Amanda & Rob
Wedding Party
Patrick Vandenplas
Best Man
I met Patrick years ago while living in West Quad at U of M. We then lived together for the final 2 years of college and then 3 years after that. It won't be until 2024 that Amanda and I have lived together longer than Patrick and I. I credit Patrick with showing me how to grow up and become a fun, functioning adult. I can't imagine a better person, or a better person to be my best man.
Caryn Kosteva
Maid of Honor
Caryn and I met the day we moved into the University of Michigan together and have been best friends ever since! After college, we both moved to the West Coast and even though she was living in California and I was in Arizona, we still found time for weekend visits and beach trips. Now, we are both back living in Ann Arbor and live just a few miles apart! Caryn is one of the most kind and caring people I know, which makes her the perfect pediatric nurse at Mott Children's Hospital. Her lifelong dream of owning a hot tub has come true, and I couldn't be happier to enjoy glasses of wine in the hot tub together. I am so thankful to have this amazing person as a best friend and maid of honor!
Alex DePorre
Groomswoman
Thank god Alex lived down the hall from me sophomore year. Not only is she responsible for me meeting Patrick, but she is one of my closest friends. Alex has been a huge source of joy in my life. We have had plenty of adventures, from secret shots to Electric Forest, and there will no doubt be lots more to come. No one loves their friends harder than Alex, and I am so excited to have her be one of my Groomswomen!
Katrina Mowers
Matron of Honor
I met Katrina while we were both in college getting our degrees in Elementary Education. When we graduated, we both got jobs in Arizona, took a leap of faith, and moved across the country. We became P.I.C. (Partners In Crime) and explored the West Coast together. When we both moved back to Michigan, she got a job near Grand Rapids. That's where she met her husband, Dave. Katrina and Dave just had their first daughter, Vivi, together. Katrina is truly a wonder woman; she's a full time mom and teacher. I am so grateful that she is my best friend and matron of honor!
Dan Butterfield
Groomsman
Dan and I met 20 freaking years ago in 6th grade homeroom. Luckily somewhere along the way I stopped bleaching my hair for swimming, and Dan lost his Doors Lizard King hoodie. Visiting each other on our own adventures (I admit Spain was definitely cooler than Manistique) have been some of my best memories. Without Dan I never would have met Amanda, and for that I will always owe him.
Chris Waite
Bridesman
Chris is my twin brother, I'm two minutes older and I like to remind him of that. He has always been my best friend and I'm so lucky that we both went to college in Ann Arbor. Some of my favorite memories of college were Monday night TV and pizza, board game parties, and winning trivia with his friends. Even though I'm older, I've always looked up to Chris. He is the most hard working and determined person I know. He is a marathon runner; he qualified and ran the Boston Marathon. Incredible. He's also a nurse at the University of Michigan. He got married last year to his wife, Jamie. They live in Canton with their dog, WallE! (WallE Is part dog, part human. Ask Jamie for photos.)
Monica Blaesser
Groomswoman
Monica is my little sister, but in a lot of ways I have been following in her footsteps. I followed her into swimming, and decided to go to PT school long after she wanted to be a physical therapist. I have always looked up to you and am so happy that we've remained close despite living apart. You've always been my sister, but I am so happy that you have found a new sibling in Amanda, and am so happy to have you be a part of our big day.
Kelly Waite
Bridesman
Kelly Waite is my younger brother, he's two years younger but he never let that slow him down. Kelly and I went to Plymouth High School together and some of my funniest memories are the drives to and from school. (I can't write them on here, but you can ask Kelly about them. ) Kelly is extremely hardworking, whatever he sets his mind to he has achieved. Growing up, he was a true athlete and played many sports. He earned a football scholarship to Northern Michigan University. He is one of the most selfless people I know and always puts his family first. After he graduated from Northern, he moved back home. Last year, he married his wife, Ashley, and they live on a lake in Highland Township. They just had their first son, Isaac! Rob and I are so excited to be his aunt and uncle.
Jim Vandeputte
Groomsman
From what I can remember of our year living together in college, I can tell you that Jim has always been there to make sure I was having fun. Who else would have jumped off the parking structure into a giant mountain of snow with me? Who else would blast Disney music 24/7? Who else could possibly be entrusted to be a groomsman to make sure the big day is fun as hell? (Don't worry Jim, I have already put Africa by Toto in the reception playlist)
Chelsey Sasinowski
Bridesmaid
I became friends with Chelsey in high school when we played soccer together. She is an amazing soccer player, and I had never played before I made the team. Chelsey was very patient and helped coach me from the sidelines. I'm so glad that we became even closer friends and then roommates at Michigan. We spent many nights splitting a pot of coffee and studying together. She will always be the friend I go to for book, coffee, and beer recommendations. Now, Chelsey and her husband live in Ann Arbor with their son, Quinn! Chelsey is a wonder woman; she is a full time mom and Physician's Assistant. I am so lucky that this smart, kind, and caring person is my bridesmaid.
Melissa Ponce
Groomswoman
Melissa and I have known each other since sophomore year in in high school, but really become close junior year in college when we lived together in the Gonk. There is no friend that I talk to, and trust more than her. I am so lucky to have such a grounded, fun and pomegranate smooth friend, and am honored to have her be a member of my wedding party.
Colleen Burke
Bridesmaid
Colleen and I met at the University of Michigan our freshman year. We quickly became friends, and then roommates in college. She is the friend I could (and still can) always count on to be ready for anything; whether it was trivia at Charley's or colliders at Rod's. I could also count on her for all of my sports news. Colleen is a die hard sports fan and the roommate who organized all of our Michigan tailgates and recreational sports leagues. After college, Colleen worked at an internship with the Red Wings and that's where she met her husband, Dave. Colleen, Dave and their new child live together in Farmington Hills. I am so lucky that this incredibly fun, loving, and generous person is my bridesmaid.
Andrew Waite
Bridesman
Andrew, or "Drew Babes" as I like to call him, is my little brother. As the youngest of four, he has endured a lot of manicures, Irish Dance lessons, and hairstyles. We only got to spend one year in school together, but I insisted on being his Kindergarten Safety. I know that I was his overly protective big sister and I'm sure that he hated it. But, I loved watching and helping him grow up. I am so proud of the gentleman he's become! Andrew is currently attending Ferris State University and working on a degree in welding. He is also a member of the bowling team.