Wedding Party
Sara Klein
Maid of Honor
Sara B and I met freshman year of college as we began our journey through nursing school together. I knew she was going to be a lifelong friend after a baseball game in 2015—when she peed her pants but stayed the entire game, laughed it off, and still had the best time. Since then, we’ve been inseparable—even after living in different states for nearly four years, we've effortlessly made our friendship a priority. My day wouldn’t be complete without Sara B’s contagious laugh, silly jokes, and wild dance moves. I’m beyond honored to have the most generous, loving, and beautiful best friend as my maid of honor.
Charlie Hersman
Best Man
Charlie met Will on the first day of college, almost 20 years ago, and he immediately knew he'd found a best friend for life. He loves reading, working out, smoking meats in his Traeger, and has been known to enjoy an occasional glass of whiskey (from his 200+ bottle collection). He's honored to be Will's best man and couldn't be more excited to stand by his side as he starts this new chapter of his life with Marissa.
Michelle Grochow
Bridesmaid
Meesh and I met freshman year, when she lived across the hall. We ended up living together for the next 5 years, making countless memories - from camping adventures to wild Vegas getaways, and everything in between. Through it all, Meesh has always been the angel on my shoulder, tenderly guiding me to make level-headed decisions (even when I didn't want to hear it!). My life would not be the same without her kind, gentle and loving soul. I am forever grateful to have a friend like her, who can stand by my side on my wedding day.
JD Rees
Groomsman
John David Rees III is a lawyer who practices Trusts and Estates law in Los Angeles. He'll probably tell you that he's a lawyer every chance he gets when you meet him. He and his wife Angela have two baby girls—Harper age 3 and Piper who is 5 months old. He will be very sleepy as he takes the red eye to St. Louis for the wedding after celebrating Halloween with his girls. He swore to them he would never miss a Halloween with them since it's their favorite holiday (which makes him maybe the world's greatest dad).
Chelsea Smelser
Bridesmaid
Chels and I met freshman year of college when she lived across the hall. I’ll never forget the many times I’d be coming home from a party just as she was heading out to work—proof of her incredible hard work and dedication, even back then. Chels is now a devoted, driven, and selfless mother to her beautiful little boy. I had the privilege of standing by her side when she married Brad, and I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without her by mine.
David Aiello
Groomsman
David is a proud Italian American citizen. He loves Costco pizza. David lived on the same floor as Will in freshman year, and somehow Will has never left his life. They've been friends for 18 years now. Will voluntarily moved to St. Louis right as David and his wonderful wife Julie welcomed their son Joey into the world. Many have said Joey could be the "Gerber Baby", because he's so dang cute. So, David has traded out the beer pong for diaper duty (though he claims to still dominate both—and he's right). Despite time zones, baby schedules, and questionable fashion choices, they've managed to stay close friends. David is coming to the wedding mostly for the open bar. But also because Will made him.
Sierra Forchheimer
Bridesmaid
I moved back to Florida when I was eight years old and met CC on the first day of third grade. She was a skater girl with a black choker, an adventurous spirit, and a magnetic energy that made her so special. As only children, we formed a bond that felt like a sisterhood. We spent our school years playing volleyball, having sleepovers, and downloading the latest hits on LimeWire. CC has always lived life on the edge— now she travels the world, chasing adrenaline, and shredding the slopes. Her spontaneity and zest for life have been a constant source of inspiration, and I can’t imagine my wedding day without her by my side.
Wayne Cross
Groomsman
NOTE: I asked Wayne for his biography and he sent me his resume. Wayne met Will at USD while studying English. They became friends quickly and have had a strong friendship every since. Wayne is a giant nerd and unapologetically so. While he can be scatterbrained at times, he has a heart of gold and always tries to help those around him whenever he can. He has a deep love for classical music, it's his most favorite thing in the world besides his friends and family. He currently works as an Academic Coach at High Tech Elementary and is looking to go back to school to get a masters in Education. From there he has hopes to obtain his teaching credential so he can become an elementary school teacher.
Alexandra Lilliquist
Bridesmaid
I met Lilli the summer before high school through volleyball. Her house quickly became the go-to hangout spot—or, let’s be honest, the perfect place to park my car when I wanted to sneak out without my mom knowing (sorry, Mom!). Lilli has always been a go-getter, both on the volleyball court and in life. She works hard for what she wants and lifts up everyone around her with her humor, determination, and beautiful smile. I’m so grateful to have such a strong, inspiring woman in my life—and even more grateful to have her standing by my side on my wedding day.
Ross Cody
Groomsman
Ross is Will's most bestest friend in the whole wide world. He's a very kind and generous man, as he's allowed Charlie to play the role of best man. Ross is too busy with his 4.5 year old son Dan, newborn son Ben, and beautiful wife Shannon to throw the rager that "Tuna" needed. He's objectively cooler than JD Rees too.
Kaelin Mantell
Bridesmaid
I met Kaelin in the courtyard of our middle school—she was rocking skinny jeans, a hot pink studded belt, and Converse (I tried to find photo evidence, but came up empty—though if anyone could track it down, it’d be Kaelin; we’ve always said she’d make an amazing private investigator!). A girl with a heart of gold, Kaelin has always worn her heart on her sleeve and treats everyone around her with incredible kindness and generosity. Her house was our safe place—always full of love, laughter, and an endless supply of snacks. I feel so lucky to have a friend like Kaelin standing by my side on my wedding day.
Morgan Burke
Groomsman
Morgan was named the "Hottest Boy" at Camp Taum Sauk, 1998. He befriended Will at his peak, shortly after Will had frosted his own tips for the first time. They spent an entire bus ride to Abraham Lincoln's house in Springfield, IL talking about Halo. The two have been fast friends ever since.
Shawn Taylor
Officiant
From the moment we got engaged, we knew there was only one person we wanted to marry us—Uncle Shawn. He’s been a constant in Marissa’s life, from building Play-Doh boys together to celebrating his law school graduation and even walking him down the aisle at his own wedding. Their bond is full of love, laughter, and lifelong support. When Will came into the picture, Uncle Shawn welcomed him with open arms and his signature wit. We’re honored to be married by someone so inquisitive, intelligent, and humorous. We did make him promise one thing, though: no spitting during the ceremony—we want to be showered in love, not syllables. If you know, you know—and if you don’t, consider yourself warned.