Wedding Party
Nicholas Winninger
Best Man
Oh Captain, My Captain! Four words that encapsulate how Alex views his older (Irish Twin) brother, and chosen Best Man, Nick. On the joyful sunny days and through the very rough storms, Nick has been there for him through it all and helped guide his ship, even when Alex couldn't. From helping Alex discover his passions while studying at Marquette University together, offering a place to stay when Alex moved back to MN to study Nursing, and even creating the microphones & logo to make Alex and his friend's Channel 12 News a "legit" news station, Alex wouldn't be who he is or where he is without Nick. For all this and more, Alex can think of no one better to be by his side as he ties the Ultimate Knot.
Kari Schoen
Matron of Honor
Mary and Kari have been there for each other since the very beginning. In fact, Mary wouldn't even be here today if it wasn't for Kari's wish of having a little sister. (Little did Kari know that their mother overheard and would start the process of adopting another girl soon after). When it came time to choose her maid of honor, there was no doubt in Mary’s mind that her sister was the perfect choice. Kari has been there to support Mary through all her big life events so there is no one else that Mary can imagine being in this role. Kari's kindness, attention to detail, and creativity make her one of the best people to support Mary on one of the most important days of her life.
Colin Liedeka
Groomsman
Many may know Alex's nickname "Chos," but not many know that this man was behind this awesome word's creation. From meeting outside McCormick Hall at Marquette University during their Freshman year by quoting their favorite TV show Spongebob Squarepants to quickly becoming friends and later roommates, Colin and Alex have crafted a never-ending, always changing, unique list of words and phrases to fit any situation. Many people tell them it is like they have their own language. Colin has been an amazing friend through it all. With that in mind, Alex is chiggity riggity (very) honored that this man said chos (yes) to being his groomsman.
Stefania Powell
Bridesmaid
Stefania and Mary first met in high school and connected over their love of the band Paramore. Stefania sold Mary tickets to see the band’s upcoming show and Mary burned Stefania the band’s new album on a CD to thank her. After that, they became fast friends bonding over their love of Harry Potter, Supernatural, and anything fantasy. Today their friendship is still very much rooted in their similar interest in TV shows/movies, music (they would go on to see many concerts together), and love for thrifting. Stefania and Mary have seen each other at their best and their worst. So it's only fitting that Stefania joins Mary as a bridesmaid on one of her greatest adventures.
Brian Donnelly
Groomsman
Brian was the very first friend Alex made at Marquette University and one of the best he's ever had. When their parents chose to sit at the same table during Freshman Orientation that fateful night, Brian and Alex were relieved to find they both shared a love for deep conversations and the same ridiculous humor. From then on, Brian and Alex explored life's many complex questions and embarked on a journey of self-reflection while not taking themselves too seriously. Although the river of life has had its calm waters and choppy rapids, these two have been rowing along together ever since. That being said, Alex needs his rowing buddy as his groomsman.
Anika Pohlenz
Bridesmaid
Anika and Mary met at Saint Mary’s University while getting their master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. At first glance, they seemed like unlikely friends due to Mary’s introverted and quiet nature and Anika’s outgoing and candid personality but after having to share personal stories for class exercises they became close. Mary and Anika share a love of shopping (especially at IKEA), ridiculous movie franchises (ex.Fast and Furious & Mission Impossible), and watching heartwarming reality shows (ex. Queer Eye & Great British Bake Off). Mary also feels so grateful to get to call herself Auntie to Anika's son. Mary can’t wait to have Anika by her side on her big day.
Benjamin Winninger
Officiant
Ben is Alex's oldest brother and a true inspiration in Alex's life. He is an amazing man, father, and husband, who has taught Alex so much over the years about love, hard work, and service to others. Not to mention, they both have the same goofy and gregarious personalities. From rocking genuine kilts at Iowa's Irish Fest to floating down the St. Croix River stopping at each boat anchored along the shore to meet someone new, these two love taking in all that life has to offer. Ben was there when Alex first started dating Mary, and he has been such an incredible support and guide through their journey. Alex and Mary are immensely honored to have Ben as their officiant to lead them into their next big chapter as husband and wife.
Michael Spekhardt
Usher
Spek (Michael) is an incredibly hard-working, driven, and intelligent man, who truly embodies a Father figure in many of his friends' eyes. When Alex took the exciting, yet nerve-wracking, leap to join Teach For America and move to Colorado to become a teacher, Spek was there from the very beginning. With his confidence and willingness to learn and grow, Spek helped Alex find himself as an educator. All the while, they went on many snowboarding road trips and discussed the intricacies of education & life while playing Mario Kart. With Spek being there to usher in Alex's new adventure in teaching, Alex is overjoyed he will usher in his and Mary's grand new adventure in marriage.
Frank Bonfiglio
Usher
Frank is one of the kindest and most caring people Alex has ever met. Since being introduced by Spek while teaching in Colorado, Frank and Alex quickly became close friends and soon to be co-anchors. They bonded while bowling almost every Friday night, which led to creating Channel 12 News together, a satirical news station airing on social media sites that reports on a wide expanse of topics from the oil pattern of popular bowling lanes to new Taco Bell menu items. Frank has ushered in so much joy, laughter, and perspective into Alex's life. He even introduced Alex to The Ohio State Football! Alex is so excited Frank will be his and Mary's usher during this momentous day.