are brothers and age wise I was right in the middle of Monty and Jake. Jake and I became much closer in college when we worked together at the Dining Center on campus. Jake is one of the funniest people I know and if you hang around him long enough he'll be sure to have you in tears.
Mikey Och
Usher
What can I say about my cousin Mikey. He doesn’t say much himself! He is similar to my dad where out of nowhere under his breath he will mutter a cheesy joke that you can’t help but laugh at. I love hanging out with him and am honored to have him help us out!
Andy Och
Usher
My cousin Andy is one of a kind. Growing up he was like my older annoying brother. Being an only child I wasn’t used to anyone teasing me too much. On our family camping trips, he would always try to steal our dolls and hide them! Now that we are all grown up, we don’t have to worry about the dolls and can just hang out and have a great time.