Maid of Honor
Meet Jamie Marolt — Dana’s little sister, first best friend, and the woman who has held the title of Dana’s first roommate when brother- Ben was made his appearance into their lives. Decision to be Maid of Honor was made when Dana was 10 and Jamie was 8. Some partnerships are just meant to be. Jamie grew up as Dana’s fiercest defender — the kind of sister who never thought twice about standing between Dana and anyone who call her names. Jamie is a foodie, loves great wine, and has a willingness to say exactly what’s on her mind. A woman of many talents, Jamie is a spectacular cook, a passionate advocate for causes close to her heart, and a reinsurance professional at Swiss Re where she brings the same sharp mind and competitive edge to her career that she brings to every game of Dutch Blitz — where she is, by unanimous consent, the most formidable player anyone has ever faced across a table. That competitive fire is legendary. It has, however, met its match exactly twice — both times at the hands of Dana, in Monopoly and Rummy, during their childhood. Jamie has not forgotten. Dana has not let her. When she’s not advocating, cooking, or routing opponents at game night, Jamie can be found chasing sunshine, good friends, and the occasional magical day at Disney World. Dana couldn’t have asked for a better sister. Or a better Maid of Honor.
Best Man
Kevin Dorcy is Bob’s youngest brother and has had a front-row seat to his life longer than almost anyone. His path has taken an interesting arc — from Latin teacher with a BA in History who chaperoned high schoolers on their first trips abroad, to an Educational Technology master’s and his current role designing training modules for the International Code Council. The work is serious. His wry sense of humor, quietly threaded throughout, is not. He is also a drummer, having spent years playing in bands including the beloved hometown act The Out of Favor Boys. Quiet and thoughtful by nature, deeply caring to those who know him — including Stella, his blue heeler corgi shepherd (rolls of the tongue, doesn’t it!) — he recently put down roots in downtown Kalamazoo, purchasing a home he is making his own. When Bob was choosing his best man, the answer wasn’t complicated. Kevin knows him more truly than almost anyone, and has shown up without fanfare through every season that mattered. Bob and Dana are honored to have him there on September 5th.
Father of the Bride
Dennis Marolt is a man of few words but great ones. Raised in Crosby, Minnesota — one of five children in a small-town family that knew the value of hard work and community — he carried those roots south to Illinois in 1976, building a life alongside Pat that has now stretched more than five decades. Quiet by nature, Dennis has always let his actions speak loudest. He’s the kind of father who showed up to every swim meet, band concert, and every ballet recital- saw the Nutcracker more times than he ever wanted to, while working a full-time job. Around the house, Dennis is the man you call. A broken toilet, a strange noise, something that just doesn’t look right — he arrives with tools and no complaints. That steadiness extends far beyond home repairs. When Dana has faced hard seasons, Dennis has been there — calm, capable, and unconditionally present. Dennis has a quiet sense of humor that catches you off guard in the best way and a legendary sweet tooth for Country Donuts and specialty chocolates. Dennis welcomed Bob into this family with the same quiet warmth he gives everything — no fanfare, just genuine kindness. For that, and for raising the woman Bob gets to marry, there are simply no adequate words.
Mother of the Bride
Pat Marolt is the kind of woman who makes every room feel warmer the moment she walks in. Raised in Aitkin, MN — one of five children in a family that valued hard work and togetherness — she came to Illinois in 1976 with Dennis, a shared dream, and the tireless spirit that would come to define her family’s life in Crystal Lake as she worked nights and raised 3 children, cooked, cleaned, and drove them all to ballet, band, soccer, baseball, and swim practices— cheering not just with her presence but with her whole heart. . Pat is generous to her core. She is emotionally attuned in a way that makes you feel genuinely seen and cared for — a gift she passed down to Dana in full measure. When Dana has walked through difficult seasons, Pat has been steady, loving, and selflessly supportive. She loves a good estate sale, a shopping trip with her daughter, and the kind of afternoon that turns into an unexpected adventure. Pat has a way of showing up, whether planned or not, and making it the highlight of your day. Pat and Dennis have built a beautiful circle of friends in Crystal Lake, and the warmth of that community was on full display the first time Bob met them. He walked away knowing exactly where Dana’s grace came from. Welcoming him as one of their own has been one of the great gifts of this chapter. Dana is beyond grateful for all that her mother has done and continues to do and how she shows up for her and Dana would not be the person she is today without her.
Mother of the Groom
A Woman of Grace and Grit She raised five children after losing my father to cancer, then opened her heart again and rebuilt our home with the man who became our adopted father. Through grief and transition she never wavered. She kept us active and well-rounded — sports, activities, and experiences that shaped not just our abilities but our character. She didn’t just raise children. She cultivated people. In her forties she went back to school and earned her Master’s in Social Work, becoming a medical social worker. When September 11th shook the country, she answered the call without hesitation — deploying into New York City to help survivors navigate unimaginable grief. For years she also volunteered with visiting nurses, quietly giving her time to people in their most vulnerable moments. And yet she has always carried a joy that duty alone could never contain. Latin dance became her art, and through her fifties and sixties she didn’t slow down — she soared. Watch any video and you forget you’re watching someone’s mother. You’re watching a performer. Her partner dips her until her head is an inch from the floor, and she is completely at home. She taught us to work hard, carry ourselves with manners, and show up for others. Today she is surrounded by people who love her — because she has earned every bit of it. With all the gravity that word can carry — she is my mother.
Ring Bearer
Conor is my nephew. Conor is four years old this June 2026. He loves his mom, my sister Amy Dorcy, so much - and his sister Chloe. He is an enthusiastic boy!
Officiant
Gateway Community Church - Lead Pastor Pastor Paul started at Gateway just a month before Dana joined at the invitation of her neighbors- Calvin and Rita Tucker. Paul was just in his early 20s at the time, but beyond his years in every way that mattered in his role. Dana was struggling with a lot at this time in her life. Paul, as well as other church members offered Biblical wisdom, advice, care and support. Paul, in particular, with another member would meet with Dana often and give counsel and eventually she became born again and gave her life to Christ. Paul was there to see Dana through her ups and downs throughout the years in life and witnessed the growth in her journey with the Lord. Paul was also the one who baptized Dana in August of 2016. Paul has also played a role in Bob's walk with the Lord. We are honored to have him officiate our wedding
Flower Girl
Chloe is my niece. She is the daughter of my sister, Amy and twin sister of her brother Conor. Wow are they enthusiastic children. Always good to see them.