Mariah & Steven
Wedding Party
Michael DeCook
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Michael is Steven's identical twin brother. Being twins, the two did everything together growing up. Their favorite things to do were playing and watching sports, jamming out on guitar hero, and confusing others with their identical looks. The two also enjoyed time on the baseball field together, especially turning double plays as Michael played second base and Steven played shortstop. When it came time for college, their paths diverged: Michael to Iowa State and Steven to St. Thomas. Despite the distance, their friendship remained strong with regular visits and almost-daily phone calls. Steven is forever grateful to have a built-in best friend in Michael.
Abby VanOoyen
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Mariah and Abby met in 2nd grade. From making each other try new sports in middle school, to late-night calc sessions in high school, to a cross-country road trip last year, their friendship has been full of adventure. Although they went to college states apart, they made it a priority to visit each other often. Following graduation, Abby moved out to MN to live with Mariah, fulfilling their long-standing dream of being roommates! You can usually find them cheering on WI sports, laughing at inside jokes, or battling it out in cribbage. Abby is the life of the party, incredibly hardworking, passionate about planning every detail, and down-to-earth.
Carter Bloomquist
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Carter and Steven have been close friends since elementary school, bonding over their love for sports and outdoor adventures. Whether they were pushing each other to land bigger tricks on the ski slopes or testing their limits with wild flips on Carterβs trampoline, they always found a way to have funβand somehow, they always managed to avoid any major injuries. After graduating from Iowa State, Carter moved back to MN and it wasnβt long before the two joined a local pickleball league, quickly becoming a dynamic duo on the court.
Jane Kleinschmidt
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Jane is Mariah's older cousin. Growing up, the two spent countless hours together, often doing each other's hair, playing competitive board games, making crafts, having sleepovers, and snacking on their grandparent's famous dill pickles. Jane is known for her ability to quote movies word-for-word and her beautiful singing voice - she makes the best karaoke partner! Now a 3rd grade teacher, she continues to inspire those around her with her passion and love for reading and continuous learning. Jane is confident, energetic, and kind-hearted.
Erik Koiser
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Erik and Steven met through sports in middle school. Though they attended different middle schools, their time together on basketball and baseball teams helped their friendship grow. Erik even earned the name "Baseline Erik" for his amazing shooting skills. Beyond sports, they connected over their shared goofy personalities and sense of humor. One of their favorite activities was heading to the Mall of America to stroll around and buy nothingβjust for the fun of it. Erik, who is now often called Derek by Steven, attends UW-Madison and has been visited there many times by Steven and Mariah over the past couple of years.
Vanessa Peer
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Vanessa and Mariah met freshman year of college, and quickly became close friends. Throughout college they attended many country concerts together and practically shared a closet. Through their friendship, they've grown together in their faith, challenging and encouraging each other. Vanessa's legendary sausage orzo recipe, her French press coffee she brewed on quiet mornings, and the late-night cookie dough sessions were just a few of the simple comforts that made living together so memorable. Now in Arizona pursuing optometry school, Vanessaβs friendship remains a steady source of joy and support. She is caring, intelligent, funny, and truly genuine.
Charlie Marble
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Steven and Charlie have known each other since middle school, where they quickly became good friends. Their goofy and easy-going personalities meshed very well. There was never a dull moment when the two were together. Their shared love for sports only strengthened their friendship, as they played on numerous baseball teams together throughout their school years. Early on, Steven gave Charlie the nickname Chuck, which has stuck to this day. Chuck went to UW-Madison where Steven and Mariah enjoyed visiting him many times. Fun fact: Charlie and his grandparents helped plan Mariah and Steven's engagement at the MN Arboretum!
Olivia Shapinsky
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Olivia and Mariah met freshman year of college. They lived together for two years, often exploring new coffee shops, exchanging outfit advice, and going on spontaneous drives for the fun of it. The two also enjoyed finding new places to study on campus, and testing out all of the pianos for study breaks! Mariah is always impressed with Olivia's knowledge of random biology facts and her love of all things Spam related (yes, she is an Austin, MN native!) The two share a love of thrifting, hugs, and stuffed animals. The simplest moments with Olivia are always filled with joy. She has a great sense of humor, a creative spirit, and the biggest heart.
Ben Silvernale
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Ben and Steven met during their freshman year of college when they were neighbors in the dorms. The two enjoyed attending St. Thomas football games, playing Mario Golf, working on school projects together, and going on trips to Florida. Ben came with to the Gopher football game the first time Steven and Mariah met! Ben and Steven were roommates for the last two years of college, and also became teammates on the club tennis team. On a tennis trip to Colorado, they were doubles partners and won their last collegiate tennis match ever, on a winner takes all tiebreaker point!
Erin Wiese
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Erin and Mariah became friends freshman year of college when they started looking for apartments together. They ended up living together for two years, and Erin quickly proved to be an amazing roommate. She loves to clean, always leaving their space spotless and she is the best plant mom - she has quite the collection of cool plants! Erin has a special ability to make people feel seen and cared for by offering thoughtful advice. Mariah is forever grateful to Erin for introducing her to Steven!! Erin now lives in IL, attending PA school, bringing her caring and empathetic nature to everything she does.
Nick DeCook
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Nick is Steven's older brother. Being so close in age, the two did a lot together growing up, some favorites being trips to Valley Fair and playing Rock Band. Steven also always loved watching Nick ski race and attending his swim meets in high school. Steven has always appreciated Nick's practical and straightforward advice. The two have enjoyed going to various sporting events together and love to talk about everything sports-related, especially how many championships MN sports teams would have if they listened to their advice! Nick currently lives in the Twin Cities area, so the two get to see each other often.
Megan DeCook
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Megan is Steven's older sister. Growing up, Steven always enjoyed going to her softball games, drawing chalk messages on their driveway together, and reading all the Harry Potter books. Over the years, Steven has appreciated the advice she gives him, especially about navigating the transition to high school and college. Megan now lives in CA and has embraced the sunny West Coast lifestyle, but Mariah and Steven are always excited when she's back in the Midwest to visit. Megan has a bubbly, radiant personality that lights up every room she walks into, and she bakes the best chocolate chip cookies!
Alex Michalski
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Alex is Mariah's older brother. The two enjoy making puzzles together, everything penguin related, playing strategic games, Wordle-ing daily, and often playing off of each other's sense of humor. Alex first introduced Mariah to sushi, which is now her favorite food! She knows who to go to when she's in need of a new movie or TV show recommendation, as Alex always has suggestions. He also makes the best car ride buddy, as he never fails to have a great playlist or podcast ready to go. He has a keen intellect and is very good with trivia facts. Alex is compassionate, loyal, and thoughtful.
Isaac Michalski
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Isaac is Mariah's older brother. He has a great love for travel, trying new restaurants, and early-morning hikes. Growing up, he was the master storyteller, keeping Mariah captivated with his fun voices and stories. He's a meticulous trip planner and Mariah is always impressed with his amazing sense of directions. When she first moved out to MN for college, Mariah appreciated having Isaac nearby in the Cities. While he now lives in AZ, the two enjoy playing Wii, ordering cheese curds, and laughing hysterically when they're together. Isaac is supportive and has a kind and generous heart.
