Wedding Party

Graham Nagel

Groom

Malorie Masek

Bride

Austin Russell

Best Man

Austin and I met back in our Freshman year at Columbia in 2012 when we were suitemates! A guitar performance major at the time (he can shred) we quickly became buds with our shared passion for travel, music, business ideas, and the arts. He’s one cool dude. A decade later, Austin and I have been roommates in numerous apartments for many years (one was a studio, if we could make it through that, we can anything!) We have had countless adventures together. Originally from Seattle, he now lives in New York City doing freelance videography work!

Erin Bradley

Matron of Honor

I always knew Erin would be standing next to me on this big day. Our friendship has stood the test of time. Starting in 2009, Erin has seen me through every significant moment in life that has brought me here, all with her faith as the brightest north star, leading us both closer to Christ every step. Within our friendship, there was never any expectation of being perfect. We let each other in to parts of life and ourselves that were messy, sharing it all over cookie skillets, froyo, pizza, and drinks. Erin is an incredible Special Education Teacher and worship leader, as well as a wife to Hayden and a mother to her beautiful baby boy, Hudson.

Honey (Hon) Moon

Groomsman

From the moment I realized his parents named him Honey Moon (facts) I knew Hon was a special and crazy guy. We met while studying abroad in Bangkok, Thailand. We realized quickly his sense of adventure and risks, and my willingness to comply made a great travel duo. We have gone through many rad treks and adventures together; he quickly became my asian brother. Hon is a traveling nurse - growing up a refugee, he travels back to Burma frequently to help aid his people from the war. His heart is gold!

Angela Nagel

Bridesmaid

As soon as I met her, I knew I was lucky that along with dating Graham came the privilege of knowing and loving Angela. One of my favorite memories with Angela includes the quality time spent with her the day of our engagement. She helped plan the surprise proposal and documented it for us so sneakily and perfectly. We went to church, had quality conversations about life, our faith, struggles, hopes, and then enjoyed the Lincoln Park Zoo in the rain. Angela can make the best of any situation and her powerful sense of self radiates in every aspect of her life through brave decisions. This year she listened to God’s calling for her to sell all her belongings and take her dog Noodles on the road, allowing her space to pursue God’s true purpose for her life and truly take some time to enjoy it.

Doug Masek

Groomsman

Doug (Malorie’s brother) is like the older and wiser brother I never had. 😂 He and his wife dodged a bullet by have his wedding one month before the pandemic started- who would have known! He is an engineer for Weber grills, and guaranteed he can grill and smoke up some of the best meats you’ll eat. We can always count on asking him and his wife for good advice in all aspects, and I know Mal and I are super thankful for that. Doug his wife Kait are expecting their first child this June! Hoping for another Gemini to join the family.

Kait Masek

Bridesmaid

Kait is the OG by marriage sister (thanks Doug!). Kait immediately felt like a safe space. I’m so thankful for the ways she’s been there for me and how she always meets me exactly where I’m at. Kait is equally as ready for a nap on the couch “watching” The Incredibles as she is for a fierce game of Dutch Blitz - I love that energy. Kait is the greatest hype woman, confidant, and wise counsel. It has been so special to have her support through every step of the wedding planning process. I cannot wait to support her through her next chapter as a mom and show up for her the way she has always been there for me.

Chad Smith

Groomsman

This dawg. I met Chad through his wife Hannah being in same small group as Malorie. The first time I met all of them, I walked into a party where I immediately was thrown into a game of Thunderstruck and I knew Chad was here for a good time. From hangouts by the lake, to almost burning our Airbnb down in Arizona, there has never a dull moment! Chad led our small group where we could be honest about our faith walk and continue to grow. During COVID, we still made the best of our time in Chicago. Chad and his wife recently moved to Knoxville, Tennessee where they built a new home!

Hannah Smith

Bridesmaid

Five years ago, Hannah and I spent a full year as casual acquaintances in our Small Group. We met every Wednesday for at least a year before finally taking a few walks just the two of us along the lake. It took us a whole additional year before our lives shifted to make room for the friendship God was leading us towards. Together, we’ve walked through so many different seasons, bonded by our faith and the shared willingness to wrestle with difficulties in life. Hannah is the type of friend that shows up – for laughs, adventure, comfort, support – always going the extra mile, balloon arch and all. Her relationship with Chad has shown me the importance of respect and independence within a secure relationship. They taught us that marriage is something fun to look forward to. We can’t wait to create more memories with Hannah and Chad in their new Knoxville home this summer!

Luis Colindres

Groomsman

During our freshman year orientation at Columbia, the president of our school said to turn around and meet someone, and Luis did just that - and that is how we met! An awesome friend and artist, we share many interests like horror movies, EDM music, and long road trips (many we have been on include: LA, Vegas, Grand Canyon, Toronto... to name a few!) Luis is a Chicago local, and has been an awesome friend. Luis is a successful artist who has done many murals, including all of the Pop-Up’s at Replay in Lincoln Park!

Julia Merryman

Bridesmaid

The QUEEN who planned the best weekend of my life, a perfect Mama Mia themed Bachelorette Party, complete with Laser Tag and Karaoke. There is no one you can rely on more to go over and beyond planning perfect gestures of love for the people she cares about. Julia and I met freshman year through Danielle, but our friendship truly blossomed Junior year after following in her and Danielle’s footsteps studying abroad in Cambridge. After college, we both moved to Chicago and began a new chapter of our friendship. Julia and I have grown so much together, learning how to love and truly accept love in return. She was there to debrief after Graham and my first date and for all the fun milestones since. When she’s not scoping out coffeeshops with her boyfriend Andrew or planning her next weekend adventure, she’s crying over cute TikTok videos. 100% count on her crying through this whole ceremony.

Adelaido (Del) Olea

Groomsman

I met Del through Luis freshman year of college at Columbia. Another awesome artist and friend, we enjoy traveling, thrifting, humor, and foooood... As well as a dicey game of Mario Kart (we have to watch out for Malorie). Del is a real one who always open for deep talks about life, and is super down to earth. Always sending the best memes, and guaranteed a new hair color every season. Del has a an art studio where he focuses on his art including oil painting!

Margaret de Veer

Bridesmaid

Our friendship took root in 2013 when I was Margaret’s Assistant Stage Manager for Valpo’s production of Sweeney Todd. A year filled with change, Margaret was the steady friend I needed to keep me grounded. From then on, Margaret has always been there for me, unwaveringly Team Malorie – giving me room to make my own choices while loving and supporting me no matter the outcome. Margaret shows Christ’s love to everyone she meets; her selflessness is never limited to those she knows. As you can imagine, this made Margaret an unbelievably kind, gracious, and perfect roommate for two years. She currently lives with Julia and continues to take care of everyone around her through her day job and volunteering regularly, serving the community through her Church.

Derek McDunn

Groomsman

Derek and I met in our TEFL class (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) in Chicago, in 2016. Knowing I wanted to go back to Asia, Derek motivated me into moving to Taiwan to teach English. Through a friend he had met on a Facebook group, we were able to both get jobs in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Derek and I had countless abroad adventures, with an amazing group of people. From camping, hiking, islands in Taiwan, to India and the Philippines, we have had so many good times. Derek is now a flight attendant for United and continues to travel for a living!

Bethany Wiersma

Bridesmaid

B was the cool girl of the Honors College with a nose piercing, and I was honored when she decided to be my friend so early into our Freshman year. We bonded over shared love of babies, bops, and of course boys. Our friendship was one that clicked right away, Bethany just understood me. Over the years, I’ve always appreciated Bethany leaning in when things got hard. One of the most valuable lessons she taught me is to not be afraid to make the choice that’s right for you even if it’s scary, and that changing your mind later isn’t a sign of failure. Bethany always stands up for herself and what she believes in, and channels that energy into advocating for others. After college, Bethany became a teacher through Teach for America and is now killing it as an Assistant Principal at a school in Austin, TX. Most importantly, she’s mom to Olive the cat.

Kaphler Ler

Groomsman

We can laugh about it now, but one time Kaphler and I came close to death when we got completely lost motorbiking In the middle of country-side Thailand. Night came and we drove around for hours looking for our campsite. One thing I can say about Kaphler is he has the BEST attitude. Optimistic and fun in all situations, he will always be there for you if you need it. So thankful to have met him when I studied abroad in Thailand. Kaphler is a military Sargent! Kaphler also recently got engaged to his fiancé Pawmalie!

Danielle Steinwart

Bridesmaid

“Why don’t we talk more?!” – us every time Danielle and I get together. Though we both are regularly active in our group chat with Julia and Bethany, it’s never enough because Danielle’s energy, humor, and outlook on life is unmatched. We met freshman year and bonded over all our common interests, first cast in a trio in the Christ College Freshman Production, then singing together in Valpo’s Co-Ed Acapella Group Hooked on Tonics, and as sisters in SAI. Danielle is and always has been there for me, ready for a laugh, a cry, or a song. She is a kindred spirit and proof of that is how we both coincidentally ended up in the events industry. Currently Danielle lives in DC living her best life, gracing people with her witty jokes and killer fashion choices with a boldness I will always admire!