Susan & Vautrin
Wedding Party
Sharon Karanevich
Matron of Honor
Sharon is my big sister and first friend. As a child, I wanted to do everything she did, and I always looked for an opportunity to get her in trouble. These were my not-so-subtle ways of getting her attention and trying to be just like her. Since then, I have learned to show my love for Sharon in less annoying ways (I'd like to think). I am blessed to have her by my side!
Adam Cadle
Best Man
Adam is my second oldest brother. Separated by just a few years, Adam was the brother that I tried to mimic: he introduced me to football and video games, taught me how to talk to girls, drive a stick shift and let me tag along with him and his friends. Growing up, I have fond memories of us inventing random games out of boredom, spending entire days at the pool and running for my life from him when I would make him mad. As we have grown older, we have become even closer and Adam is still a role model for me in how to be a great husband, father, and how to keep our Catholic faith central in our family life.
Sarah James
Bridesmaid
Sarah is my first younger sister. I watched Sarah receive a lot of speech therapy as a child, and she was the inspiration for my career as a speech-language pathologist many years later. Sarah has the best smile and gives great hugs. She is very observant and kind-hearted, and I truly believe the world needs more people like her!
Ben Cadle
Groomsman
Ben is my oldest brother. Growing up our Dad was on the road a lot for work, leaving Ben as the de facto man of the house. In many ways, Ben was a second father figure to me. He taught me the importance of hard work, morality, and the conviction to stand up for what I believe in. There were plenty of bad decisions that I avoided as a young adult by thinking of how it would disappoint my brother Ben. Ben has one of the biggest hearts you will ever witness. Whether it's helping someone change a tire, buying someone's groceries, or giving someone his coat in the cold, I have never once seen Ben pass by someone in need. He's also one of the biggest crack-ups you will ever meet, always doing something crazy just to get people to laugh.
Monica James
Bridesmaid
As a child I always prayed for a younger brother, but instead I got Monica. But it ended up being ok, because Monica turned out to exceed my expectations in a younger sibling. She is very spunky and personable. Monica is the baby of the family, and even though we pick on her often, I am thankful to have her by my side on this day.
Tanya Schultz
Bridesmaid
Tanya is more of a sister than a friend to me. We grew up going to the same school and church together. Tanya has stood by my side from the time we had imaginary husbands in our childhood days. Now that those days of make-believe have become a reality, I am honored to have her be a part of my big day!
Drew Biene
Groomsman
Drew is a friend from high school. He is an incredibly talented musician who has been the front man for a few popular local bands (currently Red Light Runner). As remarkably gifted as Drew is as a musician, it doesn't compare to how exceptional he is as a friend. He has an infectious personality where he can interact with everyone but has a rare ability to connect with each individual on a personal level. While Drew is infamous for how much he can talk (don't let him corner you with one of his 'Drew Rants'), he is an even better listener. Over the past years Drew has been there to listen to all my problems and has always been able to lift my spirits and give me great advice. He was the first person I introduced Susan to, where he gave me the best advice yet...that Susan was a keeper.
Leah Glover
Bridesmaid
Leah is my best friend that I met in high-school. We met each other at the Springfield Catholic High School library, where we had both gone to get away from our separate study hall classes. We bonded over an iPod shuffle, snacks and magazines, laughing too loudly (to the disapproval of the librarian) over things that make no sense to us now. Leah is compassionate and has always been one of my biggest supporters in life.
Alfredo Loaiza
Groomsman
Alfredo (or Fredo as I call him) is one of my oldest and closest friends. He transferred to Springfield Catholic H.S. our junior year and naturally I enlisted him to help me study for Spanish class where he still cringes to this day of how terrible I was. In college Fredo was one of a handful of high school friends I remained in touch with and he often invited me to come hang out at his house with everyone. The more time I spent with Fredo the more I came to realize how genuine and kind he is and I learned that he is someone who will always have my back even when I'm not around. Over the years Fredo has been my go to adventure partner. No matter how crazy, weird or often times dangerous our adventures became, Alfredo was always right there with me sharing a laugh and making sure I came out alive. I can always rely on Alfredo to have some good advice, some corny jokes and terrible fantasy football trades.
Nikki Arand
Bridesmaid
When a 5"0 female meets another 5"0 female, there is bound to be a connection. I met Nikki at Fontbonne University when I moved to St Louis for graduate school. Nikki's friendship has always meant a lot to me, especially when I was new to St Louis and did not know many people there. Nikki is a great listener and supportive friend; not to mention the best dog-mom I know!
Grant Dickerson
Groomsman
I met Grant through mutual friends at a house party, and the first time I met him I didn't care for the guy. I tried saying hi and talking with him and he had absolutely no interest in giving me the time of day. I figured forget this guy, I don't need a jerk like that in my life. But as I got to hang around Grant more and we became more comfortable with each other, I learned that behind that annoyed look and aggravated huffs Grant has a heart of gold. I could always rely on Grant to have real conversations, cutting through all the window dressing and giving you his opinion straight and unfiltered. Grant has always looked out for my best interest and has always pushed me, along with his other close friends, to be the best versions of ourselves we can. It's rare to find people who genuinely care about you the way Grant does and I'm happy I didn't cast that jerk aside too quickly.
Kathryn Badami
Bridesmaid
I met Kathryn through my sister Sharon. Kathryn was Sharon's roommate in college and one of her best friends. Over the years, we became close and Sharon, Kathryn and I have had some great times together. Kathryn recently moved to the Ozarks and has become my closest friend in the area. I am excited to have her be a part of my day!
Alex Karanevich
Groomsman
Alex is my future brother-in-law and husband of the matron of honor, Sharon. Alex and Sharon were the first people that I met of Susan's family and he has always been extremely supportive of my relationship with Susan. He has always made me feel welcome in the James family and throughout the last few years, has often encouraged me to officially join the family. Alex was the first person I told when I was going to propose to Susan and kept it top secret from everyone to maintain the surprise. Alex shares my love for puns and corny dad jokes, when you get us together you will either be laughing hysterically or incredibly annoyed.
Penelope Sandmann
Flower Girl
Penny is Vautrin's niece. Vautrin and Penny have a lot in common, like their love for nature and being outdoors. Penny is creative, spunky, a hard worker and a great dancer. Vautrin and Penny have had some great adventures together and we are honored to have such a special girl be a part of our big day.
Hank Sandmann
Ring Bearer
Hank is Vautrin's nephew and younger brother to Penny. Hank's best friend is Penny, which means he has a great role model for how to be really cool when he grows up. We are happy to have this little cutie be a part of our day.