Wedding Party
Amanda Chapa
Bridesmaid
Meet Amanda! Kathryn and Amanda went to grade school together, having known each other since the 5th grade but didn't become close until high school when their friend groups began converging. Along with Ashley Shimek, they have watched each other grow up, go through all the ups and downs of life thus far and will continue to do so! Fond memories include sneaking out of Amanda's dad's house at night to go swimming after hours in the neighborhood pool, and the one time being greeted by Amanda's furious red-faced father at the front door as he caught on to their shenanigans, or driving around town after school all the time in Amanda's Honda Accord, since she was the first one of the group to have a car, blaring old school rap or loud metal music, on the way to the Baybrook Mall or Casa Ole to eat everything in sight. Another amazing time was Amanda's bachelorette vacation to Cabos San Lucas, Mexico, where more unforgettable memories were made. Amanda is one of the most genuine, laid back, gentle-hearted people you will ever meet, and Kathryn is incredibly lucky to have her as part of her and Aaron's special day! Thanks Amanda for being here!
Ashley Shimek
Bridesmaid
This is Ashley! Kathryn and Ashley met in 7th grade Texas History class, when Ashley was brand new to the school and was copying off of Kathryn's paper in class. It turned into more than just a fake study buddy situation, and they quickly realized they had a lot in common, fondness for animals being the most notable thing, and being absolutely boy crazy back in the day! Ashley and Kathryn rode the same school bus for a couple of years and sat at the back of the bus with the other misfits. One summer in Junior High, Kathryn went with Ashley to spend time in Missouri visiting Ashley's family up there and had a great time, Kathryn realizing she had a second family as more time went on. After high school, Kathryn stayed with Ashley's family for a little while through some growing pains with her parents, figuring herself out some, and is forever grateful to Ashley and her amazing family for their hospitality. Ashley, Amanda, and Kathryn have remained a close trio of friends that remain in almost daily contact through a Facebook messenger conversation, still to this day sharing even minor inconveniences with each other and will continue to be there for each other through all of life's chapters. Ashley is a bold, opinionated, empowering friend, the one that you go to when you know you need sound advice, and she will go to bat for you in an instant when you are right but also tell you when you need to reevaluate your thoughts too. Thank you, Ashley, for being a part of the big day!
Mary Onukiavage
Bridesmaid
Meet Mary, not only one of Kathryn's best friends, but the AUNT MARY to Kathryn's boys, Corbin and Evan! Kathryn was introduced to Mary by Kathryn's ex-husband, who was friends with Mary's husband. When Kathryn became a mom and needed childcare, Mary, being a stay-at-home mom, offered her childcare services, and that started what became a very close Aunt/Uncle relationship between the two households for many years. While Kathryn's first marriage may not have lasted, it appears Kathryn "won" this friendship in the divorce and is absolutely honored to have Mary by her side on her and Aaron's special day! Mary has been a monumental pillar in Kathryn's early days as a young mom, having been there, done that, with her own girls first, she was prepared with advice when Kathryn needed it, and was always a shoulder to lean on when life was hard. Mary was also the best garage sale buddy a friend could ever ask for, having weathered more than the two can count over the years, the two moms making extra bucks for their families when needed. Mary is amazing. She puts everyone else before herself, often pouring from an empty cup, but still giving and giving, as is her nature. Kathryn is blessed beyond measure to have someone like Mary as a friend and as part of her and Aaron's special day. Thank you Mary for being here!
Cory Rekoff
Groomsman
Meet Cory! Aaron and Cory have known each other for over 13 years now. In 2012, Aaron first moved to Galveston Island. The first night he was staying in his new home, he started up his loud Harley Davidson motorcycle in his garage. Ronny Rekoff, Cory's father, lived two houses down and happened to recognize that engine sound. Ronny started up his own Harley Davidson motorcycle, and the two went back and forth for about thirty minutes, revving their bikes up back and forth at each other before ever introducing themselves to each other. This would be the beginning of a lifetime friendship between the Rekoff family and Aaron. Aaron met Cory that same night, and their friendship grew closer over the years as Cory's family included Aaron through all the BBQ pit hangouts, time spent at the Rekoff Ranch in Del Rio, TX, and there were many hours spent bending fishing poles under the relentless Texas sun. Aaron and Cory, at times, have had what some would describe as a brotherly competitive relationship, often sending each other pictures of whatever new gadget they have acquired, the other responding with the best of whatever they have to offer. All in good love and fun though! Cory loves God, devotes his life to his family, taking care of his beautiful wife and his two handsome baby boys. Thank you, Cory, for being a part of Aaron and Kathryn's special day!
Thomas Jarma
Groomsman
Say hello to Thomas (goes by TJ to many) everyone! Aaron and TJ are paternal half-brothers, TJ being around years before Aaron came into the picture. There's an age difference for sure, but as adults, we all know that the age gap relevance closes the older and wiser we become. Aaron and TJ weren't super close growing up with that big age gap, and TJ did his own thing for several years, as did Aaron, the two only once in a while catching up, but over the past couple of years, as both Aaron and TJ have found the loves of their life (Congrats TJ on your recent marriage to our beautiful Ely as well!), prioritization of family has become of utmost importance. TJ loves God, having devoted his life to his beautiful wife and her daughters, and he has found a career with great purpose, rebuilding homes to those in need after natural disasters strike across the United States, so he is always on the move! The family stays connected now, even though living miles apart, often states apart, through a family text group chat, often picking on each other and sending ridiculous pictures back and forth. Kathryn is also very excited to finally have a big brother to pick on her! TJ, thank you for travelling to be a part of Aaron and Kathryn's big day!
Juan Moran
Groomsman
Aaron and Juan met in 2014 while spending time in a correctional facility. Let's set the story straight though; they were employed by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office together! What were y'all thinking?! Juan is lovingly referred to as Moran by Aaron and Kathryn considering the law enforcement roots. Aaron and Moran bonded while chatting at work, recognizing they had similar past life experiences and a lot to talk about, leading them to a mutual understanding of each other very quickly. This not only made for a fantastic working relationship, but this dynamic dup also bonded over so many adventures! Nights around the BBQ pit, cooking crawfish on the weekends, spending a lot of time outdoors, travelling across the United States together, even taking his kiddos along on some of the adventures to share the experiences with them. Moran has a natural gift, an ability if you will, to listen without being judgmental, and has offered Aaron many words of wisdom that have helped guide Aaron to where he is today. He is also an amazing family man, raising three beautiful children alongside the beautiful Jasmine, supporting their interests and raising these kids into the kind of people the world needs more of. Moran will drop everything he is doing for his family and those he loves to help them in a pinch. That's just the kind of man he is. Aaron and Kathryn are very thankful you dropped everything to be a part of their wedding day Moran!