Mary Ann & Rick
Meet our Wedding Party!!
Mary Ann Twilling
Bride
First and foremost, I am a woman of God. My journey in life has had ups and downs and many lessons, and I am thankful for all of them. God's plan for me has led me to Rick. I love being a mom to six amazing kids, two step kids and six (so far) beautiful grandkids. They bring more joy to me than they could ever imagine! I chose a career as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse over 21 years ago. My positions held have humbled me, given me grace and most of all blessed me with lifelong friends and colleagues that I am so thankful for! I look forward to my future with Rick. He is wild, spontaneous, loud and crazy. He is the epitome of what a gentleman should be. I expect lots of family time, camping trips, beach trips, fast cars and belly laughs to be in my life for many years to come!
Rick Helmes
Groom
I am a man of God. During my roughest times, I turned to God for help. He led me to Mary Ann (with the help of our heavenly parents). My kids, step kids and step grandkids bring me so much joy! I am grateful for my siblings and my mom, and our get togethers to enjoy each other's company. I am grateful for the cooking skills my dad passed along to me--I make the best Goetta, ribs, cheese balls, hot slaw--hands down! I am blessed to have my mom's personality--her laughter and zest for life. I am blessed to have worked side by side with my dad every day for many years. He taught me how to be gentleman, how to drive a stick car, how to tow a trailer and how to be a mechanic. He taught me life lessons that I will carry with me forever. I cannot wait to marry my very best friend!
Debbie Schroder
Matron of Honor
Debbie has been one of the bride's very best friends since first grade...AND the big sister to the groom! How blessed this couple is to have her as the Matron of Honor!!
Ed Woelfel
Best Man
Growing up, the bride protected her little brother. As adults, he has protected her. Ed was also a longtime neighbor of the groom. Yep--it's a West Side thing! YAY to Ed saying YES to being the Best Man!
Jennifer Fowkes
Bridesmaid
Daughter of the bride, confidante, role model to her siblings...couldn't imagine the wedding without Jennifer!
Ryan Fowkes
Groomsman
Son in law to the bride, married to Jennifer. Ryan is an amazing dad and husband...and a pretty cool son in law too! So glad he is in the wedding party!!
Tara Twilling
Bridesmaid
Tara is the daughter of the bride... the bride's mini-me. She is an amazing mom and sister too! Can't imagine the wedding without her!
Mark Wimmel
Groomsman
Mark is practically a son in law to the bride. He has dedicated himself to Tara for 16 years...is a fabulous daddy and when there's a party, he's there! It's exciting to have him in the wedding!
Brittany "Slip" Twilling
Bridesmaid
Brittany, lovingly known as "Slip," is the daughter in law of the bride. She is a fun-loving sports fanatic who is married to the bride's son, Paul. She adds spice to his life as well as the wedding party!
Paul Twilling
Groomsman
Paul is the son of the bride. His dry wit and quick one liners are hilarious. Let's hope he doesn't get the mic at the reception!
Ashley Twilling
Bridesmaid
Ashley is the daughter of the bride. She is the one who calls her mom for everything--EVERYTHING...from where is the garlic at Kroger to hey look at this thingy I bought. She will be the reception party girl for sure!
Bryan Twilling
Groomsman
Bryan is the youngest of the bride's kids. He lived with his mom until he was "sure" she would be ok on her own--with Rick. Awwwww! PS. Hopefully, he won't get his hands on the mic at the reception either!
Brittany Twilling
Bridesmaid
Brittany is a daughter of the bride. She is a strong-willed and ambitious woman and a great mom! Look for her to be gettin' down on the dance floor!
Bob Woelfel
Bride's Escort, Groomsman
Bob is the big brother of the bride. He has been her role model, as well as a devoted husband, father of six, and grandfather of many. He has chosen the Chicken Dance to be played at the reception--blame him, not the bride and groom hahaha.
Kyle Helmes
Groomsman
Kyle is the son of the groom. He is the groom's mini-me...lover of fast cars, old cars, t-shirts and baseball hats. He's struggling to be in a monkey suit for the wedding, but the bride and groom are thrilled he's going to do it!
Maggie Helmes
Jr Bridesmaid
Maggie is the daughter of the groom. She is a fun teenager, who loves to shop, get her nails done and shop (oh, that was said already). It'll be great sharing this day with her!
Olivia Fowkes
Jr Bridesmaid
Olivia is the oldest grandchild of the bride. She is a sensitive girl who once told her Nana that if she could have a super power it would be to read minds because she'd love to know what her brother, Nolan, was thinking. Awww. This wedding wouldn't be the same without her!
Avery Fowkes
Flower Girl
Avery is the granddaughter of the bride. She is a spirited, spitfire of a kiddo who insisted her flower girl dress would have her belly showing. You'll have to show up for the wedding to see if she got her way.
Nolan Fowkes
Ring Bearer
Nolan is a grandson of the bride. He is a sweetheart most of times, but has his stubborn moments. Time will tell if he decides to walk down the aisle for the wedding. Hopefully a yellow Tootsie Pop (or two or ten) near the altar will coax him along.
Paisley Wimmel
Flower Girl
Paisley is a granddaughter of the bride. She plans on stealing the show and probably will. She has dance moves to die for, so please be ready for her when she gets to the reception.
Brayden Twilling
Ring Bearer
Brayden is a grandson of the bride. He will be the leader of the ring bearers and flower girls so the weight of the world will be on his shoulders haha. At the reception, he has picked a song that will have the whole crowd up on their feet. You won't want to miss it!