Meet our Wedding Party
Joy Nuelle
Maid of Honor
[full name given by me: Joyful] Joy has shown me what a genuine, loyal friendship is. We met in 2016 through a Mission trip in Baja California. We were an instant duo and long distance best friends after (she lived in Wisconsin at the time and I in Ohio). I knew Joy was a real one when she fought to stay in touch during our college years. The best part of having a long distance bestie is that when you want to spend quality time together, you might as well choose any city to hang out in! So our memories were made over FaceTimes between trips to LA and NYC. Joy Nuelle lives her life intentionally. She inspires me by how she keeps her checks and balances on her faith/ work/ relationships/ passions etc. Ask her what’s new and she’s either learning another language or traveling where people speak a new language! One of the biggest blessings of my life was getting the chance to live in Boston for a co-op during fall of 2021, just a month after Joy moved there for her big girl job (Software Engineer at Liberty Mutual)! I’d park in Central Square every weekend to stay with Joy and she was willing to cook for me and share her bed with me despite my sleep talking. S/o @levitatingjoy on Instagram!
Ryan Wallace
Best Man
An absolute boof and a half. Ryan, the head council of The Boof’s, the official name of our group of guys who have lasted the test of time, and state boundaries. Ryan and I grew up together, but really became best friends in High School when God blessed the world with a computer game called Minecraft. For years, we were sucked into living our lives digitally on servers together. Nearly all of our lunches and study periods went to goofing off and talking about Minecraft. Ryan and I went to college at Northern Arizona University together and were able to explore our new life in the mountain town on our bikes and with a video camera. Google “Fusty Food Reviews” for some of our wacky adventures doing pointless things. Ryan has always been my most kindred spirit and is down to try and do anything. It was a blessing to be able to come back and live in Flagstaff for a year after finishing school in Boston. For some reason he thinks he’s going to be my boss someday… Ryan currently lives in Flagstaff, AZ working as an IT Technician for the Arizona Government by day, and selling a card game he made himself by night (he’s in over 150+ stores). He is engaged to an amazing woman, Skylar Wapler, who cares for him deeply and appreciates every quirk about him.
Madeline Suggs
Matron of Honor
Maddie (that’s Mrs. Madeline Suggs to you!) and I met during our freshman year at The University of Cincinnati. Long story short, I didn’t want to be Maddie’s friend in the beginning but God knew I needed* her in my life! The fact that there’s a show called “Liv and Maddie” may have helped, too. We were roommates for a year till she met the love of her life and was wed. Maddie and I have shared plenty of tears and laughter. Are you really best friends unless you send each other audio messages of your tummy rumbles? Or unless you’ve shared the same hair cut/color simultaneously and unexpectedly? Or unless you’ve coordinated Halloween costumes together (Skyline waitresses and Ford Mechanic x Ford Truck)? Back to why I needed and still need Maddie in my life: when she made Jesus Lord of her life 5 years ago, she never turned back. Her steadfastness and maturity has immensely enriched my spiritual walk with Christ. Some notable memories include crying on scary rides at Cedar Point, betting on horses at Keeneland in KY, screaming our heads off at UC football games, jumping 30-ft into a quarry, kayaking with manatees in FL, golf double dates with our mans! Can’t wait to have married double dates and I look forward to having kids the same time you do ;)
Daniel Van Auken
Groomsman
Even though he’s elitist, he’s still a God fearing man at his core. Daniel and I met in college ministry in Boston. I can vividly remember him and his older brother Ryan storming up the center aisle after my first Sunday service in town. The Van Auken family is one of the most hospitable families I will ever have the honor of knowing. Daniel has many passions and loves to express them through an array of statistics and “scholarly” articles. Try him out by asking him what his SAT score was, he may return the query and ask you for yours, all while explaining how your genetic makeup is less than ideal. Along with Elisha, Daniel and I have been on many golf trips across the states and even Mexico. Daniel has inspired my faith in many ways and has been a staple friend through the years. Anyone would hope to have someone like him around for all of life’s adventures. Daniel graduated from Emmanuel College and after a couple years as a Mortgage Loan Officer, he shifted his career to join the ranks of the blockchain intelligence firm, Arkham, as a Crypto Analyst in Manhattan, NY.
Jolie Katenkamp
Bridesmaid
My first real-life babydoll when I was three! When we were younger, Jolie and I would play “King of Mom & Dad’s Bed” and let me tell ya, there were some WWE highlights. The whole “your sister looks up to you” thing became real when Jolie would take all of my clothes but as some would know, there’s a phenomenon where this flips and the younger sister starts to have the good clothes! It’s hard to admit it, but my younger sister is getting cooler than me! I truly love Jolie for who she’s become, she’s a romantic soft girl that listens to Joan Boaz and reads Mary Oliver poetry but also a fun e-girl that loves her Sims and the show Succession. I’ll forever go to Jolie for A24 movie recs and leisure reads. Since last year, Jolie also became a Bearcat at University of Cincinnati and has been pursuing Pyschology. She even followed my footsteps of living in the exact same dorm and floor I lived in! #DirtyDans. Sissies forever!
Elisha Lung
Groomsman
If you need someone to tell it to you straight and to cut your crap, Elisha’s your guy. Elisha and I met when I walked in on him in his boxers relaxing on his couch watching TV. He was one of my first roommates when I moved to Boston and the guy I’ve lived with the longest on this list. Elisha and I share a passion for God and golf. From the outside perspective, you may not be sure which of those come first on the priority list, so we’re grateful for God’s grace. He’s by far the best golfer in our group of guys, despite him not posting his bad rounds just so he can play in Massachusetts tournaments. Elisha has been a leader in brotherhood and has given me more car rides than my own parents. His parents have also served me dearly during the many years I was in Boston. For a few years Elisha worked at The Country Club of Brookline as their Head of IT, but after last year's U.S. Open, he decided it was time for a career shift. Elisha now "works" remotely in Boston as a Sales Engineer for Trinity Cyber Security. Buuut, he spends more time on the golf course than on his computer.
Olivia Geyer
Bridesmaid
If you haven’t heard our story of how we met in middle school, here ya go. Picture a wide open field at summer camp. I’m walking with Serena (see below) and two girls are about to cross our paths. We decide to break out of our shell and introduce ourselves. “I’m Olivia” “I’m Olivia!” “I’m Serena” “I’m Serena!” Iconic. At the time, Geyer lived in Columbus. Eventually her family moved to Cincinnati and life could not have been more sweet! Our girl gang of 6 “The 6” (so original) went through our teen years together in the same ministry at church but between different high schools. Learning to drive, discovering crushes, sleepovers all summer, you know. I have always been inspired by Liv’s heart for God & his people. I know Olivia loves God because of how she does hard things. I know Olivia loves me by how she tells me the hard truth! She lives out Isaiah 6:8 like all of us should. This spiritual, beautiful, educated, Latina woman is on her way to serve in the campus ministry in Miamiiiii!
Zachary Walters
Groomsman
Ohaaaayooouuu gozaiiimasssu! Zack’s not Japanese by any means, but he is literally unable to stop saying that. Upon moving to Boston, Zack was one of the first dudes I met in our college ministry. Him and I studied scripture and had Bible studies for countless hours during my first year there. Just a semester prior he had committed his life to Christ as an adult and was inspiring me to do the same. Zack and I share a special kind of humor that really doesn’t make any sense at all and if you asked me what it was I could only describe it as low IQ jokes. Zack has one of the softest hearts and he and I have been through some difficult times together. We’ve also been able to go on some sweet trips together, including a Pacific Coast Highway roadtrip in 2019. Zack graduated from Emmanuel College and now works as an Account Executive in software sales for Mathworks in Washington, DC. During his time in DC, he met Gabriela Santana, who is now his significant other, and debatably his caretaker. She will also be in attendance!
Katherine Waissbluth
Bridesmaid
My sweet Katherine! I met Katie in the 6th grade and I remember her being different from the rest. She’s always kept it cool & quirky. Like wearing crazy socks over her sweatpants and letting loose in her evil cackle voice. Core memories include making cringey music videos, playing hide-and-go-seek in the dark at every sleepover, five years of lacrosse together, seeing Brockhampton live on their last tour, driving to FL for spring break and not timing up the bathroom breaks… we have definitely had our share of good times! But through and through, Katie is full of so much light and life. I have the best thought-provoking conversations with Katherine. She is deeply caring and nurturing, has contagious joy, oh, and did I mention that she’s a genius? #StanfordAlum #ColumbiaLawBound Our relationship is the embodiment of “always picking up where we left off” especially as she has been traveling the globe the best year. Most recently, she got a yoga teacher certification in Bali. Katie is pursuing a career in law and plans on attending Columbia Law School in 2024 (However, I’m betting on her being the next Greta Gerwig in a directing role).
Grant Flanagan
Groomsman
Stinkyyy. Grant showed up to the scene Freshman year of Highschool after moving to Orange County from Los Angeles. Hot out of the gates, we knew he was as weird as us so we welcomed him right in. Grant and I met during baseball tryouts so I call dibs on knowing him first. He’s your classic Southern California surfer kid with a mom who is a yoga instructor and for years lived right on the coast. Sometimes we’re a little worried for the guy because he surfs and chills harder than he works, but we know he’ll turn out just the way a Flanagan should. However, if you’re looking for stock market advice, stop by his desk during office hours. Grant is by far the most lovable hunk of the bunch, and the cutest ;) Somehow he was always getting attention from more girls than the rest of us. Especially the ones Mitchell happened to have a crush on at the time. Alas, now he is taken by Stephanie Caro. As a recent grad from Cal-State Fullerton, he secured a big boy job with Western Growers assisting their head of Investments.
Erica Katenkamp
Bridesmaid
My baby-baby sister! Nicknames include: ‘Merica, EK &/or sissy. I started raising Erica at 7 years old jkkk but also iykyk. I always look back at baby pictures and like to show people who cute Erica was, she literally looked like if Boo from Monsters Inc. was a Waisian American Girl Doll. Last year, Erica made Jesus Lord of her life! She is quick to patience, forgives fully, and is bursting with joy. If there’s one thing she wants to enlighten you with, it’s her ultra-organized room, how yummy her new recipe is, or how many books she read in a week. I will forever love being a big sister to Erica, from sharing life advice to cheering her on from the sidelines (she has also carried on the lax legacy), to teaching her how to drive. It’s been the coolest thing to see Erica’s relationship with Nathan and know that my sisters are gaining a brother. I will always cherish our pre-married memories but look forward to all of the life and adventures ahead of us. Erica is a true gem and anyone is blessed to know her!
Santiago Rios
Groomsman
Despite being stuck in the stone ages from using an iPhone 5, Santi is a stand-up gentleman. Santi moved to Boston, from Maryland, during the pandemic and quickly became a part of the gang; partly due to his adaptable personality, moving from La Paz, Bolivia (the best city on earth) to the states in his teenage years. Santi and I got off to a fiery start as an unbeatable Spikeball duo against our roommates Stephen and Tristen. Santi loves to make fun of my "white" chicken because, at the time, my recipes lacked spices. However, I can't really remember a time when he ever cooked a better pollo than me. We share a special kind of joking and amusement which has resulted in very colorful and convoluted discussions on the most random of topics over the years. Santi is a man of God, with a strong faith, who brings a humble perspective to the scriptures. Santi and I were able to drive across the nation together when he moved to San Diego to pursue his masters in Foreign Affairs. After his graduation he trained in Washington D.C. before being selected to serve as a Foreign Officer in Recife, Brazil. Pray for his travel and that his suit arrives on time!
Rose Bruns
Bridesmaid
The one that the friend group could never be complete without. You have your “mom” of the friend group, well Rosie is “Grandma” of the friend group. How does one begin to describe Rose? She is spunky. She’s flabbergasting. She’s a dare-devil. She’s a wild child and I love her for it. When you’re with Rose, you know that there will be a surprise, it’s just a matter of what genre, what flavor. I have an entire note on my phone full of funny quotes and Rose’s one-liners fill up half of it. My life would not be as full as it’s been without this character in my life. Rosie is undeniably smart, talented, and fearless. She’s the first to jump off the 30-ft cliff, a dancer I’m grateful for my pre-marriage memories with Rosie, a mission trip in Romania, Red River Gorge during Covid lock-down, Boston, Orlando, Cancun, and a favorite being the middle of nowhere Ohio at “Grandma’s” grandma’s lake house. Rose graduated from the Ohio State University and is now working at Duke University Hospital as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
Mitchell Jensen
Groomsman
Do you have that one friend that sets the culture of the group? That’s Mitchell, and he’s 100% grass fed USDA certified BEEF. Since second grade he has always been the jokester of “The Boofs.” Even to this day, he comes up with all the sayings that we use and the inside jokes. Mitchell and I grew up going to the beach and pool all the time. Their family has a heart for the ocean and his mom’s car was my ticket there. Every year we would go to El Capitan State Beach to camp over Memorial Day weekend. The campfires and adventurous cliff shores will hold memories we could only dream to go back and relive. Despite living in separate states nowadays, Mitchell and I have been able to visit each other a couple times over the years. Mitch currently works as a Large Animal Veterinary Technician while he studies Animal Science at Texas A&M University.
Serena Moore
Bridesmaid
Renaaaa! Life is crazy, it seems like just yesterday that we were hanging out in her brown and pink bedroom, playing Just Dance, and start-tipping on a summer night. Our pictures in the archive together go from cute to cringe and that’s when you know you have an og friend. Serena has always been down for my ideas like attempting to make onion soup out of the backyard bulbs?? Why. Even though Rena was homeschooled a bit, she turned out alright! One thing you should know, is that if you buy her Flaming Hot Cheetos, her day will be made. She is #mom in the friend group as she’s always carried a gentle and wise spirit. Her husband, Clayton, definitely chose right! The happy couple have both been working at Akron Children’s Hospital as Nurses and enjoying life as parents to their pup, Macko.
Nate Chuhaloff
Groomsman
From what I can remember, Nate was my first best friend, sharing life since 1st grade. Our idea of fun was to listen to a crazy kid called Jason Mars tell stories he made up about Barney the dinosaur blowing things up with a Bazooka. Nate and I were on several Little League teams growing up, were the same height for the longest time (he was actually taller for a couple years), shared the same passion for cars and liked the same toys, have the same, and we even shared the same crushes! Nate was my roommate during Freshman year of college at Northern Arizona University and we shared many late nights watching The Office, playing video games, and heating up cup-o-noodles. Nate has always shared a love for God and our relationship with Christ has been a uniting part of our friendship. Nate now leads the young adults ministry for Harbor Point Church in San Juan Capistrano, serves at Negu, and shoots photography on the side.