Wedding Party
Chelsea Burgard
Maid of Honor
My girl Chelsea, oh gosh.. where would I be without this angel in my life? Chelsea and I met in Kansas City and ended up moving in together without knowing one another. Its so crazy how we immediately hit it off and quickly became inseparable. I still think of her as my roommate today and would totally live with her today if Jeff would let me, LOL! Chelsea has been there through the good and bad times, and I do not know how I would have made it through without her.
Trent Marsh
Best Man
Jeff moved to Wildwood, MO in the fifth grade, and became close friends with Trent after pairing up together for a project at the TAG Program. They had to come up with a business and a plan; naturally they decided on a car wash given their shared love of all things that have four wheels and go fast! The Squeaky Clean Carwash was born. On the day of the event, it rained, of course. But that's OK. Since then, Jeff and Trent have not gone on to set up any more businesses together, failed or otherwise, but who knows that the future might hold? I do know that I couldn't ask for a better man to stand up there with me!
Tina Ruh
Matron of Honor
Aunt Tina is my Mom's sister. She is basically like a second mother to me and I can not imagine growing up without her. She was always the fun, cool aunt that always had the best snacks! Aunt Tina not only guides me in my faith, but has also been a guide for me in many big moments throughout my life.
Derek Lasini
Groomsman
Jeff and Derek became close friends sometime around the 7th grade. Derek might admit this only sheepishly, but at the time as the author recalls, Derek was trying to ingratiate himself with some of "the cool kids..." Looking back on it, I have to think he made the right choice by instead falling in with a bunch of yahoos who enjoyed "Beginning of Summer" bonfires, giant games of flashlight tag, many sleepover nights staying up waaaay too late playing racing games, and glamping! The author is certainly happy that he gained such an awesome friend. :D Love ya, buddy!
Sarah Mallmann
Bridesmaid
Sarah MALLMANN! My truest and longest friend. I have know Sarah for almost 11 years! We met in college at Quincy University where we ended up living in the same dorm. I truly can not imagine getting though college without her.
Steve Andres
Groomsman
Steve is one of Jeff's cousins, as well as his Godfather. Once upon a time, Jeff was in Steve's wedding as an usher. Jeff remembers a few things from that day, chiefly that they played golf the morning of the wedding and that his 12-year old self was not happy with the way he was hitting the golf ball. Tears were shed, so Steve gets a free pass this time around! The latter half of the day went much better, and Jeff fondly recalls getting to ride on the bus with the wedding party, where he may or may not have gotten his first taste of champagne! Now, don't get any ideas, Eli...
Payton Adams
Bridesmaid
I have known Payton since the first day that Jeff and I moved into our cute little apartment at Evans Ranch. At that time, Payton was working as a leasing agent and had the most positive and fun personality! I knew we just had to be friends. On our first friend date we could not stop connecting. We even found out that we were both Scorpios, so obviously it was meant to be.
Pat Collins
Groomsman
Fun fact: Pat and Jeff were masters at their high school's lunchtime trivia contests, more often than not winning the coveted prize - an Imo's Pizza - to share with their friends at the lunch table. We're still not sure if that's why they always seemed to have so many extra friends on Trivia Tuesdays, but we'll never forget the capital of Somalia! Pat, Pat's brother, and Jeff once spent a week at the Jersey Shore during one summer in college. Truly, there is much to be said for just taking a week to sit on the beach, read a book or two, drink beers, and play cards! 10/10 would recommend. It's Mogadishu, by the way. :)
Kayla Mountain
Bridesmaid
Kayla is my go to gal. We met on Bumble BFF and new we were best friends from day one.
John Pullega
Groomsman
There are many irreverent and wildly inappropriate inside jokes that I could share here with YOUUUUUU, but instead, I'll just say that sometimes the universe has a way of bringing people together! Jeff and John met their freshman year in college by chance when they were roommates in Mizzou's J-School program, and immediately hit it off. Years later, they still randomly ping or text each other with funny little references or quotes to things that they swear will never stop being funny! I'll end by saying that I don't want any more bull---- from anyone here, and that includes me!!!
Clifton Ruh
Usher
Eli Andres
Usher
Eli is Steve's son, and also Jeff's Godson! This fall, he is a freshman at Verona Area High School in Verona, Wisconsin. Growing up, Eli played soccer and football, but has decided to focus on basketball in high school, playing year-round between his high school and AAU teams. Eli speaks Mandarin, and spent a couple weeks in China through an exchange program. He's looking forward to being able to drive in the next year, and is looking for a job if anyone is hiring. And no, Steve totally did not suggest that last part, absolutely not, he sure didn't!