Aaron & Rachel
Wedding Party
Kaitlyn Heaton
Maid of Honor
My sister and lifelong bff! We couldn't be more polar opposite but we bring out the best in each other and I can't imagine walking through life, or down the aisle- without her.
Meredith Crifasi
Bridesmaid
5th-grade best friends! grade school, junior high, high school, and now college- we've seen it all! ( : (she also helped me pass Pre Al 7th grade year... the real MVP!)
Shae Beechler
Bridesmaid
The Anne Shirley to my Diana! We met as teenagers at a swing dance party and have been dancing through life ever since <3 kindred spirits to say the least...!
Ally Krug
Bridesmaid
basically my sister lol. Al is engaged to my brother Brent and is very much so a part of our family! (love you AL!! <3)
Tiffani Butler
Bridesmaid
I met Tiffani on the mission trip to standing rock! <3 we were the only college age girls on the trip and bonded quickly- don’t know how I would’ve gotten through it without Tiff! Oftentimes you can find us catching last minute movies, at bible study, or just hanging out around town ( :
Laynie Eschbacher
Bridesmaid
I met Laynie through Aaron and his best friend Michael. We went on a double date because the guys really wanted us to all know each other... jokes on them because Laynie and I really hit it off and are kind of the same person ( : Both Catholic nursing majors with a lot of the same interests and style preferences- you can often catch us accidentally matching and laughing at our own jokes.
Todd Heaton
Father of the Bride
Todd is a retired police officer. Born and raised in Creve Coeur, he spent most of his adult life in Springfield working for the Springfield Police Department. After retiring in 2017, he bought his parents house and moved his family back "home" to the Pekin area. Going against his "safety" comfort zone, he allowed Rachel to go on the mission trip, resulting in a son in law ( ;
Kristen Heaton
Mother of the Bride
Kristen was born and raised "across the river" in Peoria. After marrying Todd, her high school sweetheart, they moved to Springfield for his work. A loving wife and mother of seven children, her family could not imagine life without her! Kristen and Todd have now been married for 30 years and look forward to seeing their first daughter walk down the aisle...but mostly for the future grandkids... ( :
Daniel Wilder
Best Man
Danno is a walking saint for having to put up with sharing a room with me for 10+ years and all the tormenting I put him through as the older brother. Through it all, he has stuck by my side and I am continuously amazed at everything that he is accomplishing every single day. He is always willing to lend a helping hand, ALWAYS putting others before himself to make sure they're happy, and he is one of the kindest souls I have ever met. His work ethic and general attitude towards live always inspire me to push myself more and I wouldn't want to have anyone else by my side on this big day.
Michael Dickey
Groomsman
Michael and I went to school together starting in 3rd grade at St. Joes. Funny enough, we were never really that close, even as we started high school together. That all changed when he decided to go on the Mission Trip in 2017 and we re connected there and the rest is history. He really helped me start my faith re-version and has been one of my closest friends ever since then. He especially helped me plan my proposal to Rachel and I'm forever grateful for that. Michael is someone I can go to with anything, especially faith related, and I know I can count on him to have my back and be there for me.
Thomas Harmon
Groomsman
Where do I begin. Tom has been my best friend (more like a brother) since late 2016 and I don't know what I would do without him. He and I seem to bounce off each other so well & I know for a fact I wouldn't be the man I am today if I hadn't met him. Throughout everything we've been through, he's always been there for me, always able to make me laugh, always willing to do spontaneous things together, and always carying me in literally every video game we play together. From meeting at the end of high school, to working together & living together, I can wholeheartedly say that Tom and I's friendship is one I will treasure forever, and I can't imagine getting married without him by my side.
Mitch Riley
Groomsman
Mitch and I met my senior year of high school. I ended up moving into a house with him and Thomas in the summer of 2018 and I've been roommates with him ever since. He never fails to make me laugh, always willing to lend a helping hand, and he's become one of my closest friends.
Caleb Scott
Groomsman
Caleb and I met while we were in high school together through a mutual friend. We both have a strong passion for baseball and we often butt heads over the Cubs & Cardinals, but we both find common ground in hating the Milwaukee Brewers ;) . We've been to several baseball games together & a few other extra curricular events through school as well.
Blaine D'Acci
Groomsman
Blaine and I have known each other for several years now through our time together in youth ministry. He always has such a great attitude and is always more than willing to lend a helping hand to whoever needs it. His sense of humor is top notch and he always knows how to make me laugh. I admire him for his faith and I know if I ever needed something done that he'd be the first to offer to help. He's a great kid and I'm very happy I have him as an important person in my life.
Deacon Mark Wilder
Father of the Groom
My Dad was born in Peru, IL but has lived almost all of his life here in Pekin. He was ordained to the permanent deaconate in 2002 and has served as a deacon in his home parish of St. Joseph Parish since then. My Dad has always been there for me through thick and thin, guiding me when I need the help, teaching me valuable life lessons along the way, and always making sure that my faith was first and foremost the most important thing in my life. He knows just what to say when I need advice and never fails to interject a witty comment at every moment he sees fit.
Susan Wilder
Mother of the Groom
My Mom was born and raised here in Pekin for her entire life. From a very young age she has instilled in me the virtues of love, compassion, and humility. My Mom taught me how to put others before myself, how to make sure that I was always respectful to people, and how to be gracious with my time in regards to helping others. She always helped me with my school work and made sure that I always had a full stomach after every meal. Watching Cubs games with her is one of my favorite things to do and I love how passionate she is about the team that she helped instill onto me. I can wholeheartedly say that I would not be the man I am today without my Mom!
Deacon Tim Blanchard
Lector
Deacon Tim has put on the mission trip to Standing Rock for 12 years now. He has known Aaron for most of his life and played important roles in both Rachel and Aarons lives individually as well as their relationship. He is lovingly referred to as part of their "Mission Family"
Bill Spaniol
Lector
The Spaniols are like family to the Heatons. Bill is like a 6th brother to Rachel and is really great friends with Aaron ( :