Kristina & Benedikt
Wedding Party
Taylor Schwartz
Maid of Honor
Affectionately known as "Mama Tay," our friendship has grown from freshman year of college to today. Even though we no longer live right downstairs or across the street from each other, weekly phone calls that sometime last hours is what has kept our ridiculous antics and stupid jokes alive. Some of my favorite calls are in the middle of the work day and begin with "Hi, I am getting my steps in and figured I would call." Taylor has been a constant source of encouragement and support since day one, and particularly through the most recent season of our lives with new jobs, new home locations, and engagements! She listens and then speaks truth - a trait that most long to have and I am so thankful for it. I am so excited to have mama tay standing beside me as my soon to be MATRON of honor!
Josh Angel
Best Man
Josh and I met the first day of classes my freshman year at Gardner-Webb. Sophomore year (his senior year), we became roommates. Both single with time to spare, we did something together almost every night... from going to nearby sporting events to hanging out with friends. He welcomed and introduced me to a new group of friends, his family, and his mentors. Through our friendship I learned to love this country and the people who live in it. When he would ask if I would leave after college and go back to Germany, he always told me my future is better on this side of the ocean. He sold the American dream to me and I was sure to introduce and show him the Bavarian lifestyle as well. I would not be here today without this guy, and I am thrilled to have him at my side as my best man.
Giorgie Vining
Bridesmaid
GG (now GV) is my soul sister. We regularly speak of how God must have purposefully separated us at birth because we would have just gotten in too much trouble otherwise! Through our mutual love for peanut butter, coffee, and all things mexican food related, we have shared many spur of the moment adventures (studying for finals in a mexican restaurant?), and made the best of every road trip (long or short). Giorgie has taught me to love and serve unconditionally as she does day in and day out. I have been so excited to share this wedding season with Giorgie and cannot wait to have this sister by my side for the big day, and every day!
Charlie Ruff
Groomsman
Charlie was my last roommate. He is a guy that cares deeply about others all of the time. He has taught me how to enjoy life and live with energy. Coaching city league baseball with him in Shelby was a real joy and I am happy that I was able to learn not only about baseball but but also investing in the next generation, something that Charlie dedicates his time to. He is not only a teacher to younger students, but also to me in how he loves and cares for everyone he knows. I cannot wait to have Charlie stand beside me on the wedding day!
Charity Byrum
Bridesmaid
Cher Bear: my very first friend at Gardner-Webb. If it weren't for Charity we probably wouldn't be here today. She gave me the push of courage I needed to go on that Valentines Day date with "The German" and I am so happy she did! Regardless of if we agree on everything, Charity has always been there to listen, guide, and support - a characteristic of a true best friend. We share the funny, stupid, and serious and never fail to bring up old memories like making wrong turns at Disney World and falling asleep in each other's dorm rooms weekly. Charity has always been there for me and I am so happy she will be standing by my side yet again, but this time on the big day!
Tate Warden
Groomsman
Without Tate, this day might not have ever happened. He is one of the people who introduced me to Kristina's friend group and I without him we might not be where we are today. So thank you, Tate! for that. But Tate also has great another gift that I as a friend love and appreciate. He does not think that life is as serious as we make it be. I have learned that sometimes it is not important what you do or where you go, as long as you enjoy the journey. He has even joked of being a trophy husband or just living without a career and while these statements were only jokes, there is some truth in it for all of us. We all need to enjoy the moment we are in and the journey we are on, this is why I want to enjoy the moment of my wedding with Tate!
April Niccolai
Bridesmaid
April, AKA Sunshine, has gained this nickname from me not only by her Instagram but how she lives her life! Her infectious smile will light up a room no matter the day. She is adventurous and asks some of the best questions ever. There is never a dull moment with April around as she is always looking for different ways to explore and have a good time. She is the one that committed to training and running a half marathon with me... what an adventure, and what a loyal friend! April is one of the most dedicated and hardest workers that I know and I am honored to have her standing by my side in June
Brooks Little
Groomsman
Brooks and I go way back as one of the first friends I made here in America during my high school exchange year in Charlotte, NC. Brooks is honestly more European than he would like to admit. He is honest, a straight shooter, and leaves nothing on the table (a trait we both share!). We both attended Gardner-Webb University for our freshman year and iIt was during this time that he opened his family's house to me. From this time on I felt as though I had a new family, brother, and friend all in one. Even though Brooks transferred from Gardner-Webb I still made a point to visit him and his family regularly. Brooks is more than just a friend to me, but a brother who gave me an American family, which I could not imagine life without.
Maggie Nork
Bridesmaid
Maggie, also known as "mags to riches," is my baby sister. She is the fashionable and artsy one of the three of us and regularly frowns upon my style choices and taste in music - but what are little sisters for?! Maggie is the life of the party and always has a joke to make. She always surprises me by the amount of people she knows and is my go to for information on new technology, trends, or "hip sayings." I could not imagine my wedding day with out Mags by my side!
Branden Roberts
Groomsman
I have not known Branden for very long, but this farmer guy from Missouri has quickly become one of my very good friends. I love talking with Branden because I know that I never have to worry about sharing my opinions or thoughts. He is a great listener and always makes himself available to help a friend who needs him! He has taught me that friendships are similar to plants: you have to care for it if you want it to grow. I always enjoy getting a phone call as I drive home from work or a short voice mail asking about my day or the weekend. It is because of this trait that we have become such good friends so quickly and I am very grateful for it. I am very thankful for this friend and his fun-loving, caring approach to life and am looking forward to having "wedding day Branden" by my side.
Stephanie Nork
Bridesmaid
Stephy Stephy Stephy.... Known for her big smile, Stephanie is my "middle sister." She is the musical and most laid back of the three of us. As her older sister, I will never forget all of our trips to the Ft. Myers beach where we would make the biggest and best sand castles then watch Disney Channel in our room all night... my fellow Hannah Montana and Suite Life of Zack and Cody lover! Stephanie is very caring and loves to serve... I could not imagine this big day without having her by my side!
Randal Lockhart
Groomsman
Randal and I met my freshman year at Gardner-Webb. Looking at our backgrounds we really do not have that much in common, but somehow we became really great friends. The thing that enjoy most about Randal is that he is always relaxed and up for an adventure. We have gone on many legendary trips together including Germany, the Outer Banks, and even a weekend get away to Cherokee. I am so thankful that Randal is a part of my life and cannot wait to have him as a part of my wedding party!