Jessica & Michael
Wedding Party
Jonathan Casale
Man of Honor
Jon Casale. Childhood enemy turned adult friend, Jon is Jess's older brother. We're sure there were plenty of moments where they didn't see themselves standing next to each other on this day, but ultimately Jon has been at Jess's side through the good times, the bad times, and every day in between. He's a great big brother and would do anything for Jess. He works hard and love hard. He's not afraid to tell you what he thinks (or to wash your car when it looks like "trash" lol). He's the best uncle to (rabbit/bun) Zeke and we're thrilled he's Jess's Man of Honor
Scott Uhlinger
Best Man
Scott "don't call him Donny" Uhlinger is the brother Mike never had. He had no idea 7 years ago when they met for a job interview at a Starbucks that he'd be the Best Man at Mike's wedding. Mike and Scott have gone through the trenches, laughed, cried, and lived life every aspect of life together. Scott has been pivotal in Mike's life helping him to grow spiritually, professionally, and as a man. Daily, he demonstrates what it looks like to be a good husband and a good father, all while following Jesus and how that all works together. We're thrilled he agreed to be Mike's Best Man.
Emily Garrison
Maid of Honor
Emily Garrison. Jess's OG ride or die, these two have been together for a lifetime and a half. Long time best friends, they somehow survived the "scene phase" together and never looked back. Emily has been Jess's travel wife for the last many adventures and is incredibly creative and full of life. She's created some of the meanest Spotify playlists that you'll ever hear (no seriously ask her to share one, they're incredible). Don't let her vivacious nature fool you she is deeply empathetic and compassionate. We're so excited to have her as Jess's Maid of Honor on our day.
Kyley Tusay
Groomswoman
Kyley Tusay. One of the most caring, compassionate, and fiery people Mike has ever met, Kyley is a friend for life. While Mike already has plenty of sisters, Kyley somehow managed to go from colleague to family. In creative ministry, there's no one who is able to challenge Mike to be better, think outside the box, or push to go further quite like her. They're a worship tag team that would give anyone a run for their money. Her passions for Jesus and people are straight up inspiring. Her only down fall is her Mario Kart skills, according to Mike they still need a little work.
Chelsea Harshbarger
Bridesmaid
Chelsea Harshbarger. One of Jess's first friends after transferring to Pitt, Chelsea now couldn't get rid of Jess even if she tried. She is the hospitality queen. Period. End of argument. Anytime you walk into their home, she is the first to check in on you and see if there's anything she can do to improve your quality of life. She has been the leader of a small group that has changed, shifted, grown, shrunk, grown again for the last 6 years that is an anchor point in both Jess and Mike's lives. Her love of Jesus is evident in her life, always trying to grow deeper in relationship and understanding with Him. How she puts up with Justin is anyone's guess but she's never short on kindness or the kind of sarcasm that gets you through the day.
Justin Harshbarger
Groomsman
Justin Harshbarger. Justin always has an idea or a side hustle. Much to Jess and Chelsea's chagrin Mike is alway happy to hear them. He gave Mike the pep talk before the proposal and reminded him of the clarity he needed. He has a huge heart for people and shares Jesus with them through that. We promised we wouldn't mention the massage table here but.... well here we are. He makes a mean Old Fashioned and loves his games as much as Mike. Hit him up if you're looking to hear about some amazing ideas from a practical dreamer.
Jessica Meenihan
Bridesmaid
Jessica Meenihan. This one has a heart of gold. Jess has a level of kindness and care for others around her that is impossible to ignore, She's kind of like the ideal "mom" every thinks they have but better (and in the best way). She'll never let you go hungry or be in any kind of need if she can help it. Don't let that fool you though, this girl's got passion and if you get on the wrong side, watch out. We've seen her stand up to giants about what she thinks is right without batting an eye. (Our) Jess loves that she is always willing to give some medical counsel to her as well and ease her sometimes (all the time) hypochondriac tendencies.
Collin Meenihan
Groomsman
Collin Meenihan. The lesser half of the Meenihan pair, but that's more a compliment to his wife. Collin is such a loyal and loving friend. He's a phenomenal drummer who should quit his day job and go pro (sorry, not sorry). Any time Mike has been in need, when he turned around Collin was there. He brings a quiet and confident presence, and always has a laugh in his back pocket. In some of the darkest moments, Collin is quick to bring an encouraging word and speak truth into someone's life. We had to pay him to wear something other than a tank top for the wedding, but we thought it was well worth it.
Ellena Hogan
Bridesmaid
Ellena Hogan. Wisdom is the first word that comes to mind about Ellena. She is deeply thoughtful, discerning, and wise beyond her years. She takes time to craft her response or her thoughts, and when she speaks you want to be paying attention. Actually, when she was processing and contemplating a job opportunity, something she said tremendously influenced Jess to (finally) start dating Mike - and the rest was history. Ellena brings a lively and yet steady presence wherever she is, seemingly at the ready to be the life of the party or engage in a deep and thoughtful conversation. Never afraid to speak her mind and always willing to listen, she models the life of a disciple of Jesus well.
Dale Hogan
Groomsman
Dale Hogan. Dale has a heart of absolute gold. Mike and Dale have bonded over their love of Jesus and Baseball. He is never afraid to share what he's thinking about or to talk about what's going on in his world, and he does so with a rare authenticity. He is a truly kind and compassionate man. Dale models what it looks like to wear one's heart on their sleeve and admit they've got plenty of work to do, all while smiling and engaging with the people around him. He strives to keep Jesus at the center of everything he does in a way that Mike really looks up to. HGA aren't his initials, but at this point they may as well be.
Megan Futato
Bridesmaid
Megan Futato. One of the originals in Jess's small group world. Megan has been in her life for a while now. She brings a very calming presence that when paired with her incredible kindness really makes you feel at ease. Always with a laugh or a smile she's just someone you want to be around more and more. She's super stylish and yet very down to earth. She's brilliantly creative and seemingly always working on some brilliantly artistic project that people now pay her for - go Megan! No seriously this girl hustles hard and is self made with like 12 business. She's making it happen and somehow still cool as a cucumber when people around her are a bit frazzled. Despite her gifts and talents, Megan always comes back to the feet of Jesus with an authenticity about the happenings in her life and also a deep gratitude.
Benjamin Mendez
Groomsman
Benjamin Mendez. Ben is Mike's little big cousin. Goofy and gregarious don't let that facade fool you, Ben is brilliant and canny. Whether it was playing Madden or NHL in the basement, wrestling or reenacting a movie one of our sisters was directing, playing in the back yard or around a table, Ben and Mike have had a bond from the beginning. They learned the value of family from their parents and grandparents and plan to continue to beat that drum for the next generations. They've fought, cried, loved, yelled, fought, loved, fought, and fought some more, but Mike can't wait to stand next to his cousin on this landmark moment of his life.
Michaela Buzzard
Bridesmaid
Michaela Buzzard. Michaela is a spark plug. Vivacious and full of energy, she has a magnetic bubbly nature about her that you can't resist. She has the most amazing and sometimes strange things happen in her life, but that's just kind of how it goes when you're Michaela. She also has a hidden ability to be acutely aware of what's going on around her. Her stories of her experiences will make you cry, either from the laughter that will seemingly never end or the empathy for whatever going on, there's seemingly no in between. Her heart is soft and kind and her eyes are locked in on anyone she can help. She's committed to loving God and loving others and that is evident everyday of her life.
Tyler Cole
Groomsman
Tyler Cole. Tyler's got that rare ability to sell ice to an eskimo. He was someone Mike looked up to in high school. When they clicked up in ministry a few years back, Tyler quickly demonstrated a thoughtful depth beneath the charm. Many conversations later, Mike found a friend different than the others in his circles. Tyler is thoughtful, witty, creative, and pensive. He pushes Mike to think through his decisions both personally and professionally. Whether or not there's agreement on a particular direction, there's always a push for wisdom. It's been fun seeing this "high school hero" become a true and genuine friend.