Marina & StevenMarina & Steven
Wedding PartyWedding Party
Ashley AllenAshley Allen
Maid of Honor
Ashley has been Marina's best friend since the first day they stepped on Ashland University's Campus. They roomed together for 3 years of college, and traveled everywhere from Las Vegas to Costa Rica Ashley is a very nice balance for Marina and they are two peas in a pod. They aren't just sorority sisters, but true found family and they are each welcomed into each other's families as one of their own. If you are blessed to be in the same room as Ashley and Marina when they start laughing, then you are really in for a treat. Ashley's positive spirit and unwavering friendship has helped shape Marina into the person she is today and she couldn't be happier that Ashley will be standing beside her for her big day!
Tyler SakalTyler Sakal
Best Man
Sakal, as Steven calls him, has been his ride or die since 2014. They first met as fraternity brothers at Kent State, and after living together junior and senior year, Steven has known there was nobody else who he'd want standing next to him on this day. They share many interests, including suffering as a Browns fan, video games, and attending Wrestlemania in 2025. Sakal and Steven have always been there for each other through the good and the bad. In Steven's opinion everyone needs to get them someone like Tyler Sakal in their lives. He truly is 1 of 1
Julia BellJulia Bell
Bridesmaid
Julia is Marina's middle sister and has been there with her through everything. They have grown up together since the beginning and now they both have stood up in each other's weddings. Marina's favorite memories with Julia are driving to school in their slug bug convertible, top down with trap music blaring. Julia brings the "swerve" to Marina's life Julia and Marina have recently started a garden together and hope to have a farmstand at the end of Julia's driveway soon with fresh sourdough bread, veggies and fresh cut flowers. Julia is very kind and helpful to everyone she meets and Marina is blessed to have her as a seester!
Cole HawbakerCole Hawbaker
Groomsman
Cole was Steven's first friend after moving to Kent for college and they rushed the same fraternity together. Their friendship blossomed from Steven not wanting to spend a single second in his freshman dorm room. They were roommates sophomore year and it was there where they discovered their ability to riff off of each other. These two in the same room lends to endless laughter as they bounce joke after joke off of each other, especially under the influence. Together they've spent countless hours playing rock band, Cole is the guitar to Steven's drums. Steven is honored to have one of his best friend's up there standing with him.
Emma SchaeferEmma Schaefer
Bridesman
Emma is Marina's youngest sister and her closest look alike. When they were younger several times Emma got mistaken as Marina's daughter since they are 7 years apart and Marina was always so tall. Emma lets Marina lean into her girly side. Together they love to get their nails done, go shopping, and gossip about boys. Marina's favorite memories with Emma were during Covid when they were stuck at home they would pass the time together by going on hot girl walks in the woods. Emma is so creative and artistic that she has made the signage, the save the dates, and the invitations for the wedding weekend. The couple couldn't have done it without her!
Tyler BayerTyler Bayer
Groomsman
I'm not sure why this name says Tyler, his name is Teddy. Teddy is the guy who started it all during Steven's freshman year in 2014. Teddy was a super senior that year and welcomed him, Cole, Longwell, and Cozzoli to his apartment to chill and watch hockey and Game of Thrones. The crew was graciously named Teddy's minions and they've never looked back since. Teddy is genuinely one of the nicest humans you'll ever meet
Kennedy KlainerKennedy Klainer
Officiant
Kennedy is Marina's bestie from college, roommate, and east coast savior. Kennedy is part of the reason that Marina and Steven met. Her and Nathan got married in Italy and got the ball rolling on their relationship. Without them this wedding wouldn't be possible. Kennedy and Marina both work in food marketing and can relate on so many levels. One of Marina's favorite memories with Kennedy is when Marina took a Greyhound bus to see Kennedy in New York and they went to an influencer closet clean-out sale. They proceeded to tear it up and later they got a bunch of free stuff because they're pretty! You can always find them on the hunt for a good deal or a popping estate sale to tear up next!
Nathan KlainerNathan Klainer
Officiant
The oldest friend of Steven on this roster and one of his last remaining high school friends. Steven has to give him some credit for helping this wedding come to fruition by marrying his co-officiant Kennedy back in 2022 and giving the wonderful couple the opportunity to meet in a romantic place. Nathan and Steven ran cross country together and back when Steven lived in Ohio they frequented a $5 movie on many occasions. Nathan is a fellow fantasy sports aficionado and they've been in the same football league for 13 years.
Kim SchaeferKim Schaefer
Mother of the Bride
Kim Schaefer. Legend. 1 of 1. With a one of a kind personality and signature cackle laugh that is joyously contagious, she is sure to captivate any room she enters. Kim has always been there to help Marina grow, give her life advice, and support her at the drop of a hat. Besides legend, she has another nickname of Martha Stewart and she puts that name to good use as the wedding planning expert and the reason why everything will look so magical on the big day!
Linda RomoLinda Romo
Mother of the Groom
Linda is Steven’s rockstar mom. Having raised him as a single parent for his whole life she is quite literally half of the reason this day is happening, because he wouldn’t be here without her! She is kind, soulful, thoughtful, and the most selfless person. Make sure you get a chance to talk to her on the big day, you won’t regret it!
Dave SchaeferDave Schaefer
Father of the Bride
Girl dad supreme and the first man Marina ever loved. As his first daughter, Marina and Dave share a special bond whether they're talking shop, talking ball, or straight up talking. Dave has worked very hard his whole life to provide the best life possible for his girls and Marina couldn't be more thankful for everything he's done. Her favorite memories with Dave were after Marina's basketball games where they would chat about how the game went, just the two of them. Be sure to catch his signature finger guns out on the dance floor!
Keith MatternKeith Mattern
Ring Bearer
Grandpa Keithers is the couple's spry and youthful ring bearer and also Marina's peepaw. He has many nicknames and talents but you will likely hear to him referred to as Meatball and he exemplifies all of the wonderful qualities of Italy's finest spherical meat. This guy is a hoot and make sure to catch him doing his signature chicken dance on the dance floor!
Norma GrossNorma Gross
Flower Girl
Norma is the couple's wonderful flower girl and Keith's bingo partner in crime. She has a great heart and makes the best chocolate chip cookies!
Cassie HuntCassie Hunt
Something Blue
Cassie is Marina’s sorority big and a huge reason why Marina chose to join Alpha Phi. Without Cassie, Marina wouldn’t have met so many of the friends who are now forever part of her life. Beyond her impact in college, Cassie is also a wonderful mom to her adorable daughter, Daisy, and she played a big role in fostering Marina’s love for hiking during visits when Cassie lived in Tennessee. One of Marina’s favorite memories with Cassie is when she drove two and a half hours just to surprise her for an impromptu trip to Cedar Point. That level of effort, thoughtfulness, and dedication perfectly captures what makes Cassie such an incredible friend.
Alyssa StarkeyAlyssa Starkey
Something Blue
Alyssa is Marina’s sorority little and a longtime friend whose bond has only grown stronger over the years. They share a love for travel and caring for plants, passions that have shaped some of Marina’s favorite memories. One especially meaningful trip was visiting Alyssa in Tucson, Arizona, when she lived there a visit that inspired Marina to choose Arizona for her bachelorette party. While there, Alyssa took Marina to an incredible nursery to buy cacti, a moment that truly sparked Marina’s love (and growing addiction) for plants. Marina and Alyssa also bond over getting a good tattoo or piercing, sharing a delicious appetizer, and sipping a handcrafted cocktail. No matter how much time passes, they can always pick up right where they left off. One of Marina’s favorite things about their friendship and a true testament to how deep their connection runs.
Shannon McIeShannon McIe
Something Blue
Shannon has been one of Marina’s close friends since college, back when they lived together in the dorms and quickly became inseparable. Over the years, they’ve shared countless Sour Monkeys whether up in Michigan at Shan’s house, or relaxing at her family cabin creating memories filled with laughter. Even as life has gotten busier, Marina and Shannon have always made a genuine effort to see each other as much as possible throughout the years. Last year, Shan became a mom to sweet Mr. Clay, who is truly the perfect addition to the friend group. With his arrival, their adventures have only gotten better with including Clay on their thrifting weekend outings and making new memories together.
Kathryn DinovoKathryn Dinovo
Something Blue
Marina and Kathryn’s friendship began in college, where they met as sorority sisters and quickly formed a lasting bond. They grew even closer while studying abroad together in Paris for a month, where they took a fashion class and immersed themselves in the city’s culture, style, and everyday adventures. Over the years, their friendship has continued to grow through countless moments spent catching up, traveling, and simply enjoying each other’s company!
Abbi MinnardAbbi Minnard
Something Blue
Abbi is one of those friends you can always count on to be there for you no matter what. She’s quick-witted, endlessly loyal, and known for delivering some of the best zingers completely out of nowhere. Abbi and Marina met on the very first day of sorority recruitment, when Abbi asked Marina to slap her fresh tattoo, a moment that instantly sealed the deal on their friendship! After college, Abbi landed a job at USG and helped Marina get one there too. From then on, their daily routine included calling each other to vent and laugh, often about Home Depot employees, turning even the most mundane workdays into something fun. They also share a love of traveling to new cities together, bonding over a shared appetizer and a double IPA, making memories wherever they go.
Alex BinghamAlex Bingham
Something Blue
Bingham and Marina became friends in college during their time in Alpha Phi. Bingham was a year older than Marina, so Marina really looked up to her throughout sorority life. During the summer before Marina’s junior year, she lived in Ohio, and every day she and Bingham would go to the gym together to work out. Marina and Bingham are true travel buddies and even took on Europe together before Marina met Steven. Bingham is one of those people who will always tell it like it is, and Marina truly respects and appreciates that about her.
Alex LongwellAlex Longwell
Grooms Bros
Steven and Longwell met freshman year of college as they were joining the same fraternity. Together they’re an unstoppable drinking duo, and have lifted many weights in their day. He is a wonderful human and an amazing friend who always has your back no matter what! Look for him out on the dance floor tearing it up right next to our groom!
Andrew CozzoliAndrew Cozzoli
Grooms Bros
Cozzoli, as Steven calls him, is another one of his best friends from college. They too met in the same fraternity during their freshman year, and he was actually roommates with Cole, so they all spent a lot of time together. In fact Steven and Cozzoli lived in the same dorm/house every year of college! Cozzoli is a very kind soul and a great friend and Steven feels very lucky to have him as a friend and Grooms Bro!
Bart FlanaganBart Flanagan
Grooms Bros
Bart is one of Steven’s best friends from college. They met when Steven joined the same fraternity Bart was in and after a rocky first impression they became good friends later in his freshman year. Bart is feisty and there’s no greater hype man than him for when you’re at your highest highs or lowest lows. Steven is honored to have Bart be a part of his big day and he can’t wait for Bart’s wedding in the future as well!!
