Kate & Chris
Wedding Party
Ashley Miracle
Bridesmaid
“My name is Ashley Miracle, I have known Katie my entire life. We grew up going to church together and became fast friends, we had the best times running around the church basement with our friends, attending Teens for Christ every year and singing our hearts out. I am so proud of the woman Katie is and she deserves nothing but the best in everything she does. I’m so proud I get to stand next to her on her big day!”
Shyanne Thacker
Bridesmaid
“Hi! My name is Shy. I’ve known Kate most of our lives! We had family who dated when we were young, told everyone that it made us sisters, and have been inseparable since. I’m a full time Nurse, as-well as nearing the end of my apprenticeship to become a Tattoo Artist. Kate and I have talked about her wedding day for as long as I can remember, I can’t wait for the big day and to see all of her dreams come true.”
Brittany Heilman
Bridesmaid
“Hi, I’m Brittany! Katie and I have been best friends since high school although technically we’ve known each other since we were little through dancing at Carol Ault’s in Caledonia. We played tennis together and did show choir and musicals in high school. We’ve had many adventures together including a few Florida vacations. I’m excited to be with her through this next chapter in her life!”
Hannah Greer-Collins
Bridesmaid
“Hi! I’m Hannah, and Kate and I have been friends since 6th grade. I love singing in my spare time, which is something Kate and I have always had in common. I have 4 dogs. I’m so excited for Kate and Chris!”
Lauren Whitley
Bridesmaid
“Hello! My name is Lauren and I’ve known Katie since our freshman year of college. Neither of us came in with a roommate we knew so we were paired together. We discovered a mutual love for tennis and became fast friends and close roommates. I am married and we have two dogs, Moose and Bear. I am so excited to stand next to Katie on her big day!”
Jill Turner
Bridesmaid
“I’m Jill. I met Katie when I was her RA in college and we became best friends! Katie has always been there for me and I’m so excited to be standing with her when she marries Chris!”
Natalie Gilley
Bridesmaid
“Hi there, my name is Natalie and I met Kate at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. We became close buddies before we even met! Someone put us in touch over the phone to discuss becoming roommates- and we just clicked! Once she finally arrived on campus, I was excited to see sparks fly between her and my good friend Chris. And then later on she was excited to see sparks fly between me and her good friend Logan. It’s funny that these connections ended up becoming so important to our lives later on. I couldn’t be more happy for both Kate and Chris. They are amazing people and I’m honored to be a part of their special day.”
Rose Viggiano
Bridesmaid
“Hi! I'm Rose. I've known Kate since we met at school 4 years ago. I work on big boats. When I'm home I like hanging out with my family and hiking. Dogs and cheese are my two favorite things. I'm so beyond excited to be a part of Kate's big day!”
Max Painter
Jr. Groomsman
“Hola! My name is Maddox but everyone calls me Max. Uncle Chris has been my best friend since we met in 2010. He is the best uncle in the world so he deserves the best wife in the world, insert Aunt Kate! I am so excited and blessed to stand with them and celebrate their special day.”
George Benjamin
Groomsman
“I’m George Benjamin, better known as “Benji”. A Merchant Mariner same as Chris & Kate who I both met at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and became quick friends. My time off ship is spent pursuing my hobbies of: carpentry, video games, cooking, brewing beer, and drinking myself into a stupor. I look forward to meeting any of the two’s friends & family, and can’t wait to see them joined as one.”
Andy Bennett
Groomsman
“Oh hey there! I'm Andy and I've known Chris and Kate for about 6 years now where we met at boat school. I have a happily senile old German Shepherd/Collie that, at 11 years old, is finally learning it's okay not to play ball 99% of the time and settle for some pets. A favorite past time of mine is dragging Chris out into the woods for backpacking trips and testing just how much he values our friendship as we tromp through shin deep mud and get devoured by clouds of mosquitos. When I'm not torturing Chris in some form, I can generally be found somewhere... mountain biking, hiking, or reading. I too work on boats. I'm so stoked to see these two awesome people get married!”
Andrew Pudulek
Groomsman
“Hey, I'm Andrew! I've known Chris and Kate for about 4 years when I worked for GLMA. Just like these two, I'm a mate on a merchant ship. I am a poor influence on Chris' spending habits by encouraging him to buy various sailboats and enjoy heckling him on Channel 16 at various places on the Great Lakes when our paths cross. When I'm not working on the big boats (which is rare) I'm usually found messing around in much smaller boats and reading history books. I'm so happy for Chris and Kate and I'm excited for a fun sailors' wedding and their future life together!”
Ryan Gabriel
Groomsman
“Hi, I'm Ryan and I've known Chris and Kate since we started at Great Lakes Maritime Academy. I live in Traverse City with my girlfriend and our dog and two cats. I'm happy to be here to see Chris and Kate married!”
Zander Terrell
Groomsman
“I'm Zander, I met Chris at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. We both started at the same time. I enjoy camping and spending time outside. I am very happy for both Chris and Kate, and I can't wait to celebrate their special day with them.”