Katie & Nolan
Wedding Party
Meaghan Brown VanderWeide
Matron of Honor
A friendship comparable to sisterhood. Meaghan and Katie have been sharing laughter, love, and countless memories for Katie's entire life. Meaghan's parents, Rick and Ana, being Katie's godparents, gave the two plenty of time to bond and become quite the close, and some may say goofball, pair. Meaghan and Katie have been there for each other through countless lifetime milestones; it only made sense for Meaghan to stand next to Katie for her big day. When it came to Katie and Nolan, Meaghan was incredibly supportive of Nolan from the get-go. She continues to display what it means to be a Matron of Honor and best friend.
Jake Widman
Best Man
First meeting as a randomized teammate in peewee Summer hockey, Jake and Nolan would end up in the same 7th-grade science class the following Fall. Oddly enough, pairing up for an after-school project would start a nearly two-decade friendship. For the remainder of grade school, college, and beyond, the two have been nearly inseparable. Fueled by their shared passion for cars and anything "dorky," the two continue their friendship, and as Nolan's Best Man, Jake will stand next to him as Nolan enters the next chapter in his life and the chapters beyond.
Allysa Rice
Bridesmaid
Sweet, kind, and loyal - All the traits one looks for in a person when looking for a friend. Katie recalls meeting Allysa in high school and, early on, realizing Allysa has these qualities in excess. While the first impression may be nearly two decades old, it remains true. Although a few states now separate Katie and Allysa, you can still catch them texting and talking nearly every day, sharing the same laughs and gossip as they did years prior, giggling in Katie's bedroom. No matter what phase or stage they're in, when Allysa & Katie get together, no time has passed. After their high school and college days, Katie was honored to witness Allysa getting married and starting her own family. Now, Allysa gets to share Katie's big day and stand beside her as she says "I do" to Nolan.
Logan Oerther
Groomsman
Believe it or not, it's not his stature that is the commanding presence in a room, it's his one-of-a-kind personality. Meeting Nolan at Ferris State in 2013, Logan and Nolan (like most of Nolan's friends) bonded over their mutual love of everything automotive, but when not talking cars, you could find Logan hanging with Nolan in the dorms or at the cafe. From there, the two would be roommates several times and remain the closest of friends. Logan's guidance and brotherly commitment is something Nolan holds dear. Although moving from the Metro Detroit area, Logan is still considered one of Nolan's closest friends and Nolan looks forward to him standing by his side on his big day.
Laura Ploss
Bridesmaid
Now sisters-in-law, the two act as if the “in-law” part of their title was dropped. Apart from seeing each other at every family function, you can catch them going to book club, girls' trips, or out to dinner, as you would expect from a sisterly dynamic. Laura & Katie make a point to be there for each other--whether it be Laura taking care of Katie in illness, or Katie officiating the wedding of Laura and her brother Corey, the two can be found in almost every aspect of each other's lives.
Stewart Haadsma
Groomsman
Upon Nolan's return to Ferris, he was in need of a roommate. Luckily, Jake and Logan met a guy named Stew during his absence who, as you would expect, loved everything automotive and "dorky," a perfect candidate for Nolan. Stew would not only become Nolan's roommate that year, but he would reveal himself as one of the most fun and kind individuals Nolan would have the pleasure of calling a friend. After his graduation, Stew and his girlfriend, now wife, Shelby, would move to the Metro Detroit area Nolan grew up around, so Nolan and Stew's time together was far from over. Their friendship would see several accolades, including Stew's move into his first home, his marriage to Shelby, two Children (Sydney and Gia), and countless other memories. It only makes sense that Nolan would want Stew standing next to him on such an important day.
Olivia Mengel
Bridesmaid
When describing her friends, Katie describes Olivia as truly the "full package". She's intelligent, gorgeous, and kind. As one of Katie's high school besties, they have watched each other through every phase of their adult lives. Katie moved to Chicago to follow her dreams of becoming a psychologist, and Olivia moved across the country to become a chemical engineer. No matter the distance or different paths they've taken, Katie & Olivia made time for each other. Some of Katie's fondest memories of Olivia include touring the Napa Valley together, surfing on Torch Lake, and giggling over pizza in Chicago.
Justen Truhett
Groomsman
Even down to his name, there is only one Justen. Nolan would become friends with Justen through the automotive program at Ferris, so, of course, his mutual interest in cars would be the starting point of their friendship. The two would work together on the Bulldog Motorsport Club's student board, but beyond that, their friendship became so much more profound than two students cooperating on a student organization. His wit and humor make any social gathering a memorable one, and his conversation keeps you on the edge of your seat. After college, like many of Nolan's friends, he moved to the Metro Detroit area for its bustling auto industry; luckily, this meant his and Nolan's friendship continued to evolve to a brother-like status, and Nolan couldn't imagine his wedding day without Justen by his side.
Erica Cranford
Bridesmaid
A lawyer by day and a mother by night, Erica has always been able to do it all, which made her that much more intriguing and fun as a randomly paired roommate in college for Katie. Erica & Katie's lives have changed considerably since their carefree days living in Case Hall at Michigan State, but the bond developed during those late-night talks in their dorm has never wavered. Erica's personal & professional accomplishments speak volumes about the person she is, and all other titles aside, Katie is most grateful for the title of friend and looks forward to Erica standing with her on her wedding day.
Jeff Schnackel
Groomsman
Jeff is one of the easiest people to get along with. Pair that with his obsession with cars that might even trump Nolan's; it's no surprise the two got along. Meeting at Ferris in the automotive program, the two would also be board members of the Bulldog Motorsports Club. Between hosting several events and spending plenty of time outside of school functions, Nolan holds Jeff in very high regard. During their time at Ferris, Jeff met his wife, Casey, and Nolan would get to see their love grow to what it is today. In the same way, Jeff has seen Nolan's relationship with Katie evolve from the beginning, and it's an absolute joy for him to have him stand with Nolan as he makes his own love story.
Julie Alliston
Bridesmaid
Julie is Katie's go-to friend for calm, solid advice, especially when Katie was single & dating. They leaned on each other in ways that few understood. Katie, a school psychologist, and Julie, a teacher, frequently joke about opening their own school, as the two of them together can figure almost anything out. Joke or not, it's safe to say the world would be a much better place with more Katie's and Julie's running the educational system. You will not meet anyone more passionate and kind than Julie. The way she looks out for others before herself stretches way past the classroom, as evidenced by her friendship with Katie. Julie approved of Nolan and welcomed him into Katie's life. She was there from the beginning of Katie and Nolan's relationship and was the first friend to meet Nolan formally. They are so grateful for her to be standing with them as they celebrate their marriage.
Andre Higgins
Groomsman
Since the beginning of Nolan’s pursuit of Katie, no one supported Nolan’s choice more vocally than Dre. Although friends in college, their true friendship would develop after Dre’s graduation from Ferris. Being from the same area, they would frequent car shows and hang out at the home of their mutual friend, Stew. Over the years, not only would their friendship strengthen, but Nolan would be lucky enough to witness the marriage of Dre and his wife, Chantinique. Now, as Nolan enters this next chapter of his life, Dre’s obsession with cars, Star Wars, and strong family values will no doubt influence and continue to play a part in Nolan and Katie’s lives down the road.
Alexandra Sakalian
Bridesmaid
Although viral superstardom never reached Katie and Alex through the many creative and comedic videos they would record, this did not stop Alex from living like a rockstar. From their high school days of filming wacky videos from a laptop in Katie’s childhood bedroom like a movie studio, Alex has traveled across the world, made her home in several states, and, more recently, worked and lived in Seattle. Katie & Alex got to reunite for a couple of years while they both lived in Chicago, which somehow still ended up in filming weird videos in their apartments and ordering takeout. Alex has consistently earned her spot as one of the most creative friends Katie has had the pleasure of having, and as Katie's dad says, Alex is the "MIF"....aka the "Most Improved Friend".
Aiden Ploss
Ring Bearer
Aiden is Katie & Nolan’s brand new nephew as of 9/18/2024! As the official ring bearer who may or may not be walking by 8/2/2025, Aiden will be escorted down the aisle by his dad, Corey Ploss. We can’t wait for him to steal the show!
Madison McGuire
Bridesmaid
Few people love cats and reality TV more than Katie & Maddie. Katie met Maddie back in high school as Allysa's little sister. However, their friendship took a life of its own when Katie (along with Cali & Marshall) moved in with Maddie in 2021 before she moved to Florida. While they lived together, Katie & Maddie were work-from-home 'coworkers', had countless deep late-night talks, and constantly laughed at the cat's antics. Maddie's genuine nature, upbeat energy, and sense of humor are unmatched!
Diana Viohl
Bridesmaid
Every Brunette needs a Blonde! The infamous "Dirty-D" met Katie during their shared time at MSU. A random encounter in the dorms and a sorority rush would tie the two together for years of adventures. Whether she's buried in a book or bloody mary, Diana never fails to make any moment a memorable one. Diana may be attending the wedding in spirit, as she is welcoming a baby in early August 2025! :)
Isabella Vanderweide
Flower Girl
Daughter of the Matron of Honor, Katie has been known as "Auntie Katie" to Isa since she's been born. Just as Katie has been a part of Isabella’s life, Katie and Nolan couldn’t be happier to invite Baby Isa to be the Flower Girl for their wedding.
Claire Conlan
Officiant
Katie worked with "Claire the Heartbreak Coach" for a solid year before crossing paths with Nolan. Claire is the guru of heartaches, self-love, and romance! Katie's journey with Claire was instrumental in leading her to Nolan and the beginning of their life together. They felt Claire was the perfect choice to officiate their wedding, symbolizing the start of their new chapter as husband and wife.