Wedding Party
McKenzie Wisdom
Maid of Honor
McKenzie is one of Alyssa's two Maids of Honor. The two first met as dancers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where their friendship began. After graduation, Alyssa moved to Los Angeles and a few years later, McKenzie followed, unknowingly landing just one street away. Their friendship deepened quickly as they found themselves on incredibly similar life paths, each building wellness focused businesses: Alyssa creating Better Days, and McKenzie launching Wise & Well. McKenzie began hosting luxury wellness retreats, where Alyssa joined her as an instructor, and the two spent countless hours creating, dreaming, and supporting one another. McKenzie has been by Alyssa's side through every step of building Better Days, celebrating the wins, navigating the challenges, and cheering her on relentlessly. Alyssa couldn't imagine this day without her unwavering support, her grounding presence, and her heart of gold.
Meg Brewer
Maid of Honor
Meg is one of Alyssa's two Maids of Honor and a friend she's been close to for over twelve years. They met in college when Alyssa spontaneously invited Meg to a concert, and from that night on, the two were inseparable. Their friendship grew quickly, leading them to live together for the last two years of college, a time filled with countless memories, late night talks, and a friendship that would last forever. Meg knows Alyssa better than almost anyone. Even though they've been long distance for the past eight years, the distance has never once dimmed their friendship. They've navigated careers, moves, relationships, heartbreaks, and major life milestones side by side, always showing up for one another no matter the miles between them. Meg has been a constant source of encouragement, honesty, and grounding for Alyssa. She's celebrated every high, supported her through every transition, and remained one of the most steady and meaningful people in Alyssa's life. Alyssa is incredibly grateful to have Meg by her side during the wedding planning process and on the big day, sharing in every laugh, every memory, and every moment that led them here.
Kendall Musselman
Bridesmaid
Kendall has been a part of Alyssa's life since middle school, and the two were inseparable from the start, basically sisters growing up. Even though they attended different schools at first (Alyssa at Grand Haven and Kendall at Mona Shores), they eventually switched to Spring Lake so they could be together. The two had a morning routine that became a cherished ritual: Kendall would shower at home, then head over to Alyssa's so they could get ready for school and go together. Which was great until Kendall no longer had any clothes at her actual home haha. They truly did everything together, and even in college, with Alyssa at UW Madison and Kendall at Michigan State, they made time to visit one another and kept their friendship strong. Alyssa had the honor of standing by Kendall's side at her wedding in 2024, and she couldn't be more excited to have Kendall by her side this year, celebrating another special milestone together.
Maudie Brown
Bridesmaid
Maudie and Alyssa first met as dancers at UW–Madison. While they were close throughout the dance program, their friendship deepened years later when Maudie spent time living in Los Angeles and the two reconnected effortlessly. Maudie became one of Alyssa’s very first private clients when Alyssa took the leap to start her business. For the past three years, they’ve spent hours together each week moving, talking, laughing, and supporting one another through every season of life. Their sessions naturally became a space where they shared conversations about relationships, marriage, building a family, and eventually Maudie’s journey into motherhood. The two often joke about how similar they are, which is probably why they naturally see eye to eye on just about everything. Maudie is one of the funniest, most uplifting people in Alyssa’s life, and her loyalty, encouragement, and friendship over the last decade have meant more than words can say. After welcoming her beautiful baby boy, Sonny, at the end of March, Alyssa feels especially grateful that Maudie is still able and willing to stand by her side on such an important day. Their friendship is rooted in deep trust, genuine joy, and unwavering support through every chapter of life.
Ana Rodriguez
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and Ana’s friendship started in the most modern way possible, as Instagram best friends. Long before they ever met in person, they talked constantly, supported each other through every phase of life, and built a friendship that felt effortless from the very beginning. By the time Ana came to Alyssa’s birthday almost two years later, everyone was shocked it was technically their first time meeting in person because they already felt so close. Not long after, Ana started dating Spencer Moritz, who is one of Mark’s best friends and the person who will actually be marrying Alyssa and Mark on their wedding day. Since then, the four of them have created countless memories together through trips, celebrations, life changes, and all the little moments in between. Their friendship has always felt incredibly intentional, genuine, and easy. Spencer has been there since the very beginning of Alyssa and Mark’s relationship, and Ana quickly became just as important, always showing up, supporting them, and becoming family along the way. Having Ana stand beside Alyssa on such an important day feels incredibly special and honestly exactly how it was always supposed to be.
Laura Pytiak
Bridesmaid
Laura is one of Mark’s sisters and has become such a meaningful part of Alyssa’s life over the years. She is warm, thoughtful, funny, and the kind of person who makes everyone around her feel instantly comfortable and loved. Alyssa feels so lucky to soon become an aunt to her two sweet kids, Pete and Elise, and is looking forward to making so many more memories together as family. She truly could not ask for better sisters in law and is so excited to officially call Laura family.
Katie Shackleford
Bridesmaid
Katie is Mark’s oldest sister and someone Alyssa has also grown very close with over the years. She is strong, kind, fun, and always such a joy to be around. Alyssa feels so excited to become an aunt to her two boys, Ben and Charlie, and looks forward to continuing to grow their family bond for years to come. Although Mark and Alyssa live in California while Katie and Laura are in Michigan, they have always made it a priority to spend meaningful time together, whether it’s their annual ski trip to Vail, trips to Florida, time in California, or visits back to the Midwest. It means so much to Alyssa, and she feels incredibly lucky to be joining such a wonderful family.
Spencer Moritz
Officiant
There is no one in the world that Alyssa and Mark would rather have marry them or that knows them better than their best friend Spencer. He has been there since the start, and someone they hold near and dear to their hearts. Mark lived with Spencer (and Brendo) for three years, and he quickly became one of those people that felt like they'd known each other their entire lives. They share the same perspective on many things in life, and bonded over discussions about movies, music and Mark eating Spencer's leftovers. Having Spencer up there with us is definitely something we will remember forever about our wedding day.
Steve Chaput
Best Man
Steve is the captain of the Best Men squad, Mark's older brother, father of four (Chris, Jack, Charlotte and Emme), and inventor of the wedgie machine (which he used to test drive on Mark daily when they were younger). He is a Michigander turned New Yorker that enjoys a round of golf and a witty joke. Mark has always looked up to Steve, and is beyond excited to have his big bro standing next to him up there on the big day.
Mike Shackleford & Mark Pytiak
Best Men
Mike and Mark are Mark's (confusing, I know) brother in law's, though Mark considers them both brothers, sans in-law. They have both been part of his life for over 15 years. Mark couldn't imagine his family without them, and they have had countless good times together, from ski trips to starting a holiday jingle band. Our family is very fortunate that these two entered the picture many years ago. Mike is husband to Katie and father of Charlie and Ben - the two dashing twin boys that will be ushers on the big day. Mark is husband to Laura and father of Pete and Elise - the two cuties that will be walking down the aisle as ring bearer and flower girl.
Michael Switzer
Groomsman
Michael aka Mikey aka Mike is Alyssa's brother and their former neighbor in Los Angeles, though he has since moved to New York (though fingers crossed he returns to sunny California). Mark has really enjoyed getting to know him over the years, and is very excited to officially call him family soon. From hiking in Hawaii to skiing in Whistler together, Mikey is never one to turn down a good time, and is a connoisseur of film photography/videography, skiing, surfing, sailing, and a good surf and turf paired with a glass of red (Lambrusco to be exact).
Dan Evert
Groomsman
Mark and Dan first met in 2010 at Michigan State, and have had nothing but good times since. From countless music festivals to extended camping trips with cameras in hand, Mark always appreciates their time spent together and has nothing but love and respect for Dan. He is a straight shooter who loves telling a good story and is the guy you'd want on your side if you were trying to get that woman in white gloves to buy a box of your ketchup popsicles.
Brendon Concannon
Groomsman
Brendon aka Brendo and Mark met about ten years ago in Los Angeles, though they (like everyone else) are Michigan natives. Mark moved in with Brendo (and Spencer) in 2019, and they lived together for three years, where they had countless laughs, late nights, card games, and dinner parties (thanks to Brendo's cooking). Mark considers him a brother, and one of his fondest memories is motorcycling around Bali together for a week and a half. Brendo doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and is never one to say no to anything.
Alex Jones
Groomsman
Alex and Mark have been friends for over 15 years, and have taken many trips to many amazing places and events together, the most recent being an unforgettable time in Portugal for his wedding last summer. As his wife Tori stated in her vows, I have never seen Alex have a bad day. He is one of the most positive, upbeat and jovial people I have ever met. His enthusiasm is contagious, and there is a good chance he will have a portable speaker in his tux so he can play some music if a moment ever gets too quiet. If there is a good time to be had with good people, chances are Jones will be there.
Kevin McGraw
Groomsman
Kevin and Mark once had a long distance friendship, where they would come together for fun filled, action packed long weekends. But after living in Chicago for a decade, Kevin decided to move about a mile down the road in Los Angeles a few years ago, insisting to now be referred to as LA Kev. Mark has loved having one of his best friends move to the area, and the fact that they can hop on their bikes and cruise around the neighborhood together now. Kevin is one of the most thoughtful people I know and always willing to have a good philosophical conversation over a glass of wine and slice of pizza (or in a group text).