Officiant
Mike, Natashia, and Tess have known each other since the days of the Wayne congregation, and that continued into the Norfolk congregation merge years later. From dog-sitting, service days, and silly nicknames, it was an easy decision to have Mike be the officiant. Mike and Tashia were one of the first people to know about Jakob and Tess, and have continued to be a great support to them.
Best Man
Born three months apart, cousins Eric and Jakob have been the best of friends ever since. Erics friendship is as interwoven into the story of Jakob's life as it could be, through ups and downs, highs and lows. He has truly been an example of the truth found at Proverbs 18:24, that there is a friend sticking closer than a brother. Spending time as kids playing all sorts of games they made up together, hauling their giant bulky PC's to each others houses to play computer games as teenagers, and eventually pioneering and traveling together. They really did "grow up together" and the friendship was no doubt a positive influence on who they would become. Jakob was honored to stand up with Eric as his Best Man and is thankful Eric will be there to do the same for him.
Maid of Honor
A friendship that has spanned over a decade, Mya and Tess have been through it all together. Growing up playing with American Girl dolls, doing backyard gymnastics, and getting really competitive trying to win at Wii bowling…. To later traveling together all the way to Prague, countless sleepovers watching movies and playing Monopoly Deal, and Mya fending off Dusty attacks…it's a bond that can't be broken. They are so close that they frequently get called twins/sisters when they’re together, which they agree is a good description of their close relationship.
Groomsman
A friend made more recently, Bowen and Jakob became fast friends after they both were moved to the Chalco Hills Congregation at the beginning of 2024. Pioneering and working together on LDC projects has brough them closer, as has many a late-night conversation that can range from utterly pointless to very in-depth. Bowen has taken to just showing up at the Schwarzenbach house with little or no notice, usually with a couple of Hamm's beers and once with a full pumpkin pie. Bowen has been an important figure in Jakob and Tess's relationship. He was out in service with them they day they met, the first person Jakob called after their first date, a big part of the surprise proposal, and now will forever be remembered as a part of their wedding day.
Bridesmaid
Vanecia and Tess met over Zoom during COVID and have been close ever since. With endless laughter, hours of conversations about the same things, shared music, and some shared hobbies, their bond has only deepened. It’s a friendship they cherish more and more each passing year because they truly help each other in growth and support.
Groomsman
Jakob and Colton grew up together in the same congregation, building a friendship filled with memorable moments. From time spent as kids, waking up early and making breakfast burritos to eat in their backyard “fort,” (cardboard box) along with many a marathon RollerCoaster Tycoon session. To time spent as adults, going to concerts and traveling together along with the countless good times in-between. Jakob was honored to stand by Colton’s side as one of his groomsmen in 2023, and grateful he was willing to do the same for him. Just one more milestone in a wonderful friendship.
Bridesmaid
Karicia and Tess met at an English/Spanish Norfolk congregation cleanup. They’d been in the same Kingdom Hall without ever realizing that a friend was waiting just around the corner. Now, after countless days in service, sleepovers, concerts, and many parties, their friendship continues to grow in the best way.
Groomsman
Destined to become friends based on the longtime friendship of their parents, Jakob and Joe have made too many good memories to recount. Spending many years together in the Elkhorn Congregation as kids, and later reuniting and at Village Pointe, Jakob and Joe eventually pioneered and even worked together in their teens and early 20's. Despite their disagreement on tool brands and the usage of sixteenths... Jakob and Joe remain the best of friends. Whether they’re skiing/snowboarding in the mountains together or simply enjoying a drink in the basement, their friendship endures as one of life’s great constants.
Bridesmaid
Friends from the beginning, Laura and Tess have always shared the same congregation, growing up side by side. Through every stage of life—meetings, service days, shared laughter over dumb little noises or silly sayings, and heartfelt conversations—their friendship has blossomed into a bond as close and comforting as sisterhood.
Groomsman
Jakob's friendship Ethan began in their teen years. More specifically on an unassigned territory trip up to South Dakota where one of their first interactions was sharing a bed at the Sioux City Fairfield Inn. Both in Village Point together, Ethan became Jakob's first real "pioneer partner". Many early mornings were spent together writing letters and doing bus stop witnessing. Usually laughing about something that would be impossible to explain to the rest of the service group later as they were stuffed into the back seat of a Honda Pilot. Skip forward a few years, and they went from friends to family when Ethan & Lydia got married. Jakob got to be a part of their big day as one of Ethan's Groomsmen, and is happy Ethan will be there as we welcome Tess into the family as well.
Bridesmaid
Future sisters-in-law turned friends, Lydia and Tess may be new to each other’s lives, but their bond has grown quickly. What began with family connections has blossomed into a genuine friendship, making this new chapter even more meaningful.