Craig & Jennifer
Wedding Party
Kyle Schleis
Best Man
Kyle and I became friends when a series of wrestling concussions forced Kyle to join the basketball team. Kyle’s brother went down in the record books as a four time regional qualifier, luckily for me Kyle didn’t inherit that gene. Kyle’s witty sayings (aka Mitchelsisms) and sarcastic sense of humor have always kept me laughing. Our friendship continued to grow in college. At one point I told Kyle that he was the Master and I was just his Apprentice trying to be more like him. He got a kick out of it so it stuck ever since. I never asked Kyle how he proposed to his beautiful wife Michelle, but it turns out it was almost identical to the way I proposed to Jeni. Coincidence? No way!
Amanda Bode
Maid of Honor
This mother of five initially practiced her mothering skills on me first. From making sure I wasn't fed baked beans (due to the gagging that would result) to building beanie baby worlds in the basement, Amanda's childhood was busy entertaining and protecting me. Just like during our childhood, I will have my sister standing next to my side!
Logan Rankin
Groomsman
Logan and I started playing basketball together in fifth grade and have been great friends ever since. We were both super competitive and loved to compete in anything and everything from basketball, to cards, to yard games like croquet (ask Doug and David Novak about that story). So we formed a bond pretty naturally and it just continued to grow. On a more serious note, Logan and I have never lived in the same city or attended the same school yet have maintained a great friendship for so many years. I think that speaks to the kind of friend Logan has been to me.
Stephanie Schulz
Bridesmaid
This adventurous lady came into my life the very first day of moving into college. After spending a (I'm assuming) joyous year being my Resident Assistant, she then became my roommate, and my best friend. Steph and I bonded over volleyball and hiking, but have only become closer as we have spent our biggest moments in life together (including being the first people to see each other after our engagements). So of course Steph will be there for me on my biggest day yet!
Tyler Stuebs
Groomsman
Tyler and I have been battling it out ever since I can remember. We were always competing in something, whether it be video games, pick-up basketball in the drive-way, or baseball in the front yard (I think there is still a dead spot in my parents front lawn from where second base use to be). These games didn’t always end peacefully, but we both laugh looking back at them now. And of course there will continue to be the North Carolina vs. Duke basketball discussions. I like to think we have matured since the days were my mom used to make us watch the games in separate rooms, but I’m not sure that’s true. But at the end of the day he’s my brother and our friendship will always be special to me.
Stephanie Stuebs
Bridesmaid
This lovely lady is the much cared for sister of the groom. Although Craig may show his love through teasing and pushing his sister around, Stephanie has come through on the other end a strong woman who can dish it right back. If anyone is going to be right behind the bride as she jabs the groom about his ridiculous choice of following the Cowboys, it will be this girl!
Asa Bode
Ring Bearer
This Ring Bear...I mean Bearer, is a roaring good time. If you hear a growl or the sounds of an intense action scene, you can safely bet it is Asa. This boy will fight crime at any hour of the day. As my godson, he has been known to take a break from punching the imaginary bad guys to play with me, and has even allowed Craig in on games. On our trip down the aisle, the rings will be protected by this valiant superhero.
Aurora Bode
Flower Girl
This beautiful ray of sunshine is the one to first make me into an aunt. Over the years she has grown into the athletic and intelligent jokester she is today. If you are wondering who is leading the pack of blonde boys around, it will be this big sister. Aurora will always hold a special place in my heart, being first my niece, then my goddaughter, and now mine and Craig's flower girl.
Mike Brazzale
Usher
Although Mike and I went to the same college, we didn't get to know each other well until we started as interns at CG in 2010. I like to listen and observe and Mike likes to talk...a lot. Our complimentary personalities meshed easily and we quickly became good friends. Mike and I have shared a lot of laughs, but we also were able to have a lot of serious talks about the struggles we were going through at work or in life. I'm very grateful for his friendship and glad to have him as an usher in my wedding.
Isaac Thiel
Usher
Accountant by trade, ultra competitive, and super sarcastic. I feel like I'm describing myself, but that is how I would describe Isaac. So needless to say Isaac and I have a lot in common. Isaac and I were roommates my last year in college and it was one of the best years of my life. Between Isaac, our other roommate Jordan, and myself there was never a shortage of competitive games, sarcastic comments, and genuine laughter (a lot of time as Jordan's expense). Isaac has been a great friend ever since and I'm glad to have him as an usher in my wedding.