Wedding Party
Rachel McGuire
Officiant
I have known Rachel since growing up together in Solon and going to our parent’s wild themed dinner group parties. We reconnected during college and lived together for a period of time bonding over our love for the outdoors. Whether it's floating down the river with a beer in our hands or racing to seek the GOLD at that year's Beer Olympics, Rachel and I continue to make memories over the busy lives we all have these days. Rachel is the most down to earth human and values time spent with friends and family. We are honored to have her marry us.
Sami Juraco
Maid of Honor
Sami and I met when we became random freshman year college roommates #609. We bonded over our studies, long nights at the library, and the classic straight-A student mindset….okay I might have exaggerated a bit. I should say we bonded over our equal weirdness, long karaoke nights at the bars and our semi-straight A degrees which kept us up late some nights with nothing but microwave noodles to keep us going. A quality friend is one who can bring the party into any situation and that is what Sami is to me. The best of friend who knows how to make you smile and I am honored to have her standing by my side.
Kirsten Johnson
Bridesmaid
I met Kirsten in elementary school and we have been friends through all the years leading up to the special day. We became closer after being a part of a couple wedding parties and bonded over our love of mimosas and drunken college night stories. Whether it’s dressing up for a cold Halloween night out or going on walks around the local park to vent about our bad days, Kirsten is always there ready to chat and will come with banter to keep ya smiling.
Emily Schley
Bridesmaid
I met Emily while out with friends at the local happy hour. She was dating (now married) another Tyler I met through environmental majors at UNI. Eventually Emily and I clicked and bonded over our fondness for men with the same name. Now our friendship includes wine, painting, games, and quoting every early 2000 movie imaginable. Did I mention she has the most adorable corgi named Ember? Emily has been a part of both Tyler and I’s life for so long she feels like family and I can’t wait to have her stand by my side.
Dallas Durkup
Groomsman
Dallas aka "Bear Dal," and I have been the best of pal's since 9th grade when were in marching band together. Even though Dallas played the trumpet, he was an alright enough dude since we shared so many similar interests and hobbies. At the time, I was the new kid at Maquoketa High School and Dallas helped me adjust and always included me in events with other friends. Dallas and I have always shared a love for the outdoors with many memorable hunts for deer, turkey, squirrel, and pheasant, in addition to ice fishing outings in his custom-made ice shack (He really needs to pursue a patent). Dallas and I also shared many adventures involving canoeing on the Maquoketa River, four wheeling, fort building, camping, fireworks, and bonfires. Dallas and his wife Kayla even happened to go kayaking with Candice and I on the first day we made our relationship official. Dallas and I are still as close now as the day we became friends and have a hard time hanging up the phone every time we chat. You could say we've perfected the "Iowan goodbye." Dallas has been a pivotal friend in my life, and I look forward to one day pursing a big game hunt together to continue to strengthen our bond of friendship.
Mitchell Stannard
Best Man
Mitchell and I have been friends since third grade when we worked on an astronomy project together about Neptune. Mitchell was the new kid in class that year and I suppose you could say that we've been inseparable ever since. We've been on more adventures together than I can count involving four wheelers, airsoft guns, hunting critters with the dogs, building forts, camping, bonfires, sledding, skiing/snowboarding, fishing, canoeing on the Maquoketa River, mushroom hunting, playing video games during all hours of the night, traveling, and just generally raising hell on the family farm in Andrew, Iowa. Mitchell practically lived with me for several summers in middle school because we were constantly sharing adventures on the farm. I know mom might have lost some sleep over all the adventures we had but as long as we never missed mealtime, she had no reason to worry! We've both gained a few scars over the years from all these adventures, but every one of them has a great story. Mitchell and I may have come from separate wombs, but it sure doesn't seem like it when you're in our company! I couldn't ask for better friend and know we'll share many more adventures together in all the years to come!
Tyler Schley
Groomsman
Besides the best name ever, Tyler and I have shared many things. We are both originally from southeastern Iowa, studied environmental science at UNI, shared many beers on the hill, worked for the same employer, recently bought homes in Cedar Rapids, and witnessed two solar eclipses together! Tyler may not be my oldest friend, but we've shared many memories that will last a lifetime! Tyler was also present when I first made it clear that I planned to ask Candice out on a date when the three of us went to karaoke at the Other Place on a wild Wednesday night (If you want the full story, you'll have to ask Tyler)! With all we've been through together, I have no doubt Tyler would travel to the dark side of the moon if I asked him to. However, he would make sure whatever route he took was fiscally responsible.