Bridesmaids & Groomsman
Julia Martin
Maid of Honor
Julia and I have been best friends since we met in kindergarten at the age of five. We are basically sisters at this point, and I honestly don't know what I would do without her. We used to play horse jumps and Harry Potter in her front yard (I bet the neighbors were scared), and drive around in her old gold Mercedes station wagon blasting the music way too loud. We have skied and travel together often. We still spend hours on the phone talking about everything and nothing:) I love Julia so much, and I couldn't imagine anyone else being my maid of honor.
Niccolo Nahman
Best Man
I first met Niccolo when we were 11 years old at a tennis tournament in Benoni. I still remember that he was seeded in the tournament, and I was not (lol). We weren't friends at first because I am way too competitive, but we eventually got over that. We began hanging out all the time. We definitely got into a lot of mischief growing up, and I'm sure we will get into more. Niccolo is outgoing, caring and overall, a fantastic person. I'm glad we have remained so close throughout all these years, and I couldn't imagine anyone else being my best man.
Lina Tiblier
Bridesmaid
Lina and I actually met at a birthday party when we were two years old, but didn't reconnect until middle school. We played basketball together through middle school and high school. I practically lived at her house, and I call her mom "other mom.” We spent many of our days making videostars and walking to get pie a mile from my house. We've attended camp together in Germany (Goethe forever!), survived an emergency plane landing in Iceland and traveled to Central Asia together! I consider her family. I love this bean!
John Michael Kinney
Groomsman
Truly, saving the best for last. There are too few sentences to describe who John Michael is. In my opinion, John Michael and I clicked from the moment that we met. I am very grateful to have a brother-in-law that I can actually see as a brother. If you haven't met him, you're in for a treat. He's a kind, endearing and hilarious person. He truly is one of the funniest people I know, and if you have met him, I am sure you would say the same.
Laura Kurzban
Bridesmaid
Laura and I have been the best of friends since sophomore year of college, where we spent many hours going on walks and working jobs for three shifts and then getting rid of those jobs together (oops). Laura is outgoing, kind, honest and so loving. I am so glad that Max and Bertus were friends and brought us together (tennis girlfriends for the win). She is such an amazing friend, and I am so glad she will be a part of this day with me!
Max Kurzban
Groomsman
I met Max during my freshman year of college. The first memory I have of Max is him inhaling two Chipotle burritos in a matter of seconds. It was unbelievable. We were roommates throughout college, and we were both on the Tennis team together. Ironically, while everyone else tried out playing pro tennis, the two of us opted to work in finance (tbd on whether or not that was a good decision haha). Jokes aside, Max is truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. He always puts other people ahead of himself (I now know he's a Pisces, just like Ingrid so this makes sense. Hey Max, you wanna get married? lol). I am pumped that he'll be up there with me for this day.
Nick Lavarone
Groomsman
I met Nick in the 8th grade. He was the first person I ever met in high school (yes, we start high school in 8th grade in South Africa). We sat next to each other because our last names lined up alphabetically. I still remember the first time I met him because, as you will all soon come to learn, Nick has absolutely no filter whatsoever. We remained best friends throughout high school, and we actually made a pact that we would be each other's groomsmen at our respective weddings. We'll see if Nick remains true to his promise (I obviously did).
Emily Dwyer
Bridesmaid
Emily and I have been the best of friends since we were babies! We grew up only a few streets away from each other and basically lived at each other's houses. We probably drove our mothers crazy (we definitely did). We spent endless hours getting lost in the Casis forest, pretending not to hear the whistle to come in from recess after lunch, and playing the food tasting game, in which Emily nearly killed me by trying to feed me bacon grease (I wish I were joking). I could not imagine my life without Emily Dwyer, and I am so lucky to have her with me for this day and for all the days forever!!! STINKY ! ❤️
Viani Van Schalkwyk
Bridesmaid
Viani and I met a few days before her wedding... only 4 months after Bertus and I began dating. Now, I look forward to seeing her every single time I get the chance to visit Bertus's family in Johannesburg! I can't believe I got so lucky in gaining Viani as a sister - she is seriously the best. I can't wait to spend more time with her in the future (because now she is stuck with me). Viani is so wonderful, and kind and I love her!
Juandre Van Schalkwyk
Groomsman
Well, Juandre's married to my sister now, so I have to say nice things about him. Well, the main reason he's here is because he's married to Viani so. Anyway... thanks for the nephews, I guess? I'm just kidding! I've actually known, or known of, Juandre since elementary school. He started dating my sister when he was in grade 8, and they've been together ever since. He's a wonderful husband and father. I see the bond he has with my sister, and it makes me so happy. He's been an awesome addition to the family, and I'm glad I've gotten to spend so much time with him. Looking forward to many more years!
Wesley Whitworth
Flower Girl
I have had the pleasure of hanging out with Wesley every time her parents decide to go to dinner since she was 5 years old. She is my all-time favorite (almost) 13-year-old, and we have so much fun together!! She's an amazing horseback rider and she always makes me laugh - I do hope that I was her favorite babysitter, but if not, maybe her being my flower girl will seal the deal :) We love Wesley!!!
Rhett Whitworth
Groomsman
I've known Rhett since he was 8 years old and he (and Wesley) have always been the absolute best to spend time with, whether that be at the beach or at the trampoline park in Austin! I introducing him to Bertus in 2020 and they've become very close - Bertus absolutely loves playing tennis with Rhett and the two of us never pass up an opportunity to hang out with him and his sister.