Wedding Party
Avery Ashton Shorts
Matron of Honor
Avery has been Lauren's other half for the past 25+ years, although they have known each other since Kindergarten, Avery didn't like Lauren very much, until she needed a ride to a birthday party in the fourth grade. They have been inseparable ever since. From meeting the Jonas Brothers (Nick Jonas was Avery's first love), going on family trips with each other, to Lauren being Maid of Honor next to Avery on her big day. Lauren and Avery are always by each other's side, even from almost 3,000 miles away.
Dan Kavcak
Best Man
Keeping Christian laughing about the weirdest things for over 15 years. Dan is Best Man because he is Christian's best friend, always there when you need him. From recording and playing music, to racing/auto related fun, to even the strangest stuff like the "Word Game" or laughing hysterically at video game glitches and horrible Russian translations, Christian and Dan will probably live forever due to how many laughs that they have shared. No matter if it means driving 14+ hours to hang out, the two always make it a priority to spend some time together!
Giselle Rivera
Bridesmaid
Giselle and Lauren met at work while Lauren still lived in California. Giselle didn't like Lauren so much at first, likely due to Lauren's major RBF and the fact that Lauren wasn't a very great trainer at work. Lol! The two eventually became close after getting to know each other better and Giselle realized Lauren actually was kind of a nice person. Giselle gladly puts up with (and makes fun of) all of Lauren's crazy emotions, especially when McDonald's forgets to give her ranch with her chicken nuggets!
Travis Humza
Groomsman
Christian's, go-to musical friend. Starting off as jamming buddies from geometry class, with Christian on drums and Travis on guitar, the two would go on to form a band and rocked big stages for big crowds together during their time playing. Other than that, Christian could always rely on Travis to go on some wild adventures as well, from concerts, sporting events and spur-of-the moment trips. It's always interesting whenever and wherever they hang out!
Ameena Al-Jame
Bridesmaid
Lauren's cousin and older sister of Maryam, and many years ago was also practically Lauren's sister while she lived in California with the Genszlers for a year. After Lauren moved to Florida, the two reconnected and she is always down to show Lauren and the family new places and yummy spots to eat. Ameena is always there to show support and has been there for every step of the wedding planning process.
Tom Amy
Groomsman
Christian wondered in 2008 who this random kid was who kept hitting him in the head with an empty two liter bottle of Coca-Cola at a Nazareth Area High School football game. Flash forward 18 years, several movie trips, diner nights, Slate Quarry nights and Christian being best man in Tom's wedding, the two have formed a friendship thicker than blood, as Tom has routinely called Christian "family", and the feeling is mutual.
Maryam Al-Jame
Bridesmaid
Lauren’s younger cousin and younger sister of Ameena. Since moving to Florida the two have gotten to know each other better and enjoy sharing funny family stories. The two fondly remember when their grandma Rosie used to joke about how similar they looked as babies and how when young Maryam saw a picture of young Lauren she thought it was her and got upset when grandma informed her it was, in fact, not her. Spending time with Maryam and Ameena is always a good time with many laughs and even better food!
Adam Wallaesa
Groomsman
Christian and Adam always quarrel about sports, especially since their sports fandom is in direct opposition to one another (Phillies versus Mets rivalry in particular). Silly sports differences aside, Adam has proven to be one of Christian's most reliable sidekicks in their ten years of friendship and the two have developed some great memories over the years, from sporting events, writing in their sports blog together, seeing movies and Mario Party.
Jess Stem
Bridesmaid
Christian met Jess in 2011 as coworkers at the greatest establishment to work for. That's right. McDonald's. Despite Christian wondering why Jess was so grumpy all the time in the mornings, the two's friendship blossomed on the night crew, and even after the two left McDonald's and 1,000 miles from where they met and grew up, the two now call Florida home and Jess has embraced Lauren with open arms in friendship as the three make great memories together exploring their new home state... particularly haunted places.
Josh Homola
Groomsman
Josh was Christian's first-ever friend when he moved to Nazareth in 2004. Christian owes a lot to Josh for helping him transition to life in the Lehigh Valley and the two have remained friends ever since, even after Christian moved to Florida for a year and then came back to find that Josh was almost unrecognizable after hitting his growth spurt. Christian views Josh as family and the Jacksons were always very happy to welcome him into the home whenever needed.
Becky Genszler
Mother of the Bride
Becky is truly one of a kind and if you know her you know this to be true. Lauren being her one and only child, the two obviously have a very strong bond. Although Lauren and Becky have a great mother and daughter relationship, Lauren jokes that Christian is now her favorite child. Along with Christian's mother, Sharon, Becky also has some whacky quotes that make Christian and Lauren die of laughter. She is very excited to gain a new son-in-law and a new family along with that.
Sharon Jackson
Mother of the Groom
No matter how old Christian was and despite the fact that he will be nearly 35 come wedding day, Sharon will always refer to him as "her baby" because he is the youngest of her three children, who she loves and admires deeply. Originally from Bordentown, NJ and now residing in Jacksonville, FL, Sharon has always been close to Christian no matter the distance. Sharon can rely on Christian to drop everything to be at her beck and call when needed. Lauren especially loves Sharon's whacky quotes as the two have developed a very quirky relationship. Needless to say, "Mom J" approves of Christian's choice for her daughter in law.
Tim Genszler
Father of the Bride
Growing up, Lauren spent a lot of time with her dad and some of her fondest memories include riding front seat in his Camaro to and from school, going to McDonald's every week for dinner and him taking Lauren to 7/11 for a Slurpee (so dad could get his weekly lotto ticket). Lauren always admired how hard working and intelligent her father is and now gets to marry someone equally as hard working and intelligent. Tim can be a tough shell to crack, but once you get talking with him about cars you can't get him to stop. Christian and Tim have been enjoying time getting to know each other and Tim enjoys that he finally has another guy to do "boy things" with.
David Jackson
Father of the Groom
There are no better examples of how to be a man than Dave Jackson, father of Christian. His and Ryan's most Godly example, Dave has been a constant force steering Christian on in the right and true direction. Dave always picked himself up by his bootstraps and provided for his family, even if the situation wasn't ideal. Christian and Dave spent a lot of time together between Bordentown, NJ and Nazareth, PA and Christian will still drop everything to come to Sweetwater, TN where he now resides. Christian has always tried to model himself after his dad, so hearing at Thanksgiving in 2025 that he was "proud" of Christian for his life and wedding to Lauren, it was a life-defining moment.
Ryan Jackson
Officiant
It sure does help when your older brother is an ordained pastor! Christian and Ryan have had a great relationship for the three and a half decades they've known each other, despite the somewhat "large" six-year age gap. The two are of course brothers, but could also be considered very good friends as well, sharing countless great times that only close siblings could. A devout man of God, a very well-rounded and intelligent theologian, a dedicated husband and father of three lovely children that the groom and bride love as nephews and niece, Christian and Lauren could not be more excited to have their most-special day officiated by such an important and beloved member of the family.