Erik & Payton
Wedding Party
Abby Waidelich
Matron of Honor
Abby is kind, loyal, and wise. Abby has been my best friend since high school. We met through a community youth leadership club called YAC. Despite going to different high schools, we were always together. One of our favorite things to do was drive to Archbold to mess with our friend Logan and her now husband, Jonah. We have too many memories to count together, too many embarrassing memories. Abby has endured the worst moments of life and the best moments of life with me. She has always been a shoulder to cry on and one of my biggest supporters.
Jason Riske
Best Man
Jason is hardworking, reliable, and empathetic. I met Jason playing basketball at CUAA. But we really grew close working for maintenance together and all the classes we had together. Jason and I get along so well because we are so alike. We enjoyed working the grounds and hanging out together.
Grace Escandon
Bridesmaid
Grace is gentle, thoughtful, and hilarious. Grace became one of my best friends during our time at Concordia. She started dating my friend, Alec, who connected the two of us. During COVID, Grace came to watch church and have coffee with my friends and I one morning. From there on out, Grace was a consistent part of my life. Grace will be the first one to ask "do you want to go out," while also being the first one to say "well guys" and then head to bed (or sometimes fall asleep on the ground). She always knows how to bust a good dance move and is a great listener!
Zachary Yoder
Groomsman
Yoder is a unpredictable, goofy, and compassionate. Yoder was the first person I met at CUAA while working one of our team basketball camps. Besides playing basketball, we also grew closer having classes, living, and hanging out together. There is never a dull moment being around him. I experienced this first hand when we first met and worked the concession stand together and spent the day laughing and getting to know eachother. Banana.
Cassie Malenda
Bridesmaid
Cassie is patient, ambitious, and optimistic. Cassie is my sweet oldest cousin. With 10 years and one day separating us, Cassie and I have always had a very close relationship. Cassie was someone that I looked up to and wanted to be like when I was older. Despite our age difference, Cassie never treated me like I was younger. She included me and made me feel loved and welcomed. When I was in town visiting for Cassie's wedding, I had a handful of people ask if we were sisters. I wish! Cassie is the best- I am grateful to call her my cousin and friend!
Colton Ritsema
Groomsman
Colton is inquisitive, diligent, and a thespian. I met Colton playing basketball at CUAA. We always enjoyed working out and hanging out together. Some of my best memories were pulling pranks on him and he would even get me back sometimes.
Jennifer Mroczek
Bridesmaid
Jennifer is outgoing, simple, and a good listener. Jennifer is one of Erik's older sisters. She was the last sister that I got to meet. I met her the front door step of my apartment, where she was fatigued after just getting off of her flight from the Dominican Republic. Jennifer called me Paige and I let it slide because she was tired (haha). Jennifer and I bond over our love for coffee and teaching little people. Whenever I'm around Jennifer never fails to make me feel welcomed and included. I can't wait to call her my sister!
Zackary Johnson
Groomsman
Zack is organized, quick witted, and a lover of quality time. (Even though he won't admit it) I met Zack playing basketball at CUAA. We grew close while living together. We are alike in the fact that we like to just casually hang out and relax. One memory I have is, one weekend we spent an entire day watching a whole season of survivor.
Amy Johnston
Bridesmaid
Amy is funny, helpful, and a hard worker. Amy is Erik's oldest sister and the gal I go to when I need someone to team up with when picking on Erik. With both being oldest sisters, it's something that comes naturally. One of the first times that I got to spend time with Amy, it was at their county fair. One of my first experiences with Amy was watching her work diligently on her tasks at the fair. She is always making sure Erik is treating me with love and kindness ... and even trying to help convince him that he should learn how to make coffee for me. I'm so excited to call her my sister soon!
Alec Escandon
Groomsman
Alec is quick witted, wise, and a goofball. I met Alec in college at CUAA. He is someone that'll keep you on your toes or have a deep conversation with. Some of my fondest memories with Alec are the late nights hanging out.
Allison Mroczek
Bridesmaid
Allison is spunky, spontaneous, and inquisitive. Allison is Erik's youngest sister and the first sister that I got to meet. Allison was and continues to be incredibly welcoming to me and anyone that she meets. Allison is incredibly creative and can create art from the most simple things. Allison is my go to lady when I need to hear childhood stories about Erik! I'm grateful that I get to call her my sister soon!
Kenyon Lovins
Groomsman
Kenyon is thoughtful, funny, and chill. Kenyon is Payton's younger brother. I met Kenyon well before Payton and I started dating. Kenyon and I bond over making fun of Payton and sports.
Taelyn Miller
Junior Bridesmaid
Taelyn is caring, intentional, and fun. Taelyn is the daughter of my cousin, Lacee, who has been a great friend throughout my life. Taelyn has frequently been called Payton and I have frequently been called Taelyn, considering she somewhat resembles me as a little girl. Taelyn and I always have so much fun together, whether it's painting my dads toenails, going to her moms craft shows, or making donuts.
Jay Witherow
Junior Groomsman
Jay is friendly, smart, and fun to hangout with. Jay is the son of my cousin Rachel. They live in Florida so I would only get to see him when they would come up to Michigan to visit. When we did get the chance to hangout we would always have fun playing games and even making games up.
Adelyn Malenda
Flower Girl
Adelyn is silly, fearless, and loving. She is the daughter of my cousin, Cassie. Adelyn is such a special young person in my life. She is one of the first little girls that I vividly remember meeting as a baby. Now, Addy is full of spunk, creativeness, and joy. It has been so fun to watch her blossom into the sweet young girl that she is now.