Wedding Party
Abbie Bergtholdt
Bridesmaid
How we met: I met the lovely Cassie the first day we moved into our dorm at Fontbonne University in St. Louis. We were the only two girls on the floor since we moved in early to start our volleyball season. I creepily walked passed her room and told her I liked her shoes. I remember telling my family I hoped she would be my friend. That happened the very next day and we immediately became inseparable. The memories we made the following four years I’ll cherish forever. From volleyball, themed parties, late night studies, visiting each other’s homes and families, the endless adventures.. we were always Cassie and Abbie. I’m so lucky it’s a forever friendship and I can’t wait to keep continuing our adventures and celebrating this next chapter of her life!
Ali Carlin
Bridesmaid
How we met: Cassie and I met through our husbands - Derek was the best man in our wedding and has been best friends with my husband since childhood! I've been so lucky to become friends with Cassie, and can't wait for all the years of incredible memories to come! Fun fact: I could eat potatoes for every meal.
Brant Rustich
Groomsman
How we met: Derek's older brother Fun fact: When I was a kid, I used to eat two full boxes of cereal for breakfast.
Brett Stone
Best Man
How we met: Derek's friend from the streets of Fletcher Hills. Picture above is from a fun family day at the park to watch Snell get shelled and the Padres swept by the Rockies. Fun fact: At age 11, my coach told me that Derek can’t hit an inside fastball because he couldn’t get extended in time. I of course trusted my coach and threw a perfect inside fastball on the black and Derek hit it 310 feet, bat flipped, stepped out of the box, and laughed at my coach and I. That was the day I decided to take my talents to the outfield…
Burke Draheim
Groomsman
How we met: Derek's 2nd eldest cousin and, according to the legendary Craig Rustich, the most jacked of all Derek's cousins and brothers. According to Derek's own father, he should get jacked like me. Fun fact: Body by copious amounts of beer consumed year-round.
Crista Downey
Bridesmaid
How we met: Cassie and I met at another friend's sleepover in middle school and instantly became best friends and never left each other's side throughout high school. We also played volleyball together for almost 5 years! We had each other's back on and off the court. Cassie is the friend that you will have in your life forever. I've loved all the memories so far, and can't wait to watch her marry the man of her dreams. Fun fact: I can whistle pretty well!
Hudson Rustich
Ring Bearer
How we met: Uncle Derek has a beard with short hair. Fun fact: I am better at puzzles than everyone.
Jacquelyn Bjerke
Bridesmaid
How we met: I met the beautiful Cassie through my husband. We met on a Halloween night at our favorite local bar in Redlands. Since then we’ve bonded over our love of baseball, beer, and growing up Catholic. We’ve traveled to 3 different MLB stadiums together and have been celebrating life together ever since! Fun fact: I'm a yoga teacher and sponsored by Michelob Ultra.
JD Rustich
Groomsman
How we met: Derek's oldest brother. Fun fact: I was a die-hard Chargers fan my entire life and even had season tickets for ten years. All that ended when *expletive* Dean Spanos moved them to LA as I can't root for anything LA. Now I don't follow the NFL.
John Dougherty
Groomsman
How we met: brother of Cassie and future brother in law of Derek Fun fact: I can name every starting rotation in the MLB (not in the off-season tho lol)
Kim Dougherty
Bridesmaid
How we met: I'm Cassie's little sister so I've known her forever. (Even though growing up I was convinced Cassie was adopted.). When I was born, Cassie begged Mom and Dad to let her share a room with the new baby, and the future lawyer in her convinced them and we shared a room until Cassie was in high school. Fun fact: I recently rescued a stray kitten from a storm drain, and much to her dismay, brought her home with me.
Mary Dougherty
Bridesmaid
How we met: my birth Fun fact: I've met Tom Holland AKA Spider-man.
Melissa Hizon
Matron of Honor
How we met: Sisters! I think you were the most excited to have me come home from the hospital. Fun fact: I just moved to Chicago, and my new hobby is to try new restaurants with my hubby. So far found some pretty good ones!
Mikey Carlin
Best Man
(On the left if you didn’t know) Height: 5’10 with new spikes College: uncommitted How we met: Derek’s friend Fun fact: have one career hole in one, 102 yard hole in one. Please don’t treat me differently now that you know.
Rhett Rustich
Ring Bearer
How we met: uncle Fun fact: I don't poop my pants.
Sean Youtsey
Groomsman
How we met: Derek’s oldest cousin. Fun fact: I have a toy collection that is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay bigger than it should be for my age.
Stephanie Dougherty
Maid of Honor
How we met: I took away Cassie's "only child" status. Fun fact: I have a mild plant obsession - 42 and counting!
Tommie Draheim
Groomsman
How we met: Derek's better-looking cousin. Fun fact: I only start paying attention to the Padres if they are above .500 at the All-Star break.