Jessica & Jesse
Wedding Party
Carissa Kasmerchak
Maid of Honor
Spice of "Sugar and Spice" - My sister has always been my best friend, whether or not we acknowledged it at the time. We've seen one another through so many of life's ups and downs, and there are more inside jokes than either one of us can remember. While we may not have always appreciated one another, just like most siblings, she (and her black stiletto boots) has always had my back. She taught me to speak up and hold my ground when my beliefs and capability were challenged, time and time again. I am eternally grateful for the time we've had together and look forward to many, many more memories.
Max Berry
Best Man
Bonus Brother of the Groom - Max is more a brother than a friend. I love him and we have been through a lot together. Growing up we pretty much spent every day together, through moving to another state him and his family has still stayed close to ours and for many Christmases would still come to us and stay a few days. Max and I would play basketball, ride bikes to the Corner Market, play stickball, play indoor basketball, throw rocks at cars (okay that only happened once), camp out in the backyard and much more. Max lives in San Diego now which is too far away for me, but it is such a great place to visit!
Kelly Kalb
Bridesmaid
Bonus Sister of the Bride - I always felt lucky when I was in one of Miss Kelly's classes. She was the best dancer, the best teacher, and everyone always had fun in her classes. When I started teaching dance, Kelly was both a mentor and a partner in helping me navigate the world of choreography and how to teach technique. I actually can't pinpoint when we became friends. I think we just kind of fell into it. When I moved to Indiana, I didn't get to see her as often. So when I was moving back to WI, I was excited to be back around friends and family, until I found out she had found a new love in Indiana. We've seen one another through so much, and I'm forever grateful for her. We've considered her part of our family for a very long time and I really couldn't ask for a better bonus sister.
Albert Rodriguez
Groomsman
The Perpetual Silver Medalist - Berto is another person I consider a brother. I met him when I was 16 and moved to Forest City, PA . We instantly found ourselves talking for hours and hours about nothing. In school we had Accounting 2 together, which should have been easy, but we talked the whole time and I didn't quite end up with the grades I should have...all Berto's fault. We also had a study hall together; no studying ever happened. We usually discussed the same issue of a sports magazine over and over again as if it was the first time. We are now in our 40's and little has changed. Both Berto and I have experienced divorce and even though we live far away I wanted to be there for him as much as I possibly could and I know he was for me. I'm eternally grateful for his support.
Lauren Shelton
Bridesmaid
The Baltimore Zoo HR Manager - Lauren and I met the second day of grad school when I had to break her heart and tell her Lafayette, IN did not have legit Mexican food. Needless to say, the stars aligned and we ended up on the same team and she was stuck with me for every class, every assignment, every final, and all the blood, sweat, and tears that would accompany them. In a alcohol induced moment of clarity, I somehow convinced her now husband that he should "just kiss her or stop talking about it" and the rest is history. I was beyond honored to officiate their nuptials a couple of years ago. In a short time, Lauren and I have been through a lifetime of trials and tribulations. She is my the one who grounds me and my voice of reason when the spiral is real; and I love her for it.
Mark Shelton
Groomsman
Khaki Advocate and Polo Enthusiast - Mark and I met during grad school at Purdue during our MBA program. Our discussions often revolved around his ridiculously awkward, purposefully inappropriate work place etiquette and instructing him on respecting his elders, aka me. All jokes aside, he's one of the reasons I got through that program and I'm sure I don't tell him enough how much I value his support and our friendship. He's one of my favorite people to study or have a drink with, and I can't say that most people I know have that type of versatility. I was so excited when I learned he was going to ask Lauren to marry him and then beyond honored when I was asked to officiate their wedding. He's the best guy to have in your corner, and best of all he'll make you laugh the entire time.
Ryan Thurow
Bridesmaid
Car Dancing and Karaoke Champ - I have so many memories with Ryan, I have no idea where to start. I don't even remember when we met, except knowing that it was freshman year at some point in high school. I remember the first couple of months before I met her, and then it was like we went from meeting one another to best friends within minutes. I'm not sure how I survived a day of high school before her. Whether it was car dancing and singing to The Boy Is Mine on the way to lunch or causing "trouble" at Rib Mtn, she was always my first call for all of fun stuff and all of the not so fun. Together we've laughed until we cried and cried until we laughed. It's impossible to boil down so many moments into a few sentences, so I'll just say that she's one of the very best people I know.
Matt Hall
Groomsman
Scranton, PA Hall of Fame - Most decorated 46 sport athlete of all time. - Matt and I met at Marywood Unv. We bonded over the fact that we're extremely competitive, a.k.a. we hate to lose to one another We often played tennis together and whoever lost ended up severely annoyed with the winner. Somehow we also ended up being opposing quarterbacks more often than not when we would all get together to play football on Sundays. We have now transitioned to small $5 sports bets that have never been paid, because that's not why we do it. That's not what matters - What matters is who is right and who is wrong. To this day, Matt and his wife Ali are two of my favorite people in the world, and whenever we venture to PA we will make every effort to spend time with them and their family.
Brea Moon-Wirth
Bridesmaid
Miss Colgate circa 1998 - My beloved sister! I am lucky to have such a beautiful soul in my life. I have always been and will always be completely candid around her, which means slightly goofy. I love that people often believe she is the elder sibling as she is much more mature and organized than I will ever be. Of course there were times she was a pain in the arse - Like in high school when I drove us to school in the mornings and I actually wanted to be on time. We would be out the door and she would say she had to brush her teeth. Every day. She really is a wonderful person, a fantastic mother, and an exceptional friend. I have the bestest sister and I like to remind her, as loud as I can to anyone who will listen "I love my sister!" (Reference "There's Something About Mary")
Brad Wirth
Groomsman
Chief Navigator and Teller of Epic Tales - Brad is the husband to my sister Brea. He and her have built a nice life with 3 amazing, wonderful kids. Brad is a genuine salesman in that he is quite the talker and does love to talk about farming and the Cubs and because he is my brother in law I indulge him. When we say our goodbyes we go in for a hug and every time we do we quote one of my favorite lines from the classic movie Tommy Boy "Brothers don't shake hands, brothers gotta hug!"
Ava Moon
Miniature Bride
The one and only, the infamous gummy bear - Miss Ava Lu
Landon Wirth
Gummy Bear Security
Landon has been Ava's protector since before he met her, which is why he's been asked to escort her down the aisle. We know she's in great hands. He's the eldest of her cousins and loves to teach everyone about trains and farm machinery. He is his father's son! He always has a story to tell and makes sure everyone has a good time and someone to talk to. We're so very happy he's part of our day.
Tessa Wirth
Flower Girl
Flower Girl and Comedic Relief - Tessa Boo! She is such a ray of sunshine and finds a way to make everyone feel wonderful whenever she's around. You'll notice it in her sweet smile and infectious laugh. We're so glad she wanted to help us celebrate and be part of our big day!
Logan Wirth
Ring Bearer
Ring Bearer and Safety Manager - I have a feeling that as they grow up, Ava and Logan will be close, as they both seem to be able to party until the break of dawn. Logan is a sweet heart and loves to keep everyone laughing, sometimes even at the expense of an extra bump or bruise. He's got some killer dance moves and we can't wait to celebrate with him.