Raquel & Christian
Wedding Party
Ruby Freese
Maid of Honor
Ruby is Raquel's sister and maid of honor. As the youngest child, Ruby definitely adds a lot of spunk and "Rubitude" to the family. Although they are 6 1/2 years apart, Raquel and Ruby are very close and share many similar interests such as music, education, and cat videos.
Evan Willick
Best Man
Evan is Christian’s younger brother and best man. Though he’s often jokingly called Evan his “shadow,” they have truly been partners through all of life’s challenges and joys, and Christian is so proud to know that he will have Evan standing beside him on that day.
Alyssa Tessmer
Bridesmaid
Alyssa is Raquel's best friend. They were also college roommates, where many late nights in the dorm were spent talking about weddings and marriage, and now it's actually happening! Fun fact: Alyssa and Raquel share the same birthday.
Matt Zeng
Groomsman
Matt is Christian’s long-time friend from high school, college, and seminary. The two have enjoyed no end of messing with each other in their time living together, and through it all has come an unbreakable bond of brotherhood in the truest sense.
Tara Winecke
Bridesmaid
Tara is Raquel's friend and fellow music major from college. Once Tara tried to teach Raquel clarinet and French horn. She was a great teacher, but Raquel wasn't really cut out for wind instruments! More successful was Tara's attempt to set Raquel and Christian up together. It may have taken almost 8 years, but it appears that her plan succeeded!
Caleb Schulz
Groomsman
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when Caleb and Christian’s friendship began. It probably didn’t happen when Christian kept untying Caleb's shoelaces in band. But from swimming at Flandrau to spending time at each other’s family cabins, it didn’t take long for “Cabes” and “Crispy” to realize they were kindred spirits and buddies for life.
Mariah Jahns
Bridesmaid
Mariah is Raquel's friend from college. Raquel knew they were kindred spirits when Mariah had to be coaxed out of her dorm room by her roommate in order to meet new people. Listen carefully when Mariah chooses to grace you with her knowledge of Star Wars, because it is truly spectacular.
Reuben Nitz
Groomsman
Reuben. Reubs. The Malawian Whisperer. The Enigma. A man of relatively few words but many names. Reuben and Christian’s close friendship brought Christian to Malawi where Reuben's family served as missionaries at the time on a 3-week African adventure of a lifetime.
Emma Schneck
Bridesmaid
Emma is Raquel's friend from college. They had many adventures as roommates on several College Choir tours together, including that one time there was a Taylor Lautner poster on the ceiling at their host family's house. You can always rely on Emma to provide movie quotes relating to any situation you find yourself in.
Ryan Gurgel
Groomsman
Many words could be used to describe Ryan in all the vocations he carries out so wholeheartedly, but Christian’s words to describe Ryan would include: choir tour pal, ping pong rival, biking partner, and peer coach in all things pastoral and personal. And of course, on top of it all: dear brother and friend.
Claire Davis
Flower Girl
Raquel babysat Claire and her brothers for two summers during college. Then, when Raquel was called to teach at Abiding Word Claire was in her first 3rd grade class! It has been a joy for Raquel to watch Claire grow up and she is so excited to have Claire as part of her special day!
Pierce-Chad Mgema
Ring Bearer
Pierce and his family are church friends of the Freeses. Pierce is currently in Raquel's 3rd grade class and always brightens up the classroom with his smile and his love of Mario. As a student he always keeps Miss Freese on her toes by noticing ANY change around the classroom.
Gregory
Cat of Bride
Greg was named after an ancient form of music called Gregorian Chant, which shows how big of a music nerd Raquel is. He keeps life interesting by sometimes behaving as a cuddly companion and sometimes a ferocious beast. No, he won't actually be at the wedding!