David & Kaylie
Wedding Party
Kaylie Niedzwiecki
Bride
Woman of Many Words
David Katona
Groom
Man of Few Words
Sarah Niedzwiecki
Maid of Honor
Literally from my first day on earth to today, Sarah has been by my side through it all. I love how our relationship has grown throughout the years from countless phone calls, getting matching tattoos, some tears, lots of laughs, and our sacred heart to hearts. I am so grateful God blessed my life with such an awesome big sister. One of my favorite routines we had was when I was in college in MN, and she was working in NY; we would call to catch up when she was on the train to work, and I was on the train to school almost every day without fail but, honestly, nothing can beat being with her in person. She knows exactly what to do to make me laugh, how to call me out when I'm ridiculous, listens when I need to rant, and loves me at my best and my worst. Love you, Siostra!
Collin Berquist
Best Man
- Campus Ministry (now graduated) - Calm and collected - Sharp wit - A beard blessed by the Irish. - Whiskey buddy
Tia Polimary
Matron of Honor
Tia and I clicked the first day we met. Yet another moment when we had no idea what God had planned for our friendship. She has been there with me through it all - From the first day I came out to the church to my wedding day! Not only is she an actual princess, but she is also my fishing buddy, fellow country music enthusiast, snuggle buddy, go-to shoulder to cry on, jump scare offender, Snapchat sneak, sleep-praying partner, fellow cheap coffee connoisseur, and best friend. Our paths have taken us to places we never thought we'd end up (she in Jersey and I in Illinois), yet when you have a friendship rooted in Christ, coffee, and country music, there ain't nothing that can break it. I can't wait to have you stand by my side on this special day T-$$!
Bryant Viegut
Best Man
- Friend since childhood - Intensely driven - Meme enthusiast - Deep emotional talks - Loud introvert
Sarah Emerson
Bridesmaid
Meeting Sarah is one of my favorite memories ever. Little did I know that my life would completely change on that day she asked me where the rec center was at the bus stop. Not only did I gain a new best friend, but I also was blessed with an amazing sister in Christ, an incredible roomie, and future sister-in-law! Sarah sat down with me and taught me what it meant to be a true follower of Christ and it didn't end there! After she and Tia baptized me into Christ, she continued to teach me God's love and truth by example in her life! Through her relationship with her now husband, Andrew, to her intentional quiet times with God every day, to glorifying God in her school work, to using scripture to comfort, guide, and teach. I cannot put into words how excited I am to be her sister-in-law!
Ben Katona
Groomsman
- Younger brother - Epic problem solver - Loves anime - Honest (sometimes brutally) - Can be very gullible
Taryn Andros
Bridesmaid
This girl right here is by far the most devoted, loving, and hilarious girl I know! I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to be rooming with Taryn before I move back to MN. In some of the lowest points in my faith, she was there crying with me and encouraging me with scripture that guided me right back to Christ. Her heart to love and serve inspires me every day and will also have me rolling on the floor laughing in seconds. It takes an extraordinary friend to be willing to change her plans to drive nearly 2 hours away to listen to you talk about vegetables for another 2 hours! There is a reason why God sent me to Dekalb, and I believe meeting Taryn was one of them! I wouldn't trade our late-night talks or our passing hellos and hugs before you go to work for anything!
Michael Carlson
Groomsman
- Friend since childhood - Rambo mentality - Fishing pro - Kind Heart - Poker/card master
Sarah Osmer
Bridesmaid
I can't say I've met many people our age who can say they have a best friend of 20 years. I realize now how blessed I was as a kid to have such a fantastic friend live right up the road from me. Whether it was trips to Doreen's, summers at Burton, walks around the block, breakfasts at Sugar and Spice, coffee dates before work, backyard campouts, MRU spirit days, or making faces at me while I was on stage, I knew I could ALWAYS count on Sarah for being there for me. No matter how far apart we are or how long we haven't seen each other, we always pick up right where we left off. She has been there for every significant event in my life, and now I am so grateful she will be standing by my side on this special day!
Alec Barberg
Groomsman
- Friend since childhood - Great at encouraging others - The most passionate gamer - Loves dogs to bits - Heart on his sleeve
LaShaunte Mitchell
Bridesmaid
When I first moved to Illinois, I was praying that God may send me lifelong friends to connect with right away. Man, did He answer that prayer! LaShaunte was one of the first girls that I grew close to right away. Her heart to give, serve and laugh made me feel right at home, and I always wanted to have her around! I'm SO grateful for the opportunity to be her roomie now before I tie the knot. Not every best friend will stay up till 2 AM to finish a puzzle with you, voluntarily watch your weird western shows with you, take turns making dinner with you, take on the Dave Ramsey challenge with you, help you clean the old fermented cabbage pot you accidentally left out, or stay up late talking about profound spiritual revelations with you, but Shaunte will! Love you!
Jared Mowrey
Groomsman
- Elementary school buddy (but mainly a college buddy) - Rekindled my love for DnD - Respectable man - Loves lifting - Scotch/coffee connoisseur
Mackenzie Mitchell
Bridesmaid
Once I moved in with Mackenzie when I relocated to Dekalb, Illinois, I knew why God put me there. He knew I needed her in my life and I in hers. From our cooking endeavors and smoothie phases, late-night talks, gardening, Saturday adventures, deep talks about God, to Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventures, I wouldn't trade a single day for anything. I am so excited for her to be there with me on this special day as she got to witness our entire relationship. I believe she is one of our biggest fans. Now she is in Odesa, Ukraine, serving on a missions team, but no matter where she is or what happens, she is still and always will be "my roommate!". Be excellent to each other and PARTY ON DUDES!
Weston Braun
Groomsman
- Friend since childhood - Smarty pants (Chemical Engineer) - Sports know-it-all - Very reliable - Great with kids
Craig Niedzwiecki
Father of the Bride
It wouldn't take long to find out that I am a hard-core Daddy's girl. From history to horticulture to hiking to the outdoors to anything Vermont, Dad and I can relate. He is the man who has made me who I am today, passions and all. I can always count on him to take care of all of us; even if we are all in different states, he will not sleep until he knows we are all safe and sound. Words cannot describe how hard it is to live so far away from my parents, but I know that no matter where I am, they will always be there for me. The amount of memories we have shared is far too many to count, but every single one is precious in my heart. I'm sure he can't believe he will be walking his youngest down the aisle in a few short months, but no matter what, I will always be his little bug.
Bill Katona
Father of the Groom
I think that my namesake is better suited for my dad: a man after God's own heart. He lives his life making every effort to grow in his likeness of Jesus, from the way he loves his wife, treats his children, works at his job, and simply thinks about his day to day. Now he does have plenty of flaws, but his heart to grow coupled with the confidence that he can grow through God has been one of the most inspirational things in my life. I can see how he is constantly laying down his life for others and I'm sure many of you have experienced what I'm talking about. I'm just grateful I have humbled out enough to cherish and grow closer to him. I pray you all get a chance to do the same.
Cheryl Ann Niedzwiecki
Mother of the Bride
I am so grateful God allowed me to be her daughter. I have learned so much about what it means to work hard, clean a house, bake, comfort, and laugh. I treasure any time I can share with her because there isn't anything like a relationship between a mother and her little buglet. To this day, I will still jump on her bed to wake her up in the morning, just like I use to do as a piddle-pod, and I will always try to make her laugh because nothing will brighten a room faster than her smile. She has supported me in every stage of my life, even my weird adolescent phases. And now, when the day we both have been dreaming of is about to come true, there is no one I would rather have to help me take every step of the way! No matter how "grown-up" I am (or try to be), I will always need my Mama.
Carole Katona
Mother of the Groom
My mom has joked before that she is a cheap imitation of a Proverbs 31 woman because she has a garnet for a birthstone (January). This could not be farther from the truth! Hardworking, wise, understanding, able to follow, able to lead, sacrificial, diligent, honest, and she makes the best costumes a kid could ever ask for (or adult, in my case). She is in love with God and his word, letting it transform her life and undoubtedly making her the woman she is today. You would need to be hard pressed to not feel encouraged or enlightened after a conversation with her. If my dad is the expert at giving advice to set you up for a better life, my mom is the one who knows how to help when we inevitably decide to not follow said advice. Thanks for always being there. Love you!