Wedding Party

Emily Donohue

Maid of Honor

Emily is Sam's twin sister, although people frequently question if they are even related! Emily and Sam were very close growing up. Apparently, the two even had their own language that they would talk to each other in. Emily was always the more rebellious twin and was known to frequently break Sam out of her crib in the middle of the night. Although very different people, the two have remained very close throughout their adult lives. Emily is always there for Sam, supporting and encouraging her with anything that she does. Emily has lived in Ireland over the last 3 years, but has recently moved back to the US. Sam is very excited to have her twin close to home again, especially as she is getting ready to be married!

Mackenzie Prokes

Matron of Honor

Mackenzie is Sam's older sister. Her and Sam share the similar type A personality and some say they seem even more like twins than Sam and Emily! Mackenzie and Sam have gotten very close in their adult lives. Mackenzie is very hard working and an amazing mom and wife. She is someone Sam looks up to and hopes to be like as she starts her life as a married woman. Mackenzie is always there for Sam and has been especially supportive over the last year. Mackenzie is a pharmacist so she understands the current challenges of working in the medical field during a global pandemic. Sam is very thankful to have her as someone she can confide in!

Paula Holliday

Bridesmaid

Paula and Sam first met after her and her husband, Matt, planned a trip to the Dominican Republic a few years ago. The two had only met once prior to the trip, so they were both a little reluctant to go to another country with strangers! Those feelings quickly changed when they realized how much they had in common. The two bonded while drinking pina coladas at the pool and have been close friends ever since! They have shared many laughs together and Paula has been a huge support to Sam over the last few years. Their friendship is one that will last a lifetime!

Ashleigh Shea

Bridesmaid

Ashleigh is Reed's older sister and her and Sam became quick friends after Reed introduced them back in 2016. Reed and Ashleigh lived together throughout his time in the Police Academy, which led to Sam and Ashleigh spending a lot of time together. Ashleigh has always been supportive and encouraging of Sam and Reed's relationship. She is the life of the party and always makes sure everyone around her is having a good time. Sam is very thankful to have a sister-in-law like Ash!

Megan Seida

Bridesmaid

Megan and Sam meet while both working on the golf course at the Grand Traverse Resort back in 2014. They formed a close friendship after spending long days working together out on the course. Even though Megan is currently living in Grand Rapids, the two remain good friends! Their lives are both busy, but they still find time to talk frequently and get together on the weekends when they can. Megan was also one of the people who helped Sam pick out her wedding dress!

Mechaela Calligaro

Bridesmaid

Mechaela and Sam met while completing their pre-requset courses for the nursing program at Saginaw Valley State University. They became quick best friends and have maintained that friendship over the last 8 years! Sam was a bridesmaid in Mechaela's wedding and she can't imagine not having Mechaela stand by her side at hers! A lot has changed in their lives over the last 8 years; long gone are the nights out at college bars drinking cheap booze and dancing to Justin Bieber. Now, both women are dedicated nurses, Mechaela is a mom, and Sam is about to be married! The memories they've made over the last 8 years are ones that Sam will cherish forever but she knows they will continue to make great memories together!

Tyler Stachnik

Best Man

Tyler and Reed have been best friends since they were 3 years old! They spent many years causing trouble on their family's farms and hunting squirrels, raccoons and porcupines. Tyler and Reed grew up riding snowmobiles, dirt bikes and four wheelers together. Since 3 years old they have always stayed connected through elementary school, junior high, high school and even went to Grand Valley State University together. Tyler has always been there for Reed ever since they were running around in diapers.

Matt Holliday

Groomsman

Matt and Reed became friends through work. Matt worked midnights with Reed in the adjacent township and their relationship grew from work partners to great friends. Matt and his wife Paula (Sam's bridesmaid) organized a trip to the Dominican Republic where the group of them shared many laughs and one of the best vacations they've been on together. Although Matt and Reed now work different schedules and in different divisions, they still manage to stay in touch almost daily. As long as Matt stays away from Tequila, you're bound to see some good dance moves.

Ben Tiefenbach

Groomsman

Ben (aka Benwa) and Reed met while in elementary school at Old Mission Peninsula School. They became friends from then on, and even though they went different paths after high school, their friendship remained. After spending years apart with little communication, they reconnected after college and it was like they never had stopped talking. Even though Ben currently lives out of the area, he manages to frequently visit Traverse City to his family vineyard, just a few miles from Reed and Sam where they've been able to stay in touch. It is clear Ben and Reed have a lifelong friendship that will last.

Chris Whetstone

Groomsman

Chris and Reed met through work. Chris was working the midnight shift in the adjacent township (like Matt), where they became friends quickly. Chris then worked with Reed as partners on the midnight shift in the City where they not only were close friends, but had to rely upon each other when things got "hairy" at work. Chris has always been one to be adventurous, but also the first to bed. It is hard to find someone as spontaneous, but loyal as Chris.

Alex Dejong

Groomsman

Alex and Reed met when they went through the Grand Valley State University Police Academy together in 2016. From spending sun up to sun down days together, 5-6 days a week throughout the academy, Alex and Reed became lifelong friends. Once graduating from the academy, Alex stayed downstate and Reed went back north to Traverse City. Alex and Reed have maintained their close friendship ever since and continue to stay connected with frequent phone calls and occasional visits.

Ian Prokes

Groomsman

Ian is Reed's soon-to-be brother in law. Oddly the two never knew each other before Reed and Sam met...even though people swear they are brothers due to their identical sense of humor and mannerisms. Even if the two are stuck in a car or house together for hours on end, there is never a dull moment. Reed describes Ian as a genuinely great person that lights up the room. They can be found drinking Yuengling, cracking jokes, and laughing hysterically at each other.

Doug Anstey

Usher

Owen Prokes

Ring Bearer

Owen is Sam and Reed's nephew! He has brought so much joy to their lives. Owen loves snuggles with his Auntie Sam and dancing with his Uncle Reed! He can't wait to walk down the aisle on their big day!

Izzy Simerson

Flower Girl

Izzy is the daughter of Pete and Kaylee Simerson. Pete has worked with Reed since he started with the department in 2016. Izzy loves princesses, especially Belle and Ariel! One of her favorite things to do is to dress up like a princess so she is very excited to be a flower girl!