Wedding Party
Milana Simic
Maid of Honor
Milana is Ava’s go-to girl. The two met at Medina County Rec Center, where Violeta, Milana’s mom, encouraged her to walk up to Ava and introduce herself, after seeing each other so often in the gym. The rest was history! Ava and Milana soon became attached at the hip. Together, the two shared one of their greatest memories, the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert in June of 2023. They are chatters to the core, and will talk for hours on end without getting bored. They laugh, cry, weather the storms and celebrate the highs of life together, side by side. Milana was a huge part of the engagement surprise, and made sure to keep it a secret from Ava. She helped Brandon execute the whole plan, and had a front row seat to watch Ava say "YES" to marrying the love of her life. They love to workout together, get coffee, see new movies and shop ‘til they drop. Anything that involves being together. One day, Ava hopes to tag along with Milana to meet her extended family in Europe, and learn more about what makes Milana, Milana: her eastern-european culture. Milana is currently in her last year of nursing school. Ava is so excited to be a part of her future, and cannot wait to officially call her best friend, a BSN/RN.
Lydia Byrne
Bridesmaid
In the midst of 5th grade youth softball season, Lydia and Ava only knew each other as rivals. They became best friends a few years later in 8th grade, and grew even closer in Orchestra class during freshman year of high school. She witnessed Ava and Brandon's love story unfold, from the very beginning. They have stood side by side through every high, low and in between. Lydia is so much fun to be around and always has such an uplifting spirit. The two love going to country music concerts. In 2021, they took a road trip to Nashville within a day's notice to see Thomas Rhett in concert and even ended up meeting him! They have also seen Morgan Wallen, and plan to go to many more together. Most importantly, Lydia and Ava bond over their passion and love for Jesus Christ, who is a huge part of their lives and the foundation of such a strong friendship. Ava is so lucky to have a lifelong friend in Lydia. She is finishing up her last year of college, and is going to be a teacher specializing in early childhood education. You will really see her true character come out when she is around children. Beyond caring, loving and selfless. One day, Ava and Brandon's children will know her as Auntie Lyd.
Danielle K'Meyer
Bridesmaid
Danielle and Ava first met in middle school, and they soon after became inseparable in 7th grade. They share a love for pop artist, Jake Miller, and have seen him in concert countless times. Danielle is the sweetest, most patient and understanding friend that one could have. Ava loves to make weekend trips to Columbus to visit Danielle and catch up every couple months. The two share a hobby in the girly things, from doing nails together, shopping, and to all things self care. They can sit for hours talking and laughing and will never run out of things to talk about. Danielle is the friend that you can go months without seeing and pick up right where you left off. She truly has a heart of gold. Danielle and Ava love talking about anything wedding related, as Danielle just recently got married to her high school sweetheart. They are so excited to be in the same chapter of life, and supporting each other every step of the way.
Lena Murphy
Bridesmaid
Lena is the most kind-hearted girl ever, and knows how to make someone laugh. She is the long-time girlfriend of Nick, who is one of Brandon's best friends. Through double and triple dates, and group get togethers, Lena and Ava really hit it off. They have all the free time to read new books and bake endless Sourdough bread while their partners game for hours on end. Lena inspired Ava and taught her all there was to know about making Sourdough, which has become one of Ava's greatest hobbies in the last quarter of 2024. Lena and Ava both love to go out for coffee dates, and trying out new fitness classes. Ava is so grateful to have gotten to know and grown closer with Lena, and looks forward to every gathering so they can catch up.
Allison Gale
Bridesmaid
Ava met Allie in high school. A memory Ava will never forget with Allie, dates back to the 2016-2017 basketball season. The two cheered together, but Ava was a freshman and Allie was a senior. Allie was the best senior cheerleader and Ava really looked up to her as she was an inspiration to Ava. Allie asked Ava to do a tumbling pass with her during Brandon's Varsity Home game, which was one of Ava's favorite thing to do. Years later, Allie and Ava grew closer through Evan, Allie's boyfriend who is Brandon's best friend. Allison is the friend that will always make you feel welcomed and included. Ava has the ring of her dreams, all thanks to Allie, who helped Brandon get all the details right.
Mikayla Novick
Bridesmaid
When Ava's brother, Ashton, brought Mikayla home to meet his family, Ava knew she was something special. Mikayla is so funny and is always making people around her laugh. She is beautiful inside and out. Ava and Mikayla share so much love for Ava's family dogs: Gwenny, Greta. Gracie and most importantly Grover! Mikayla loves Gwenny the most... even though she's nothing but trouble. Ava loves visiting her parents to hang out with Mikayla and the family. Ava knows she'll become a sister one day, it's just a matter of time!
Eleanor Sauer
Bridesmaid
Eleanor is the little sister that Ava always wanted, but never had. She shines brighter than the sun, makes everyone around her laugh and puts a smile on everyone's face. Ella is so hardworking, she has her schedule filled to the brim with basketball, soccer and dance; and loves when Ava comes to watch her perform. Ava and Ella love doing each other's nails, going to see movies, texting and sending pictures back and forth of their day to day. Every night Ella texts Ava "Goodnight luv ya sis!," which will never not make Ava smile.
Evan Kuczynski
Best Man
Although they didn’t become closer until after high school, these two’s friendship grew faster than they could have imagined, through Grand Theft Auto Online. During a guys trip to northern Michigan, Evan encouraged Brandon to pull the trigger and ask Ava to be his girlfriend, which Ava will always thank him for. While Evan was on summer break at OSU for a communications degree, he decided to take an accelerated course and obtained his EMT certification. After college, returning to NEO, Evan and Brandon began working together at a private ambulance company. These two worked 36-60 hours a week together, creating unlimited memories that will last a lifetime. These two have so many stories together from their working days that almost always bring them to tears from laughing so hard. Not only were they getting paid to hangout with their best friend, they were also doing a job that they both enjoyed and had such a passion for. They motivated each other to be successful and further their careers. Brandon went on to become a Firefighter Paramedic at ALFD & SHFD. Evan went on to work for the MERT team at CCF and began medical school at NEOMED where he is currently studying to obtain a MD. He aspires to be a MD in the ER, practicing Emergency Medicine.
Shane May
Groomsman
Best friends since 7th grade, Shane and Brandon have been through it all, from causing trouble in their teenage years, working together at Waffle House, riding motorcycles—then finally setting their lives straight. These two have always shared interests in just about anything, including music, cooking, tattoos, exercise, and everything in between. After losing their best friend, Marcus Langford, in 2018, life was forever changed for them both. Their brotherhood grew stronger, and they realized how short life could be. They began improving their lives in all aspects while motivating and providing support for one another each step of the way. They each held the other accountable, helping them leave their teenage years behind and become the men they are today. Shane then began working out and got Brandon into exercising as well. Shane is graduating from OSU with a degree in Civil Engineering and intends to accept a salaried offer from the same company he has been interning at; laying down his roots in Columbus. These two have been through thick and thin, never turning their backs on each other. They will be best friends for life.
Ryan Cook
Groomsman
From their days playing basketball at Highland, to working at Rocket Mortgage Field House together, these two have always had a lot in common. They always bonded over their appreciation for musical artist NF, Kid Cudi, Eminem and 50 Cent. Ryan welcomed Brandon into a great church and helped him find his faith in Jesus Christ. Brandon and Ryan were baptized together in October of 2019. Over the years these guys have logged hundreds of hours of playing time across all Call Of Duty titles. These two continue to enjoy the similar interest they always have and hopefully always will.
Nicholas Hayes
Groomsman
Teammates from Highland youth soccer, Nick and Brandon grew closer through their shared hobby of gaming. Between Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, & Rocket League, they have spent countless hours staying up late gaming and laughing the night away, especially during the COVID lockdown. They have also enjoyed fishing together at local ponds and lakes, even going on a guys trip to Northern Michigan. Nick has always been one of Brandon's funniest friends, always sharing edgy jokes that make everyone laugh.
Henry Sauer
Groomsman
The eldest of the younger siblings, Henry was the first one to make Brandon a "big brother." Their strongest bond and most memorable times are their numerous fishing adventures together. When Brandon moved out of his parents house, Henry self-proclaimed the role of being "comedian of the house" in his big brothers absence. Henry is an all year athlete, playing soccer, basketball, and now kicking for the football team. When visiting home, Brandon can see his younger self in Henry, and loves to hear him crack a sarcastic joke.
Cooper Sauer
Groomsman
As frequently stated by Kelly & Chris, Cooper is a spitting image of Brandon. Not only does he have the same hobbies, and interest, but also the same exact personality. Some of their best memories are fishing trips to Canada, playing basketball in the driveway, and playing videogames together. He is naturally talented at just about anything he tries and is always impressing people with his pure skill. Cooper is also an all year athlete playing soccer & basketball during all 4 seasons.
Sullivan Sauer
Groomsman
The youngest of the Sauer crew, and crowd favorite. This little man puts a smile on everyone's face and is full of joy. Recently Sully has enjoyed sleepovers at Brandon & Ava's house after going to the arcade. Sully aspires to be just like his older brothers and has been playing lots of soccer and basketball. Sully has become so brave the last year and loves to show off his tubing skills behind the boat at the Sauer family cottage in northern Michigan.