Lauren & Steven

Wedding Party

Meet some of our most favorite people

Jill Jachino

Matron of Honor

Jill has been my best friend since birth. Our moms were friends and pregnant at the same time with us! Jill has taught me so much over our twenty-nine years of friendship. The most important thing is to always stay true to yourself. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Jill grow into herself throughout the years. Whether it was not caving to peer pressure in high school, staying committed to her college track team, or even braving a new state for occupational therapy school, Jill has remained her same caring, sneezing, quirky self that everyone has loved since day one. I could not imagine my life without Jill, and I cannot wait for the many years of friendship to come!

Bailey McDonald

Maid of Honor

Bailey and I have been bestfriends since pre-school and haven’t looked back. Bailey has taught me the true meaning of friendship. We have grown up doing basically everything together from cartwheels during our peewee soccer games to me joining her family vacations in Wisconsin to strategically scheduling our high school classes to match. Bailey has always been by my side. Even though we now live hundreds of miles apart, Bailey is always answering every phone call ready to be my hype girl. She is always ready to pick me up when I am in feeling low and cheer me on in my highs. I trust Bailey with my life and am so grateful we are still best friends to this day.

Taylor Pohlman

Bridesmaid

I met Taylor a little over three years ago when Eric had first brought her over to our grandparents. I’ve known from that day that Taylor would be my sister-in-law. I continue to admire how thoughtful and considerate she is. Taylor has a unique talent of giving to others in a variety of different ways and it shows that she has the biggest heart. She has helped hold my brother to an already high standard than he has set for himself. I cannot wait for Taylor to join the family and to watch her and Eric blossom into a true representation of what love is.

Kait Harr

Bridesmaid

Kait and I met last year, but it feels like she has been in my life forever. The day we met we just clicked and have talked just about every day since. Kait is the epitome of a best friend. She remembers all the important aspects of my life and is very supportive in anything I do. She has the unique ability to throw tailored celebrations for others that are so full of joy and stories we will never forget. She could easily have a second job as a party planner! I consider myself so lucky to have all the memories we have together and cannot wait to make many more. I can’t forget little Gretchen too! I know Kait will always be a supportive pillar in mine and Steve’s life and it brings me so much joy to have her by my side.

Kate Kettelkamp

Bridesmaid

Kate and I have been friends since we were kids. Kate’s family lived across the street growing up which made for some pretty great memories. Kate and I have experienced a lot in life together, and she has taught me the value of strength at a very young age. I’ve learned to appreciate every moment that passes because we are lucky to have them. Kate is one of the strongest, most independent people I know. I have watched her head out into the world and not take “no” for an answer. Her carefree and up-beat energy makes everyone in the room feel welcome. Kate will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know that no matter what we will remain friends forever.

Brianna Heck

Bridesmaid

I met Bri my freshman year at Lindenwood University, and she has made such a huge impact on my life. Bri has taught me the meaning of faith and morality. I’ve watched Bri grow as a friend and now as a wife over the past years and have been very inspired by her. She is one of the most honest and genuine people I know. One of the things I love most about Bri is that she has helped me remain close to God throughout the years as we would go to church together most Sundays in college. This has helped influence a lot of decisions in my life and kept me close with my faith to this day. I am so blessed to have a friend like Bri.

Allison Kirchner

Bridesmaid

Allison and I have been friends for a few years now, and I’m so blessed she came into my life. Allison is such a fun person, and she has helped show me what dependability looks like in a friendship. She is always up for an adventure whether it be going to Tin Roof at 2 in the morning or going to a random show at The Fox on a Tuesday. I’ve learned from Allison how to let loose which has definitely helped me in my day-to-day! I’ll always know that I can count on Allison to be ready to do anything, and I'm so happy we have become friends. St. Louis would be boring without her!

Claire Heavner

Bridesmaid

Claire has been my friend since pre-school, and it has been a wild journey since. Claire has taught me a sense of loyalty and has always been known as the protector of the group. I’ve always known that Claire had my back no matter what and no matter where. My father even felt comfortable with me going places if Claire was around because he knew she would never let anything happen. This quality in Claire has continued to grow as she is now a wonderful protector to her beautiful daughter. Mae is one lucky girl. I am also so lucky to call Claire my friend!

Olivia Parkhill

Bridesmaid

I met Olivia about seven years ago during our first year of optometry school. We had become random roommates after meeting on the optometry school website. Liv is the most happy-go-lucky person I’ve ever met. She is always laughing or smiling, whether it is after taking a hard test or after having a bad day. Olivia has always been able to turn a lemon into lemonade and has helped teach me to just keep smiling. Liv has made my life brighter, and I could not have survived optometry school without my her!

Madison Androw

Bridesmaid

Madison and I became friends pretty quickly after meeting about seven years ago on our optometry school admissions day. Madison appeared to be one of the normal ones, and I knew we would remain friends. Madison is a one of the funniest people I have ever met. She has taught me how to make light in every situation, and I really admire her for that. There were many nights where Liv and I would be hysterical over something Madison said or did. She is also one of the most down-to- Earth person I know. Our friendship reminds me of the saying, “If you’re ever in jail, a good friend will help bail you out, but a best friend will be in the cell next to you saying ‘Dang, that was fun’”. Madison is that best friend! I’m so very thankful for our friendship.

Rachel Helgen

Bridesmaid

I met Rachel met in optometry school seven years ago when all of the first years had their “meet and greet” at Nicks. Her fun, bubbly attitude is what brought us to be friends to begin with. And as I’ve watched her throughout the years, it is undeniable the positivity that she portrays. Rachel has taught me the meaning of work hard, play hard. Throughout optometry school Rachel was always caught studying on the weekends, but when she let loose oh boy, did she. Rachel lives each moment to her fullest and has helped serve as a reminder for me to do the same. I love our friendship and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

Brandon Bradley

Best Man

“The Hybrid” - I’ve learned from Brandon how beneficial it can be to my quality of life to immerse myself in various different experiences and interests. That along the way, my character has the potential to flourish. Observing Brandon is to watch an individual project, without seeming effort, a representation of the Yin and Yang. Opposite but interconnected forces that are always changing and in balance. The balance that Brandon exudes comes from an aura of calmness and self awareness which serves as an antidote to life’s inevitable chaos. Ive learned from Brandon to be inquisitive. I’ve also watched his sheer stoicism be complimented by his fervent quest for the finer experiences. Whether excelling through multiple sports, drumming full Rush albums or aiding in the completion of a multifaceted effort to secure the now famous “Hi-CHEWs” from Japan to the USA, Brandon shows how we all can achieve purpose by molding oneself into a “Hybrid”.

James Setser

Best Man

“The Creator” - I’ve learned from James how to spearhead adventure without waiting for permission. I’ve observed from James that adventure into the wild can stimulate the mind and bring a creative, newfound meaning to existence. He personifies a taste for the exquisite and exemplary while also holding an appreciation for that which is simple and quaint. Not to be confused for a harmless creative, Jameson also portrays a strength and competence that can be used to his benefit in the wilderness (which he often visits). From rock climbing, photography and the endless list of beautiful landscapes visited observing James in his creative element is to watch him embodying the quintessence of imagination. In the abstract world of art it’s useful to gain inspiration from the pioneer. I’ve learned from James that with luck, purpose and a vision, that meaning lifts out of the fog and you can become a “Creator”.

Austin Enno

Groomsman

“The Rebel” - I’ve learned from Austin the benefits one can achieve from standing firm against the tide of opinion or being disruptive to the stale status quo. Observing Austin is to watch someone embody walking to “the beat of their own drum”. Austin is exhilaration in the face of the dull, a vibrant flavor with the intention of colliding into a bland palate and the complete feeling of liberation from a social norm. Enno exemplifies the high after a long run or sigh after a long overdue laugh from getting away with a mischievous prank. To live life unashamedly, but to also extend an eager hand for you to join him in the revelry. From his sheer natural athleticism and intellect to his ability to take any festivities to the next level, Austin shows us how flavorful and worthwhile life will be if we choose to challenge the norm and become a “Rebel”.

Trey Anderson

Groomsman

“The Explorer” - I’ve learned from Trey to take the leap, switch the path and leave the comfort zone behind. I’ve gained satisfaction and purpose from leaving my hometown, changing my lifestyle and leaning into new situations eagerly. That’s from watching Trey do the very same before me. From leaving the state and even the country via deployment with the U.S. Military, I’ve watched Trey forge into the unknown countless times with his “McConaughey” like smirk. Trey is the epitome of going with the flow, rolling with the punches or better yet “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. He may even say “when life gives you lemons, make a marg”. With his unique talent of finding the newest and tasteful music to his ability to venture into any conversation (appropriate or not) we all can gift ourselves with the curiosity and positive attitude (even in the face of adversity) that knows no limits like an “Explorer”.

Jaron Seiffert

Groomsman

“The Hero” - I’ve learned from Jaron to face what would normally stop me in my tracks. To battle head on with our monsters. Instead of being frozen in stone from the glare of Medusa, we must behead her. I’ve learned from Jaron there is always a way to solve a problem and it’s up to ourselves to find it. In Greek Mythology, Perseus defeated Medusa by beheading her with a sword while using Athena’s shield as a mirror to avoid Medusa’s gaze. Jaron, much like Perseus, adapts well to each challenge. To watch Jaron is to see that bravery can be grown, voluntarily, with each step forward. I’ve observed Jaron transform the structure of his house with his mind and hands, stalk whitetail deer and wrestle underwater with 70lb catfish. It’s clear from watching Jaron that acquiring practical wisdom from failure, facing your fears head on and rising to the occasion can fill anyone’s life with immense meaning and can help all of us become a “Hero”.

Jacob Heavner

Groomsman

“The Brother-in-Arms” - I’ve learned from Jacob the value that comes from being loyal and protective. Jacob has shown me through action how to provide support and how to look into another persons future and solve problems for them. Heavner was the first person to support my aspirations of leaving my small town for the city. From representing the FOP to having the ability to listen and recall the tiniest of details, Heavner can identify what someone needs and execute a clear plan of action to get them what they need. If you’re in the trenches he’s in there with you and if you’re celebrating he’s the one popping the cork. Whether you win or lose, suffer or soar or just need a different perspective we all can learn so much about empathy, camaraderie and motivation from becoming a “Brother-in-Arms”.

Martin Renner

Groomsman

“The Illusionist” - I’ve learned from my older brother the joy we can feel from helping others forget. Martin has a very unique talent to be enigmatic and stop a room with the sole purpose of pulling laughter from everyone, especially the stern faced. Marty does this so well because he has a library of impressions, references and tricks up his sleeves that he can offer. Even a small amount of time spent with Martin and you feel welcomed as you are exposed to a plethora of self-depreciating jokes aimed at making others feel at ease. The illusion he presents isn’t one of lies, but a redirection from a mundane reality. For my whole life I’ve had the pleasure of growing up beside someone who values variety, curiosity and imagination. I’ve copied a lot of what my brother did because I admired him. A lot of what I love from mixed martial arts, a constant hunger for a balanced intellectual approach to life, to even being a showman came from Martin. He shows us the benefits of leaving behind a mundane existence when we are in the presence of an “Illusionist”.

Eric Dust

Groomsman

“The Warrior”- I’ve learned from Eric all about the Grind. Just Grind. If you take the time to observe Eric, you will see the exemplification of discipline. If you want to learn how to obtain an objective, look no further than the Ironman himself. I’ve watched Eric logically map his way into a physical representation of human drive, that consecutively completed a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run in under 12 hours and 30 min. I’ve learned about and seen the benefits of competition through Eric’s lifestyle. Watch Eric for a small amount of time and you will instantly see some of the warriors ethos. To always place the mission first, never accept defeat, and never quit. If you keep grinding, do what others are willing not to, and “stay hard” then you can become the embodiment of overcoming challenges. You can become a “Warrior”.

Connor Irish

Groomsman

“The Diver” - I’ve learned from Connor about the elixir of extremes and the intense swell of adventurous bliss that is the result of throwing caution to the wind. Connor has the unique talent of waking others up from the dull colors of uniformity. His tools of choice? Humor and insight. To be lighthearted is to be free from anxiety or worry. To be a sage is to be revered for having sound judgment and admirable philosophy. Connor is a lighthearted sage. Like an experienced diver, Connor’s capability to plunge deep into the abyss of dark humor or vast space of conversation knows no bounds. Connor’s ability to morph into an adventurer of great depths stems from his personality that savors the sweet perfume of a deep conversation and the strong shot of a satisfyingly horrid joke. Whether it’s his irresistible charisma, admirable authenticity or his courage to delve deep into the belly of any beast Connor shows by example the rewards we can reap if we sow a life like a “Diver”.

Sean Lex

Groomsman

“The Surgeon” - I’ve learned from Sean that small details are always there calling to be noticed. That with curiosity, consistency and patience our sense for the irreplaceable skill of consideration for others removes itself from ambiguity and has the potential to strengthen a myriad of different relationships. I’ve observed Sean, on countless occasions, examine a situation with delicacy- as if he were in surgery tasked with the importance of finding a solution in a complex body of moving parts. Consideration is an often discarded tool in our kits. Sean’s ability to channel interest and take notice of important details amongst a world of distraction makes him very admirable. Whether working with multiple partners in the modeling world, being an essential component to his sales team, or having the wisdom to place others in the center of focus (when he’s not in front of a camera) Sean reminds us to approach others with the deliberate patience and attention of a “Surgeon”.