Wedding Party
Sophie Barenie
Matron of Honor
Meet Sophie! Melanie and Sophie met while at work. Sophie is an excellent Speech Therapist! Melanie does not remember exactly how or when her and Sophie became friends, but it is now impossible to think of a future without her. But, if she had to narrow it down it may have been when Sophie challenged her to try swallowing while keeping her mouth open and pressing her tongue to the roof of her mouth, go ahead try it! It is not that easy! So as a result Melanie spent the rest of the day questioning how quickly your youth flies by.
Isabel Zepeda
Maid of Honor
Meet Isabel! Isabel has known both Melanie and Joey since middle school. Melanie and Isabel have grown up going to the same sleepovers, complaining about the same tests, and learning how to "adult" together. Melanie's favorite trait of Isabel is her ability to discern exactly what she wants. One of Melanie's favorite memories of Isabel is when they went prom dress shopping. As soon as they entered the store, Isabel immediately knew which dress she wanted and bought it. No joke, it might have been the only dress she tried on. Isabel uses her strong sense of self to look at the world with love and find ways she can better support the one's she loves around her.
Angelina Priestly
Bridesmaid
Angelina is Melanie’s younger sister! Before Angelina was born, Melanie begged every higher power a four-year-old could think of for a little sister. We’re talking God, Santa, the Easter Bunny, and even Leprechauns! Joey’s favorite memory of Melanie and Angelina is from when Joey and Melanie hosted their First Joint Thanksgiving for both of their immediate families. After playing some games, Angelina and Melanie were lying on the floor while watching TV, just laughing to themselves. It doesn’t matter how old you get, your sister will always be your best friend!
Meghan Marshall
Bridesmaid
Meghan is the absolute best! When you’re feeling anxious or unsure, Meghan is the type of person who pushes you to pursue your dreams and try something new. She is the type of lady who never forgets about your birthday or the random test you told her about. One of Melanie’s favorite memories of Meghan is when she was learning how to play tennis. Melanie, Joey and Meghan met at the local tennis courts for a game. While, Meghan was serious about learning, she still prioritized having fun. Meghan is the thoughtful older sister, every eldest daughter needs.
Katie Carlin
Bridesmaid
Meet Katie! Katie is Melanie’s cousin, but by how they act when they're together you’d think they were sisters. Katie always reminds Melanie to be the best version of herself and always has a fun new thing to try and accomplish it! One of Melanie’s favorite memories of Katie is from while Melanie was attending Purdue. Melanie called Katie late in the evening crying over the stress of changing her major…again! Instead of annoyance, Katie listened with patience and love. Katie is the type of person who makes you believe in whatever she tells you, because it comes from her heart. She will listen to you deeply and find anyway to support you. She is one special lady!
Jacob Toress
Bridesman
** Picture Pending** Meet THE Jacob! Melanie and Jacob became friends in band class. Jacob sat next to Melanie not realizing they’d have assigned seating for the rest of the semester, and Melanie just couldn’t not be best friends with her neighbor. Shortly after, car pools to after school events and to-and-from school became a regular. One of Melanie’s favorite memories of Jacob is from when he helped her study for her driver’s permit. Melanie was really anxious, and honestly reluctant, about learning how to drive. Jacob went above and beyond to make it a fun experience filled with lots of laughs. Jacob has always supported Melanie through her major milestones, and now he is supporting her on her most recent.
Cooley Priestly
Father of the Bride
Melanie inherited a lot of great things from her Dad. She inherited his love of music, a great sense of humor, and his love for community service. When Joey was going to propose to Melanie, he made sure to not let Melanie’s Dad know. He knew Cooley would accidentally let the cat out of the bag due to his excitement! Cooley was just as excited and surprised as Melanie was. Because Cooley volunteered as a High School Tennis Coach for both the boy and girls teams, Cooley has had the ability to watch Joey grow up into the man he is today.
Rose Priestly
Mother of the Bride
Rosie is Melanie’s mom! Melanie inherited her mom’s creativity and love of dogs! Rosie was Joey’s insider agent when proposing to Melanie, and was the first parent he asked for permission from to marry Melanie. Together they plotted how Joey would propose to Melanie, and would have succeeded if Melanie hadn’t found the box! Melanie’s mom has been one of her pillars of support.
Jacob Tosch
Best Man
Meet one of the two Jacobs in this wedding party! Being Joseph's older brother, he made sure to instill a love of cars and trucks at a young age. Before Joseph could talk, there was a Hot Wheels in his hand. This love of sharing his favorite things with his brother did not end at a young age. Jacob was the one to take it upon himself to teach his younger brother that manual transmission cars truly are better in every way. Jacob taught Joseph how to drive a stick shift car starting with the family's Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 (3 speed standard... of course). In a way Jacob led to one of Joseph's loves, his 1996 Mazda Miata MX-5, and of course it's a manual. Joseph learned so much from his big bro, especially to never give up things that you truly love.
Trent Lambrecht
Groomsman
Meet Trent, who sometimes is referred to as Trenton. Trent and Joseph became friends in high school, and Trent has been documenting their friendship since. If there is ever an embarrassing picture of moment of Joseph's life, be assured Trent has that captured and saved on his phone. That being said, Trent is always there to lend a helping hand no questions asked. From early on in their friendship, when Trent took the lead on their partnered presentation (who the teacher said "who thought this pairing would be a good idea"), to helping Joseph and Melanie move into their first apartment (which so happened to be the same apartment complex as Trent), there was never a doubt that he would do his best to help ease stress for Joseph. To say Joseph is grateful for such as dependable, caring, and often brutally honest friend would be an understatement. Trent has helped show Joseph to be his most truthful self, and if others do not accept you, they probably should not be in your circle.
Mitchel Henry
Groomsman
Meet Mitchel Henry! Mitchel aka Mitch or Big Mitch, is Joseph's oldest friendship, second to Jacob. It could be months since seeing each other, and Mitchel will always leave you with one of the biggest, sometimes most painful, hugs you have ever had. Meeting Mitchel is still one of Joseph's favorite memories. It was the first day of preschool and Joseph did not want to be there. When leaving, Mitchel turned around and said, "Would you like to be my friend?" Joseph's worst day turned into one of his best days since he gained a lifetime friend that second. Big Mitch taught Joseph to come out of his nervous shell and try and be open to meeting new people. Who knows, he might meet another best friend.
Grant Kadar
Groomsman
Meet Grant Kadar! Grant is another one of Joseph's friends who goes way back. They met in Tee-Ball when life's greatest stressors were what you planned to get with your meal ticket at the concession stand. Grant is one of those friends that can make everyone laugh without trying, but also be one of the most thoughtful and supportive friends when the situation calls for it. Since Joseph and Grant were friends for so long, they did some stupid things and made many memories. These stupid experiences were not lived alone though. Grant showed Joseph that making mistakes and doing stupid things isn't so bad when you have your best friend by your side. Joseph is so lucky to have such a great friend who can make him laugh, but also someone who can help work through serious matters when the time calls for it.
Daniel Coil
Groomsman
Meet Daniel Coil! Daniel and Joseph met in 6th grade in English class when they were seated next to one another. Since then, Daniel became one of Joseph's closest friends. Daniel and Joseph share professions in the medical field (Daniel a Pharmacist, Joseph a Nurse). This shared field allows Joseph and Daniel to relate and decompress with one another after some rough days. Having a friend like Daniel does not go for granted. He has shown Joseph that being considerate is not a hard thing to do and will often be appreciated more than is expressed.
Pamela Tosch
Mother of the Groom
Pam is Joseph's mother. Whether she knew it or not, Pam was an example growing up of who Joseph wanted to be as a parent himself. From story time to helping set up her classroom for the year, Joseph loved spending time with his mother. To this day, Joseph loves to call and chit chat with his mother. When he was getting ready to propose to Melanie, he called his mother with so much excitement! He wanted to share the joy he was feeling with someone who he knew would be as happy as he was. Pam has shown Joseph what true love looks like. Pam not only showed a healthy way of loving others, but also how to love yourself.
Robert Tosch
Father of the Groom
Bob is Joseph's father, who he deeply respects. Bob was a big proponent of Joseph going into Nursing. A nurse himself, Bob saw traits of himself in his son and knew his son would thrive in the nursing field. Joseph is glad to have a family member who he can "talk shop" with. Joseph is so fortunate to have learned countless life lessons and practical lessons too from his father. Bob showed Joseph the importance of spending quality time with those who you love.
Bella Marie Priestly-Tosch
Flower Girl
Bella is the couple’s unofficial flower girl! Bella will not be present at the wedding, loud noises and lots of people aren’t really this old girl’s thing anymore. But, she will be honored because she is the reason Joseph and Melanie started dating!