Wedding Party
Margit Rhode
Bridesmaid
A friend since 9 years old, Margit and Heather grew up riding horses together and spending every available minute together. She is a compassionate, detail-oriented person with the best sense of humor of anyone I know. Being two years younger than Heather she was a bundle of energy learning how to be a helper in the horse barn with Heather and made her love the barn and feel a true sense of family there. Now, Margit and Heather share the same goofy humor and have gotten each other through undergrad (with Margit still having 2 years left). As a loyal and endlessly supportive friend, we are honored for her to share this moment with us.
Korinne Spencer
Bridesmaid
Also a lifelong friend, Korinne was one of Heather's first friends at the barn after we dressed up together for "Halloween on Horseback" as big bird (Hugo, the horse), cookie monster (Heather), and Elmo (Korinne). Her mom was kind enough to offer Heather her first real job outside of the barn were she struggled to be artistic working at Ms. Spencer's art studio. Korinne and Heather have been together through every major transition in life and we cannot wait to share another monumental day with such a special friend.
Emma Kleba
Bridesmaid
Emma and Heather also met through the barn when Heather was closer to 11 years old. We hit it off immediately, meeting through our mutual friend Hanna. Joining right in with Korinne, Margit, and Heather, she began working on Tuesday nights after school. They became instant besties. From doing gymnastic tricks, to wrestling each other to the ground, not too much work got done but it was all worth it for the friendship made. To this day, Emma is someone Heather can randomly call and talk to for hours on end and confide in with anything life throws. Thank you Emma for being here for us today.
Beth Sinson
Bridesmaid
Beth was possibly Heather's first true friend. Since 5 years old, Heather and Beth clicked as tomboy, animal-loving little girls with a passion for the outdoors. Her amazing mom Sharie had no problem coming up with the most fun beach days, and riding camps facilitating their friendship even more. Beth was the first friend Heather came back to after she had returned to the Elmbrook school district after several years away at a separate middle school. With open arms, she introduced her to all of her friends and made sure Heather felt welcome from the first day of school to the last. Beth is such a loyal and special friend who Heather will always come back to no matter how many miles apart they are. We are so grateful you are here with Heather on this day.
Konner Waszak-Cortessi
Best Man
Konner is Derrick's third oldest brother, and closest friend. Although they started out as enemies when Derrick was young, they have grown up to be the exact opposite today. Even though Derrick had a great time traveling Europe with Konner, even experiencing Agrotourism and sleeping on hay one night, Derrick's favorite memory with Konner is simply any and every time they would start laughing at a joke until one of them couldn't breathe anymore. Konner's leadership, his stubborn protectiveness, and his wit are all traits that Derrick has looked up to ever since he was a child. Derrick and Heather are extremely grateful Konner is able to be there as a best man on their wedding day.
Nick Waszak
Best Man
Nick is Derrick's oldest brother. Despite being the farthest age, he has always welcomed Derrick with open arms and been a shoulder to lean on as he looked out for Derrick. Of the many things Nick and Derrick have in common, their love for singing and acting has made every road trip a memory for life. Nick's sense of humor, strong moral code, and his devotion to those whom he loves is something that Derrick admires and strives to embody every day. Nick is quite literally a day one friend and Derrick and Heather are honored to have him as both the officiant and a best man on their wedding day.
Blake Bold
Best Man
Blake is Derrick's second oldest brother and his very first workout buddy. Derrick credits Blake with being the very first person to encourage him to date Heather. Although Blake has perfected giving hugs, Derrick tries very hard to follow in his footsteps and provide others with that great big bear hug. There are many traits of Blake that Derrick tries to live up to but the most important one is Blakes heart and his ability to care deeply about friends and strangers alike. One of Derrick's favorite memories with Blake is when Blake would pick up Derrick from high school. They would drive around in the middle of winter with the windows down, heat turned all the way up, blasting 2010 girl bop songs. Derrick and Heather are delighted to have Blake as a best man on their wedding day.
Calvin Tampa
Groomsman
Calvin was Heather's very first friend, by necessity. Their favorite activities as kids included riling up the dog, going to water parks, and doing trampoline tricks-regardless of the risk involved. They loved playing outside from building snow forts to sledding to playing their favorite game of root-beer seller. As they got to their teenage years, they started to grow apart as it became uncool, but still loved playing ghost in the graveyard, ping pong, and Mario Kart to this day. He puts up a stoic act, but he is a true softy at heart who loves and protects his little sister. Calvin, we couldn't imagine spending this day without you by our side.
Bailey Tampa
Flower Girl
Bailey is my soul sista. We adopted her back in 2019, driving 10 hours to Ohio to go scoop her up before anyone else could. She is the sweetest, most loving, loyal dog that a girl could have making every time I have to leave her heart-shattering with those sad chocolate eyes. I could not imagine today without her.
Princess Tampa
Flower Girl
Princess is Heather's first pet on her own. Adopted in 2024, she has more sass than any pet the Tampa family has ever had. When she was first adopted, her name was supposed to be Daisy, but this just didn't fit her flare. From fighting with Bailey over her food to kicking and stopping when she is mad, she is 100% a diva. When she is not busy princess, she enjoys snuggles and snacks from anyone and everyone. Overall she is the perfect sweet and spicy little girl who loves her people.
Carter Shulick
Usher
Carter is Derrick's oldest friend, as he was the very first friend Derrick made when he moved to Brookfield in second grade. Carter has always had a shining personality, and is known by everyone he meets as not only being a genius but also one of the funniest person they have ever met. Derrick has enjoyed getting closer with Carter during college, especially being promoted from friend to roommate for the past two years. Derrick and Heather are very appreciative that Carter will be an usher on their wedding day.
Owen Schmidt
Usher
Owen is one of Derrick's first college friends. Although Owen can be just a chill guy, but he also has a great sense of humor and can do fantastic impressions. One of Derrick's favorite memories with Owen is biking to the gym every day after class during the spring of sophomore year. Owen stands out as the longest college roommate of Derrick, living with him from sophomore year to senior year. Derrick and Heather are touched that Owen will be there as an usher on their wedding day.
Craig Wadzinske
Usher
One of Derrick's best friends from high school, they met through choir and the high school musical. One of Derrick's favorite memories with Craig is from the choir retreat at the beginning of the school year, when Craig was upset that Derrick would be graduating and going to college. Little did they know they would end up at the same college and even get to live together during Derrick's junior year. Derrick and Heather are so happy Craig will be an usher on the wedding day.