Wedding Party
Alex
Best Man
One too many adventures to count: "John Wick" darts in the living room, sky diving together, driving through the night to Padre Island, singing Josh Groban, whiskey nights and drinking green "health drinks" to force ourselves to study. I couldn't ask for a better man to stand by my side.
Malerie
Maid of Honor
Malerie has had the PRIVILEGE of knowing the bride for 25 years! Being less than two years apart as siblings, Malerie and Monica have had many opportunities to get to know each other over the years. Whether it was sharing a room (painted yellow & pink, Monica's preference ;D), running track and cross country together (even getting to run NEXT to each other in some races!), driving to & from school together (Monica never made Malerie run late. Not once. ;D) to living together currently (in Malerie's house this time...with our own rooms!) Malerie & Monica have gotten to have many adventures together! Monica could not have asked for a more organized, put-together, talented, fun older sister! She is so grateful to have Malerie by her side on her wedding day and always!
Daniel
Groomsman
Buddy since we've been kids. The man who is a great role model as a husband, dad, and bad***. Intelligent Nonsense days, late night Mario Strykers, "can I get a ___ and a ___, with cheese" ridiculous drive-throughs, and countless other adventures.
Melissa
Matron of Honor
Melissa has also been HONORED to know Monica for 25 years! ;) As her big sis and "second Mom", Melissa has been a role model for Monica in many areas of her life. Monica remains in awe of Melissa's ability to manage a household of four children, 15 chickens, 2 goats, a dog, 4 kittens, and pigs. She has shown that she can do anything she puts her mind to, whether it's making homemade cheese, running a home bakery, interior design, painting canvases, or becoming a farm wife! She is grateful to have Melissa's voice of practicality in the craziness of wedding planning and is excited to have her by her side as the matron of honor! And yes, Melissa is making the wedding cake :)
Steven
Groomsman
Cousin by blood, but friends by choice. From nights at grandma's playing video games, settlers, and ghost videos; life is never boring when this man is around. He knows when to set you straight and is someone you can always rely on to have your back. He also knows how to follow his passion and he lives it every day. I am honored to be able to call this man my cousin.
Maria
Bridesmaid
Maria and Monica met their freshman year in college, when they were next door neighbors in their dorm. They quickly bonded as the only freshmen girls on the cross country team and have been roommates/suitemates/next-door-neighbors ever since! Maria and Monica have had numerous adventures over the years, most of them recounted in their 10+ page-long "quote board". Maria is known for her talent for storytelling, impressive memory, timeliness, NOT staying up late :), love for purple (except on Wednesdays, when we wear pink :D), loyalty to Topeka, and dislike for country dancing (which is improving...). Monica is sad to end her roommate streak with Maria in December, but grateful to have Maria part of the special day as a bridesmaid!
Joshua
Groomsman
Another cousin by blood, friends by choice. When you need someone to talk with about life and faith, you can always turn to this man. Everything out of his mouth is an adventure so you always have to be on your toes and every time we are together, you know it will be a great time. I am honored to be able to call this man my cousin.
Natalie
Bridesmaid
Natalie and Monica's friendship began in high school through running. They quickly bonded over their love for Jesus, Ignatian spirituality, throwing parties, deep talks, country dancing, and Español! Natalie is one of Monica's few friends who shares Monica's two loves of country dancing AND Spanish salsa music! Monica's favorite (and craziest!) memory with Natalie was their 3-month study-abroad program in Spain. Natalie and Monica got to practice their Spanish, test their survival skills, and experience an amazing culture. To this day, they prefer to communicate en Español! :) Monica is so excited to have Natalie by her side on her wedding day and always!
Marcus
Groomsman
This is the worst person to play any board game with because he is so incredibly smart, he is playing several moves ahead of everyone or has memorized everyone's cards. This man is also a cousin by blood and friend by choice. Whether it is playing Settlers, basketball or him needing food at 3am; it is always going to be a fun time. I am honored to call this man my cousin.
Annie
Bridesmaid
Annie and Monica first met as locker buddies in high school. (Annie had the locker above Monica's and dropped a Bible on her head...) They quickly became friends due to their shared classes, shared interests, and shared desire to get straight A+'s and never make mistakes. :) They had to be separated for a brief time in college, but soon became inseparable when Monica moved back to Wichita. Their friendship deepened through trauma bonds as they navigated grad school + planning a wedding together. Annie is grateful to be done with wedding planning (married September 2022!) and Monica is grateful to have Annie's insight and encouragement as her bridesmaid! Their next goal in life is to be next-door neighbors. :)
Mark
Groomsman
The future next great architect of our times...probably. This man is as witty as he is fast. I can't wait for the adventures we'll be having in the future, and I am excited to be able to call this man my brother-in-law very soon!
Tammy
Bridesmaid
Tammy is known as Monica's "Partner in Crime" for a reason. Tammy and Monica have known each other since 2nd grade and Monica is so excited their friendship has continued into adulthood! Tammy is Monica's go-to friend when she needs to rant, cry, eat cookies/chocolate, sing karaoke, get a makeover, have a dance party - Tammy is truly up for anything and everything. (And the only crime they have committed so far is driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Which was an accident!) When Tammy's around, everyone knows it's going to be a good time! Monica could not ask for a more fun, supportive, comforting and downright hilarious friend to stand by her on the wedding day. Monica is most excited about Tammy's newest addition to her wardrobe - cowgirl boots! She is working on the country music part. :)
Warren
Groomsman
Who is the person you would want at the helm, to steer the boat, and let know what is coming up next besides "The Captain"? The man who taught us all how to dance to "Timber," gave us a good laugh one fateful New Year's Eve, and has become one of my closest friends.
Amy
Bridesmaid
Amy and Monica met by happenstance freshman year of high school when they were paired up with the same "Big Sis". They quickly connected over running, Honeycrisp apples, focaccia bread, stargazing, super-cool handshakes, and jamming out to Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and "Put a Smile on your Face" in their carpools to school! Amy is the perfect blend of "sugar" and "spice": she is one of the sweetest, most genuine people you will ever meet, but also has a fierce loyalty and "fighting spirit" for her family, friends, and causes she believes in. Monica admires Amy's passion for life, service-oriented spirit, and authenticity with those around her. She is so grateful to call this beautiful lady one of her close friends and bridesmaid!
Fr. Matt
Celebrant
Jordan & Monica want to give a special shout-out to Monica's brother, Fr. Matt, who will be the celebrant at their wedding Mass. What a blessing it is to have a brother/brother-in-law to marry them! Jordan is especially grateful to Fr. Matt, an avid KC Chiefs fan, for overlooking Jordan's Broncos affiliation and welcoming him into the family anyway. Monica is hoping Fr. Matt doesn't tell too many embarrassing stories about her in the homily. :)