Wedding Party
Nichole Geist
Bride
Most of you know me — I’m currently in Physician Associate school, set to graduate in May 2026, and will begin my Doctorate that June. While I’m incredibly passionate about medicine and hope to one day serve in a leadership role in healthcare or academia, the greatest blessing in my life has been finding my person — Garrett. Garrett and I met while working together on an EMT-B truck, starting as partners on the ambulance before becoming true partners in life. What began as teamwork during long shifts quickly turned into something extraordinary — a friendship filled with laughter, mutual respect, and an undeniable connection that grew into love. Garrett is, without a doubt, the most thoughtful and selfless man I’ve ever known. He’s the best gift giver, the most genuine listener, and the kind of person who makes everyone around him feel valued and loved. He has a heart of gold and a soul that radiates kindness. Whether we’re tackling challenges, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying a quiet evening together, Garrett makes every moment feel meaningful. I truly can’t imagine a life without him, and I feel endlessly grateful to be marrying my best friend, my partner, and the love of my life.
Garrett Schacht
Groom
Hello everyone, I’m so happy you’ve all found your way here! Nichole and I are beyond excited that you’re planning to join us for Nichole’s wedding— I mean, our wedding. I’m currently working as a paramedic in the great city of Newark, NJ, while patiently waiting for Nichole to graduate. I truly love what I do and feel fortunate to make a positive difference in people’s lives each day. I also have to thank Nichole for being the main reason I get to call myself a paramedic—she pushed me, motivated me, and believed in me every step of the way. I’ll be counting the days that I get to hold the title of “higher medical authority”… at least until May, when she graduates. The first time I saw Nichole was actually outside of our gym. I had no idea she was my coworker—or that she would one day become the most important person in my life. Her energy is contagious, her happiness constant, and her smile impossible to miss. She’s one of the most genuine and caring people I’ve ever met. Over time, she became my work partner, my gym partner, my best friend, and eventually my everything. I am incredibly lucky to call her mine. She never fails to brighten my day or make me laugh. She’s the person I tell everything to—and even when she pretends not to care, she still listens because she cares about me. She truly is my everything, and I try to show her that every single day. I cannot wait for September—when my best friend becomes my wife.
Bruce Geist
Father of the Bride
My dad, Bruce, is one of the most extraordinary people I know. A seasoned mathematician who dedicated his career to Chrysler before retiring, he has always inspired me with his intelligence, discipline, and quiet strength. His sharp mind and love for learning are matched only by his patience and humility, qualities that have shaped me into the person I am today. Through every chapter of my life, my dad has been my biggest supporter, my greatest encourager, and my best friend. From cheering me on at basketball games to celebrating every academic and personal milestone, he’s always been there — steady, selfless, and full of love. His belief in me has given me the confidence to chase every dream I’ve had. Beyond his brilliance with numbers, my dad is also an incredibly talented photographer, able to capture the world with precision, creativity, and care. He has a gift for finding beauty in simplicity and meaning in small moments. He is the smartest person I know, but it’s his kindness, integrity, and genuine heart that make him truly exceptional. I am endlessly grateful for the love and example he’s given me and so proud to have him by my side on this special day.
Lynn Geist
Mother of the Bride
My mom, Lynn, is one of the most extraordinary women I know — strong, graceful, and endlessly kind. A talented lawyer and devoted mother, she has spent her life balancing professionalism and compassion with effortless poise. She is the kind of person who leads with empathy, treats everyone with respect, and always finds a way to make people feel special and loved. Throughout my life, my mom has been my steady source of comfort and encouragement. She never forgets a birthday, always celebrates the people she loves, and somehow has a hand soap perfectly suited for every season and occasion — little details that show just how much heart she puts into everything she does. Her thoughtfulness extends far beyond gestures; it’s reflected in how she listens, supports, and loves so unconditionally. She has been my greatest role model, showing me the power of kindness, grace under pressure, and unwavering resilience. Her wisdom and gentle strength have guided me through every stage of life, and I am endlessly grateful for the way she has loved and cared for me. My mom will always be my home, my safe place, and my best example of what it means to be a strong, caring woman. No matter where life takes me, she will always be my mother.
Erich Schacht
Father of the Groom
My dad, Erich, has been with me every step of the way. He has always been a quiet motivator and a skilled teacher—of life lessons, practical skills, and random bits of knowledge about the world and about houses. I used to follow him around the house and yard, eager to learn everything I could. I was his little trooper when it came to yard work. Erich sat with me at the dinner table helping with math homework and trying (unsuccessfully) to fix my penmanship. He was an incredibly dedicated father—making me eggs and toast every morning before school, coaching my baseball teams from tee-ball through high school, and throwing what must have been thousands of batting practice pitches. His “sink or swim” attitude came in handy—especially when he quite literally taught me how to swim at a young age, sparking a lifelong love for the water through both fun and competition. As I’ve grown from a kid to a teenager to an adult, our relationship has evolved. He’s always been a constant in my life, and now he’s also become a trusted friend—someone I can lean on, laugh with, fish with, and talk about old cars. Whether it’s baseball, fishing, cars, or anything else life throws my way, he’s always there with thoughtful advice. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without him. I’m so grateful that he’ll be there on my wedding day as our family grows a little larger.
Kay Schacht
Mother of the Groom
My mother, Kay — or as everyone lovingly calls her, Momma K — has always been an incredible mom. She somehow balanced a demanding career as a nurse while raising three wild children, being the mom, the disciplinarian, and the ultimate cheerleader. Every part of my life she’s touched has been made better because of her. She’s caring, loyal, and the kind of friend everyone hopes to have. Her dedication to family, friends, and work is unmatched — she truly is the best mom a son could ask for. As I’ve gotten older, I can look back at all the arguments and deserved punishments with a smile. Whether it was over a last-minute school project or not throwing things at my brothers, she was always teaching me something. Her creativity amazes me — she’s sewn countless blankets — and she somehow kept a house full of four boys (yes, including my dad) running smoothly. Momma K and I have always shared a love for baked goods; she’s completely ruined store-bought desserts with her baking skills. Her willingness to go above and beyond for family is something I deeply admire and hope to match. She turned a mischievous boy into the man I am today, and for that I’ll always be grateful. I’m blessed every day to have her in my life. She’ll always be my mom, and I know she’ll always be there. I love you, Mom — and I can’t wait for our mother-son dance.
Julia Hartig
Matron of Honor
Julia and I met in 2013 while playing on the same AAU travel basketball team, and what started as a friendship through basketball has grown into one of the greatest blessings in my life. For more than a decade, she has been a constant source of support, laughter, and encouragement. No matter how much time passes between seeing each other, we always pick up right where we left off. Julia is one of the most loyal, hardworking, and genuine people I know. Watching her build an incredible career at Barton Malow through her dedication and determination has been so inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder of everything she has accomplished. I was so honored to stand beside her as a bridesmaid on her wedding day, and now it means the world to have her by my side as my Matron of Honor. Watching her become a mom has been one of the sweetest chapters yet, and she has embraced motherhood with the same love, strength, and selflessness that have always defined who she is. She has been by my side through so many of life’s biggest moments, and I truly can’t imagine celebrating this one without her. I’m beyond grateful for her friendship over the past 13 years and so thankful that life brought us together all those years ago.
Jacob Schacht
Best Man
Jake is my oldest brother — the one who paved the way for me and Josh. He set the standard early on with his attitude, work ethic, and performance both at home and in school. Over the years, he played many roles — babysitter, chauffeur, and constant role model. From my perspective, Jake was a fantastic kid and an even better example of how to grow into a strong, kind, and hardworking man. I remember him sitting for hours at the dining room table doing homework — okay, sometimes daydreaming — but always showing the dedication it takes to succeed. In sports, Jake was a runner, spending countless summer days training up and down our street, showing me what true commitment looks like. Beyond that, Jake is a great family man. He’s always there to help with whatever you need — maybe a little late, but he always shows up. He goes out of his way to make sure everyone in our family feels his support and love. He’s passionate about the environment, often volunteering to clean parks, waterways, and plant trees in the community. He’s also the first to suggest trying new foods or going on a spontaneous adventure. I always enjoy our conversations about aliens and conspiracy theories — they’re uniquely “Jake.” I’m so grateful to have him in my life, both as a brother and as a friend. I couldn’t imagine anyone else standing beside me as my best man.
Hannah Miller
Bridesmaid
Hannah and I met in 2021 while working at Pine Rest, where she was my lead technician and trained me when I first started. Her guidance quickly turned into friendship, and I’ve admired her intelligence, compassion, and professionalism ever since. She is truly the most articulate person I’ve ever met, with an incredible ability to listen and offer thoughtful, meaningful advice. Now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist, she continues to use her empathy and insight to make a difference every day. I’m so thankful for her friendship and honored to have her by my side as a bridesmaid on this special day.
Alexandra Huey
Bridesmaid
I met Alex during cross country my junior year of high school, and she’s been a steady constant in my life ever since. No matter how far apart we’ve lived or how much time has passed, she’s always shown up with unwavering support and love. She’s the kind of friend who proves that distance means nothing when the bond is real. Alex is a talented graphic designer with a creative eye that perfectly matches her kind and thoughtful spirit. She’s been by my side through so many moments—she even came to my bodybuilding competition and cheered me on through my very hangry stage, which says everything about the kind of person she is. Loyal, creative, and endlessly supportive, she has one of the biggest hearts I know. I love Alex with my whole heart and truly couldn’t imagine a single day, or this wedding, without her in it.
Angelo Orozco
Groomsman
Angelo is my (Nichole) cousin, but more importantly, he’s truly family to both Garrett and me. He has one of the kindest, most genuine hearts and has always been the type of person who makes everyone around him feel loved and appreciated. Angelo has been such a constant and caring presence in my life — he never fails to text me on every holiday to wish me well, a small gesture that perfectly reflects how thoughtful he is. I know he and Garrett will continue to build a great bond of their own. On top of being an amazing cousin and friend, he’s an incredibly talented artist whose creativity and skill never cease to impress me. Garrett and I both adore him, and we’re so honored to have him standing by Garrett’s side on our wedding day.
Alyssa Reyes
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and I met in 2019 while working at PrideCare Ambulance, where she was an EMT at the time and has since become an exceptional paramedic. From the very start, I admired her skill, calm under pressure, and the way she brought positivity to even the most stressful shifts. Her compassion, authenticity, and constant encouragement make her an incredible colleague and an even better friend. Outside of work, she shines as a devoted mother who pours her heart into everything she does, balancing strength and warmth in all aspects of her life. I’m so grateful for her friendship and honored to have her by my side to celebrate this special day.
Alayna Margulis
Bridesmaid
Alayna and I met in 2018 during our EMT program over the summer between my sophomore and junior year of college, and we were inseparable that entire summer. We bonded over our shared dream of becoming Physician Assistants, and she quickly became my original lifting buddy. Even though we now live in different states, our friendship has remained just as strong. I’m so proud to see her thriving as a Physician Assistant in Arizona and preparing for her own wedding. She’s the kind of friend who tells it like it is while still offering the most genuine and thoughtful advice. During PA school, when I felt overwhelmed and unsure of myself, she reached out just to check on me—a small gesture that meant more than she probably realized. Although I’m so sad she won’t be able to make it to our wedding, I’m incredibly grateful for her friendship and all the ways she has supported me over the years. I love her dearly and can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter of her life, just as she has celebrated mine.
Sydney Media
Usher
Syd has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. We grew up next door, spending countless summers together in elementary school, often under the watchful eyes of Sue and Charlotte. Our childhoods were woven together with laughter, adventures, and an unshakable bond that has only grown stronger with time. Syd and her family have always been like an extension of my own—steady, supportive, and full of heart. Today, Syd is a rock star nurse (former paramedic), following in the footsteps of her incredible parents who also serve in medicine. She’s charismatic, kind, and one of those rare friends I can go months without seeing and still pick up right where we left off. I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without her—she’s been there from the very beginning, and it only feels right that she’s part of this new chapter too.
Lyndsey Lavelle
Usher
Lyndsey and I have been friends for over 10 years after meeting through basketball and mutual friends. No matter how long it’s been since we’ve seen each other, we always pick up right where we left off like no time has passed. She has the biggest heart and is one of the kindest, most genuine people I know. I love seeing her thrive in her career as a media planner, and I’m so grateful that our friendship has stayed strong through every stage of life. One of my favorite little memories is that I still have the Great Wolf Lodge lanyard her mom gave me back in 2018—it’s such a random keepsake, but every time I see it, it makes me smile. I’m so thankful for all the laughs, memories, and years of friendship we’ve shared, and I’m so happy she’ll be celebrating with us as one of our ushers.
Tahlia Cain
Flower Executive
I met Tahlia in 2021 while working at Pine Rest, where she quickly became more than just a coworker — she was a source of constant laughter, support, and light. We eventually became co-lead technicians, and from that point on, I knew there was something special about her energy. Tahlia radiates positivity in everything she does — she’s fun, magnetic, and has a way of making even the busiest days feel brighter. Anyone who knows Tahlia knows how much she loves plants — it’s practically part of her DNA. So when it came time to plan our wedding, there was no question who I wanted to help bring the floral vision to life. She is, without a doubt, our official Flower Executive — a title she’s earned with her creative spirit, incredible eye for beauty, and genuine love for helping things grow, both literally and figuratively. Tahlia brings joy and color wherever she goes, and I couldn’t imagine our wedding day — or my life — without her fun-loving energy and thoughtful heart helping make it all bloom.
Maya Brandt
Maid of Honor
Maya and I met while working together at Pine Rest in 2021, and our friendship quickly blossomed into one of the most meaningful connections in my life. She is currently pursuing her passion in nursing school, where her compassion, intelligence, and determination continue to shine. Beyond her incredible heart, Maya has also earned the nickname “Handy Maya,” as she’s helped me build and fix more than a few things over the years — always showing up with a smile and a can-do attitude. Thoughtful, driven, and loyal, Maya even played a special role in bringing Garrett and me together. I am incredibly thankful for her friendship and so excited to have her stand by my side as my Maid of Honor on this unforgettable day.
Joshua Schacht
Best Man
Josh is my older brother — the middle child — and unfortunately for me, he managed to match Jake in academic success and outdo us both in athletics. A college swimmer who seemed to break records everywhere he went, Josh was also a fantastic high school pitcher and maintained an impressive GPA along the way. He was the first of us to get married, bringing a wonderful sister-in-law into our family. I’ve always admired how he manages to succeed in everything he sets his mind to, showing me what hard work and balance truly look like. Growing up, Josh filled a lot of roles in my life — babysitter, personal driver, and partner in crime. For a while, we even looked alike: same height, same hair… until he hit a growth spurt and left me as the “short brother.” As fellow swimmers, we spent countless hours together on the way to and from practices — eight times a week — in his legendary Honda Accord, affectionately named The Chlorine Machine. I’m incredibly lucky to have had both Josh and Jake as examples of what it means to be driven, humble, and kind. They’ve shown me what it means to be a good man. I’m so grateful Josh will be standing beside me as I begin this next chapter of my life.
Leah Kaiser
Flower Girl
Leah, my (Nichole) fun and spirited little cousin, fills every moment with laughter and life. She loves face paint, coloring, and playing outside, and she’s always busy creating masterpieces with her markers. Blueberries are her favorite snack, and she proudly counts and spells her name for everyone to hear. She even names body parts in Spanish! Full of energy and love — especially for her little sister — Leah makes every day brighter, and I’m so happy she’ll be part of our celebration.
Alexandra Kaiser
Flower Girl
Alex, my (Nichole) sweet little cousin, is such a ray of sunshine. She loves playing in sprinklers, waving at new friends, and going on walks with her sister. She’s happiest pushing her favorite toys in the stroller or snacking on blueberries and pears. With her contagious smile, calm spirit, and loving heart, Alex is such a beautiful and joyful presence. I’m so excited to have her by my side, bringing her bright energy to our special day.
Kaylee McElrath
Officiant
Kaylee and I met while working at Total Spectrum in 2022, and we immediately formed a natural and effortless friendship that has only grown stronger over time. From the very beginning, our connection was filled with laughter, understanding, and an ease that made it feel like we had known each other for years. As a dedicated child welfare specialist, Kaylee brings her genuine kindness and nurturing spirit to everything she does, making a true difference in the lives of those around her. She’s the kind of friend who’s always up for any adventure, ready to listen, and able to bring light to any situation. I couldn’t imagine anyone more special or meaningful to officiate our wedding.
