Wedding Party
Aubrey Kage
Co-Maid of Honor
Aubrey and Mel became a dynamic duo in fifth grade and have been dreaming and scheming together ever since. Aubrey helps make the world a better place every day through her work with individuals with special needs. At home, Aubrey and her fiancé, Tyler, are wonderful pet parents to several species of animals. Melody and Kevin are very excited for their wedding next year. Her fierce love and willingness to tell-it-like-it-is makes Aubrey the perfect person to stand beside Melody on her wedding day. Aubrey has "no notes" on Kevin.
Branden Hillaker
Best Man
Branden and Kevin have been trying to find differences between them since they met on the playground in elementary school. Kevin claims their names are different. Time will tell. Branden, throughout his life, has identified things that interest him and studies them until he understands them front to back. Then, that information and interest is locked in, and he carries it with him in everything he does. He follows this concept from his hobbies, like Rubik's puzzles and chess, to life goals like chromas (he works as a specialist at a paint manufacturer) and relationships. The greatest gift you can get from him is an hour of his time when he could have done anything else. Branden is everyone's (ALMOST everyone's) favorite stand-in for Kevin.
Abby Vanholder
Co-Maid of Honor
Abby and Mel became friends in sixth grade through a shared love of music and fantasy novels. Abby is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to doing hard work, putting in long hours and setting high expectations for quality. Abby recently celebrated her own marriage to her husband, Matt, this past April. Melody and Kevin wish them all the happiness. Her good-workmanship and clean sense of fun make Abby the perfect addition to the MoH team. Melody's grandparents know Abby as "The Giggler." Make her laugh and you'll know why!
Keegan Zender
Groomsman
Bonus Zender! Keegan is Kevin's brother from another mother, (We love you Aunt Sheri!) A.K.A cousin. Activities Keegan and Kevin enjoy doing together include playing games, skiing/snowboarding, and trying to get everyone to the beach before the sun sets (We love you too Uncle Bob!). Keegan recently graduated with his bachelor's degree from Ferris State University. He dreams of traveling to New York to star on Broadway. Melody and Kevin look forward to that day and will be cheering for him all the way. Keegan's positivity and caring make him a shining star in the wedding party line up.
Carmen Zender
Bridesmaid
Kevin met Carmen . . . the day he was born! Carmen is Kevin's oldest sister. She is dedicated, resilient, and cares deeply for her family. Her ability to lift others up when they are feeling low and formidability at Hand and Foot make her an indispensable part of every get together. Carmen is working towards her goal of becoming an optometrist. She is living and working in Ohio with her boyfriend, Richard, Richard's son, Conner, and their golden retriever puppy, Sunshine. Carmen enjoys jogging, watching romantic comedy movies, and going to see fireworks displays. Carmen has called dibs on leading The Shoe Game at the wedding. We are all in for a treat!
Dave Zender
Groomsman
Two brothers, one great team. Dave is Kevin's older brother. He is ready and willing to help, and isn't afraid to put in the time and effort to get the job done right. Dave may seem reserved on first impression, but once you get to know him you will find that Dave is one of the most caring and thoughtful individuals you could hope to call family and friend. Dave currently works as a member of the meat department at Meijer in Lapeer. He enjoys a number of hobbies including reading fantasy novels, listening to metal/rock music, playing games, sailing, running, biking, woodworking, welding- and several more. Dave is sure to be found at the reception with a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie.
Autumn Hendricks
Bridesmaid
The only person more excited that Melody and Kevin are getting married than themselves is Autumn. Autumn is Kevin's second oldest sister. She is a caring leader who exudes positivity like the sun gives off sunshine. Combined with her strong organizational skills and go-getter spirit, you can be sure that everything will be a little bit better with Autumn around. Autumn recently started teaching at Grand Valley State University since her and her husband, Bryan, moved back to Michigan (We are all thrilled!). Both are finishing up their PhD in physics from Pennsylvania State University and enjoy exploring new places. Autumn will be the first to congratulate Melody and Kevin on the big day . . . and the last . . . and several more times in between. ;)
Dylan Brown
Groomsman
Dylan is the sort of friend you meet at someone else's gathering, and end up with longer than the host. Kevin and Dylan met at Michigan Tech and never quite left each other alone. He works as a project engineer in Midland and lives in a charming house as far from anything as he could get. His easy going attitude and advice born from too many mistakes it a true marker of that "grandpa" of the friend group. This makes every visit with him and his wife, Autumn, "the fun aunt," a true treasure to experience. Fittingly, they are the proud parents of 2 dogs, 3 cats, a small school of fish, a trio of turkeys, a den of ducks, a circle of chickens, a bundle of bunnies, and most recently, one small human. Dylan will be there when you need him, and he will make you giggle.
Aurora Calimeri
Jr. Bridesmaid
Don't let the age gap fool you- These cousins are peas in a pod! Aurora and Melody enjoy biking together in the summer, sledding together in the winter, and playing the saxophone year round. Aurora is currently in seventh grade. Some of her interests include reading, drawing, playing board games, and watching fantasy-action shows and movies. Aurora has the kindest heart, just like her mom, Debbie. Melody could not imagine this day without them. Aurora and Kevin have also become quite the pair and are sure to be up to their usual antics. Grab some popcorn and enjoy.
Amy Ludescher
Reader
Amy and Mel became friends in seventh grade through swapping personal stories and shared values of God, family, and animal welfare. Amy recently graduated from Eastern Michigan University and is beginning work as a civil engineer. She is very passionate about ladies basketball (and sports in general) and has coached for several years. Amy is a spirited cheerleader for her friends and family as they work to accomplish their goals. Who better to help Melody and Kevin get ready and set at the starting line of their marriage? Amy loves kids. If you happen to find yours with her, they are in good hands.
Matthew Verellen
Reader
Matthew and Kevin met on the playground before either of them can specifically remember. Matt is the one with a smile. In every crowd, every photo. This man loves to share how happy life can be. He works as an electrician/plumber, doing trade work in everything from residential to industrial. He looks forward to many more years in the profession. Matt and his wife, Catherine, are just starting their family in the thumb of Michigan. He is the butter in every social interaction. One conversation with him will have you smiling too.