Colleen & John
Wedding Party
Marais Pletsch
Matron of Honor
Marais and I met in 2005 at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas. Our bunks were right next to each other and somehow we immediately knew that we would be lifelong friends. Marais and I have never lived in the same city, so we have this long distance friendship thing down to a science. Fun fact: She was born less than 24 hours before me! We share a love for travel and experiencing the world as much as we possibly can. Marais is traveling from Switzerland with her husband Adam Pearson for our big day.
Michael Hartel
Best Man
Michael, “Mike”, “Little John”, “The Labrador”, my brother, my best friend. He is known by many and a friend to more. Growing up we were more like oil and vinegar than we were peas and carrots, but at the end of the day we were brothers. All we had to do was grow up a bit for us to realize that we share something special besides our clothes– brotherhood. Through thick and thin, ups and downs and around the world he’s been by my side, and I am so proud to have him by my side on my special day because he truly is my best man.
Kristin Peyton
Maid of Honor
Kristin and I have been acquaintances for essentially our entire lives, but it wasn't until 2013 when I moved back home to Beaumont after college that we became thick as thieves. She offered me a job working with her at an after school care program, which meant we spent every single day together for over a year. Kristin has remained one of my most solid friends and is largely to thank for my introduction to a happy life in Beaumont. I can always count on her to make me laugh, have heart to heart conversations over a glass of wine (red for me, white for her) and discuss Bachelor contestants. As you can probably tell, it's never dull moment with us.
Michael Faraci
Groomsman
Michael and I have been life long friends dating back to cub scouts and St. Judes Catholic Church Sunday school. If you were ever to see him without a shirt on his back, it's because he gave it to someone who needed it more than him. It's funny to think that I always relate Faraci to a garage in one way or another. From learning the ins and outs of old cars, trucks, and ATV’s in Countrywood to flicking our bottle caps toward the passing city bus at his Beaumont house where it was always happy hour. Michael lives in Sour Lake with his wife, Courtney, and his two blessings, Jude and Cora.
Stephanie Duesler
Bridesmaid
Stephanie and I grew up going to All Saints School together and were inseparable most of those years. I'm fairly certain we got our desks moved to opposite sides of the room a time or two because we did not know how to stop talking to each other. Although we branched off to different high schools and pledged different sororities at Texas A&M, we never stopped finding time to hang out or catch up. Stephanie is brilliant, dependable, and makes life a million times more fun. Stephanie will be traveling from Austin, Texas.
Cody Manley
Groomsman
Cody and I have been friends throughout the years dating back to St. Judes Catholic Church Sunday school. There’s no telling how many miles we walked or drove together to find a spot of water that hopefully had a fish in it. I swear Cody could cast a line into an empty bucket and catch a fish. I had the pleasure of being Cody’s best man a his wedding (Faraci lost the coin toss) and I’m proud to have him standing in mine. Cody has 3 kids, Noble, Colt, and newest addition, Halli, and will be traveling from Kerens, Texas with his wife Hillary.
Hannah Sherlock Coxon
Bridesmaid
Hannah and I were each other's very first friend. We lived across the street from each other and rode our tricycles up and down Lanark Lane like it was our job. As we grew older, we would reconnect every few years. Sometimes for a concert (love you, John Mayer) or just to hang out in matching Abercrombie tshirts. Hannah recently asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding and it really solidified that we will always pick right back up where we left off. Hannah will be traveling from Midland, Texas with her husband Andrew.
Chris Andrepont
Groomsman
Chris and I met on the edge of the Pinewood pool during 10 minute break when we were 9 or 10 years old. Weirdly enough, while we spent that afternoon racing to the depths and back up again, our parents had met on the other side of the pool, sparking the beginning of their life long friendship as well. To our surprise we both had a parent that grew up in the U.K. and our moms names ended in “lean”. Funny, I’m marrying a “lean” as well. Chris resides in the same Sour Lake neighborhood we grew up in with his wife Nikki and two sprouts, Drake and Ford.
Katie Gast Crook
Bridesmaid
Katie and I met at a monument builders convention a few years ago. This sounds weird until you understand that my dad is in the monument industry. Or is it still weird? Anyway, my dad told me he had "a new friend" for me, which is odd when you're in your mid 20s. Long story short, Katie and I became fast friends and she is annoyingly lovable. I got to stand next to her when she said "I do" to her groom last summer in Michigan. Katie and her husband, Jon, will be traveling from Chicago.
Jeremy Richardson
Groomsman
Jeremy and I became friends through my brother Michael. He is my definition of a good ol’ boy, one hard working son of a gun, and is always available to lend a hand. He would be the first of many roommates my brother and I shared at the rent house on Belvedere. The day he and Layla (his English mastiff) moved out was the day I started searching for an English mastiff of my own. Whether it's tinkering with cars, traveling the world with Flat Stanley, or just enjoying a cold beer together, being friends has always come easy. Jeremy lives in Nome with his English mastiff, Nala.