Rachael & Matt
Meet Our Bridal Party
Matt Stoecker
Groom
Matt doesn't share as much enthusiasm for the wedding planning but Matt is excited for his and Rachael's big day and to start their lives together. Matt lives in Harrisburg SD and works in Sioux Falls at Gage Brothers. Matt likes to spend time with CJ outdoors playing catch and doing other activities. Matt is excited for Rachael to join him and CJ on adventures!
Rachael Fjeldheim
Bride
Rachael is super excited to be not only planning a wedding but planning a life with Matt and CJ. Rachael works in Sioux Falls at Fringe Salon. Rachael's dog SoKo is her child and she loves him probably a little too much. They go on walks every morning together. :) Rachael is excited for the wedding and for all the adventures to come!
Darin Stoecker
Best Man
Darin is Matt's youngest brother. Darin is married to Marissa and together they recently added to their family. In March they welcomed a baby boy named Lucas. Darin and Marissa are enjoying being parents to their sweet little boy. Darin also lives in Hoven, SD and farms on the Stoecker Farm. Matt and Rachael are excited to have Darin be apart of their wedding day.
Elizabeth Fjeldheim
Maid of Honor
Elizabeth, or better known as Bitsy, is Rachael's youngest sister and Rachael's Maid of Honor. Bitsy lives in Sioux Falls and is a respiratory therapist at Sanford. She's also a GREAT nanny for Rachael's fur child, SoKo. Rachael and Matt and thrilled Bitsy will be standing next to them on their wedding day.
Jeremy Stoecker
Groomsman
Jeremy is one of Matt's brothers. Jeremy is married to Chantel and together they have three children, Aubrey, Kenzie, and Jayden. Jeremy lives on the Stoecker Farm in Hoven, SD but also has his own seed business. Matt and Rachael are thrilled for Jeremy to be apart of their special day.
Karen Thomas
Matron of Honor
Karen is Rachael's older sister who lives in California with her husband Clint and their two kids, Desmond and Daphne. Karen is a stay at home helicopter mom. :) Even though Rachael and Karen live states apart the two of them talk daily and have a lot of the same interests. Rachael and Matt and ecstatic to have Karen be apart of the bridal party and their wedding day.
Jason McCroskey
Groomsman
Matt and Jason worked together at John Morrell/Smithfield Foods. Their passion for hunting had them spending lots of time together, frequenting hunting banquets, and different outdoors shows. Matt and Jason can often be found doing a project together, or hunting in the field. Jason is married with 4 kids, and resides in Sioux Falls SD. Matt & Rachael are happy to have Jason be apart of their big day!
Jill Spohn
Bridesmaid
Jill is Rachael's wonderful cousin! Jill and her husband Lee just welcomed a baby boy, Cameron into their lives last November. Jill and Lee live in Minnesota. Rachael was Jill's maid of honor for her wedding, but because she was undergoing chemo at the time Rachael sadly missed out on Jill's wedding and her maid of honor duties. Rachael and Jill have always been close and like to make trips to visit each other as much as they can. Rachael and Matt are thrilled to have her be apart of their wedding day!
Kevin Schmidt
Groomsman
Kevin has been Matt's friend since they were kids. Kevin's older sister babysat Matt a handful of times. Matt and Kevin's friendship blossomed throughout high school and college. In high school they were often found taking "mains" on Saturday nights, as well as major participants in the FFA and school associations. Kevin lives on a farm with his wife Renea and their three children. Matt & Rachael are excited to have Kevin be apart of their wedding day.
McKenzie Hengel
Bridesmaid
McKenzie is one of Rachael's oldest friends, literally since they have been like 4. Rachael and McKenzie attended Sunday school together, then went to school together from kindergarten to senior year at Roncalli in Aberdeen. Rachael and McKenzie were also roommates at South Dakota State University. McKenzie is currently living in Denver, CO with her boyfriend Seth. Rachael and Matt are excited McKenzie is going to be apart of their day!
CJ Stoecker
Jr. Groomsman
CJ is Matt's son. CJ is 8 years old and loves all things that revolve around the farm. Matt and Rachael can often find CJ outside riding his bike around with friends or zoning in front of the TV. CJ might try and act tough but he has a sweet tender heart. Matt and Rachael are not only honored to have CJ be apart of their wedding day but excited to be a family.
Aubrey Stoecker
Flower Girl
Aubrey is Matt's niece. Aubrey is 5 years old and is a big sister to Kenzie and Jayden. Aubrey loves to create art and loves using her grandma Carole's art supplies to make all kinds of creations. Aubrey lives on the Stoecker Farm in Hoven, SD. Matt and Rachael are so excited to have Aubrey be their flower girl!
Daphne Thomas
Flower Girl
Daphne is Rachael's niece. Her mom is Rachael's matron of honor, Karen. Daphne is going to be 4 in August. She is a serious sass and she loves SoKo more than anything else in the world. Daphne loves to spend time reading, being outside, and has a special love for all animals. Rachael and Matt are so happy Daphne is going to be apart of their special day as a flower girl!
Kenzie Stoecker
Flower Girl
Kenzie is Matt's niece. She is the little sister to Aubrey and big sister to Jayden. Kenzie always calls Rachael "pretty Rachael" and is an absolute sweet heart. Kenzie is a big fan of dresses that twirl! (I mean who isn't?!) Kenzie lives on the Stoecker Farm in Hoven, SD. Matt and Rachael are excited to have Kenzie be a flower girl (in a twirly dress of course) on their wedding day!
Desmond Thomas
Ring Bearer
Desmond is Rachael's nephew. Desmond is 7 years old and is obsessed with legos and reading chapter books. Desmond also enjoys all things sports like most little boys do. It does not matter if he's watching his mom play soccer or his dad play hockey or if Des is playing those sports himself. He goes all out! Rachael and Matt are happy Desmond is going to be apart of their special day!
Jayden Stoecker
Ring Bearer
Jayden is Matt's nephew. Jayden is two years old and loves living life on the farm. Jayden is your typical farm boy! He loves playing with his tractors, loves the farm animals, and loves being outside. Jayden is the little brother to Aubrey and Kenzie, always keeping the girls on their toes! Matt and Rachael are thrilled that Jayden is going to be apart of their wedding day!
Lucas Stoecker
Ring Bearer
Lucas is Matt's nephew. Lucas won't even be 1 years old at the wedding, making him the youngest member of Matt and Rachael's Bridal Party. He has recently started to find his voice and sound like a little dinosaur! Lucas lives in Hoven, SD on the Stoecker Farm.
Tom & Margaret Fjeldheim
Parents of the Bride
Tom and Margaret are Rachael's parents. Tom is a retired engineer who enjoys fishing, hunting, and any projects his daughters throw at him. Tom is also battling pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed July 3, 2017. He has his treatments in Sioux Falls so Rachael and Matt see both Tom and Margaret often. Margaret is a an accountant at Primrose. Margaret enjoys spending time with her family. Tom and Margaret live in Aberdeen, SD and have been married for 26 years.
Jeff & Carole Stoecker
Parents of the Groom
Jeff and Carole are Matt's parents. Jeff runs the family farm with Darin and Jeremy outside of Tolstoy SD. He enjoys being able to farm with his sons, as well as grand children. CJ frequents the farm and cannot miss an opportunity to ride in the tractor or do chores with Grandpa Jeff. Carole is a retired hair stylist (15 years) and is currently the Post Master in Hoven SD (17 years). She enjoys living close to the grandchildren and watching them grow. Jeff and Carole have been married for 33 years.
Alicia Dorris
Personal Attendant
Alicia is one of Rachael's cousins. She is a queen at organizing and being helpful! Alicia lives in Dell Rapids with her husband Dan (who is a cowboys fan but we will forgive him for that) and their adorable daughter Josie. Rachael and Matt are excited to have Alicia help keep their wedding day organized and fun!