We're looking forward to celebrating with everyone! PLEASE read through the WHOLE website for all important information!

Jess & Mark

Wedding Party

The Wedding Website of Jess Young and Mark Pires

Meet some of our favorite people! Our family and friends (and pup) who are walking down the aisle with us and helping to make the whole weekend possible!

Stephen

Officiant / Groomsman

Stephen is Mark's literal definition of "brother from another mother". Despite many obstacles in their relationship, Mark has always admired and loved his big brother. Stephen currently serves in the National Guard and lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife, Marlene, and their dog, Zeus.

Ellie

Pup of Honor

Jess and Mark got Ellie in July of 2025 and she immediately became their baby! She is crazy, loving and always full of energy. Look out for the little T-Rex the day of the wedding! She loves treats, playing and giving kisses :)

Trung

Best Man

Mark met Trung in high school, and despite Mark not being able to pronounce his name for the first month of their friendship, they've been best friends ever since. Trung currently lives in the Lehigh Valley with his girlfriend, Nicole, and their dog, Banh Mi, and is currently serving in the PA National Guard.

Liana

Maid of Honor

Jess met Liana in high school. They lived together for some time in college and have been best friends ever since. Despite many ups and downs, their relationship has remained. Liana currently works as an HRO Sales Representative for ADP and is finishing her Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management. She lives in the Lehigh Valley with her dog Finn.

Brandon

Groomsman

Mark and Brandon met through their partners and even though initially neither of them thought they would get along, they discovered they were more alike than they thought and since then have become great friends. Brandon, along with his wife Kayla, also in the wedding party, are currently new homeowners in the Lehigh Valley and he currently works as an Engineer at East Penn Manufacturing.

Kayla

Matron of Honor

Kayla is Jess's childhood best friend. They met at daycare in fifth grade and have been inseparable for almost all the years of their friendship. Jess was Kayla's Maid of Honor in her wedding in September of 2024, and Kayla is now returning the favor for her. Kayla recently finished her Master's degree in School Counseling and is now School Counselor and a new homeowner with her husband, Brandon, also in the wedding party.

Chris

Groomsman

Mark met Chris also through their partners, and Jess and Veronica knew immediately that they would get along. But none of us knew exactly how well they would get along. From that point on they have been brothers in arms (literally). Chris currently serves in the US Army at Fort Hood in Texas, and lives there with his wife Veronica, also in the wedding party, and their three kids, Mateo, Eliana, and Alessia.

Veronica

Matron of Honor

Jess and Veronica went to high school together and they continued to get closer through their after-school job. Despite their lives going very different directions, Jess and V have always stayed in touch and remain close to this day. After a lot of moving around, Veronica now lives in East Texas with her husband, Chris, also in the wedding party, and stays home with their three kids, Mateo, Eliana, and Alessia.

Nick

Groomsman

Mark and Nick naturally clicked the day they met and are always down for anything when they are together. Mark has genuinely enjoyed every moment they have shared together since being introduced by Nick's girlfriend, Robyn, Jess's older sister. Nick currently works for the IT department at Lehigh University and lives in the Lehigh Valley with his girlfriend, Robyn, also in the wedding party, and their cat, Gorda.

Robyn

Bridesmaid

Despite not going up together, Robyn has become the big sister that Jess always wanted. She has been one of Jess's biggest supporters for the past several years. Robyn works to provide funding and resources to strengthen the diversity of the local nonprofit sector. She currently lives in the Lehigh Valley with her boyfriend, Nick, also in the wedding party, and their cat, Gorda.

Roome

Groomsman

Mark met Roome in college through their ROTC program and ever since it has been a blast. He is one of Mark's best (and craziest) friends and Mark is so grateful for their friendship. Roome serves in the US Army and is currently stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia but will soon move to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He lives with his partner, Kara, their daughter, Amelia, and their son, Santino.

Bri

Bridesmaid

Jess met Bri the day she was born and has loved the joys (and pitfalls) of being her big sister ever since. Despite being older, Jess has always admired Bri for many reasons. Bri is currently in PA school but will be graduated exactly one week before the wedding (just another reason to celebrate)! She lives in the Lehigh Valley with her fiancé, Zach, (soon to be husband in October of 2026), and their cat, Opal.

Bobby

Ring Security / Beer Boy

Jess and Bobby had a rocky relationship as children, but in the last few years they have developed a close relationship and she is so proud of the young man he has become. Mark has always been fond of Bobby and now considers him to be like a brother. Bobby is currently finishing his Bachelors degree in Psychology and Theology and will be graduating in May of 2026 and joining the US Army upon graduating.

Nicole

Bridesmaid

Nicole and Jess met in college and were roommates their senior year. Nicole has always been supportive of Jess and being in the wedding is just another example of that. Despite not seeing Nicole often, Jess considers her a great friend. Nicole is currently living in Northern New Jersey with her boyfriend, Ben, working at a country club and making her way into the theatre scene in New York!

Megan

Flower Girl

Mark had a typical brother-sister relationship with Megan growing up, but he admires her for everything she's done and the woman she has become. Jess has grown to see Megan as a little sister and is so proud of all the things she has done and is doing. Megan is currently starting her Bachelors degree in Psychology at Kutztown University.

Keiara

Bridesmaid

Jess and Keiara were friends in college and roommates their senior year. Despite living separate lives, Keiara and Jess have always remained close. Jess is so grateful for Keiara's friendship and constant support. Keiara currently lives in Effort, working as a schoolteacher and is going to school for her Master's degree in Education.