Marina & Jesse
Wedding Party
Alissa Schlimgen
Maid of Honor
Marina and Alissa's 17 year friendship started in their third grade classroom. Their teacher frequently referred to the two as sisters and they loved to pretend that they actually were. Marina and Alissa even wrote and mailed each other letters - Yes, mailed! They still aren't sure why they did this, but the thought of it is simply adorable! Alissa has been through all of life's twists and turns with Marina - rescuing her with McDonald's french fries when needed. ☺️ That being said, it's unusual for Marina and Alissa to go more than a week without seeing each other. You're most likely to find them at their favorite local wine bar or attending the latest and greatest country concert. Alissa is what everyone dreams to have in a best friend making her the perfect Maid of Honor ❤️
Chad Mathews
Best Man
Chad is the brother that everyone wishes for. It is only fitting that he would be Jesse’s Best Man. Chad has always made it a point to spend time with Jesse, even when it wasn’t cool to be seen with your little brother. One thing that Jesse has always appreciated and will never forget are the countless sleepovers when he was a kid. Chad would open up his apartment/house to Jesse and a friend and they would stay up late, play old video games (of course the ones that only Chad was good at), eat junk food, watch movies and paintball in the woods for hours. Still to this day the two share a close bond that will never change, even though hobbies and interests have changed! (Note: Chad still plays the same video games from the 80’s).
Tristyn Forget
Bridesmaid
When Tristyn moved to Wisconsin in 5th grade, her and Marina became inseparable almost right away. During the school year, they had sleepovers practically every weekend. During the summer, they tried to see how many days in a row their parents would allow them to continue their sleepover streak. Marina went on the Forget's family road trips - one of which included an extra stop in Pittsburgh to surprise Marina! It's safe to say that Tristyn and her family are, well, Family. Marina frequently refers to Tristyn's Mom, Liz, as her Second Mom and Tristyn will always be the Sister that Marina never had. Marina cannot imagine what life would have been like without Tristyn's contagious laughter, spunky personality, and her forever friendship.
Patrick Mathews
Groomsman
Patrick is Jesse’s oldest brother. Patrick has always been someone that Jesse has looked up to his entire life. Even though the two are separated by 12 years, they have always been close friends. Through the years Patrick has always pushed Jesse to explore new hobbies, like hunting and fishing. Patrick introduced Jesse for the first time to deer hunting during the youth hunt many years ago. Even though they didn’t have any luck that year, Jesse will never forget the lessons and traditions that were learned, which will one day be passed on to his own children. It’s not all about the outdoors either, Jesse always enjoyed going to the circus for Mel’s (Patrick’s wife) birthday, and will never forget his first concert with Patrick, Mel, and Ben (one of Jesse’s best friends growing up).
Abbi Topper
Bridesmaid
Abbi is Marina's younger cousin, but Marina thinks of her more as a little sister. The two are separated by 5 years, which was entirely obvious when they were growing up. Abbi wanted to be Marina’s "Mini-Me", which included dressing the same and only eating foods that Marina would eat. At the time, Marina thought this was incredibly annoying. However, looking back, it was truly the sweetest thing ever! 💖 Some of Marina's favorite memories are cheering on Abbi while she does what she loves most - dance! You can count on Marina and Abbi balling their eyes out together after each of Abbi’s dance shows; it’s kind of tradition at this point. Happy tears, of course! Abbi has had a pivotal role throughout Marina’s life. It really is true when they say that cousins make the best friends!
Christopher Roberts
Groomsman
Christopher is one of Jesse’s 3 older brothers. Although Christopher lives the furthest away they have always made it a point to spend time together. As the two have grown into their own lives, yearly traditions in Minnesota have stayed the same. Every summer the two of them can be found hanging out around the smoker (Christopher giving his expert advice on the best smoker currently on the market), sampling unique beers and whiskeys from around the world, debating sports, and Jesse giving Christopher unwanted golf tips over a round of golf. No matter the distance, Christopher and Jesse will continue to make sure traditions live on.
Cassi Brey
Bridesmaid
Cassi and Marina met when they joined their 6th grade basketball team. It was both of their first years on the team, and they quickly realized that they made the best practice buddies. Their love for the game of basketball was only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things that the two had in common. Growing up, Cassi and Marina often had sleepovers where they'd watch scary movies, specifically the Saw series. During the summer, they'd spend their time at the pool or the park until the sun went down. After high school, the two went to separate colleges but stayed in contact throughout. Cassi is the most genuine, kind, and caring person. With such a sweet personality, you can't help but love her - literally everyone does! Marina feels so blessed to have Cassi as her lifelong friend.
Tyson Fredrick
Groomsman
Tyson and Jesse first met in the 3rd grade and before too long realized they lived only a short distance apart. From walking home after school everyday together, to bombing Sandy Court at a high rate of speed in a power wheel (luckily they are both still here to talk about it), to living together for 4+ years in college. The two are still as close as ever, even though much has changed in life. More often than not you’ll catch the two of them at the local Buffalo Wild Wings reminiscing about the good ole’ days over some Blue Moon and wings.
Amber Schulz
Bridesmaid
Amber and Marina met in 6th grade when Marina joined basketball. The two played the same position, and quickly formed a bond over their competitive nature. They pushed each other to be the best that they could be. Amber and Marina always sat by each other on the bus to away games, which included jamming out to Dancing Queen by Abba. The two could always pick each other up when one was feeling down, and that's what Marina loves most about Amber. Amber has been a constant throughout Marina's life, and has such a down to earth personality and the biggest heart. Even though Amber now lives in Las Vegas, the two are still as close as ever and frequently discuss their wedding plans - Amber is getting married in October! Wedding planning is even better when it's shared with a BFF!
Austin Elliot
Groomsman
Austin and Jesse met in the 3rd grade. Coincidentally, they shared a table with Tyson and became the 3 Amigos shortly after meeting. Although, their lives have taken them in two separate directions, Austin and Jesse remain close. The two bond over long phone calls while they both are on the road for work and even though life is busy, Austin and Jesse make it a point to take part in yearly hunting tournaments and share stories over an occasional beer or two.