Monica & KeegenMonica & Keegen
Wedding PartyWedding Party
Monica NiemannMonica Niemann
Bride
Monica is a person one cannot help but love. People who meet her are drawn in by her kind and gentle nature, that is tempered by a fierce love that will make her go above and beyond for others. She tends to think of others at the cost of herself, always willing to make a sacrifice if it means a betterment for someone else. She truly wishes to follow the path of Christ and Keegen sees how she walks it everyday he is around her. Monica loves a good story that can be plumbed for all of its rich worth and while her sense of humor might need some work, with horrible puns abounding, but her soul shines like a lighthouse when you are around her.'
Keegen HorstKeegen Horst
Groom
Keegen is the epitome of the good Catholic man. Deeply in love with his Faith, Keegen strives to share it with others at every opportunity. He is exceedingly gentle with those he loves, and firmly encourages those who are in doubt of themselves. Keegen loves good literature, video games with a healthy message, and Theology. Indeed, with a Bachelor Degree in Theology and Philosophy, Keegen is at his best when passionately debating the Divine teachings of Holy Mother Church. Keegen also has many wonderful talents, including cooking, writing (even authoring and publishing his own book!), winning at board games, and a near-photographic memory and knowledge of Nintendo games. Calm, attentive, and affectionate, Keegen is the perfect complement to Monica.
Mikaela ThomMikaela Thom
Matron of Honor
As Monica’s longest friend, Mikaela has certainly seen some things over the years! Terrible hair colors, questionable music tastes, a particularly bad nose piercing, and more—Mikaela has stuck by Monica through it all. There is no one more fitting to be by Monica’s side and witness her marriage than Mikaela. Mikaela carries with her a sense of childlike wonder at the world around her, and great joy. Mikaela currently works at the local news station, and spends her free time sewing, baking, and talking Monica through her biweekly crisis.
Gabriel ThomGabriel Thom
Best Man
Gabe is an incredibly kind and self giving man. He and Keegen met in college, and he was quite annoyed at Charles bringing another person to his game night, but by the end he was quite glad Charles had. From there, he and Keegen would go on to develop a deep friendship, one in which both of them push each other to be better. Gabe is always ready with a snarky quip, a brutal truth, and a kind offer to help out after the brutal truth.
Gianna NiemannGianna Niemann
Bridesmaid
Gianna (Giannakin to her family) is Monica’s second sister, and second youngest sibling. Gianna is amazingly talented, empathetic, and funny. She never fails to make everyone around her smile, whether through her actual jokes or (more often), her absent minded antics. Gianna is currently studying at St. Thomas More in New Hampshire.
Zach MarquetteZach Marquette
Groomsman
Keegen and Zach met in college, both attending UMary to study theology. Zach is one of the most intelligent people you will ever meet, with a sharp memory, and even sharper insights into what you are talking about. Zach is a man of great heart and great love. He loves Christ deeply, and if you can get him talking, that love shines through. He may be quiet, but that just means every word that comes out of his mouth is much more meaningful and thoughtful than most.
Beatrice NiemannnBeatrice Niemannn
Bridesmaid
Monica’s youngest sister, Beatrice (Bea) has the ability to humble you and make you laugh in the same sentence. She is resourceful, adventurous, and caring. Beatrice is currently in her senior year of high school, and works as a lifeguard at the local pool. She hopes to study Criminal Justice or Psychology next year.
Charles AnsardiCharles Ansardi
Groomsman
Keegen and Charles met in college, bonding over their love of movies and books. Even though Charles had never read any of them, he still absolutely loved the stories that were told within. Charles is the kind of person who goes all in. As long as you have proven to be worth his time, Charles will stand by you to the end of your days. Charles has a knack for getting people to open up without trying to, a skill brought about by his complete lack of respect for the social norms. Charles's biggest virtue is his sense of justice, and so he works to set things right within himself and others.
Malea BatesMalea Bates
Bridesmaid
Though Monica and Malea have not known each other very long, they bonded immediately over bad jokes, and laughing at other people (charitably, of course). Malea fits seamlessly into the larger friend group, with an air of good humor and adventure. Malea works with Mikaela at the news station. Her favorite pastimes include saying “slay” and napping.
Alex SchneiderAlex Schneider
Groomsman
Alex and Keegen also met in college, bonding over their shared love of diverse story telling games and just being able to nerd out about niche stuff. Alex has a heart of gold that he keeps hidden till it is needed. While not always the first to offer advice, he keeps a neutral and level head when things get rough and knows how to navigate a person's heart like a sailor 20 years into his job. His friends value his time and generosity, with his generosity being quite aggressive at times. Alex is someone to rely on through thick and thin.
Eva DeinerEva Deiner
Bridesmaid
Eva carries with her a humor and grace that not many people can replicate. She is deeply empathetic. She chooses to take life as it is, and tries to live out every day with gratitude. Though she lives far away, Eva is still an integral part of the friend group, and always has a joke to share.
Evan SmithEvan Smith
Groomsman
Keegen and Evan met in their third year of college, and over that year became good friends. Evan felt a bit awkward a first, being the oldest in our friend group by more than a year or two. But his refusal to compromise on being himself made it so that he fit right in. Evan has a deep abiding love for the Catholic faith, and is constantly looking out for others, rarely thinking of himself despite having a rare and chronic disease. He loves richly and deeply, with a far bigger presence in people's lives than he thinks.