Meredith & Jeremy
Our Wedding Party
Christy Werner
Matron of Honor
Eight years ago, Christy and I met while both working in early education. Our shared love of children and being quietly sassy created an instant bond between us. Well, that and a deep love of champagne. Christy is as kind-hearted and supportive as she is hilarious and honest. I can't imagine having a better Matron of Honor or a better best friend!
John Johson
Best Man
John and I have been best friends (correction: brothers) for over 25 years. We met at Kristie’s Kiddie Care in Salina Kansas but also just lived down the street from each other by two blocks. John wore a suit vest over a t-shirt and danced in his front yard to Michael Jackson on occasion and I wore JNCO jeans and carried a “walk man.” But the number of years we’ve known each other means very little compared to all the life experiences we have shared in that time. We were friends through those awkward school years, including all the drama girls and 90s bullies added to the mix, we shared great personal successes and failures in our 20s, and we’ve shared the joy of being fathers and the transition into family men in our thirties. He’s my best man now, sure, but he’s had the job for decades.
Jessie Fiest
Bridesmaid
Jessie is Jeremy's sister, and this photo is the best depiction of a fun-loving and fiercely independent woman that I'll soon get to call family. Her energy for life is hard to come by- making her an amazing nurse and even better person. I hope she has a sweet party hat ready for our wedding, and I can't wait to join this Fiesty family with my new sister by my side!
Brandon Kirby
Groomsman
Sweetpea or better known by his brothers as “Tweetpea” is my little brother by three years and partner in crime as kids. Some of my best memories revolved around us running around the house in our superhero pajamas (he was Batman and I was Superman), playing baseball (he was a super talented pitcher and I was a mediocre catcher) or even just riding our bikes around town like little hooligans or staying up late into the night playing video games with our friends, drawing on their faces as they slept and driving mom absolutely crazy with the noise. And sure, we fought a lot too but Brandon and I have always had each other’s back when we needed it. I couldn’t be more grateful to have such an awesome brother’s support on one of the best days of my life.
Tracy See
Bridesmaid
In October of 2011, I had the privilege of standing next to Tracy as she married my brother, Scott. Not only did I gain a sister that day, but an incredible individual who feels like she has always been family. Tracy gave me the greatest gift of my life when she brought my niece, Avery into this world, and she could not be a better mother and wife. Her quiet strength is only matched by her wicked sense of humor- two things I know I'll need and cherish as I start this next chapter of my life!
Christian Fiest
Groomsman
Sixteen years ago my first son was born and my life was transformed forever. It’s obviously not easy being a young dad, let alone a single dad, but even with all the struggles ill-prepared parenthood brings, it also gave me great purpose. And I feel very lucky to have had such a wonderful son. He was an easy baby, a toddler with an unlimited motor and young boy in awe of the world around him. Today, Christian is caring, intelligent, creative and one of the most positive and fun people I’ve ever known. Now that he is only a few years younger than I was when he was born, I thought it only right that he and his brother stand by my side as men as we officially bring our family together.
Alexa Bergmeier
Bridesmaid
The moment I met Alexa, I immediately loved her. She and I have always connected through our desire to help those in need, and Alexa will soon be a nurse- a profession that was made for her deeply caring spirit. Most importantly, I can always count on her to seriously get down to some Beyoncé & Rihanna with me. Who could ask for a better friend?
Keagan Fiest
Groomsman
My baby boy, now 14 years old, has given me a reason to smile everyday since he was born. He and Christian are worlds apart in personality but while Christian shares most of my physical attributes, Keagan shares my temperament. Cool as a cucumber, there’s no one in the world harder to stay mad at than Keagan Fiest. In fact, he normally wins arguments with his older brother simply by subtly pushing his buttons until it gets Christian in trouble with neighboring adults. All the while, the mastermind that is Keagan, is far from a villain. Keagan has a massive heart and loves all animals (especially Gatsby and Gir). He’s also amazingly crafty, creative and naturally hilarious. So on a day as big as this, when I couldn’t imagine smiling more, Keagan will be there to make sure of it.
Cassidey Collins
Bridesmaid
I've never imagined my wedding day without Cassidey beside me. As my oldest friend, we've been through nearly 2 decades of life's amazing highs and difficult lows. It would take a novel to describe all the memories we've created, and I'm so thankful to have such an inspiring and supportive person in my life. Luckily for me, the amount of dirt she has is a guarantee we'll continue to be friends for many years to come!
Luke Keith
Groomsman
Some say to never trust a man with two first names but Luke is an exception. We met when he hired me to help him write a Ninja Turtles project almost a decade ago and from there we became great collaborators and friends. It’s not easy to find someone you can collaborate with creatively but everything we’ve worked on as a team has been far better than if we were to go it alone. Since the turtles we’ve worked on two more large projects together with the second one published and the third still in search for the right home. Yet, I’d say that the projects themselves come second to the friendship we’ve been able to build in that time. From all the people I’ve met in my life, Luke is among the most genuine and honest, which is exactly why I’ve asked him to be a collaborator one more time.
Meghan Park
Bridesmaid
Just 6 months before I met Jeremy, Meghan and I met at KU while dating two guys that happened to be best friends. We quickly decided we would be great roommates, ditched the guys, and embarked on a close friendship that was one of the best decisions I made in college (thank goodness). I have always admired Meghan's passion for life and determination to be her best self. She is a person I can always count on, and I knew she wouldn't hesitate to share this special day with me.
Chris Allen
Groomsman
When I started with Arbor Pharmaceuticals four years ago, Chris and I were both new hires on the Midwest team. At first I thought only of him as a Peter Griffin look-alike with a mild southern acsent, but after years of daily phone calls filled with discussion about work and life’s successes, failures, hilarity and future aspirations, Chris has quickly become one of my closest friends. Sure, in a lot of ways we’re opposites but we connect as two dreamer outsiders looking to make their own way in the world. Recently, Chris has moved on to bigger and brighter things outside of Arbor and work will never be the same again. It should go without saying, though, we will not miss a beat as friends. He’s keeping that job!
Avery See
Flower Girl
Avery is my sweet, silly, precocious, tender-hearted and endlessly curious niece. There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe my love for this little girl. It is a known fact that the world became that much brighter the moment she was born. Having Avery be a part of our wedding day is a joy I could not have imagined, and I can’t wait to create lasting memories with this amazing little lady!
Easton Kirby
Ring Bearer
Easton is the worlds cutest little blond hair blue eyed boy and son to my baby brother Brandon. While Easton might come off as shy when you first meet him, there’s no end to his energy and once he’s comfortable around you. Or...so I hear. You see, Easton is eternally terrified of Uncle Jeremy because he’s just not sure what to think of the “Eeeeeeee” noise I always make when I see him. I started doing it when he was a baby and because it weirded him out then we’ve both just decided to keep up the tradition and play our parts. However, when scary uncle Jeremy is far away Easton is personable, sensitive and a natural athlete just like his father.
Gatsby
Emotional Support Pig
King of pets. Conquerer of food. Master of naps.