Alexia & Steven
Wedding Party
Lexie
Bride
Hey, kiddos. Lexie typing. I'll be writing everything up on this website because Steven is a busy man. I was born and raised in ND. Graduated from Washburn high school. I went to Umary for all 4 years (where I met Steve sophomore year) for nursing. I spent 1 year in the ICU at St. Alexius and have since gone over to Home Health and Hospice for Sanford (all within Bismarck, ND). I love, love, love being a nurse! In my spare time, I do a lot of musical things with guitar and vocals. I'm a Catholic convert, and I have a deep and abiding love for God and His Church. I'm a dog person. Cats are fine. And I love salt and vinegar chips.
Steven
Groom
Steven, my sweet dude! I love him beyond words. He's got the most caring, gentle soul. He helps me be better every day (if I let him). He's so driven for truth! And he loves love. I have no idea what on earth I could have possibly done to get a guy like him to even consider marrying a girl like me. God's grace, I guess! I have never met anybody with such warmth. Nobody is easier to be vulnerable with. His authenticity is offsetting in this culture of façade. In the best way! He loves baseball (I really don't get it) with a heart for the Chicago Cubs. I'm so excited to grow closer to God with him! My gosh, you guys, he's just so amazing!
Katrina Gallic
Maid of Honor
Katrina and I met at the University of Mary our freshman year. We didn't speak much, but we had many of mutual friends. Our second year of college, we grew much closer. We first enjoyed each other's company due to critical thought and deep conversation over the silly things and the difficult trials of life. We connected through our faith and authenticity. Katrina is one of my first "golden" friends, as Caroline Hryniewicz (Steven's youngest sister) calls them. She is my friend of virtue. She loves me the way a friend ought to be loved, and I her. I've always been so drawn to her meticulous thought and big personality. We're both go-getters and think we know what's best. Our interactions are amusing. She's such a ray of the love of God, and I am honored beyond belief to have her by my side.
Daniel Lyter
Best Man
Dan and Steven met because they are both fond of the same kind of music. They were also roommates for a year in college. One memory I have of them both together is one year during lent, they decided to participate in the heroic minute. For those of you who don't know what this is, it's when you get up and out of bed upon the first alarm in the morning. I've never experienced this level of hell, but they would do so, get out of bed, kneel, and say a prayer for the morning. Of course, immediately when this was completed, they'd hop back into bed and fall asleep until their next alarm. Nice try, guys! Dan is one of the kindest, most genuine people I've ever met. We are so excited for him to be the part of the wedding! Dan IS, after all, the man. The best man, that is.
Molly Reese
Matron of Honor
Molly and I met in an Intro to Professional English course in September of 2014. We sat across from each other in the small class of 7. I knew she and I would be friends when she whipped out her mascara in the middle of lecture and started applying it and writing her notes simultaneously. I fell in love with her fire immediately. We grew closer as the year went on. We connected on a level you don't connect on much in your life. God had a part in that, I'm convinced. He drew us close enough to live together from 2016-2017. Fruitful conversation, many tears, more laughs, and even some arguments, she became one of my best friends. Her spunk and fire are unbeatable. She seeks the good, and she loves me very well. I am overjoyed to have her standing with me on the most important day of my life.
Zachary Blaszak
Groomsman
Zach!!!!!! I love Zach!!!!! Zach and his beautiful wife, Claire, and bb in the womb (hopefully out of the womb by the time of the nuptials) are some of the greatest people we've ever met (and soon to meet). Zach and Steve became friends at the University of Mary sophomore year. Their fervent pursuit of genuine masculinity brought them together. Also their goofy humor and mutual adoration for fart jokes (much to my dismay). Once Zach (and Austen) and I took the Amtrak to see Steve over spring break that year when Steve took the semester off. Zach is an astounding person of passion for the assistance of the disabled and children. Honestly, I have never found anything negative about Zach. He's just an all around wonderful person and so so so excited that he's going to be apart of the big dé!
Emily Russell
Bridesmaid
Emily is my middle sister. She was born when I was 3 years old. I don't remember whether I loved having a new baby around or not, but today I am quite glad she came into existence. She and I had very clashing personalities growing up, but as adults, we get along quite well. We know exactly how to tick each other off, but I'd like to think we also know how to love each other well. I adore her with every fiber of my being. I love that she is so honest with me. Some people are too charitable and nice about it. She doesn't know the meaning of the term "sugar coat." Sometimes I think about how outrageously blessed I am to have her be my sister, and I'm brought to tears. I know I'm being corny, Emily - get over it. I love you, dang it. A whole stinking lot. Thank you for being a bridesmaid, bb.
Anthony Gialanella
Groomsman
Anthony. Drunkle Anthony (as per Steven's snapchat story series). He's not actually a drunk! He's a pretty cool kid. We love him. He is an expert in all things meat department, animal obsession, and Scranton area. Anthony has a heart of gold and a character to match. He's one of the sweetest people I've ever encountered. He calls Steve at least twice as often as I do. I think he's the funniest. He's incredibly motivated, and this year's most eligible bachelor! (kidding....kind of....if you know any single, cute, devout catholic girls - I've got the man for you.) He served Net ministries (along with Zach). Solid guy, through and through. I'm really excited that he's part of the wedding party. Everyone else is too. Yay, Anthony!
Gracey Russell
Bridesmaid
Gracey May is my youngest sister. If I weren't wearing white on that day, I promise you'd get us confused. You may still. She is my mini me. I'll tell you the ways she is just like me: she's hilarious, personable, adorable, and perfect. Just kidding. Kind of. She was born when I was 6 years old. I was in school at the time, and my teacher showed me a picture of her. I thought she was perfect. I also named her Isabel. And I would have stuck to it, too, had mom not told me repeatedly that her name was Gracey. Regardless, she was pretty cute, and I liked her. Still do. And I am extremely excited that she is going to be one of my bridesmaids on this special day. Her and Emily are built in best friends. I can't wait to do life with them.
Jack Scott
Groomsman
I met Jack in Crystal Lake after Steven and I got engaged. He's quite the guy. I really enjoy his company. He's in the airforce. He loves Jager Bombs....too much. He and Steve grew up together. They have a bond like none other. As he and Steve grew up and moved into their separate directions, they still get together each chance they get to have a slumber party that entails Rat Race, beer, Super Smash Bros, and laughing at stupid jokes (obviously). How weird is that? (and cute). His sense of humor is enough to keep the whole room roaring (however you decide to interpret that). I hope to get to know him better as the years progress. He's one of a kind.
Andrea Bogue
Bridesmaid
Andrea was a year ahead of me in nursing school. We met my freshman year at a lunch table and didn't speak again for two years when we got randomly roomed with each other. She showed up early in the morning on the day we had classes, so I didn't see her for at least 2-3 days right away. Then one day I was sitting on our junky love seat playing video games and listening to music when she came downstairs and sat right next to me on this loveseat. Don't get me wrong- I love physical affection, but I hardly knew her. A song came on and I, trying to make conversation, said, "Man, I love this song." She replied, "I like music that makes my soul fly." I laughed. She didn't. I paused my game and looked at her, "You like music that makes your soul fly?" "Yeah." "Yeah. Okay. Cool." Friends for life.
Jacob Wallin
Groomsman
Jacob is magnificent. I'm constantly in awe of his drive, kindness, and constant pursuit of the truth. He and Steve grew up together. They spent countless hours playing baseball outside and MLB showdown inside when the weather was bad. Jacob is the eldest of 6, and Steve is the eldest of 7. They had lots to relate on! His life and character continue to evolve into the immaculate person he is today. I am excited to get to know him better as life progresses. He's an excellent guy and am proud to know him! I know that everyone else has current pictures, but how could I resist this one!?
Carrie Kaiserski
Bridesmaid
Carrie and I were in the same nursing class together. I honestly think our friendship began because she laughed at my jokes and was genuinely amuse with me. Like, she actually thought I was really funny. That was cool. She has a very quick wit, and she cares a lot. That's what drew me to her, I think. She's terribly amusing. We lived together for a short while, but she quickly became one of my all-time favorite people. We both had rough patches around that time and were able to console each other. I think a lot of love comes from vulnerability, and we didn't have much of a choice there at the time. I hope I was able to offer her as healing of an environment as she was able to offer for me. I am elated that she will be standing with Steve and I as we exchange our vows. She is so loved by me
John Paul Hryniewicz
Groomsman
Johnny is Steven's 14 year old brother. He's hands down, without question one of the most brilliant kids I've ever met. He can solve a Rubix cube in less than 15 seconds (as of today - that record is sure to change). He's got the kindest heart. What can I say? He's got a hold on me! I really don't care to play basement ball all that often (baseball in the basement). But he comes up to me, grabs my arm and says, "Lexie....can we play basement ball? .....for me?" I CAN NEVER SAY NO. So he does a lot of teaching me how to mess with Steve, especially in regards to that game. It's amusing. He is also a writer. An incredible one, at that! I'm elated to have him in the wedding. I never had brothers - so how cool is it that he gets to be one of them!?!
Jacqueline Oja
Bridesmaid
Jackie and I were in the same nursing class together, as well. We worked a unit apart for a year. We first became friends when we went to Jamestown together for a clinical. We didn't know each other at all, but we drove together. To her relief, I can be in the car with any stranger for an 1.5 hours and talk just about the whole time. She feared awkward silence. I offered awkward noise. She accepted. When working in the hospital together, we were able to provide each other with lots of support- especially on days when we needed it. There were times we went to breakfast after a night shift to cry in our toast about how hard the night was. There were times we got to laugh about how silly things were. Being a nurse is a big part of our life, and when we can share that, amazing things happen.
Aaron Brown
Groomsman
A-a-ron. He's the G.K.Chesterton of today. He's brilliant in some things and completely clueless in others. He can tell you everything there is to know about philosophy, but don't ask him the states and capitals. He doesn't know. But ask him the meaning of friendship? He'll give you dozens of statements, documents, and personal philosophic thoughts to explain it all. He lived with Steve senior year of college. One prank he pulled was sticky tacking Steve's phone to the inside of his closet. When his alarm went off the next morning, chaos broke loose. You could just picture Aaron dreaming sweetly as Steve groaned and stomped trying to find the source of the horrible alarm. Steve's contacts weren't in, and Zach was REALLY annoyed. Just imagine the misery! I can't help but chuckle.
Anna Jo Olson
Bridesmaid
Anna Jo and I also graduated nursing school together. I remember thinking that there was no way she liked me. She literally told me she thought I was too cool for her. Isn't that the most laughable thing you've ever heard? Her warm heart and deep personality are remarkable. I love getting the chance to talk to her about any day to day affairs. She has so many words of wisdom to offer, and so much warmth to give. I am so lucky to be one of her friends. I know I can always count on her for anything. She and Jackie are best friends, and getting to be with them both simultaneously is quite the experience. They love each other so well and so deeply. You can't help but admire that. But they're also like sisters - they are really good at picking on each other. It's amusing, to say the least.
John Jost
Groomsman
John! What a guy. He's marrying a really nice girl named Grace the weekend after us. So, Steve is in his wedding too! Steve and John grew up together playing baseball outside playing baseball card games inside when it rained (something with baseball cards? I don't know anything out it, guys!). He works for Thomas Aquinas College, so basically he's the COOLEST. I have only met him once, but gosh I hope I get to get to know him and his awesome future wife much better as our lives continue. His passionate attitude (especially for the pursuit of truth) is admirable and really gets a person fired up! He made a noticeable effort in trying to get to know me - watching out for Steve, I'm guessing;) I think I passed the test! What a wonderful person he is. I'm excited to know him better.
Brittany Mohl
Bridesmaid
Brittany is one of the sweetest people we have ever met. She worked endless hours with Steven at his job at Hit Inc. Being the only people each of them worked with, they developed a wonderful friendship based on a foundation of Office references and a mutual admiration of Brittany's daughter's cuteness (which, by the way, I also take a large part in). Brittany is a very close friend of Steve's and growing to be one of my own. She has a lightening fast wit and arid humor. She's adorable in every sense of the term, to say the least. We are beyond ecstatic that she said "yes" to being a bridesmaid, as being a mother (to the cutest human alive) can be taxing and time consuming!
Turnar Kist
Groomsman
Turnar lived with Steve senior year of college. He flew the Canadian flag to the dismay of his fellow roomies. Steve and Turnar continue to work together as graduate assistants in the behavioral science and education departments. He's got a kind heart and loves Owl City (idk, he just does!). I have many stories about him and Steve, but I won't be sharing them with you on this website. If you're curious enough, get ahold of me, Steve, or him personally. Perhaps we'll share. His aspirations are incredible, and he's pursuing them with all his might. He's got a special place in our hearts. We are both so happy he agreed to be in our wedding.
Monsignor Daniel Hermes
Officiant
We are so excited to have Monsignor preside for our wedding! He's an excellent priest who was able to witness Steve grow up. He was there for all of Steve's first sacraments (from baptism, to first confession, first communion, and confirmation). He's an absolutely stellar guy (from what everybody has told me!), and we're so honored to have him come out of retirement for one more wedding.
Therese Kulas
Ceremony Musician
Therese, Steve, and I go way back. Therese has been a very good friend of ours for many years. She also happens to be my current roommate (dream come true!). She and I became particularly close since we first met around the same time Steve and I met. I adored her authenticity and pure love of living and, especially, her love of the arts. She's got the voice of an angel (seriously, she makes me cry EVERY TIME). She's got a heart of gold. With her, the art of sewing will never be lost, either. She makes her own dresses, and she's excellent at it. Just one of her many talents. You guys, I could go on all day! I was flooded with joy when she agreed to sing at our wedding. There was a time when I though it would be the last time in a long time I'd hear her sing. Luckily, I was wrong. <3 U.