Zach & Karissa
Wedding Party
Heather Marin
Matron of Honor
Heather is Karissa’s older sister and first partner in crime. Growing up Heather and Karissa did not always get along, as most sisters do when they are young. Most of the time Karissa always wanted to be like her bigger sister so she followed her around a lot, which in turn annoyed Heather. Heather was always the most competitive out of both of them, but Heather has taught Karissa how to fight for herself and be confident in who she is. As they have gotten older they have become really close friends and love connecting and hanging out with each other. Karissa had the opportunity to be in Heather's wedding a few years ago and is so excited to have her sister stand next to her on the big day.
Josh Buckingham-Weibel
Best Man
The first time that my older brother heard I was born, I have been told he said that I should have been named, "Littlefoot." Not the best start to being a little brother, but things picked up from there. Though Josh has always been bigger than me (and by bigger, I mean WAY BIGGER), he's always done his best to not let that be a barrier. We've been able to find a lot of the same interests, follow a lot of the same teams, been on the same sports teams, and still be able to talk to one another. Though I'll undoubtedly have many "brothers" throughout my time on earth, I'll only ever have one brother
Josie Mottl
Bridesmaid
Josie and Karissa met in college and in their junior year they ended up becoming roommates. Karissa was a little nervous about her new living situation, but those feelings were set at ease relatively quick. They quickly became best friends and were almost inseparable as the year went on. They had both been through similar life circumstances and were able to bond and create an unbreakable friendship. Also, Josie is part of the reason Zach and Karissa are together. They both worked in the ARC and Karissa almost always went with Josie to work and that is where Zach and Karissa started out. So shoutout to Josie for paving the way.
Travis Barrett
Groomsman
Travis may look a little intimidating, but sit down with him for five minutes, and you realize he's just a big teddy bear. We met our freshman year of college, roomed together our sophomore year, and have still remained good friends since. We've spent hours and hours talking about life, faith, movies, and quoting things back and forth to each other, laughing for hours. He's someone that has shared a lot of life with me over these last 5 and a half years--a lot of joy and a lot of struggle. But I wouldn't want it any other way, and I look forward to many more years of friendship and brotherhood together.
Aleda Renter
Bridesmaid
Karissa and Aleda were the same year in college. However, they did not become friends until their junior year. Karissa had a friend crush on Aleda their sophomore year and before they left for summer break they decided they would have a date the following year. It really wasn't until the second semester of their junior year that they finally had their coffee date and the rest, as they say, is history. Aleda and Karissa became fast friends and they realized how similar they were. Aleda is the brunette version of Karissa, and Karissa the blonde version of Aleda.
Colby Sticka
Groomsman
I wasn't sure about Colby at first, because the first thing I remember about him was that he was a Yankees fan. Yet, I didn't allow that to hinder an opportunity to get to know him freshman year. Through serving together as class officers and on SBA, I got to see Colby's genuine and kind heart for others, and I knew this would be someone I could count on as a loyal friend. He's in Oregon now, which is cool because Oregon is beautiful but lame because he's not in Nebraska. While he's a long ways away, I know I can count on him for wisdom and a good listening ear whenever I need it, and I'm thankful he'll be able to make the trek to Omaha for our wedding!
Brooke Kleinwort
Bridesmaid
Brooke and Karissa became friends in college. It began when Karissa, the wide-eyed freshman, was in need of someone who could show her the ropes, and in stepped Brooke. Their little interactions began to grow into a very real friendship. At the end of Karissa's freshman year, both of them were in need of a roommate. After a date to Buffalo Wild Wings and bonding over fried pickles, it was decided. Their friendship grew and grew, and Karissa took WAY too many funny, embarrassing videos of Brooke. Karissa actually got to spend a lot of time helping Brooke plan her own wedding, and now Karissa is thrilled to have Brooke by her side as they prepare for her own big day!
Brandon Banks
Groomsman
I quickly became friends with Brandon in college because of two reasons: shared sports fandoms (Nebraska, Dallas Cowboys) and love of Star Wars. Though the more I got to know him, the more I realized there was much more to him than that. I've greatly appreciated being pushed and encouraged by him throughout college and even after, and I've loved watching him grow into both being a husband and now a father. His tenderness and youthful zeal are gifts that serve him well as a youth pastor. As one of my closest and best friends, I'm so very excited that Brandon is able to be a part of the big day!
Sydney Looper
Bridesmaid
Sydney and Karissa are high school best friends. Karissa went to Lincoln Christian her seventh grade year, and in the midst of finding some friends, Sydney was amongst that group. Karissa and Sydney bonded throughout junior high and high school and became pretty much inseparable. Sydney was the school smart of the two while Karissa carried the street smart. When high school ended they went their separate ways but that did not mean their friendship ended. There may have been too many months without seeing each other, but whenever they got together they just picked up right where they left off.
Connor Maas
Groomsman
I kind of had to become friends with Connor at first, because he started dating my sister Rachel in high school...however, once I actually became friends with him, I really started to enjoy him a lot. Our shared love of The Office and sports were our beginning points of friendship, but it's grown from there. Also, he kind of has to be around for the long haul, since he's married to Rachel, so I guess I can stomach that. But in actuality, his chillaxed and laid-back personality are a joy to have around, and I'm excited that he gets to be one of my groomsmen.
Sairah Lucas
Bridesmaid
Karissa and Sairah are childhood best friends. It all started before either of them born. Their families lived in the same town and their older siblings became friends with each other. Therefore it was pretty much destined to be that they would become best friends throughout the course of their childhood. As time went on, they became inseparable and many began to mistake them as sisters rather than just friends. In fact, one time Karissa's mom was talking sternly to Sairah when she thought it was Karissa, and when Sairah turned around all they could do was laugh. Karissa and Sairah have shared many memories together and have always talked about standing next to each other on each other's wedding day. Now that dream has become a reality!
Curtis Byal
Groomsman
Curtis was one of my very first friends. We became friends way back in kindergarten, both enjoying Bionicles, Legos, and video games. He and his family were so present with us when my dad was sick, and I remember spending three nights straight at their house, jumping on their trampoline and watching movies. After he moved to Texas halfway through high school, it was hard to keep in touch, but working at Rivercrest together in 2016 helped remind me of not only how much fun he was, but how much I viewed him as a brother, not simply a friend. And though we don't connect too often, I'm grateful for every opportunity I get to see one of my longest friends.
Seth Kleinwort
Honorary Groomsman
I first met Seth on a campus visit my senior year, and I honestly wondered how old he was. To this day, I still find it hard to believe he's only in his mid-twenties. But throughout our time in college, I got to know Seth really well and do a lot of fun things with him, including musicals and other music things, hall life, and serving on RA teams together. I've always appreciated his patience and ability to ask the right questions at the right time, and he has a knack for getting me to both laugh really hard, and also think really deeply, which is something I'll always be grateful for.