Meet the Wedding Party
Samantha Mast
Matron of Honor
Sam(antha) and I met during our sophomore year of college and have been best friends ever since! We needed another person to fill the 4th room in our house for junior year, and when Katie introduced us we thought it would be a great fit. People say never to live with your friends in college… and I understand why. There was drama, awkward moments, and frustration, BUT there was also laughter, understanding, healing, and fun. Friendships often go through different seasons - sometimes you don’t talk for a while because you’re both busy, and sometimes you talk every day. No matter what season Sam and I go through, I’m certain that we can pick up where we left off or will work to get there. Sam is driven, loyal, passionate, and matches my level of weird. I couldn’t be more blessed to have her standing with me on my wedding day.
Brennan Boice
Best Man
Brennan is my best man and my best friend. It’s hard to put into words how appreciative of Brennan’s friendship. We met in college where we mainly bonded over video games. I guess we still do since we play together pretty much every night we can. Some of favorite memories of college is when we used to get lunch together at Cousin’s every Saturday. Brennan is authentically himself at all times, which is something that I have tried to emulate because of him. He always tries to find a way to support those whom he loves, and I could not be more thankful that he has shown me that love. There was never a question of who I would want as my best man at my future wedding. He’s been my brother, and I have no doubt that he will be at the front lines to love and support Marisa and I as we enter into marriage.
Libby Seifert
Bridesmaid
When I was 7 and Libby was born, I don’t think I could’ve imagined how our relationship would grow as adults. Being 7 years apart, it’s hard to understand the person your sibling truly is until you get older. I often joke that my permanent image of Libby is as a 2 year old climbing up onto the kitchen counter to stuff her mouth with a handful of sugar. Like this photo taken in childhood, Libby goes for what she wants and chooses confidence over fear, even when it’s hard. Today, looking back at how we’ve grown closer, I am so thankful to have such a caring, intelligent, goofy, and independent person as my sister. I can’t wait to spend my wedding day with her!
Brad Lanser
Groomsman
Brad and I became friends during our freshman year of college. Back then, Brad had hair down to his shoulders, but he’s turned away from the “surfer dude” look since then. Brad and I lived together the last three years of college. I even stayed with him and his parents for a summer before moving to Cincinnati. Throughout the past nine years, I’ve admired Brad’s devotion to his family, his friends, his work, and to Lions football (I think it’s in this order, but you’ll need to confirm with him on that). It’s hard to picture having a wedding without Brad standing as a groomsman.
Katie Schneider
Bridesmaid
To say that Katie is one of the most loving and loyal friends is a huge understatement. When Katie and I met at the beginning of our Sophomore year at Calvin, it was hard not to want to hang out all the time - she pushed me off the edge of my comfort zone but always made sure there was a safe place to land. Even when we got on each others' nerves (the roommate struggle all/most of us probably know), I’ve always felt confident that Katie would be in my life for the long haul. She is fiercely supportive and protective of her friends, and has an energy I can best describe as “funfetti”, which happened to be the best kind of cheap cake for our late night dorm/college house hallway hangouts. I’m incredibly happy to have Katie standing with us on our wedding day!
Willis Seifert
Groomsman
Willis is Marisa’s brother, and I am so glad I can call him that as well. I first met Willis when I met the rest of Marisa’s family at dinner at Texas Roadhouse and made Randy Savage impressions the entire time. This is what I love about Willis; he will be unapologetically, and completely authentically, himself. He’s charismatic, hilarious, and he has been such a good brother to Marisa. I cannot wait to continue building my brotherhood with this man. Though it may be expected to have family as a part of the wedding party, I am honored he will be a groomsman at our wedding.
Allie Bosma
Bridesmaid
Like John, and the rest of his family, Allie is one of the warmest and most welcoming people I know. When you first start dating someone, it can be hard to meet your significant other’s family members and get comfortable with them. From the very beginning of John and I’s relationship, Allie continually has shown up as a positive, encouraging, genuine, and hospitable person - all things that make her such a great big sister to John and now me. Allie is not afraid to be honest, open, and a little (or a lot) goofy. Having her stand in our wedding is a no-brainer, not only because she’s family but also because she is a friend, and I can’t wait to celebrate with her on our wedding day!
Jon Bosma
Groomsman
Jon has been such a blessing in my life. As my sister Allie’s husband and my brother-in-law, Jon has exemplified what it means to be a husband, father, brother, pastor, and friend. He is always willing to have deep, meaningful conversations which I have cherished over the years. Jon and I have bonded over sports – his love for Michigan football and Cubs baseball is unrivaled. More recently, it’s been special to see how committed he is as a father to my niece and nephew. I am thrilled to have him stand in our wedding as a groomsman.
Alex Eastham
Bridesmaid
Alex and I met at the end of sophomore year in college but our friendship got much stronger during senior year and after graduation. While Alex looks cool and intimidating at times, she also has one of the biggest hearts and cares deeply for her friends and loved ones. Even through her struggles, she pushes through and gives more than is expected in return – and genuinely too. She's a person who is entirely her own, and embraces it even when it's hard. She's a fighter, and I'm so thankful to have her and her strength as part of my inner circle.
Samuel Mast
Groomsman
Sam(uel) is the most recent of friends of whom are standing in our wedding, but our relationship has grown exponentially over the past five years. When we first met, I was unsure of him. He was just beginning to date Samantha and he seemed way too friendly. I thought that there was no way this man is always this kind. I was sorely mistaken. Sam is incredibly compassionate, self-sacrificial, and fiercely loyal to his friends. Above all, I admire Sam’s wisdom and passion. As you all will see, Sam’s smile will light up the room. If you have a chance to talk with him, you won’t regret it. He’s truly a brother to me and I’m so glad he will be a groomsman at our wedding.
Riley Bosma
Flower Girl
Riley is a ray of sunshine and shines her light on everyone she meets. She might be 3 years old, but she's also one of the most resilient people I know, likely without even fully realizing it. We've been slowly priming Riley for her flower girl duties, in which she will participate while wearing pink, as requested. Aunt Marisa will be wearing a sparkly dress, uncle John will be wearing a suit, and to clarify for those that might be wondering the same thing as Riley – No. Uncle john will not be going swimming in this kind of suit. Riley is going to be the best flower girl and we can't wait to have her as part of our big day.
AJ Forchetti
Usher
AJ is the best. I cannot say enough great things about this man. Our friendship began when I moved to Northbrook in 2 nd grade. He’s one of the most gentle, thoughtful, and honest men I know. AJ and I bonded over music and sports. Though we’ve been physically distant from one another since high school – AJ spent time in Iowa, Illinois, and New York, while I was in Michigan and Ohio – we continued to stay committed to seeing one another. AJ once drove seven hours to Cincinnati from Albany just to spend a weekend with me. I’m honored to have AJ as an usher in our wedding, as he represents what it truly means to be loyal, friendly, and kind.
Sydney Wiswell + Tabi VanTil
Associates to the HBIC
If you see these two around, they are my minions, and they will do whatever is necessary to keep the day running smoothly. Please help them if they need it... although I'm confident in their abilities to keep things in line after seeing them manage a David's Bridal on a Saturday during January ("Bridal Christmas")
Steven Poklop
Usher
Steven and I have been friends since we were 7 years old in 2nd grade – wow, that’s literally 20 years ago! Some of my fondest memories growing up are with Steven. Throughout the years, he’s been someone I can rely on to make me laugh and to listen through difficult times. I’ve appreciated our late night gaming sessions, which are some of the main ways we’ve been able to maintain our friendship living 200+ miles apart. Steven will be one of the ushers on our wedding day, which I cannot be more thrilled about.