Wedding Party
Dana S Hadley
Matron of Honor
Dana has been Tori's best friend since 2010. Dana is related to two other friends of Tori's, Courtney and Cassandra and they brought Dana to Tori's house to hang out. Tori hadn't gotten up for the day yet, but Tori's dad sent the girls up to Tori's room anyway. Courtney and Cassandra opened Tori's door and woke her up. When Tori realized there was someone else in the room, she crawled out of bed with wild curly hair and raccoon eyes and confidently held out her hand to shake Dana's saying "Hi, I'm Tori." They quickly became best friends; spending almost every weekend together. Watching movies and shows, sleepovers, going on walks, shopping, football games to watch Dana cheer, double dates and simply spending time together. Over the years the activities have changes, fewer sleepovers and more kayaking trips, camping trips, visits to each others house, parties and celebrations. The two are still just as close today as they were when they met in Tori's childhood bedroom before either knew they'd just met their best friend. Favorite Memory: Shopping trip to Walmart and the pool noodle battle through the aisles. Sophomore and Junior prom.
Jessica J Thommen
Bridesmaid
Jessica and Tori have known each other since birth. Basically raised together since the girls mothers were best friends and formerly sister in laws. Jessica and Tori were brought up celebrating birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and all of their milestones together building a relationship closer to sisters than friends. Over the years they enjoyed spending time together going for walks, exploring their home town, watching shows and movies together, talking, shopping, and enjoying each others company. A favorite memory: Jessica and Tori went to Costa Rica on a class trip. While there they went on a cruise, explored a hot spring, but Tori's favorite memory is the zipline. Soaring over the rainforest was amazing even if Jessica had to overcome her fear to experience it!
Darien K Tabag
Bridesmaid
Darien and Tori have been friends since fall of 2016. They met at NICC and quickly built a group of friends that spent almost every day together. The group changed over the years but Darien and Tori have kept a close relationship despite life changing. They enjoy movies and meals, wandering around shopping centers, parties, and sleepovers. Favorite Memory - Darien would bring her Dance Dance Revolution console to campus and the whole group would get in on it, dancing, messing up, trying to find the rhythm and often times failing to stay on pace with Darien but still having the best time doing it anyway.
Madelyn J Heinrich
Bridesmaid
Tori and Maddy met at Maddy's house for the first time when Clayton introduced them. Their relationship built over time, slowly growing closer with every visit and encounter until Maddy joined the friend group and became part of every weekend's plan. They enjoy parties, kayaking, grilling out, going to movies and shopping, and sitting and talking as often as possible. Favorite Memory: Kayaking trip where Maddy had the cooler and continuedly paddled away trying to keep the good chips away from Clayton and Garth while Tori ran interference. Both Garth and Clayton tipped on that trip.
Angelia M Steffen
Mother of the Bride
Angel has been looking forward to this day since she met Clayton on Tori's 20th birthday. Angel came home late from work while Tori's 20th birthday was in full swing. However, she didn't walk in on a party, she walked in on a disaster area in the kitchen and Clayton on his hands and knees cleaning the mess off the floor. Dana and Tori had been rough housing in the kitchen - goofing around as was pretty typical for the girls. Dana pinned Tori down to the stove and the movement dislodged the coffee tin full of bacon grease off the back of the stove and all over Tori, the stove and counter, and the floor. While Tori went to go shower off the grease bath Clayton decided to clean up the mess he didn't make. Angel walked in and immediately knew this was the man she wanted for her son-in-law. She just had to be patient until Clayton and Tori were ready for it.
Gage Tabag
Best Man
Gage met Clayton in High School at Western Dubuque and became friends. They hung out nightly and even lived together briefly on a few occasions. One Claytons 21st birthday Gage, Garth, and another friend Jack all dressed up as various versions of the "ladies that await" if Clayton ever let go of Tori, the statement clear that Gage believed Tori was the best thing to happen to him. He's been a strong supporter of their relationship and will be standing beside the groom with the tissues and the rings.
Garth Heinrich
Groomsman
Garth is Clayton's younger brother and over the years has become a best friend. Brotherly competition abounds between the two but Garth has always been Clayton's loudest champion. Garth will be supporting the groom as a groomsman but he is also going to be carrying one of the most important roles in the wedding, Garth will be the officiant marrying the couple.
Andrew Thomas III
Groomsman
Andrew and Clayton met for the first time at family Christmas as Andrew is Maddy's boyfriend and quickly grew a friendship from there. The two regularly get together for game nights, adventures, and dinners. Sometimes letting their ladies tag along. Andrew will be walking the aisle to support Clayton while he starts a new chapter in the story.
Kyle Valentine
Groomsman
Kyle and Clayton became friends after high school. The two would regularly get together to hang out on the weekends and watch movies, play games, or just shoot the shit. Kyle has been a neighbor, gym buddy, and fellow weapons enthusiast and now he will be walking the aisle to support his friend as he says his vows.
Heather Recker
Mother of the Groom
Heather and Tori met at Heather's house when Clayton brought her home to meet his mom. For once Tori was shy about meeting someone but gradually warmed up and soon started calling her just to chat and catch up. Heather has shown up and been excited about every step along the journey Clayton and Tori have taken together and she is thrilled about this next chapter in their story.
Wayne Hermsen
Father of the Bride
Wayne met Clayton in the doorway of his house at 3 am after Tori and Clayton fell asleep star gazing in the driveway. As the couple had to spend late hours together due to college and work schedules Wayne eventually encouraged Clayton to stay on the couch if he stuck around that late again. Eventually allowing him to back his precious truck out of the garage so the bed would be outside to give the couple a more comfortable place to star gaze each night. That was a heavy endorsement as Wayne didn't even allow his daughter in the cab of his "baby". Wayne knew Tori found the one and has been waiting patiently for this day to come.
Wade Heinrich
Father of the Groom
Wade met Tori for the first time at Clayton's grandmothers house for a holiday meal. He's always cautioned the couple to plan well and take steps together. Communicate and show affection often. He's counseled the couple with his wisdom over the years in many ways from house hunting to financial advising. He's been a wonderful support to the couple and is looking forward to the big day.
