Wedding Party
Zachary Helland
Best Man
Zach is Aaron's older brother. Zach has been married to his wife Tiffany for 7 years and they have two beautiful daughters Arianna (14) and Natalee (5). Zach can usually be found watching his sports teams or on the course when the weather is nice. Zach has always been one person Aaron has looked up too growing up and that still continues today.
Danielle Chon-Briggs
Maid of Honor
Danielle is Samantha's sister. Growing up they made so many fond memories. Whether it was lemonade stands in the neighborhood gazebo or trying to sell lifesaver necklaces, they had fun to say the least. She went on to study graphic design at Iowa State. After college she stayed in the midwest for a few years and now lives in New York City pursuing her dreams. She is currently the Senior Stylist at Tory Burch, Art Director for VALUS fashion magazine, and Creative Director at her own boutique design studio, Soup Creative Co. Her tenacity continues to amaze Samantha and she couldn't be more proud of her younger sister.
Ashley Helland
Groomswoman
Ashley is Aaron's twin "older" sister by a long 15 minutes. Ashley is known as the chef of the family as she used to work in Cleveland as a sous chef with our cousin Adam as the head chef. The restaurant unfortunately did not make it through COVID and Ashely is back to Northwest Ohio where she continued to cook for some time. Ashley can be found traveling the Midwest with her girlfriend Kylee trying many different breweries, going to concerts and trying different foods.
Ella Marie Briggs
Bridesmaid
Ella is another one of Samantha's sisters. She is preparing for her freshman year of college at Kalamazoo College. Aaron and Samantha are so excited for her to be joining them in the Mitten! When she isn't studying or hanging with her friends, she can be found teaching swimming lessons. She often has her nose in a book and enjoys volunteering with YoungLife.
Michael Ramirez
Groomsman
Michael is one of Aaron's best friends. Aaron and Michael met in high school while playing summer junior ACME baseball. Michael has been married to his wife Christiane for 5 years and they have 4 beautiful children together Amelia (10), Aaliyah (5), Selena (3) and Manny (1). Michael is an avid golfer when he has free time, which isn't often, as he works for Keller Logistics and is currently getting is Masters Degree at Bowling Green University.
Josie Grace Briggs
Bridesmaid
Josie is Samantha's youngest sister. She is entering her junior year of high school. When she’s not in school, she enjoys cheerleading, photography, and of course Harry Styles. Josie is very much a vsco girl and passes time making tik tok videos with her two best friends Isaac and Carly.
Devin Peterson
Groomsman
Devin is one of Aaron's longest friends as they met growing up in the same neighborhood. Devin started out being closer to Zach as they are the same age but as time went on Devin and Aaron became close. Devin has been married to his wife Jessica for two years they have have two daughters, Paizley (10) and Koa (baby). Outside of being a father Devin loves to golf, play video games and enjoy some ice cold Busch Lights on the front porch.
Sarah Fahey
Bridesmaid
Sarah is one of Samantha's oldest friends. During high school they spent all the time they could together. They spent most of their time studying together (which might surprise you) but had no shortage of innocent fun. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with her Masters Degree, Sarah moved to New York City for a few years, and they've since adapted to long distance best-friends against their will. Last year she moved with her long term boyfriend Shane to Denver where they currently live with their two cats: Sugar and Leo. Sarah currently works as an architect for Genssler. UPDATE: Sarah now lives with her FIANCE in Denver!!
Darin Waterman
Groomsman
Aaron and Darin became friends freshman year of college when they both played baseball at Defiance College. Darin has been married to his wife Hannah for 8 years and they have two beautiful daughters Lennan (7) and Laetyn(5). Outside of being a great father Darin can be found on the golf course sinking birdies or watching the Ohio State Buckeye's and Cleveland Brown's on the weekends.
Ally Austin
Bridesmaid
Ally is Samantha's infamous "bumble bff". Just like Samantha, Ally also works at General Motors in the EV space. While they didn't meet at work, work jargon is what sparked the connection. She graduated from Michigan State where she played club volleyball! If you find yourself in a group of four with her, there is 100% chance you will be playing euchre. Ally is a dairy free pescatarian that could easily live off popcorn!
Kurt Belau
Groomsman
Kurt and Aaron began their friendship way back in Little League playing for Arps Dairy, also known as the Arps Army. Although they were friends then they really became close friends the summer of 2008 playing Jr. ACME baseball. Kurt has been married to his wife Destry for 4 years and they welcomed their first child Enzo (1) last year. Kurt would be described as "the guy" you call when you need help with anything. It could range from building a deck, laying flooring or fixing lawn mowers. Kurt is the kind of guy every friend group needs, he is willing and able to do anything he can to make sure his friends are taken care of.
Jessica Ahonen
Bridesmaid
Jessica is one of Samantha's first college friends. Samantha even spent some holiday's with her family during that time. She currently lives in Indianapolis with her husband Eric, their toddler Banks, and westie Carl. When Jess isn't being a super mom she works as a nurse practitioner. Jess was known as Meerkat for a long time, you’ll have to ask her why!
Daniel Garcia
Groomsman
Daniel is Aaron's "newest" friend on this list but have been close friends for roughly 10 years now. Aaron and Daniel met through friends Michael and Kurt. Daniel currently works as a Project Manager at APA Solar Racking. When Daniel is not at work he can be found traveling with his girlfriend Madi or watching as much sports as possible. Daniel is an avid Ohio State Buckeyes, Detroit Pistons and Seattle Seahawks fan.
Kayla Kennedy
Bridesmaid
Kayla is another one of Samantha’s early college friends. They ended up living together for three years! Throughout college Samantha and Kayla were often mistaken for each other because of their stature and long hair. They always thought it was funny to pretend to be one another. She is currently working in pharmaceutical sales for Abbvie in Indianapolis where she lives with her husband Shane and their adorable dog Benny.
Patrick Masopust
Groomsman
Patrick (Pat) and Aaron became friends while playing baseball together at Defiance College. It is a well known fact that freshman and sophomore years of college Pat and Aaron did not particularly get along. Once junior year rolled around Pat and Aaron started to hangout more and became close friends. After college Aaron and Pat stayed close by visiting each other often in Defiance or Royal Oka, MI. Pat loves to be active as he participates in men's leagues for baseball and hockey. Pat also loves to golf and going out west to ski.
Anna Laubach
Bridesmaid
Anna is Samantha’s “twin” from high school. Again because of the similar hair and stature. These two always embraced it and spent time calling themselves twins and dressing alike for Country Thunder. Anna now lives in Minneapolis with her Husband Eric! She has been such an inspo for Samantha and her golf game.
Joel Musser
Groomsman
Joel and Aaron also met at Defiance College playing baseball! While they don't play ball together too often these days, they enjoy hitting the links in the summer. Since Aaron's move to Michigan they've been able to go a lot more often.
Nicole Ireland
Bridesmaid
Nicole went by Nikki all of high school. She was Samantha’s best friend in high school and cheer partner. Whether it was a cheer competition on the weekends or a sleepover singing high school musical karaoke it was rare these two weren’t together. Nicole now lives with her husband Daniel in Lake Bluff, IL with their soon to be 2 year old Ivy Rose.
Curtis Switzer
Groomsman
Aaron and Curtis are cousins that became really close when Aaron joined Curtis working at General Motors. Once they started working together they really formed a good relationship. Curtis has been married to his wife Heather for 14 years and they have two beautiful daughters Avery (11) and Ivy (10). When Curtis isn't having fun with his family you can find him on the golf course practicing to defend his City Tournament Championship.
Arianna Helland
Bridesmaid
Arianna is Aaron’s oldest niece. When she met Samantha early on they quickly got attached. Arianna is going to be a freshman in high school and enjoys all thinks k-pop!
Kade Herrera
Ring Bearer
Kade is one of Samantha and Aaron’s best friends (Kaycie and Brendan Herrera) children who is basically their nephew. He knows the bride and groom as Aunt Sam and Uncle Dragon. Kade has been a joy to watch grow up! When he isn’t dancing he enjoys weekends at the lake and monster trucks!
Natalee Helland
Flower Girl
Natalee is Aaron’s youngest niece. When she was originally asked to be in the wedding she wasn’t thrilled about the idea. However, she does love Samantha so there is hope she will be convinced. Natalee loves to play with play-doh, soccer, hide and seek, and her day care!