Janessa & Ryan
Wedding Party
Janessa Vanden Berge
Bride
I grew up on a dairy farm in Bakersfield, California with my parents and four older brothers. As you can imagine, I was pretty spoiled being the only girl but I was also very tough having four brothers. My parents always told me to follow my dreams, so I took a leap by leaving my small town to attend Alabama for college. Thank goodness I did because if I didn't, I wouldn't have met the man of my dreams. I prayed and imagined marrying a man like Ryan, a man who exemplifies Christ, is passionate about his work, loves animals, is patient, and kind. I can't wait!
Paige Gruszka
Maid of Honor
Paige lived two houses down from me in Bakersfield. We met on the day my family was moving in to our house. We have been inseparable ever since! We never attended the same elementary or high school which brought us even closer by sharing stories from our days, playing each other in volleyball games, and eating endless hot cheetos. Since we were just 8 years old, we have been planning our weddings and I couldn't imagine having anybody else stand by my side. We were both each other's sisters that we never had.
Stacey Vanden Berge
Matron of Honor
Stacey is married to my oldest brother, Curtis. I met Stacey when I was in junior high right when they started dating, and I instantly loved her. Stacey did my hair and makeup for every high school dance, was always my #1 cheerleader at sporting events, and truly helped shape me into the woman I am today. Curtis and Stacey made me an aunt for the first time and I can't wait to have Case, Tessa, and Payton in our wedding. She is the best older sister (in law) that I could've asked for and I am so beyond honored to have her as my Matron of Honor.
Michelle Laughlin
Bridesmaid
I met Michelle on the first day of 3rd grade at a new school, in a new city. As the new kid in class, our teacher paired us together and we have been best friends ever since. Michelle and I attended elementary school, high school, and college together and were basically inseparable. We experienced everything together from field trips, high school break-ups, endless birthdays, college life, and we will continue to make endless memories. Michelle has always been there for me and always will be, she is the friend I call on my happiest days and who I call when I need honest advice. There was no doubt in my mind that she would be standing next to me on my wedding day.
Paige Boogaard
Bridesmaid
Paige (yes, I have two best friends named Paige) AKA Pab (her initials), was my roommate in college for 3 years. We actually did not even know each other when we signed a lease together, we were just in the same sorority. Thankfully, we instantly connected and became immediate best friends. In college we cooked together, cleaned together, studied together, cried together, laughed together, we did everything together! Pab was also the one who introduced me to Ryan who was her next door neighbor in the dorms freshman year, small world! I am so excited to have her by my side.
Kacey Ahrens
Bridesmaid
Kacey is Ryan's younger sister. When I first met Kacey and found out she played volleyball, I knew I was going to like her. I never envisioned what it would be like to have younger siblings (in law) but Kacey is the perfect younger sister! She is absolutely hilarious, arguably loves animals even more than I do, and she attends The University of Alabama, Roll Tide forever! We are both the only girl and the baby of our families...so we just get each other. I can't wait for Kacey to stand by my side.
Ryan Ahrens
Groom
I grew up in North Dallas, but technically was born in Connecticut. It’s my mother’s biggest regret to this day that I’m not a native Texan, just an honorary one. I’m the oldest of 3, and have the most incredible and supportive family you could imagine. I’m extremely lucky. After high school, I attended the University of Alabama where I got to make some lifelong friends, witness numerous winning football games, and meet the woman of my dreams. Janessa quite literally just walked into my life, and I couldn’t be happier for it. We both moved to Texas after graduation, and then recently made the jump to Orange County, CA where we live now.
Sean Ahrens
Best Man
Sean is my little brother (2 years younger) and it has been incredible to see our relationship grow closer as we have gotten older. As kids, we shared a bunk bed, played sports together, and were always annoying our mom together. I am so blessed to have such a strong bond with Sean, and it is only fitting that he is standing right next to me for my wedding.
Colby Stauss
Groomsman
Colby is one of my oldest friends, and I am not sure how many people have had a bigger impact on my life than he has. Colby is the reason I ended up going to Alabama for college, and a few National Titles plus a Fiance later... it's looking like it was the best decision of my life. Colby and I have experienced so many different phases of life together, and even when we haven't seen each other for extended periods of time - we always pick up right where we left off.
Luke DiVasta
Groomsman
Luke and I met midway through our Sophomore years of college, and have been close friends ever since. We lived together at the "Lakehouse" for two years (S/o Mike, Kyle, and Johnny) in Tuscaloosa and made more great memories than we could count. He is one of the most genuine guys I've ever met, and there is no doubt we will be friends the rest of our lives.
Troy Crawford
Groomsman
When I first met Troy, it was through Chemical Engineering classes in college where I thought he was obnoxious and I actively avoided him. It was through mutual friends that we eventually started hanging out some, and I realized that he can be really annoying, but he's also one of the smartest, funniest, and good-intentioned guys I'd ever met. We eventually ended up studying abroad together and traveling across Europe. Oh yeah, he also is the person who first introduced me to Janessa by bringing her over to my house for a pre-game party I was throwing. It was only fitting he is standing up next to me for the big moment.
Ethan Slusher
Groomsman
Ethan and I shared an apartment together in our final year at Alabama. We pushed each other to be the best versions of ourselves, and I'm very thankful to have gotten to know Ethan so well. He's one of Janessa's long-time friends too, which makes it all the more fitting he's up there with me. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone more fun to celebrate with.