Wedding Party
Stephie Hopkins
Matron of Honor
Mariah will never forget their first meeting. Stephie was moving in to Dole Hall at Olivet College for her freshman year and Mariah was her Resident Advisor. Each resident had a "door dec" on their dorm room door and she came in and said "I don't know who this STEPHANIE person is". And that was when Mariah learned that it was STEPHIE and nothing else. One of the highlights of their 16+ year friendship was their fall road trip to Northern Michigan during college while having next to no money. Staying at Caberfae for a night when they thought for sure they were heading to their death on the dark roads with a nearly empty resort, stopping at every random roadside park, attempting to hike the dunes in less than stellar weather, and exploring around the old State Hospital in Traverse city. Oh, and there was that little moment when Mariah thought she was for sure going to get pulled over and arrested after Stephie yelled “kidnapped” and slammed the the car door closed and looked terrified while at the gas station in Lake Leelanau. When Mariah graduated and was faced with her first ever time truly living alone, Stephie was right there with her for the first night in her apartment and being a real adult. And now she will be there to support her on her first day being a wife. Thank you, Stephie, for being by Bennett's side on this special day and every day!
Justin Emerick
Best Man
Josh met Justin in 1987. He was loud, cried a lot, and had a concerning habit of pooping his pants. That was also the day Josh became a big brother. Coincidence? We think not. From that moment on, Josh and Justin did everything together. Teeball. Nintendo 64 marathons (and yes, Josh can still school Justin in GoldenEye—no Oddjob needed). They produced unsettling music videos starring a Barbie doll, full makeup, and a black wig. They played driveway basketball blasting the Space Jam soundtrack like they were headed to the NBA instead of elementary school. There were also some… character-building moments. Like the time Justin slapped Josh and immediately got hit in the head with a Thermos during his getaway. Physics was on Josh’s side. And let’s not forget when Josh dumped laundry detergent all over Justin. Or when he threw Justin’s clothes and toys out of a third-story window. Everything but him. That’s called restraint. Life has taken them down different roads, but being brothers isn’t seasonal—it’s permanent. Josh couldn’t be prouder of the man Justin has become: an incredible husband to Stephani and an amazing dad to Jocie and Lizzie. Because of him, Josh earned one of the greatest titles of his life: Uncle Josh—a promotion he takes seriously. There’s no one else Josh would rather have beside him today. After a lifetime of chaos, competition, and questionable fashion choices, Justin is truly the BEST man.
Joel Schaeffer
Groomsman
Josh met Joel in 2000 when they were fresh-faced freshmen at Sturgis High School, bonding in choir over harmonies, high notes, and the mutual realization that only one of them was blessed by the vocal gods. Joel was the songbird of his generation. Josh… was present. Despite this obvious talent gap, a legendary friendship was born. Over the years, they’ve belted Josh Groban, The Tractors, and—because range is important—the Yin-Yang Twins at volumes that concerned neighbors and possibly local wildlife. They’ve also spent quality time with Joel’s beloved inflatable sheep, Irma (a cornerstone of the friendship), and proudly defended the aerodynamic bra on Joel’s car. As Joel always said, “It lifts and separates!” Joel is also a loyal enthusiast of questionable farm equipment—namely John Deere—while Josh stands firmly on the right side of history with Case and International Harvester. As Josh has always said, “If it ain’t red, leave it in the shed.” Through choir concerts, shenanigans, and decades of brotherhood, Joel has been one of Josh’s very best friends. Thanks for standing up with Emericko, Joel. We promise the car bra stays home tonight.
Alicia Pio
Bridesmaid
Mariah and Alicia first met at Olivet College, though the details are a little fuzzy and may or may not involve a party… or just a random Tuesday night. Their friendship really was solidified when Mariah moved to Portage after graduating. Moments Mariah will never let Alicia forget include “just a quick drink” to celebrate Kalamazoo Beer Week that somehow turned into a 3 a.m. arrival home on a work night, and the night in Royal Oak after seeing Kid Rock at Pine Knob Music Theatre for the first of three concerts they have attended together. There were sushi dates that turned into life talks, and plenty of time spent at Shakes watching innocent people confidently choose the wrong option on whether to push or pull the patio door; a simple joy that never seems to get old. But beyond the concerts and the chaos, Alicia has been there in the moments that mattered most. She has shown up, stood beside Mariah, and been a steady, supportive presence through it all, and that’s what makes their friendship so special, and the kind of bond where “aca-bitch” really just means “aca-love you.”
Sami Araboghli
Groomsman
Josh met Sami in 2022 when they both were in the trenches of politics in the great Sunshine State. Nothing builds a lasting friendship quite like high humidity, campaign chaos, and the shared belief that someday it’ll all make a great story. They’ve been close ever since. Sami is a former Marine, which means he brings discipline, loyalty, and the quiet confidence of someone who has already identified every exit in the wedding venue. He now serves as National Security Advisor to Congressman Greg Steube — so yes, this officially will be the most secure wedding in America. When they’re not busy defending liberty, Josh and Sami can usually be found grabbing food at Mission Navy Yard or Royal Sands in DC, or posted up at a cigar lounge somewhere in the city solving the nation’s problems one perfectly reasonable take at a time. If you overhear a serious policy discussion immediately followed by laughter, that’s probably them. Sami is steady, dependable, and the kind of friend who always shows up. Josh is grateful to have him standing by his side — and frankly, everyone should feel comforted knowing at least one Marine is on duty.
Crockett
Ring Bearer
