Wedding Party
Jennifer Dial
Mother of the Bride
Wayne Dial
Father of the Bride
Michael Patton
Officiant of the Night & Groom's Step-Father
Kimberly Patton
Mother of the Groom
Daniel Rissler
Father of the Groom
Terry Rissler
Groom's Step-Mother
Michelle Fernandez
Co - Hand of the Queen
I never thought a random pairing in my “Intro to College Experience” class would result in meeting my best friend. Thankfully, Courtney and I were on the same track throughout college, between our major, minor, and research, which allowed us to get closer from the very beginning of our journey at Lewis. Little did I know that before our first year even ended, a pinky promise would solidify her in my life (you have no choice, Courtney, you’re stuck with me). And after getting to know each other better, we bonded over our mutual love of fantasy and horror (and of course, Elijah and Klaus), making the joke that on paper, we’re complete opposites but ultimately the same person. Our friendship has always just made sense, and it just works. She is someone I can trust completely. After years of growing together and sharing life problems, boy problems, judgments, rants, and everything in between, I can’t explain how happy I am to join her in this new chapter with Nick, who so graciously documented our pinky promise renewal. I’m extremely grateful to have witnessed how perfectly they fit together and to now be part of their special day 🖤
Zac Ulmer
Co - Hand of the King
I'm Zac. Nick and I met in first grade. I met Courtney through Nick about 25 years later. Now I feel old. My favorite vampire is the guy that Jonathan Davis from Korn dubbed his singing voice over. Google tells me it is from Queen of the Damned.
Jade Podschwiet
Co - Hand of the Queen
As the oldest cousin, Courtney has known me her entire life. We grew up spending much of our time together at grandma and pop pop’s house having little adventures. It's not surprising that we'd end up having so much in common today. Whether we are front row at a punk show or just chatting about scary movies, I cherish our friendship and all the memories we continue to make. If I have to pick just one, my favorite vampire would be Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Aaron Tempel
Co - Hand of the King
Hello! I am Aaron. I grew up in Northwest Indiana and know Nick through a mutual friend. We met during high school and went to college together. During college, we roomed together for two of our four years. Nick is one of the most important people in my life and I am very grateful to have known him. He’s also very cool. I met Courtney after Nick began dating her. She’s even cooler than he is. Together, they are a cool and lovely couple. I am very excited for them! Oh and Viktor from Underworld. Bill Nighy rules
Hailey Mauricio
Member of the Queens Coven
From climbing trees and playing American Girl dolls at Grandma and Pop Pop’s house, to the woman I’ve become today—life has been such a beautiful journey. Growing up alongside my cousin, making memories full of laughter, imagination, and adventure, shaped so much of who I am. Now, as a proud mother, a passionate hairstylist who loves making others feel confident and beautiful, and a soon-to-be bride stepping into a new chapter of love myself, I carry those childhood moments with me every day. What makes it even more special is how our cousin time has only grown—now multiplied by the people we love. Somehow, all of our significant others fit right in, like we’ve become this perfectly matched puzzle, each piece adding something unique and meaningful. Whether we’re together laughing, reminiscing, or bonding over our shared love for all things horror, it just feels right. And of course, my favorite vampire will always be Nosferatu—because a little spooky has always been part of who we are. It’s a reminder that the love we started with only keeps expanding, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 💛
Neil Weston
Member of the Kings Court
I've known Nicholas for nearly 20 years. We met through our mutual friend (Frenemy?) Zac. Since our introduction I’ve been lucky to get to know Nick more and more through various weekends at Purdue, Bachelor parties, and Hiking trips. I was able to meet Courtney when she and Nick visited with our friends in New Orleans where I was living at the time. We were able to have a great time watching Mardis Gras parades and most importantly, watching the filming of “Interview with the Vampire” on the streets of the French Quarter. Every time I get to spend time with Nick and Courtney I learn more and more why they are perfect for each other and what great friends they are to those they love! Favorite Vampire: Blade Some motherfuckers really are trying to ice skate uphill and I appreciate that blade recognizes that fundamental bit of human nature.
Cheyenne Mauricio
Member of the Queens Coven
My name is Cheyenne, and I’m so lucky to call Courtney my cousin and to stand by her as a bridesmaid. Growing up looked a little different for us since we were usually in different groups at Pop Pop camp, but whenever we did get to be together, it was always so much fun—whether we were playing Mario Kart or sitting side by side on our DSs. Some of my favorite memories are from playing “hide and go scare,” which definitely started our shared love for all things horror. That’s something we still connect over today, and I love going to her whenever I need a good scary movie recommendation. A little about me—I’m a huge horror movie fan (clearly), and recently I’ve started getting into reading, mostly thanks to watching my siblings and Courtney always have a book in hand when we were all together in Pennsylvania. I’m also a big cat lover, which Courtney and I tend to bond over, and I’m really into fitness and all things nutrition. And as for my favorite vampire… it’s Nosferatu—but not for any deep or dramatic reason. I actually only know about him because of a SpongeBob episode, and honestly, that was enough for me to decide he’s my favorite!
Alex Sheaffer
Member of the Kings Court
Favorite vampire: Laszlo (what we do in the shadows) I met the groom while we were working together at an IT company, where we quickly bonded over our shared dislike of the job and our love of music. Our friendship really took off after I helped him move a foosball table into his apartment… and, for reasons I’m still not entirely sure about, helped him shave his neck.
Vince Mastrodomenico
Member of the Queens Coven
If you are looking to find lifelong friends, I HIGHLY recommend failing your first biochemistry exam in graduate school. Truly a defining moment for me — it did not prevent me from becoming a virologist/research scientist at a biotech company, and it also brought two incredible people into my life. Now, since our fang-crossed lovers have a thing for vampires, it would be an opportunity missed not to incorporate my favorite one into this blurb about myself. Much like Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I am fiercely loyal, deeply caring, and yes — occasionally a lot to handle. But mostly I am just a terrible test taker. Besides that, I graduated from Loyola University Chicago alongside Courtney where we both successfully defended our theses from the same lab. As Courtney continued her PhD work, I continued as a tech, and somehow through all that chaos, Nick came into the picture — calm, caring, and a great sport about sitting through every Vine compilation Courtney has ever quoted at him. Cheers to Courtney, Nick, and every failed biochemistry exam that brought us here — LONG LIVE THE COVEN.
Andi Zaragoza
Member of the Kings Court
Nick and I became BFFs at first sight through a mutual friend, and soon after, through music. Nick feels like the boy-sister I never had - and I, the girl-brother of his. We were bandmates in ANFANG, the best of roommates, and somehow still remained close after surviving that one quarantine where I got COVID and forced him to beat all the hard levels of Super Mario 3 for me while he miraculously never got sick (science? black magic? both?). Even long distance, we’ve stayed close through the occasional video game and mutual phone venting sesh. He also helped raise my dog-child, Jet, who still doesn’t know Nick’s actual name and continues to refer to him exclusively as “Uncle Matt.” My favorite vampire is The Count from The Muppets (IYKYK). I’m incredibly honored to celebrate two people who couldn’t be more perfect for each other: Nick and Courtney. Felicidades, amigos!
Erin Barth
Member of the Queens Coven
Hi, I’m Erin, the groom’s older sister. Between working as a nurse practitioner and keeping up with my two toddlers, life is always an adventure—but nothing beats celebrating my brother and Courtney. I’ve known him forever (literally), and I’ve never seen him this happy. Their love gives strong Carlisle and Esme Cullen energy—loyal, steady, and meant to last. Don’t worry, I’ll keep the childhood stories classy… mostly.
Jake Barth
Member of the Kings Court
I’m honored to stand by Nick on his big day as he marries Courtney. While he technically came into my life as my wife’s brother, over the past 10 years he’s truly become a brother to me in every sense that matters. When I’m not spending time with family, you’ll usually find me enjoying the outdoors, relaxing with a good movie, or just making the most of life’s everyday moments. I’ve always appreciated a good eerie vibe, so my favorite vampire story has to be Nosferatu—a true classic. There’s something about the haunting presence of Count Orlok that still manages to be unsettling over a century later. Simple, eerie, and unforgettable. Looking forward to celebrating a night that’s sure to be just as unforgettable.
Colleen Rissler
Member of the Queens Coven
Hey everyone, I’m Colleen Nick’s younger sister! Nick has always been a great role model and everything I could’ve hoped for in an older brother, from making fun of me (all in good fun) to giving advice on handling tough life situations. Some of my fondest memories include having Nerf gun wars and almost completing the endless set list on Rock Band. I’m so excited to welcome Courtney into our family. They fit each other so well. Congrats to Nick and Courtney!
Ty Chiaro
Member of the Kings Court
Ty Chiaro is a traveler, artist and scientist. He first met Courtney at the University of North Carolina. They quickly bonded over their love of horror movies and punk music. They were also trauma bonded by the rigor of a clinical fellowship. Soon, Ty would also meet Nick and the two were fast friends. Inspired by their affection for Nu-Metal and bad Sci-Fi movies, the two would schedule monthly bro-downs, where the music, food, and conversation flowed like the rivers of Capistrano. Ty has said, “To have a friend that not only enjoys the same genera of music, but has the same emotional connections to artists and songs from the same formative times of life; that wants to air drum the whole song, never missing a high hat, while belting it out at the top of their lungs lungs, that’s a special friend. That’s the friend Nick of for me.” Nick and Ty aim to restart their bro-downs, perhaps biannually, once both get settled after moving and weddings.
Megan Rissler
Member of the Queens Coven
Favorite vampire: Rosalie Cullen Favorite hobby: being the annoying little sister Hi everyone, my name is Megan and I am one of Nick’s little sisters! From even my earliest memories with Nick he was always the typical older brother, making fun of me in the most endearing way (as every older brother should). Throughout my younger years we spent our days having nerf wars and playing rockband to now going to music festivals and mosh pits together, Nick has always been someone I’ve been proud to call my brother. He’s a pretty cool dude It has been such a privilege and so heartwarming watching him grow as a person with Courtney over the time they’ve been together, as well as them in their relationship (if we look back to their opinions on their first date). I look forward to seeing their future together and how they will continue to grow :)
Brenden Mauricio
Member of the Kings Court
I’m Brenden Courtney’s cousin and I met Nick through her, umm my favorite vampire is Angel from Buffy I hope that’s good?
