Mandie & Brad
Wedding Party
Brad Bergeson
Groom
Brad was born in Estherville but moved to Manchester with his family in middle school. Brad has two younger sisters and three nieces who he adores. Brad owned Bergeson Masonry for many years but recently took a career change and began working in construction sales. Brad enjoys working with his hands and is extremely knowledgeable and talented. He has a wonderful sense of humor and is always willing to help friends and associates. He enjoys riding his bicycle, golfing, deer hunting and has a nack for remembering movies and identifying musical artists. Brad is the best travel companion and I feel so lucky to have him as my partner for life!
Mandie Kendzora
Bride
Mandie, was born in Des Moines, the middle of three children, an older sister and younger brother. Mandie attended Dowling High School where she participated in a number of activities, including Cross country, track, soccer, and many more. She attended The University of Iowa and graduated with a degree in social work and psych. She now works for the Department of Human Services in Cedar Rapids. She is one of the most active people I have ever met, also working part time at The Quarter Barrel Brewery and Arcade along with teaching dance one night a week. She loves attending music festivals when she does have time. Oh, and don't forget about the traveling! She has opened my eyes to some of the most beautiful sights on earth and I can't wait to get the rest of our lives started together.
Jared Schmidt
Best Man
Shmitty, not to be mistaken for Schmidt, as his close friends know him, has been one of my best friends for over 20 years. We've seen some of the best times and experienced some of the worst times as well. I know he is always there if I ever need a post to lean on or an ear to vent into. Its hard to put into words the bond that I know we have. Im grateful that he will be standing next to me on this wonderful day.
Cassie Kendzora
Maid of Honor
Cassie is my older sister and first friend. While we are very different in many ways, we are also so much the same. She has been my role model, advisor and confidant through everything. She is one of the most beautiful woman I have ever known and has the most sensitive soul. I couldn't imagine having anyone else next to me on my wedding day, though we may have to work on her not looking prettier than me...
Tyler Klima
Groomsman
Tyler has been a family friend since the early 1990's. He is an amazing jeweler, and an even better friend. He was there through the most difficult time in my life and I can't imagine going through it without him. He has a very keen eye and isn't afraid to point out something that he doesn't like or thinks should be done a different way. Kinda like me. I am elated that he will be sharing this special day in a way other than just providing the jewelry.
Melinda Warren
Bridesmaid
Melinda and I have been friends since we were knee-high to a grasshopper, as her dad would say. We lived next door to each other for about a decade and did everything together! From the days of making up our own spy language to getting to hold her son this past summer, ours is a friendship that will always endure. She inspires me often with her yoga poses and beginning veterinary school as a new mom!
Jacob Pugh
Groomsman
Jake, as he likes to be referred to now, is an anomaly in my eyes. After college, joined the military working in the JAG program, moved all over the world, and decided to learn to fly planes and now has one of his own. We have also been friends for over 20 years and had some amazing experiences. Riding co-pilot in his plane to the Bahamas is an experience I will not soon forget.
Amanda Bartusek
Bridesmaid
Amanda was my roommate in college for two years. We shared many late nights and early mornings tailgating for Iowa football games. She and I still reminisce about the time we had a McDonald's feast on the living room floor at 3:00AM in 2009. Amanda is sassy and not afraid to speak her mind, which makes her a great lawyer and an epic friend!
Mark Phillips
Groomsman
I met Mark shortly after moving to Marion in 2001. Although I didn't know it then, we would become very close friends 15 years later. He lived down the street from me and I only really knew him as Red's little brother. Our friendship got much stronger when I moved back into Cedar Rapids and decided to start riding a bicycle. Since then, we have experienced some amazing rides, day and night, including RAGBRAI. It's an honor to have him experiencing this special day with us.
Rachelle DuVall
Bridesmaid
Rachelle and I met through work and became fast friends! She loved to soak up everything Iowa had to offer from Hawkeye football to 515 Alive music festival but her heart was in California, so despite the distance, we have phone dates to catch up and will be meeting in Las Vegas to run her first half marathon in November 2017. She makes me accountable to be a better person and better friend and I am excited to share these new experiences with her as well!
Mark Nelson
Groomsman
I met Mark when I joined Thompson Custom Homes as the masonry contractor. Mark and I hit it off right away, we are very similar in our attention to detail in our crafts and don't like to settle for OK. Needless to say, our work relationship quickly turned into an amazing friendship. Mark and I have played golf, ridden bikes, including RAGBRAI, and collaborated on dozens of construction projects. I couldn't imagine not having him stand with me for this event.
Kim Opatz
Bridesmaid
Kim and I also met through work and while we sometimes end up on opposite sides of an issue, our friendship continues to be one I greatly treasure. Kim is a die hard Hawkeye fan and we have enjoyed several years of traveling to Hawkeye events and music festivals together. I can always count on her for a listening ear and an ability to make me laugh no matter what else may be going on. She is the best selfie-taker, dub-smasher and all around wonderful person who I am lucky to call my friend!
Bill Studt
Groomsman
Bill is my sister Emily's boyfriend. He's really more than that, just not officially. He is an amazing father to his daughter Presley, as well as all three of my nieces and Mocha, my dog. Bill and I have experienced many amazing things, we took first place in his companies golf tournament even though I had only played golf twice that year. Im glad Emily has found someone like Bill that can support all of the activities and endeavors that she's taken on. I'm lucky to have a man like him in my corner.
Charli Vail
Bridesmaid
My festival-loving, hippie friend! Charli and I have had so many wonderful experiences together over the last few years, including a road trip to New Orleans to attend Jazz Fest with a hilarious night to remember in Memphis on the way! Charli is an old soul with a fun and amazing spirit! I am so thankful to have her in my life (and wedding) to help keep me grounded.
Ryan Kendzora
Usher
Ryan is my little brother and he is absolutely the greatest little brother a girl could have! Ryan is witty and sarcastic with an amazing ability to lighten the mood in any situation. Ryan has always been a wonderful support and is wise beyond his years, though sometimes I still see that annoying little brother side of him when he relentlessly teases me, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Jelena Krickovic
Personal Attendant
Jelena is Ryan's girlfriend and has become a part of our family over the last several years. She has been a great support to Ryan and I love any chance I get to spend with them!
Amayah & Presley
Honor Attendant
Amayah is Brad's oldest niece and Presley is his step-niece and daughter of Bill, one of his groomsmen. The girls had no idea what they were signing up for when they agreed to be my attendants but they eagerly accepted the role!
Addison & Annabelle
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
Addison and Annabelle are Brad's youngest nieces and could not be more excited about their roles in the wedding! Annabelle is thrilled she will get out of wearing a dress and Addison has been begging to go dress shopping for hers for months!