Valerie & Michael
Wedding Party
Vanessa Kurth
Bridesmaid
Vanessa has pretty much been one of my best friends since the day she was born, which happens to be the day I went to my very first high school prom! I was so excited to have a little sister! When I decided to stay local for my first year of college, my bond with Vanessa grew as I was around a lot more to help babysit her. Over the years we bonded over fashion, make up, traveling, and so much more. Don’t let her gorgeous looks fool you...she is sharp as a tack, intelligent, compassionate, and one of the goofiest people I know. From day one she has been supportive of my relationship with Mike and I’m pretty sure she cried happy tears when we got engaged. It’s been very fun to see her relationship grow with her future brother in-law and she has been a huge help planning for our big day!
Jacqueline Steele
Bridesmaid
Like many of the others, I met Jackie while working for Family Video. The great thing about Jackie is that she is ALWAYS down for good time. Jackie is always the most fun! Sadly, Jackie and I lost an incredible employee, Darren, who unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. During my grief, Jackie was such an amazing support system all while dealing with her own emotional struggle. Jackie is the type of friend that no matter where you are, if you need something or are going through something difficult she will do everything in her power to be there for you.. Mike and I often talk about people having a “light” personality, meaning they just make everything better by being around them. Jackie has a “light” personality and we couldn’t imagine not having her as part of our wedding day!
Leanne Germinaro
Bridesmaid
I met Leanne in my early days at Family Video. It all started with a work volleyball team, margarita nights, and a road trip with Alec to North Carolina with an epic detour to Cumberland Falls! Since that trip in 2005 we’ve road tripped all over the country, often times just the two of us, a music playlist, and a Prius. (Be sure to ask her about our couch surfing experience in Colorado!) Eventually she created a bond with Max, who knows her as Auntie Leanne. It’s hard to explain our bond, but Leanne’s soul dances to the same song as mine. When we get together we always manage to make it an adventure! She’s never judged my life decisions (as questionable as some may have been looking back) I am so excited to have her by my side during this very happy time!
Kassi Kobylarz
Bridesmaid
Kassi and I have been in and out of each other’s lives since 2008 when we worked together at Family Video. I’m pretty sure our bond began with a drag show in Appleton and Toppers situation. Kassi is just a ball of fun, even having a slumber party on her wedding! Eventually, Kassi changed jobs and although we sort of drifted apart we would still check in on each other. Then about five years ago, out of the blue, Kassi asked me if I had plans one weekend and if I wanted to road trip to see a concert in St. Louis and of course I said yes! And that’s where we reconnected. We rarely go a day without talking. When Mike and I met, she was the biggest cheerleader for our relationship. This girl is so much fun, she’s always making me laugh, she’s an amazing mother, and is incredibly selfless.
Mallika Arudi Nocco
Bridesmaid
Mallika is one of the most unique individuals I’ve ever met! I of course met her through her husband, Alec, who I worked with and was even roommates with for a short time. Mallika is a professor in California, but Mallika is always the life of the party! She has a unique ability of relating to anyone she meets and always makes you feel like the most important person in the world when she’s talking to you. We’ve had so many great times in Madison, Brad Emmanuel concerts, and her epic New Years celebrations. Mike has been able to nerd out with the scientist side of her, which usually goes way over my head. Even though Mallika and Alec moved to California last year, they are both such an important part of our lives and we are so happy to have them as part of our wedding day.
Nick Cafrelli
Groomsman
Nick and Mike met in junior hockey when they were 20 and he was the only goalie friend Mike made that he honestly and truly rooted for even when he was starting over Mike. They both legitimately wanted the best for each other’s hockey career and life in general. They came together and enjoy talking hockey and Borderlands and goalie coaching stuff.
Chase Seibel
Groomsman
Chase and Mike met through mutual friends when they were in high school. The Lloved to party together back in the day and Chases been very supportive of Mike's sobriety. Mike was best man in Chase's wedding. They spent a large amount of time together while Chase was recovering from necrotizing fasciitis. They grew close just talking through that and a lot of other things.
Isaac Sinz
Groomsman
Isaac and Mike met through hockey and played on team Wisconsin together. The two lost touch for a few years but there was always a lot of love there and there was also parties and a lot of unique one liners and party events. Mike and Isaac may have went to a party of two together back in the day. The pair spent a lot of times at Maple Grove and Burnsville during their Senior Year.
Sam Wiegert
Groomsman
Sam and Mike met through Kolbe and Kolbe and theyhave hung out most weekends gaming or doing something or other online. He played goalie back in the day and is younger than Mike. The two have bonded over a lot of video games and hockey.
Alec Nocco
Groomsman
Alec has been one of Val's best friends for over 15 years. Alec and Mike almost immediately began discussing sports, disc golfing, board games, and people watching. When Mike moved to Wausau from Eau Claire, Alec was a big part of making himfeel welcome and like hehad a friend in town. From the random Pokemon hunting trips to the Harry Potter app that never really caught on, they had a lot of great times together. Val and Mike are super excited to have Alec and Mallika as part of their big day.