Wedding Party
Ellie Erickson
Maid of Honor
As if she had a choice, little sister Ellie has always had the top spot reserved as Tess' maid of honor! Be on the lookout for her sarcastic, witty humor and clumsy ability to run into absolutely everything, even a wall! In all seriousness, Ellie has been a true light in the lives of everyone she meets and the love and kindness that she shows to everyone she meets is truly something to look up to.
Garrett Sterk
Best Man
These two met when Craig was very young. As with all brothers, they speak in movie and TV show quotes almost exclusively. When Garrett was a senior in high school, Craig would always tell him that he was Garrett's only friend, that might not be true (anymore thanks to Cassaundra) it does show how close these two are.
Haley Strait
Bridesmaid
In the midst of a long list of cousins, Haley easily became a role model for Tess to look up to while growing up. From talking about baking to simply catching up during family gatherings, Haley has been someone that Tess can easily connect and chat with. Her work ethic, tenacity, kindness, and caring personality has continually been an inspiration in Tess' life (and many others), which made her an obvious front-runner when deciding who would stand by Tess' side on one of the biggest days of her life!
Tyler Sterk
Groomsman
These two met very early in Craig's life. Despite fighting often over a myriad of things, most often balls and strikes in a game of wiffle ball, they would also make up and be best buds afterwards. Being the closest to Craig in age, they had to do almost everything together, including going to college where they grew even closer.
Megan Dieken
Bridesmaid
One of the greatest things Craig has done for Tess is introduce her to Megan and her husband, Zach! Through countless visits to the Dieken household, Megan quickly became a strong mentor to Tess. She has provided an unending supply of encouragement and wisdom, going so far as offering her home as a place of escape from the stressful environment of college. Megan's faith in the Lord and His promises has been the foundation of every conversation she and Tess have shared. Both Megan and Zach have selflessly poured into Tess and Craig's relationship and have provided an example for Tess and Craig to model as they enter in the covenant of marriage.
Brian Sterk
Groomsman
These two met when Craig was very young, Brian always prompted Craig to think deeper about every area of life. They share much of the same interests in music and TV, with Brian introducing Craig to many of his favorites (Psych, Community, Chuck). They also share a great distaste for umpires who have no understanding of the boundaries of the strike zone.
Keely Swanson
Bridesmaid
As another college roommate, Keely also became a close friend of Tess' during their junior and senior years! Keely's bubbly and easy-going personality consistently provided joy in their apartment and is someone that provided Tess with encouragement, comfort, and laughter. Getting engaged around the same time and planning weddings around the same time has definitely brought the two together as they try to tackle a long checklist of tasks that need to be completed before their big days!
Randy Sterk
Groomsman
These two met very early in Craig's life, Randy is the brother who is always ready with a book recommendation for Craig. Randy took it upon himself to be a strong example of what a Christian man should look like to Craig especially when Craig was a teen. They share a love of a good book and a good pitchers duel.
Carsyn Hamstra
Bridesmaid
After a brief introduction during their freshman year of college, Carsyn and Tess became fast friends, but really connected with each other when they decided to be roommates at Northwestern! Their friendship blossomed during the course of their junior and senior years after many shared conversations about anything and nothing and long hours spent studying. Carsyn's kind, caring, and upbeat personality has made her one of the best college friends that Tess has had!
Sam Grev
Groomsman
Coming from similar families (being one of five sons) it seemed only natural that Sam and Craig would get along. Sam was Craig's neighbor the beginning of their freshman year of college and then after a few weeks it was pretty much like they were roommates. They bonded over video games into the early morning, random YouTube videos, and deep conversations late at night. They roomed together both their sophomore and junior years before Sam abandoned him for A GIRL. Sam gladly agreed to stand up for Craig.
Liyah Vetter
Junior Bridesmaid
Easily taking the role as the cutest younger cousin (along with her brothers), of course Tess wanted to include Liyah in her big day as a junior bridesmaid! Liyah's energetic and fun-loving nature brings absolute joy to her family and friends. Her love for God, her family, and friends is something that everyone can be inspired by regardless of their age! Liyah has intelligence that is beyond her years and is the perfect combination of a farm girl and a princess!
Laken Vetter
Junior Groomsman
After a long line of girl cousins, we finally have another boy cousin! Just as cute as his older sister and younger brother, Laken is ready to take on the challenge of being a junior groomsmen and showing all the Sterk brothers how it's done. You can expect to learn lots from this young man, from farming to driving the four-wheeler to the proper way to raise a turtle! We are so excited to have all three of the Vetter kids stand up with us on our big day!
Charlotte Sterk
Flower Girl
Naturally, we had to have the cutest Sterk of them all stand with us on our wedding day! Charlotte is an absolute joy in our lives and is the most perfect niece we could have ever asked for! She has such a bubbly personality and never fails to bring a smile on her family's faces. Charlotte loves to help out now that she's a 'big girl' and we are so happy that she wants to help us on our big day!
Lawson Vetter
Ring Bearer
The third Vetter kid, and probably the most rambunctious, is sure to give us all the energy we need on July 2! Lawson is adventurous, joyful, keeps you on your toes, and has a sense of humor that can brighten anyone's day! He can tell you all about farming and John Deere...he could also beat you in a game of kickball! Lawson will give all of us the boost of energy we need throughout the day!