Trisha Jo & Brandon
Wedding Party
Katie Schwenk
Maid of Honor
Katie was the first person Trisha met at Bethel, and the rest is history. Initially an RA and now a lifelong friend, Katie has been one of Trisha’s closest companions—and the only reason Trisha has ever cheered for IU. From late-night fro-yo runs and euchre tournaments to countless hours spent catching up, Katie has always been there. Though their paths have taken them to different places, the two always make it a point to stay in touch and visit—no matter how random the location. For over 10 years, Katie has exemplified intentionality, passion, and love and will always be Trisha’s Squabbi.
Chris Polovick Waggy
Best Man
Brandon's brother. They used to fight like most siblings do, but gave that up years ago because it's easier and more enjoyable to get along. Chris lives in New York City with his wife, Anna. When he's not busy playing with their cats Marci and Tori, he might be making art somewhere, probably inspired by the many museums and parks of NYC. If that's not where you find Chris, try looking amongst the many restaurants that NYC has to offer, as he and Anna are often finding the latest dive to try. Otherwise, he spends his time making motion graphics for the Drew Barrymore show. And no, he hasn't met Drew yet.
El Matteson
Maid of Honor
El and Trisha met in their freshman block at Bethel, but their friendship was solidified after spending three hours stuck in traffic on the way to summer camp in Michigan. That day, searching for a Dairy Queen in the Michigan wilderness, marked the start of countless memories. From studying Greek and pulling all-nighters at Notre Dame to endless Taco Bell runs, they even shared a room during their senior year. Since moving back to Indiana, the two have stayed connected, walking through countless seasons of life together. El embodies creativity and thoughtfulness and always has a way of keeping Trisha on her toes.
Ben Sutter
Groomsman
One of Brandon's best friends from childhood, they first met when Brandon's family first started attending Kern Road Mennonite Church. They've spent so much time together over the years that it's impossible to capture it all, but highlights include cabin mates in Catalpa cabin during summer camp at Amigo Centre, attending a Cubs game in Chicago, collaborating as teammates in First Lego League during middle school, many weekends serving together with the Love of God program through high school, and (sort of) neighbors across town in Washington, DC for a year. Ben now lives with his family in Wichita, Kansas, where he works for Mennonite Central Committee.
Samantha Waters
Bridesmaid
Sammy and Trisha met through Thursday night dinners after class at Candler and have been friends ever since. From porch chats during COVID to countless adventures over the years—from Alabama to Paris—Sammy has been a constant friend. Trisha admires Sammy’s love for people, especially her passion for children’s ministry, her uncanny ability to find the best wine and pasta, and her gift of hospitality wherever she goes. Though she now lives in Texas with her husband Greg, Sammy and Trisha have stayed closely connected. Sammy remains the life of the party, a constant voice of reason, and one of Trisha’s biggest cheerleaders.
Vince Kurtz
Groomsman
Vince first met Brandon through his wife Jenae Longenecker. Vince and Jenae both graduated from Goshen College before moving to South Bend, where he got his Ph.D in robotics from Notre Dame. During that time, he and Brandon got to know each other better through the young adult group at church as well as a small dinner group that Vince and Jenae hosted weekly. Upon completing his Ph.D, Vince has spent time working for the Toyota Research Institute as well as completing his postdoc at Caltech. When not tinkering with robots, Vince can often be found training his dog, Audi, or practicing the violin.
Spencer French
Bridesman
Spencer and Trisha met during their time at Bethel, mostly studying in the library—though to be fair, Spencer was studying while Trisha was mostly freaking out and crying. Despite Spencer’s receding hairline, not much has changed since college. Through various moves and life transitions, they’ve stayed connected, celebrating milestones like grad school acceptances along the way. Spencer is passionate about justice, a poet, and a self-proclaimed grammar nerd. Trisha admires the way he thinks deeply, seeks knowledge, and loves and advocates for the South Bend community. Whether it’s a good porch chat, an impromptu dance party, or a thoughtful conversation, Spencer’s friendship is marked by authenticity, laughter, and a lot of heart.
Anna Polovick Waggy
Groomswoman
Brandon's sister-in-law. Anna lives with her husband Chris in New York City. Anna is an avid patron of the arts in all it's many forms, from the theaters on (and off) Broadway to the Met on 5th Avenue to visiting the local art galleries in her neighborhood. Anna is always down for a good cup of tea, especially paired with a good book to read. Anna enjoys traveling the world with Chris. Recent highlights include Lisbon and Sintra in Portugal as well as Venice, Florence, and Rome in Italy.
Cam Stillson
Bridesman
Cam and Trisha met through his landlord, Spencer, and their shared community at South Bend City Church. Since that first meeting, Trisha and Cam have cheered each other on through schooling, job changes, and all the twists and turns that come with navigating your early 20s. Trisha admires Cam’s intentionality and the care he shows for both his people and the communities around him. Over time, Cam has become a close friend to both Trisha and Brandon. Thoughtful and caring, he’s a poet at heart and always ready with a hot take about music. Whether debating theology, dissecting albums or explaining diss-tracks, or just sharing life, Cam’s presence is one of insight, passion, and authenticity.
Jenae Longnecker
Groomswoman
Jenae and Brandon grew up attending church together at Kern Road Mennonite Church. Though their time in youth group never overlapped, their families were good friends. They spent many days hanging out, doing crafts at the Waggy house or playing games and swimming at the Longenecker house. After graduating from Goshen College, Jenae returned to South Bend for a year with AmeriCorps followed by three years at Notre Dame Law School. During that time, Vince and Jenae hosted a small group of friends for dinner on a regular basis, which became a highlight of most weeks for many in the group. Jenae and Vince now live in Chicago, where she fights the good fight as an attorney for Legal Aid Chicago, advocating for K-12 students facing barriers to educational access.