Man of Honor
Man of Honor – Dillan Folkers Meet Dillan: ICU nurse, biology nerd, and the only person I trust to eat Pizza Hut in a cadaver lab without questioning his life choices. We met at Wayne State while studying biology, and what started as late-night study sessions turned into one of the most important friendships of my life. Dillan is the reason I became an EMT and a nurse—which means you can blame him for my sleep schedule. He believed in me before I had any idea what I was doing (still questionable some days), and we’ve been navigating the chaos of healthcare and life ever since. He’s been my motivator, my ride-or-die, and yes, my Man of Honor—because who else would I want standing by my side than the guy who’s seen me cry over exams, patients, and injuries that I didn't want to go to the ER for. Having him as my Man of Honor was a no-brainer. He’s family, through and through. And honestly, this whole wedding thing might just be an elaborate ploy to make him wear formalwear and take nice pictures with me. Worth it!
Bridesmaid
Bridesmaid – Nataly Nataly and I first crossed paths at Wayne State, but it wasn’t until nursing school that we truly reunited—and thank every nursing theory class we did. From surviving clinicals to late-night ramen-fueled study sessions, she’s been a constant source of laughter, support, and creative chaos in my life. A wildly talented artist and the kind of funny that makes you laugh until you cry (or forget you're supposed to be studying for patho), Nataly has this magical way of making every moment brighter. Now she’s out there saving lives as an ICU nurse—proof that you can be both incredibly smart and dangerously fun at the same time. She’s the kind of friend who shows up with snacks, sarcasm, and support exactly when you need it. I’m beyond grateful for her laughter, loyalty, and the fact that she didn’t let nursing school break either of us. Having her by my side on this day just feels right… and way less stressful than pharmacology.
Bridesmaid
Bridesmaid - Regan This is my sister: the one who’s definitely prettier than me, somehow always right, and still manages to make me pay for dinner every single time. We didn’t always get along growing up (and, let’s be real, we still have our moments), but no one gets me quite like she does—and no one else can belt Broadway show tunes with me at full volume in a grocery store parking lot like it’s a Tony performance. Our childhood was basically one long, dramatic musical with regular “who’s the better singer” competitions. I used to win (obviously), but nowadays… I bow to the diva. She’s insanely talented in theater and has the kind of stage presence that demands attention—without ever having to be sappy or emotional about it. She might not say the mushy stuff out loud, but I know she’s always there when it counts—with sass, strength, and probably a sarcastic comment. I love her endlessly (even if she’d never admit the same without roasting me first), and I wouldn’t want to do this day without her by my side… or singing “Candy Store” with me in the car on the way to the venue. I love her more than she’ll probably let me say out loud, and having her stand beside me means more than she’ll ever admit… or maybe even realize. But hey, at least I’ll always have this wedding bio to prove I said something nice.
Bridesman
Bridesman - Ky Ky and I first met at Wayne State, sitting side-by-side in Cancer Cell Biology—starting off as total enemies but somehow growing into best friends (because what else do you do when you’re stuck next to someone dissecting cancer cells?). From that unlikely beginning, our friendship blossomed into something I’m truly grateful for. Since then, we’ve worked together at the nursing home and now as ICU nurses at Faith Regional, where Ky’s dry wit and sharp humor keep me sane through the chaos. Plus, my great-grandma always liked him best—and honestly, I’m still a little salty about that. We’ve shared some legendary karaoke nights, countless sessions of Left 4 Dead (where he always leads in points, but I always upset the Witch), and that unforgettable trip to Kansas City—where the hotel was, well… questionable at best. But hey, the memories were priceless AND I got to try Red Lobster for the first time with the very best! Ky is the kind of friend who can make you laugh when you’re ready to lose it and knows exactly when to show up. I’m beyond lucky to have him as my Bridesman—and to pick the perfect karaoke song every single time.
Best Man
Best Man – Conner If Austin has a partner-in-crime, it’s Shoup. These two have been inseparable since high school, where they first bonded playing football—and honestly, nothing much has changed since, except now they’re slightly older, married, and planning for not just the zombie apocalypse, but the full collapse of modern society like it’s some kind of extreme sport. Between shooting guns, crushing long rucks, and their endless inside jokes, these two act more like a couple than Austin and I do—if that’s even possible. Shoup has been Austin’s rock, rival, and brother all rolled into one. Marriage hasn’t slowed down their shenanigans—if anything, it’s just added another hilarious layer to their friendship. Together, they’re a dynamic duo who’ve somehow survived high school, adulthood, and the looming end of the world. I can’t imagine anyone better suited to stand by Austin’s side on this day—or anywhere else when civilization inevitably falls apart.
Groomsman
Isaac and Austin met through Conner through their many drill campouts at Shoup's place. Isaac is an accomplished pilot in the military and also a total nerd, hosting many nights of Dungeons and Dragons as our dedicated Dungeon Master. Austin and Isaac spend many night playing War Thunder and planning their ultimate military strategy duking it out with tanks with only a little frustration in getting immediately killed by all the sweaty players. (Savannah really loves their War Thunder nights...that's sarcasm). Aside from their game nights, Isaac and Austin have built a true friendship and call to discuss work and personal interests ensuring that Austin always has someone to lean on anytime he needs it.
Mother of the Bride
Mother of the Bride – Keri Mom has been my rock from the very beginning. Even when it meant handing me over for surgery after surgery as a baby—something she never wanted to do—she stood by my side with unwavering strength and fierce love. Through every setback, she was my greatest advocate, always making sure I was cared for and never giving up on me. Her creativity and kindness have shaped so much of my life. From the pioneer outfits she lovingly made out of spare bedsheets to the countless ways she’s made our home feel warm and full—her touch is everywhere. Years of dedication to Pampered Chef have ensured that our family kitchen is always ready for whatever life brings. Mom is also a dedicated speech pathologist, caring deeply for individuals both at the school and the nursing home. Her compassion and commitment to helping others inspire me every day. On top of all this, she was also married in September—adding a beautiful new chapter to both of our stories. More than anything, Mom loves her family deeply and has shown me what it means to be truly selfless. I’m so grateful for her support, her sacrifices, and her endless encouragement. Having her by my side today means the world to me, and I hope I can carry her love with me into this next chapter.
Father of the Bride
Father of the Bride - Chris Dad taught me how to hunt and fish—and somehow managed to make me angrier than anyone else ever could (which is saying something). He’s a hard worker through and through, and thanks to him, my childhood was packed with unforgettable adventures and memories that I’ll treasure forever. From many late nights ice skating at Mahoney playing tag and you falling on the ice to hot Summer days of boating on the river bowfishing for carp (and the occassional tweety bird), I've been so lucky to have you as my dad. Quirky doesn’t even begin to cover him—like the time he wore black medical gloves to my graduation (yes, really). He was the only one who could “terrorize” me growing up, with many tears shed getting put in bear traps or the early morning "House Keeping"s that I prefer to forget; but underneath all that tough love, he always made sure I felt completely loved and cared for. He and Austin didn’t exactly hit it off at first, but over time they’ve come to genuinely appreciate each other—and when it came to this wedding, Dad’s blessing meant everything. (Just don't announce it in a group chat unless you want to end up on "The List") Dad, thank you for being a sometimes frustrating, always loving, and endlessly unforgettable presence in my life. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve taught me—and for the way you love our whole family.
Groomsman
Jandre hails from South Africa and both Austin and Savanah met him as their downstairs neighbor in Elgin. Many nights of drinking, playing Catan, and going to Norfolk's movie theater were had by all three.