Marisa & David
Wedding Party
Karla Ascencio
Maid of Honor, Older sister
Karla and Marisa have been inseparable since birth. Being only a year apart allowed them to play on sports teams together, make mutual friends, and borrow each other's clothes (at times without the other knowing ;)). Growing up, they celebrated everything as a duo - first communion, confirmation, and their Quinceanera trip. Their close bond has continued into adulthood as Karla and Marisa have remained the best of friends. Marisa's funniest memory with Karla is sneaking out in high school and getting caught after leaving mud tracks on their parents' white carpet (yikes). Marisa admires Karla's compassion for others, love for life, and strong faith in God.
Brian Ruehlmann
Best Man, Brother
David has always looked up to his older brother, Brian. Growing up, David enjoyed following in his big brother's footsteps, though sometimes Brian used his younger brother's naiveté to his advantage. Nonetheless, their dad always says that he could count the number of times that they've fought on one hand. They spent many days playing football in the backyard and basketball in the basement. They also took turns running up the score against the computer on backyard baseball, Madden, and NBA live. Brian will talk to anyone about sports, and they love discussing current events of the sports world. David followed Brian in generally rooting against Chicago sports teams, but rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals proved to be a bridge too far. They enjoy spirited discussions about the Green Bay Packers' strange draft picks and futile quest to overcome the 49ers every year in the playoffs. David admires Brain's humor, athleticism, approachability, and, of course, his ability to turn anything into a sports talk.
Ileana Schroeder
Matron of Honor, Younger Sister
When Ileana was born, Marisa was so excited to have a little sister. Marisa would dress Ileana in "grownup" clothes and have her walk around the house in heels. As Ileana grew older, she and Marisa became best friends and each other's biggest supporters. From studying until 2 am to keep each other awake to crossing the finish line together in countless 5Ks, they have been there for each other. It wasn't a surprise when David and Josh (Ileana's husband) hit it off and the four of them became "the besties". They have gone on amazing trips together and continue to prioritize their friendship and bond. Marisa loves Ileana's sweet soul and ability to light up any room she is in!
Josh Schroeder
Groomsman, Soon to be brother-in-law
David met Ileana's then-boyfriend, now husband Josh shortly after he started dating Marisa. Despite natural sports alliances that would make them rivals (Bears vs. Packers, Cyclones vs. Hawkeyes), they hit it off. Between skiing trips, Mexico trips, game nights, food nights, and Spanish language competitions (we'll call it a draw), they've shared countless fun experiences over the years as part of the "besties" group. They have both developed a taste for centenario tequila, extra lime and valentina on potato chips, and whatever delicious food item Marisa's mom is making after dating Ascencios for years. David has yet to match Josh's salsa dancing ability, but a few more years with Marisa should do the trick. Josh graciously accepted David into his and Ileana's annual Thanksgiving tradition of running the Naperville turkey trot, and he even more graciously did not leave David in the dust this past year. David admires Josh's calm demeanor, positivity, strong work ethic, and his steadfast loyalty to his family and friends.
Stefy Galan
Bridesmaid, Cousin
Stefy and Marisa met through their parents who had been best friends for years. They grew up together and quickly became family. They formed a special bond through sleepovers, family parties, and camping trips. Marisa's favorite memory with Stefy is dancing around at a Cubs game in the pouring rain. Marisa has always considered Stefy a little sister and can't picture getting married without her! Marisa loves Stefy's fun and go with the flow energy.
Mike Marut
Groomsman, Childhood friend
David met Mike on the bus in kindergarten, and they have been friends since. Growing up in the same neighborhood just a quick walk from each other, they spent many days listening to the best that 2000s emo had to offer while playing Halo in Mike's basement. Together with their friends Isaac and Daniel, they formed an inseparable group that lasted through young adulthood. They kept a list of random inside jokes (creatively titled "The List"), which spanned a disturbingly large amount of pages of a word document that has been since lost to time. Every now and then, David thinks about frogdragons randomly. Despite sometimes hundreds of miles separating them, they have maintained a strong friendship over the years. As fate would have it, Mike followed David to Iowa (of all places) for his wife's matriculation to law school, and then David followed Mike back to the Chicago area for Marisa's fellowship. David admires Mike's made-for-TV/radio booming voice, his ability to talk to anyone, and his exceptional common sense knowledge that has made up for David's lack of common sense for quite some time.
Isaac Philip
Groomsman, Childhood friend
David met Isaac in kindergarten as well, and they quickly became friends. Between shared interests in Pokemon, Digimon, and Yu-Gi-Oh that developed into shared interests in basketball, Mass Effect, and emergency medicine, they have always had much in common. From B team ballers in grade school to weekend warriors in high school and beyond, they have both enjoyed playing basketball and sharing a near-telepathic connection when on the floor. Isaac provided the driveway for daily pickup basketball games in summers during high school, and he provided plenty of emotional support when David suffered a few knee injuries in high school. Through college, medical school, and residency, they have maintained a close friendship as Isaac has paved the way for a path in emergency medicine that David has followed. David admires Isaac's wisdom, his faith, and his endless optimism in the hapless Chicago Bulls.
Erin Johnston
Bridesmaid, College best friend
Erin and Marisa met in biology and instantly clicked. They found shared interest in educational success and love for travel. Marisa has so many special memories with Erin including a 3-week trip to Europe, flying in Erin's plane with her as the pilot, and staying in a houseboat on Lake Powell. Though Marisa and Erin have been long-distance for most of their friendship, it feels like they never miss a beat. Marisa loves Erin's confidence and zest for adventure!
Justin Dzierzawski
Groomsman, College friend
David met Justin while working in a research lab at the University of Michigan. They quickly became good friends. They leaned on each other to pass the boring days in the research lab one summer by watching world cup soccer games, spinning in chairs, and playing bloons monkey tower defense while waiting for histology experiments to progress. They spent countless hours in one corner of the biomedical research building studying organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and every other pre-medical course that they have since tried to block from their memories. Justin fostered David's interest in Team Australia and GOAT soccer player Tim Cahill while playing FIFA games in which Justin absolutely crushed David. In turn, David fostered Justin's interest in llamas by playing the Llama Song ad nauseam until Justin had no choice but to start loving llamas. Of course, David's favorite memory of Justin is "Top Left" from Justin's 21st birthday party (you would have to ask Justin for more details). David admires Justin's strong work ethic, his loyalty to his friends (and the Detroit sports teams), and his infectious love of everything that is sports.
Celia Law
Bridesmaid, Chicago bestie
Celia and Marisa met at The University of Illinois. After Marisa moved to Chicago, Celia taught her the ins and outs of living in the city. Marisa and Celia connect on many similarities including their outgoing personalities, fierce loyalty in friendships, and love for a good steakhouse dinner. Marisa's favorite memories with Celia have been making homemade dumplings together and spending countless of summer nights yapping over wine.