We want to keep everyone safe at our wedding! We ask those who aren't vaccinated to please wear a mask and/or obtain a COVID test prior to the wedding. Thank you all for doing your part in keeping our loved ones healthy and safe.

October 23, 2021

Aviston, Illinois

#MelSaidYesToTheCress

Melanie & Zac

Wedding Party

Meet the crew that will be a part of our wedding party on our big day!

Alex Venhaus

Matron of Honor

My older sister, or as I like to call her, my second mother, 😉. She is the one I turn to when I need advice in all aspects of life, making her the perfect person to help plan and be a significant part of my wedding day!

Rachel Robben

Maid of Honor

I couldn’t imagine my wedding party without my twin sister. We have experienced many life events together---including the day of our birth 😉. While our mother envisioned us having a double wedding together, having her by my side at the wedding is the next best thing!

Beth Schneider

Bridesmaid

As Zac’s older sister and role model, I believe her positive influence helped mold the kind and respectful man I get to call my fiancé and soon to be husband! I can't wait to call Beth my sister-in-law so soon!

Corinne Holtmann

Bridesmaid

Corinne and I's friendship started back in high school as C-NET's (clarinet players in the marching band)! Our friendship has withstood the ages through our countless nail dates and meet ups either in STL or at home in Clinton county! I have a lifelong friend in Corinne and am honored to have her by my side at my wedding!

Rachelle Halbrook

Bridesmaid

Rachelle and I met the summer of my sophomore year in college and I am so grateful she invited me to a float trip that summer because I was introduced to many of my college friends who I remain close to! While we both thought at one point we would be single forever during our many girls nights out, we both are getting married this year! I am honored to stand by your side this August and can't wait to have you by my side in October!

Eva Lopez

Bridesmaid

Eva and I met sophomore year of college through my roommate at the time! Through our love for Beyoncé and spontaneous trips we have gone on many fun adventures together! Though 2020 may have put a damper on our adventurous spirit, it has not lessened our friendship! I am excited to have Eva by my side for my biggest life adventure: getting married!

Mac Potts

Best Man

I met Mac the summer before my Senior year of college. We didn't know each other at first, and didn't get to know each other until we became roommates. That's where the craziness of our adventures began. I can still remember going out the bars, chilling at Blair Ct., and doing all the other activities throughout college. Mac lives in Chicago and I live in North Carolina but we are still the best of friends (The Sam to my Frodo if you will). I wouldn't have any one else stand by my side on the day I get married.

Jacob "Pooch" Pechauer

Groomsman

Jacob Pechauer A.K.A Pooch is one of the best people I've met. He's got a heart of gold, and a golden retriever. Pooch and I met in college during senior year and spent many weekends acting as the 5th roommate at our house at Blair Ct. I can still remember hauling his dog Louis to the tailgates on game day. I'm proud to have Pooch stand by my side at the wedding.

Marco Hinojosa

Groomsman

Marco was the first person I met when I was an incoming freshman in college at orientation. After that weekend we have been best friends, roommates and groomsman in each others weddings. Marco is the smartest man I know and he shows that by being a literal rocket scientist as his profession. I'm grateful that he has accepted his role as a groomsman since he's become a father to a beautiful baby girl recently.

Ryan Fragassi

Groomsman

Ryan is that crazy fun-loving wild card of a friend that we all have. Without Ryan, I wouldn't have met all friends I know today. I've known Ryan for years now and we've both come a long way since working behind the counter of TigerTech. Ryan spent many years in law school but his will and determination paid off after all the work and he passed the Bar exam. I'm excited to have him play a big role in my wedding.

Channing Bauer

Groomsman

What can I say about this tall lovable guy. We met at college my senior year. Channing knows how to have a good time and always generous and willing to lend a hand when anyone ever needs help. Whether it's driving from Kansas City to Chicago to surprise all his buddies during a weekend trip or hopping on a flight to Raleigh North Carolina to visit the east coast, Channing is always there and I can't wait to have him be there for the big day.

Nolan Robben

Groomsman

Nolan is Melanie's brother and top-notch athlete (when he's not injured). Through my time of getting to know Nolan, I have learned that he is a hard-working man who also knows how to have fun! I am excited to get to know Nolan more and to have him as my future brother-in-law!