Stephanie & Justin
Wedding Party
Erika DeVriendt
Bridesmaid
AKA Crafts Advisor Friend since 2010, Erika (she/her) and Stephanie met working for DailyDetroit.com where the reported on the arts & music scene in Detroit. From book clubs to LEGO conventions, she's kind, loyal, and always down to do the weirdest activities in town.
Naomi Maldonado
Bridesmaid
AKA Creative & Floral Design Advisor Friend since 2019, Naomi (she/they) and Stephanie met at Cradles to Crayons. Naomi is an artist, human rights advocate, & a true inspiration to Stephanie. They dance together almost every week.
Alyssa Arnesen
Bridesmaid
AKA Senior Advisor to the MOH & Bride Friend since 2006, Alyssa (she/her) is one of Stephanie's most time-honored confidants. They share the same birthday and understand one another on a existential level.
Katie Harrington
Bridesmaid
AKA Music & Community Engagement Advisor Friend since 2006, Katie (she/her) is Stephanie's MSU college roommate who has seen her through her happiest and most heartbreaking relationships. Katie receives special community engagement recognition for introducing her to... Justin Rutzen.
Leah Cranston
Bridesmaid
AKA Art & Love Advisor Friend since 2006, Lee (she/her) and Stephanie started passing handwritten notes to each other in 10th grade French class sharing details about their romantic crushes and artistic ideas. But it's not all deep—they can make each other laugh in a way that only a friend of nearly 20 years can.
Abbey Bradley
Bridesmaid
AKA Cocktails & Community Engagement Advisor Sister since 2021, friend since 2013, Abbey (she/her) and Stephanie share a special bond as seekers and Held family members. Abbey is an incredible host, interior designer, wedding planner, and Detroit educator. There is nothing she can't do.
Abbie Johnson
Bridesmaid
AKA Spirituality & Mental Health Advisor Friend since 2019, Abbie (she/her) and Stephanie were roommates on Charleston St. in Bucktown, Chicago. They survived COVID together, but that's no longer the most interesting part of their friendship. Stephanie cherish's Abbie's energy—waking up at the crack of dawn to the see the sun rise over Lakeshore drive, take a philosophy class, or simply sip on her morning coffee to reflect on the spirit of life.
Heather Considine
Maid of Honor
AKA VP of Operations, Maid of Honor to the Bride Sister since 1998, Heather (she/her) and Stephanie talk every single day! They like to describe themselves as same person, different font. IYKYK. She's the most incredible maid of honor Stephanie could have ever dreamed of and inspires Stephanie to be the best version of herself—in fashion, beauty, & fitness—everyday. i.e. Be happy. Be healthy.
Marie Steinbock
Bridesmaid
AKA Ethics & Sustainability Advisor Friend since 2014, Marie (she/her) and Stephanie met on a study abroad trip to the UK. Marie has a dry sense of humor and they could spend hours traveling together without talking—talk about sustainability! Since, they've been to Wales, Edinburgh, Denmark, Montreal, Connecticut, and Paris together.
Chelsea Held
Bridesmaid
AKA Food & Finance Advisor Sister since 2022, friend since 2019, Chelsea (she/her) is a dynamic Australian-American, who is both chic and down-to-earth. My kinda woman! She's a COO, baker, dog mom, wife, and cozy girl and really showed up for me during my bridal dress fitting. I love her.
Hallie Vorres
Bridesmaid
AKA Water & Wellness Advisor Friends since 2005, Hallie (she/her) and Stephanie have been friends since middle school, walking home from school together testing their singing voices, talking boys, psychology, and journalism. She has become a loyal friend to Stephanie, seeing her through her time on the East Coast and back to Chicago. As for the water and wellness advisory role, well—just ask her.