Wedding Party

Shelby Bunker

Maid of Honor

As maid of honor I should know the ins and outs of my friendship with Erin, yet I can't seem to pinpoint when our friendship started. It feels like we have always been apart of each others lives. We've grown up together, traveled the world together, went through so many ups and downs together. While our lives are always changing one thing is always constant- our friendship. These days it's less hitting the town together and more being a mom to my two boys, Masen and Maverick, and running my business. Whether I'm across town or across state, Auntie Erin is always there for us.

Gavin Weiler

Best Man

My name is Gavin Weiler, I'm the best man. Currently I work as a courier for FedEx, I just started with the company and love it so far! I'm a huge hockey fan and also play tournament paintball on the weekends when I'm not working. Jesse and I met in highschool when we both failed our Spanish video for the year, but that's a whole different story for another time. We both had to do extra credit to make up for the video, we talked and realized we had a lot in common and both became friends. Over the years Jesse and I became closer the more and more we hung out and now he's my best friend. I'm so happy for Erin and Jesse and am super excited to be Jesse's best man for his big day!  

Kristy Curpenski

Bridesmaid

My name is Kristy Curpenski and I met Erin working at Walgreens back at good ole Essexville where we became friends pretty quickly with our sarcastic senses of humor. I am a pharmacist that enjoys working third shift these days and can be found singing Broadway songs at 4am when no patients are around. When not working I am working, working out that is. I am an Ironman triathlete and marathon runner. If that isn't crazy enough I also am a crazy cat lady with 2 cats of my own. Other interests include hiking in the mountains, dancing (jazz and tap), crocheting, and watching Disney movies.

Mason Geno

Groomsman

I’m Mason Geno, the nerdy friend. I first got to know Jesse in chemistry class sophomore year. He likes to say I gave him all the answers, but truthfully I just goaded him into answering the questions himself. Soon after we were playing tanks during Seminar and he even let me shoot him dead with a paintball gun for Spanish. Por que you ask? The world may never know.

Nickole Werth

Bridesmaid

My name is Nickole, I am 28 years old. My favorite hobbies are fishing and collecting Disney pins, and well love Disney in general. I have known Erin for over 15 years. We met freshman year of high school and became good friends. Some of my fondest memories are the Eric Church concert we went to or sharing drinks around the bonfire. We have had our ups and downs but we always know how to become friends again. I can always call her when I need something or advice. Erin is one of my bestfriends and can't wait for her special wedding day. I'm so happy she included me in it!

Devin Tomkins

Groomsman

Hi Everyone! I am Devin Tomkins. I moved just outside of Grand Rapids from Bay City after attending GVSU, & I am currently working at the Capitol in Lansing. Jesse & I met around 14 years ago at the American Boxing Athletic Association. What started as two rowdy kids beating each other up turned into a lifelong friendship. When we weren't taking out our energy in the ring, we were riding our bikes over 10 miles a day just to hang out. If Jesse was really hustlin', he could make it from his town to mine in 30 minutes! This many years later, & I still wouldn’t hesitate to cross the state for the fella. If there's one thing years of boxing taught Jesse, it's how to spot a knockout. Erin & Jesse, I can't wait to see what the future holds for you. Love you guys.

Samantha VanOchten

Bridesmaid

I'm Samantha and I'm Erin's sister which obviously means that we go back to 1993. Looking back over the last 28 years, We spent winters building snow forts in the ditch, summers vacationing with our grandparents, and those damn teen years just trying to figure out life. Now we both have our own careers and busy lives. I'm so happy Erin found Jesse and I get to officially call him my brother

Brody Houle

Groomsman

Hi everybody who is reading this, I'm Brody, Jesse's younger brother. I'm 25 years old and I've known Jesse since I was 10 years old, when we met at a McDonalds in town since our parents wanted us to meet each other. Its been over 15 years since that day and the stories and memories we have are endless, and I'm excited to see what more will come in the future. I'm currently in school working on my nursing degree and working as a behavioral technician where I help children with autism learn new things. Jesse is my only brother, but we've also got 4 sisters, and yes the house is as hectic as you'd think when we're all home. Regardless, I'm excited to welcome Erin to the family officially and wish nothing but the best for them in the future. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk.

Matt Rybak

Usher

Hola! Mi nombre es Matt. I met Jesse roughly 13 years ago when we were partnered to work on a Spanish project together. We bonded over our shared interest of video games, sports, fishing, and similar sarcastic humor. I have many fond memories of Jesse; camping over spring break, tubing down the Rifle River in the pitch black, Dungeons & Dragons, and many, many house parties, but most of all, always laughing and having a great time. Jesse stood by my side when I married my wife, Paige, and I am honored to be a part of the Varela-VanOchten wedding.

Robby Awrey

Usher

Hello! My name is Robert and I was tasked with being the best usher you'll come to see. Just a bit about me, I work as an Operations Manager at Morley Co. in Saginaw and have a BA in Business Management. My two favorite things are happy hours and the sweet seranades of George Michaels. I dislike people who chew loudly and moths. Jesse and I met at our first job at the now extinct restaurant called, "Morning at Maggie's". We did the usual, cleaned dishes, cleared tables, exterminated rats on occasion together, etc. Eventually, after not really having anyone else to choose from, Jesse would ask me to become his roommate. So, we literally bought a house together at the ripe age of 18. We shared many incredible memories together, that is until Erin came and stole him from me. Fortunately, we have still been close ever since, even after cleaning up after me every day for 5 years. Congrats Erin and Jesse, you two are absolutely amazing. There's not a doubt in my mind that you both were meant to be!!

Brad Hages

Flower Man

Hello, my name is Brad Hages. Also know as Gavin or Robby depending on the day around Jesse. I am the taller goonie one of the friend group, so I should be easy to spot. How I met Jesse is a story all in itself. It was back in High School, and they were filming a video for Spanish Class. We got to tie him up to a tree and shoot him with paintballs none stop. Yet somehow, we are still friend to this day!

Karl Verity

Officiant