Kala & Erik
Wedding Party
Breanna Byce
Maid of Honor
Breanna and Kala met when they were 3 and 4 years old. Breanna had a lake house just a few doors from Kala's, and their moms would arrange play dates. When Breanna's family moved down the street (.5 miles.. lightyears away..) when the girls were around 5 and 6, they lost contact. A few years later, the girl rekindled at the Lake Latonka Friendly Frolic run on the Fourth of July weekend. The rest is history! Kala and Breanna are like sisters. Their early years started with Build-A-Bears, Breanna forcing Kala to play with Bratz dolls, Sky Kids movies, and TONS of Hannah Montana and High School Musical. High school years consisted of shenanigans around the lake, golf cart rides to find cute guys, and maybe the occasional underage cocktail. As adults, Kala and Breanna live 500 miles away, but it does not stop them from being absolute best friends, causing trouble, and laughing until they cry. Breanna is an excellent singer, fashion guru, makeup goddess, and the most loyal friend Kala could ask for. Kala could not get married without Breanna by her side!
William (Billy) Turosky
Best Man
Since 2002, Billy and Erik have shared many experiences together. Their first meeting was on the Willoughby Wildcats travel baseball team spending the summers together striking out almost everyone in sight. Erik and Billy then went on to attend NDCL for high school, continuing the baseball trend; and in the summer of 2009 won a State Baseball Championship together, along with many of the other groomsmen. In 2018, Billy asked Erik to be the best man at his wedding. Now it’s Erik’s turn to return the favor! Billy, his wife Tori, and their daughter Ella reside in Willoughby, OH.
Robin (Shearer) Moore
Matron of Honor
Oh, Robini! Kala and Robin met in elementary school. And to say they were friends early on would be a complete lie! Kala and Robin were rival softball pitchers for years in Lakeview's Little League. Although they ran in similar circles in elementary school, they never got along. In middle school, both girls got kicked out of their friend groups and found each other at the "lame" lunch table. After realizing their shared passions, Kala and Robin became close friends. In high school, they took the same classes, played softball together, went to the Grove City Starbucks daily, and would venture for the occasional iHOP trip all the way in Niles, OH. Kala got Robin drunk for the first time shortly later graduation and they went to Vegas for Robin's 21st only to have a few cocktails and play in the game room instead of the Casino. Robin got married in 2020, and Kala was her Maid of Honor. Robin and Harley, her husband, welcomed a baby boy, Henry, in 2022. Kala is proud to call him her Godson. Kala would not have survived high school without Robin, and she could not picture her wedding without her!
Mark Suman
Groomsman
Mark and Erik have an interesting connection to each other. Their grandfathers were best men at each other’s weddings. The Okleson’s and Zele’s (Mark’s grandfather) had been friends for many years, but Erik had never met Mark until one summer day in grade school when Mark’s mom recognized the last name on Erik’s jersey during an opposing baseball game. Ever since that day, Mark and Erik have been close friends; getting into lots of (safe) trouble together. Erik participated in Mark’s wedding as a groomsman in 2021. Mark and his wife Mary Kate reside in Woodridge, IL.
Lauren Canose
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Kala met during their freshman year at Allegheny. Although they lived down the hall from one another, they did not chat until the end of the year when Kala found Lauren crying over an ex in the bathroom. Let me tell you, communal bathrooms build lifelong friendships. Kala and Lauren became roommates sophomore year and became close friends. It was a miracle that they survived as roommates, as Lauren in incredibly clean and organized while Kala.... isn't. Their bond grew as they shared brunches, some nights out in downtown Meadville (yeehaw), and Pumpkin Sice Lattes. Lauren and Kala also lived together senior year with their other best friends; Baylee, Kaylee, and Sydney who affectionately refer to each other as the "Titty Tribe". Since graduation, Lauren has moved to Denver, CO where she is a practicing therapist. Kala is grateful for her friendship and therapy when she needs it. Lauren was a rock to Kala during the few years of her father's illness and gifted Kala the "Love, Dad" necklace that she never takes off. Kala and Lauren don't let distance get in their way. Kala frequently travels to Colorado to see Lauren where they can hike, find great eats, and find fun bars. Kala would not imagine getting married without Lauren by her side!
Matt Bencic
Groomsman
Standing 5’5” and 100lbs in 2004, Matt was the starting nose tackle for the St. Pascal’s football team; a rival of Erik’s St. Gabriel Grizzlies. Matt was able to sack the QB (Erik) a few times over the course of 2 years before they both decided to attend NDCL for high school. Matt and Erik quickly became friends; sharing the same sense of humor. Matt; however, holds the record for “most principal office visits”. Matt helped NDCL win the 2009 State Championship in Baseball when he had the game winning hit in the last inning. Erik was a groomsman in Matt’s wedding in 2021. Matt, his wife Marie, and their son Luka reside in Mentor, OH.
Sam Wightman
Bridesman
Sam is Kala's best friend in Cleveland and is also her work wife! Kala and Sam met while working in the Stark Lab in 2019, and within a week, they were taking long coffee breaks together and going on frequent shopping trips to TJMaxx. Sam was the first to know about Erik and was on call as Kala's escape plan if the date went south. Kala and Sam have enjoyed so many memories in a short amount of time. They have gone to countless concerts, baseball games, parties, gym classes, and wine tastings together. They share a love of caffeine. Most of all, Sam is one of the most loyal people in Kala's life. She is the most selfless person and would do ANYTHING for the people she loves. Sam mentored Kala as she started her Ph.D. because Sam graduated from the same program. Sam has consoled Kala on her saddest days, celebrated the exciting ones, and laughed at the countless "how could this happen" moments while working in a lab. Sam is also the Godmother of Quincy, Kala's first furbaby. Aunt Sam is his favorite person, and nobody blames him. Kala is so grateful for Sam and is thrilled she will be by her side on her wedding day!
Alex Toth
Groomsman
Alex was the short stop on Erik’s high school baseball team; although they played against each other several years before then in Little League at CLP. Alex was on the Athletics, Erik was on the Yankees and the rivalry was always intense! Alex and Erik also participated in Band Class their freshman year of high school. Alex somehow got locked in a tuba locker during one class….not sure how that happened. Erik and Alex are still competitive to this day; although they’ve traded their baseball gloves for pool cues. Alex resides in Cleveland, OH.
Mary Kate Suman
Bridesmaid
Mary Kate and Kala became close friends due to Erik's friendship with her husband, Mark. When Kala met Mary Kate, she took goofy to a whole new level. Mary Kate might be one of the funniest people Kala has in her life. Many of their adventures have included inhaling jello shots on a golf course, cheering on the Pirates during a 21-0 loss at Wrigley Field, listening to Mary Kate scream the lyrics of "Black" by Pearl Jam, and ordering Crumble Cookies at all hours of the day. Mary Kate is the friend who checks on you when you're not doing so well, always has great advice, and is a fantastic listener. Although Mary Kate and Mark moved to Chicago before Kala met Erik, the couples make a point to travel to each other every few months. Kala is so grateful for Mary Kate's friendship and can't wait to have her by her side on her wedding day! It's about to get weird!
Matt Moormeier
Groomsman
Matt and Erik played high school baseball together. He is one of the most genuinely happy people to be around and does a great job of bringing people together. Matt lived in Florida for the past few years, but every time he came home to visit, it was like he never left. Matt recently moved back to the Cleveland area and we plan to catch up for lost time. Watch out for his dance moves on the dance floor!
Katie McClearn
Bridesmaid
Katie and Kala met playing tee ball when they were five. As they grew and played softball together, their dads got along and always coached their team. During the softball seasons, Katie became the third Mahen child and was often with Kala between practices and games. Although Katie was a grade ahead of Kala, they always made time for each other and would go on spintaneous adventures to Chipotle. Katie and Kala covered every subject on these dates, and Kala's dad would often make fun of the girls for talking wayyyy too much (especially after Katie drank Mountain Dew). Katie went to Penn State, so Kala enjoyed visiting her a few times for the "big school" partying experience. Katie is a total badass and joined the Peace Corp after college. She was in Unganda before the pandemic forced her to come back to the states. Katie now works for the US government and ensures that there is affordable, accessible food for people who are not fortunate enough to have it. Kala is so excited to have Katie by her side on the big day, especially because they have been planning her wedding since they began watching "Say Yes to the Dress" together in 2010!
Cody Mahen
Groomsman
Erik and Cody (brother of Kala) met during Halloween 2020. This was Erik’s first visit to the lake where he was introduced to Cody and the rest of the lake family. Cody and a friend dressed up as Forest Gump and Lieutenant Dan, while Erik dressed up as a dragon to pair with Kala’s Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones. Over the past 2.5 years, Erik and Cody have shared many good times, 2 vacations to Sanibel Island, and a few late night glasses of Crown Royal. One day, Cody will get Erik into cigars! Cody and his girlfriend, Jacque, reside in Beavercreek, OH.
Dylan Federbusch
Junior Bridesmaid
Dylan is Kala's second cousin, the daughter of her cousin Ryan and his wife, Gretchen. Dylan is 13 and is a phenomenal dancer. She is wayyyy trendier than Kala ever was at her age. Dylan and Kala have a bet that if Dylan ends up as tall or taller than Kala, she will be owed $100. Kala is confident that won't happen, but you will see the tall Muehlman genes shine through them both! Dylan is a ray of sunshine. As Kala's first-born cousin, she holds a very special place in her heart. Kala is super excited to have Dylan be part of the bridal party!
Jack Sechler
Junior Groomsman
Jack is Kala's second cousin and is the oldest son of Tim and Robyn (Federbusch) Sechler. Jack and Kala have often bonded over their love os sports, especially baseball. And with Erik playing baseball in college too, he fit right in the mix! Jack could tell you just about any statistic about the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is super smart and has some of the best dad jokes ever! Kala and Erik are super excited that Jack is a part of the big day!
Brynn Sechler
Flower Girl
Brynn is Kala's youngest second cousin. She is the daughter of Kala's cousin Robin and her husband Tim. Brynn is a firecracker and is as sweet as she is energetic. She is a girly girl but also a great soccer player. Kala loves to frequent her lemonade stands at the lake, where she is greeted by hugs a super good lemonade. Brynn is super excited to wear her pink dress on the wedding day, and Kala is so happy to have Bryyn in her wedding, just like Kala was in her mother's wedding as a junior bridesmaid!
Clayton Sechler
Ring Security
Clayton is Kala's cousin and is the son of Robyn and Tim Sechler. Clayton is the the science kid, and is if often bonding with Kala over microscopes while Erik chats to him about rocket ships. Kala really admires his optimism and curiosity for science, and Erik is still impressed that he knew what a rocket's "thrust to weight" ratio was. Clay will have the important job of protecting the rings, and Kala and Erik couldn't have asked for anyone better!
Ella Turosky
Flower Girl
Miss Ella Turosky is the daughter of Billy (Erik's Best Man) and his wife Tori. Ella is the firstborn child of Erik's tight-knit friend group, and she is an absolute joy. Ella and Kala bond over Frozen and other Disney songs and often can be found at restaurants singing together at the dinner table. Ella loves Quincy and Diesel (DEEDLE!) and loves to go on adventures with "KAYA and EWWIK". We are so excited to have Ella in the wedding!