Wedding Party
Jocelynn Rich
Maid of Honor
Jocelynn and Stephanie think they met in 2005—but after so many years of friendship, the exact moment has happily blurred. They bonded through waterskiing and grew up competing side-by-side, quickly becoming inseparable. From helping Steph find her first home, to celebrating graduations and college acceptance, to countless birthdays, adventures, and milestones, Jocelynn has been a constant presence in every chapter of Steph’s life. She embodies everything a true friend should be: kind, supportive, loving, loyal, fun, generous, understanding, dependable, and unwaveringly trustworthy. She’s the first person Steph calls when life is wonderful—and the first person she calls when it’s not. David and Steph feel incredibly honored to have Jocelynn standing with them on their wedding day.
Steven Reinhard
Best Man
David and Steven have been inseparable since 1992—ever since Steven was born. David took his role as big brother seriously, introducing Steven to all the essentials: Batman, Power Rangers, and Star Wars. As they grew up, their bond only deepened, especially through their shared love of sports. Both are devoted football fans who never miss a game, and they can often be found comparing stats or debating their fantasy football lineups. They still spend plenty of time together today, something David is endlessly grateful for. The two enjoy traveling to Comic Con in San Diego, visiting National Parks, and endless trips to the cottage and Homestead. David can't imagine having any one else stand next to him on the big day.
Whitney Messenger
Matron of Honor
Whitney and Steph have been inseparable since 1994, when Steph moved to Lake Shannon and the two quickly became neighbors—and best friends. Growing up just a few houses apart meant weekly sleepovers, shared family vacations that soon became Hawkins/Pedersen traditions, holidays spent side-by-side, and a friendship that naturally grew into family. Whitney has been a constant in Steph’s life through every season. They know each other’s extended families, have celebrated the arrival of Whitney’s three children together, and have spent countless hours talking about everything life brings. Steph was honored to stand by Whitney as her maid of honor, and she can’t wait for Whitney to return the favor.
Erik Collins
Groomsman
David and Erik met during their freshman year of high school and quickly bonded over their shared love of video games—a tradition that still lives on through game nights every Wednesday. Their friendship grew even stronger through their mutual love of learning, as they tackled multiple AP classes together and competed side by side in Science Olympiad. David cherishes the time he spends with Erik’s family, especially getting to teach his kids all about video games and anything spooky. Speaking of spooky, the two loved visiting Halloween Horror Nights together, haunted houses, and their shared love of horror movies. David was truly honored when Erik offered to be a one-man show for the wedding—groomsman, DJ, officiant, and more, which just shows his generosity. Dave and Steph are thrilled to have Erik as a groomsmen.
Emily Cooper
Bridesmaid
Emily and Steph met while teaching together in 2017. From the moment they met, Steph knew they were destined to be friends—and Emily didn’t get much of a choice in the matter. They quickly bonded as first-year teachers navigating the chaos together. Working side by side strengthened their friendship, which soon turned into weekly walks and being each other’s “safe person” during COVID. Living in neighboring apartments meant evenings spent chatting outside or sharing dinner, and through it all, Emily became Steph’s steady rock. Even though they no longer teach at the same school, their tradition of Tuesday dinners and cardio drumming lives on—Steph’s favorite night of the week. Emily has been the best surprise that teaching ever brought, and Steph is grateful for her every single day.
Matt Ries
Groomsman
David and Matt have been friends since first grade at St. Germaine. They grew up playing both soccer and basketball together, and their shared love of sports has stuck with them ever since. Over the years, they’ve made countless memories at the St. Germaine festival and gala—though as they got older, their festival tradition admittedly shifted to bonding over a few drinks in the beer tent. The two also had a running tradition of going out on Daylight Savings, insisting the extra hour was meant to be spent at the bar. David was truly honored to stand by Matt’s side on his wedding day, and he can’t wait for Matt to return the favor.
Sabrina Reinhard
Bridesmaid
David and Stephanie are honored that Sabrina—David’s sister—has agreed to be part of their big day. They couldn’t imagine getting married without her by their side. Sabrina has been a constant source of support in David’s life, and now in Steph’s as well. Sabrina and David share a love of adventure, from traveling to Comic Con to exploring national parks together. Their bond and love for family is something truly special to witness. Steph is overjoyed to officially gain a sister and couldn’t be happier to have Sabrina standing with them.
Thaddeus Zabor
Groomsman
David and Thaddeus first met through their mutual friend Erik, who invited Thaddeus to join their weekly video game night. David was a little unsure at first, but it didn’t take long for them to realize they were destined to become great friends. Beyond gaming, the two couples enjoy plenty of double-date adventures together—from Dave & Buster’s to Zoo Lights and more. They also bonded over their shared love of all things spooky during a trip to Halloween Horror Nights. David and Steph are thrilled to have Thaddeus standing by their side on their big day.