Wedding Party
Eleanor Morgan
Bridesmaid
Eleanor is currently a student at Patrick Henry College where she is working towards a B.A. in government. In her nonexistent free time, Eleanor loves to do needlework, read, and spend time outdoors. She met Kristina 13 years ago backstage during The Culture House's performance of The Life of Cosette. Today, after years of dancing together in Kristina's basement and talking for hours about every topic under the sun, Eleanor is honored to call Kristina her best friend. She is so proud of everything that Kristina has accomplished and is so thankful that she has met someone like Matthew. Eleanor prays that the two of them will live long and happy lives together, blessed by the Lord on high. Ecclesiastes 4:9
Natasha Grant
Bridesmaid
Hello! I’m Natasha Grant, a 21-year old university student pursuing Biology at the University of Alberta, with dreams of stepping into the nursing field. Beyond academia, I’ve dedicated 19 years to dance, with the last six years being an enriching journey as a member of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers.My passion for dance not only shaped who I am but also led me to cross paths with Matthew at the Shumka School of Dance, where he was my instructor for a couple years before we shared the stage for 5 incredible years in Shumka. His perpetual smile and kind-hearted nature have always made our interactions memorable. It was during summer in 2022, at a dance camp hosted by the Shumka School of Dance, that I met Kristina. Our connection was instantaneous; her positivity and the light she brings into every room is undeniable. As she embarked on an internship with the Shumka School of Dance, our friendship deepened, and I’ve come to admire her genuinely amazing personality. As a bridesmaid, I’m thrilled to be part of Kristina and Matthew’s special day, celebrating the union of two incredible individuals whose love story is truly inspiring. Their journey together is a testament to what soulmates look like, and I’m overjoyed to witness their love flourish. Here’s to many more adventures, laughter, and love for the happy couple. May your future together be as bright and joyful as you both are!
Jacob August
Groomsman
I'm Jake August, and I'm absolutely honored to be a groomsman for Kristina and Matty's wedding. Although I've known Matty for quite some time, with him instructing me from a young age throughout Shumka School of Dance and inspiring me with his gentleman-like demeanor, he and I became close friends during my first “boys camping trip” once I got into Shumka. To make a long story short, Matty left us on the side of a mountain (don't worry, I'll tell you the whole story in person), and once reunited, I knew that I had found in Matty a lifelong friend. I'll forever cherish our crazy adventures and be quite jealous of Kansas City to have gained such a standup man. I had the pleasure of meeting Kristina during her first time in the studio at a Shumka rehearsal and came to know her as a great friend during a camping trip to the Rockies. Kristina brings a ray of light into any room she enters with her smile and personality. I truly couldn't be happier that these two phenomenal individuals are coming together; they really are the kind and caring people that each other deserves. A little about myself: I'm currently enrolled in the University of Alberta's Forestry Business Management program starting this fall, and I couldn't be more excited. As I write this, I'm currently on leave from my five-year career with Shumka but intend to return within a few months. Most of all, I can't wait to meet the Kansas City crew and family, and give Kristina and Matty the wedding they deserve!
Adam Samoil
Groomsman
Adam has danced alongside Matthew for over a decade, but they have been friends for longer. In terms of personality, he's friendly and approachable, with a good sense of humor that often comes out in casual conversations. While he enjoys socializing, he also values his downtime, whether it's binge-watching a popular TV series, playing video games, or simply relaxing with some music. Adam values his independence but also cherishes time spent with family and close friends