Our Team

Jessica Buckley

Matron of Honor

Jess was one of the very first people I met in Chicago. I somehow managed to stay in her apartment because I had met her roommate once. Jess opened the apartment door and invited me in 8 years ago. It has been symbolic - open door for our fruitful friendship and everything else in Chicago. We share our faith, love for car rides and road trips, love for worship, and deep knowledge and understanding of being an international students. Some of my favorite things about Jess are her love and servanthood for people, love for discussions of deep spiritual things as well as completely ridiculous scenarios. What a joy to have her next to me on my special day!

Emmett Wester

Best Man

Emmett is my brother and my best friend. We've been through a lot together from growing up, to high school to college and now adulthood. Never thought he'd be married let alone have a kiddo before me, but here we are! In a lot of ways I've admired Emmett throughout the years. He's always been his own man, walked to the beat of his own drum. From bandanas, fanny packs, and dragon tshirts in college, to getting married, moving to North Carolina, and getting a dog when Emmett makes his mind up he stays committed to that decision no matter what. I've learned from him more than he probably realizes. He's committed to growing, learning, and never ceasing to seek out new experiences. I look forward to the ways God will continue to grow him, Paige and Isabelle in the years to come!

Raita Supe

Matron of Honor

Raita is my wonderful sister-in-law from Latvia! She has 4 kids - Stefans, Jekabs, Darta, and Hana and she is a rockstar homeschool mom, as well as wife to my oldest brother Raitis! Raita has been such an important addition to my life. Interestingly, we have spent more time together apart than together because of my departure for US university to 2012, but our friendship has always flourished and blessed me either in person or far apart. Raita is someone who inspires me - by the way she desires to follow God, her love and care for her family, and her honesty. She is someone who truly gets me and what a blessing it is to have in my life!

Jeff Shills

Groomsman

I met Jeff in Tampa while I was playing for the Bucs back in 2018. It was a privilege to get to do life and serve alongside him as he pursued fatherless youth through Idol's Aside Ministries. I've learned so much from Jeff about what it means to be a man of God, father, husband, and missionary. Through all the ups and downs in life Jeff is a man who will truly celebrate and mourn with you whatever the occasion may require. From Jeff I learned what it meant to stand on the wall, be committed, and fight for the Lord. A Hebrews 11 man, on fire for God. I'll never forget the times I got to share with him and his family in Florida. Blessed to have him be able to share the day with us!

Katie Broyles

Bridesmaid

I have always joked and told Katie, "If for no other reason but to meet you, it was all worth to move to Chicago" Katie is someone who has been with me through thick and thin. She has loved me so well through her friendship. We met in our first semester of Master's degree. I gave compliment on her style, we found each other on Facebook , realized we both love Jesus and have so many Chi Alpha friends! So it was meant TO BE! Katie is a friend who truly knows me, someone with whom I have been comfortable to grow with and be challenged with. But I can tell you of all the fun adventures we have gone on to, memes shared, laughter and tears shed, talks and warm drinks sipped, and so, so, so much more! We all need friends with whom we can just sit with and be. Katie has been that for me and I am so joyful that she will join us on our special day!

Mitch Giger

Groomsman

While we are not blood brothers, Mitch has been an older brother to me since we met at Missouri Western in 2011. When I got to start traveling with the team Mitch was my first roommate and we've been close ever since. At the time, I did not know the Lord and Mitch was the example God put in my life. I got to watch him stay committed to his beliefs during college which is an extremely difficult place to do so. Bailee jokes that when we get together, she is the third wheel in all of it. I have gotten to see Mitch and Bailee grow over the years, but more importantly I have gotten to watch them be faithful witnesses to the Lord in Weston, MO. They never compromise and truly only care what the Lord thinks of how they live their lives. They have blessed my life tremendously and I'm excited for what the future will hold!

Londyn Miller Celuch

Bridesmaid

My sweet Londyn! We met when she was only 4 years old and I moved in with her grandparents who are my family here in the States. I can't believe we have had 10 years together but it has been so sweet to grow up together. I wish I could share our photos here through the years together, but you will just have to believe me when I say we took a lot of silly ones. I am so grateful we have been able to do so many sleepovers, late night talks and laughs, discussions about world, school and God, baking adventures, silly dances and singing, and who knows what else! Londyn has brought so much joy in my life! When I moved to States, I never thought that the little girl I made a connection with will stand in front with me on my wedding day. What a blessing it is!

Josh Ferge

Groomsman

Josh "all shoulders" Ferge! Missouri Western was good to me in the friends it gave me. Josh has been a close and the strongest friend I've had since college! Josh is one of the most loyal people I know and is always there to lend an ear for any life situation. If we haven't talked for a while, we always seem to pick up where we left off. He took the brave choice of changing his career and go back to school to become a nurse. Can't think of a better profession for a dude who cares about people so much!

Mary Wester

Bridesmaid

She is Leonard's only sister and I very much know how it is to be an only sister amongst three brothers! It builds endurance and toughness. Knowing the Wester brothers, she needed a lot of it in the best way! :) I would say Mary has those qualities and is very charismatic. She is a wonderful travel nurse who also cares about fashion. I am looking forward having a new sister in law and grateful for her joining by my side on our wedding day!

Mike Lidtke

Groomsman

Mike and I were teammates and roommates in Tampa. We could summarize our time in the NFL by putting a copy of our surgery reports on this website haha. Mike is the ultimate foxhole guy! We continuously found ourselves in the same situations when it came to injuries and practice workload. It was easier to go through all that because Mike was right there going through the same thing and at times he was going through even tougher situations. One of the toughest and most determined guys I know. It's been awesome to get to know him, Noelle, and their son Gage. Baby number 2 is right around the corner and couldn't be more excited for what their future holds!

Christina Maldonado

Bridesmaid

My passionate, zealous, deep feeling and caring friend. Most people know her as a great singer, but that is one of the less impressive things about Christina. I love her raw honesty and deep care and love for people in her life. We met few years ago while serving on a worship team. I looked forward to every Sunday when she was on because it always meant that we will have great conversations together that were deep and meaningful. (My love language - if you know me, you know I don't like small talk) . I am thankful for Christina because she has been one of my prayer warrior throughout different seasons. AND she is so good at celebrating small moments and others! I feel so much joy and peace being around Christina and what a blessing it is to have her as part of our team!

Nic Williams

Groomsman

Nic and I go all the way back to High School. Once we were merely rivals on the field, but Missouri Western changed that. We then became teammates, roommates, but more importantly brothers! Despite the injuries Nic never gave up on himself or his teammates. He just always continued to grit things out even when the ball didn't bounce his way! Over the years I have watched him change, grow, and hit his stride. The first FCA event I ever spoke at was the one he invited me to in Washington. To see him grow as a husband, father, teacher, coach, and follower of Christ has been a great privilege of mine. The way God is using him to impact not just the lives of athletes in his community but at risk youth in the classroom as well is an amazing testimony to the heart God gave him!

Paige Wester

Bridesmaid

Sweet Paige is the best man's wife, Leonard's sister-in-law and mom of Isabelle! I am looking forward to build even a deeper connection with Paige as I get to join the family! Paige is one of the most positive, kind, joyful, sincere people I have met. And someone who is up for a challenge and competition in a Ligretto card game (important to me :D)

Kristopher Franz

Officiant