Danielle & Steven
Wedding Party
Jarrod Miller
Officiant
Dani met Jarrod when Jenn brought him home as her boyfriend. His fun loving, over the top personality quickly made us fast friends. His love and care for my sister secured his spot in the family. Steven met Jarrod by accident. I was washing the Veterans In The Outdoors trailer at a car wash a few blocks away from their house to get ready for a range day we were putting on. He stopped with the kids and we talked for a while since we have no problem doing talking. The whole family dropped off donations for the event the next day. I would constantly run into Jarrod et al around town. When I moved to Montevideo, Jarrod made me promise I'd consult him if I had any romantic interests, because HE KNOWS EVERYONE. There were no interests, zero. Fast forward to a hella hot Fourth of July in 2020. I tagged along with the Miller's and saw Steven. As soon as Jenn and Jarrod saw him the said "Oh my gosh, how did we forget about Mr. Steve!" The rest is history...as they say. When wedding planning started we knew Jarrod had to be a part of our day. He's the one that knew us both separately, then together as a couple. Pro Tips: Jarrod is fun! Just try not to laugh when you're with him. He'll finish your plate, as no food will go to waste. He's louder than you. It's a fact, just accept it.
Brittany Cichocki
Bridesmaid
Brittany and I met in 2006 while working At the Rail at Delaware Park. I have made some lifelong friends working there, but no one like Britt. We have a friendship unique to any I've ever had: feeding off each others energy, we cheer one another on in life, work, relationships, and otherwise. In the early years of our friendship we could be found all over Newark at any time of day or night. Jamming to Corduroy at Deer Park on a Sunday night, Nachos and margaritas for lunch at Kate's on Tuesdays, then to Grotto's (why not?) and who can forget our residence at Houlihans? Over the years we've ripped up Trolly and the beaches. Our happy hours and events have graduated to backyards, vineyards, boats, and childrens' birthday parties. Both appreciative of astrogeology, we quickly realized we are both Libra's. While social, diplomatic and creative, we cannot make a decision for ourselves. We'll tell other people what to do, but not when it comes to our own lives. While we can't decide on things individually, we trust each other's advice. That may be one of my favorite qualities in Brittany. I am beyond blessed to have her in my life and by my side to share in the start of our marriage. Pro tips: When you hear her say "giddy up" or "trust and believe", things are about to get REAL. If you don't want an honest answer, don't ask her the question. The woman ALWAYS has a plan.
Jenn Miller
Bridesmaid
Jenn is my sister, younger by only 14 months, she is my "twin" held back at birth. We shared a room growing up in Calvert, MD until Jenn moved to Virginia for college. Maybe that's when we finally realized all the years of arguing, fighting over clothes (and everything else), we ACTUALLY liked each other and missed one another. Anytime Jenn would come back for a visit we had a lunch date. These lunch dates were complete with checking out a new spot in Newark, DE, reminiscing, and usually a new tattoo. Over the years the two of us remained in constant contact, even if it was just a silly picture message, text with a random rap lyric, hours long conversation, or visit. I was happy to witness the wedding of Jenn and Jarrod, birth of Janie Fern, meeting Jonna through photos and video from Guam, multiple trips to Minnesota to enjoy time with Janie, Jonna and the adult Millers. Being so close in age, we hit milestones together and conquered storms. Fast forward to February 2020, Jenn and Jarrod opened their home in Minnesota to me and Ace . Jenn and I think the same, can give each other one look and immediately laugh, find a joke in every conversation, dress alike, have mad respect of all things 90's rap, and being overly awkward in social situations. I'm very excited to share this day with her! PRO TIPS: Don't call her Jenny. She's not mad, her face is just like that. The woman grows the most beautiful vegetable and flower gardens!
Charlotte James
Flower Girl
Not enough can be said about Charlotte. She is a fun loving 8 year old with a lot of sass and love in her heart. Charlotte was instrumental in Dani and Steven ever speaking! It if wasn't for her showing Dani her glow sticks on that HOT 4th of July, Steven would have had to find another way to talk to her. Charlotte loves animals. She is a total "Daddy's Girl" which doesn't bother Steven one bit. She has traveled to Colorado, Black Hills, and has flown all the way out to the Beaches of Delaware. Charlotte loves to dance and will be busting many moves out on the dance floor.
Carter Athman
Best Man
Carter is the MUCH younger Brother to Steven. A difference of 11 years separates these two. Carter is a goofy, fun loving man that is always looking to have fun. Carter and Steven have been on many adventures together. He enjoys hunting, shooting, building, golfing (if he doesn't break a club in the process), and much more. Steven has been able to see Carter grow into the man that he is today and couldn't be prouder.
Tony Olson
Groomsman
Steven first met Tony when he and Catherine came out to visit while Steven was stationed at Ft. Carson, CO. At first Steven was protective of his sister, but after spending time with Tony, grew to love him as a Brother. Tony is always striving to be the best that he can be at whatever he is focused on. Family comes first to this man. Between the many nights of over indulging to the many family vacations, he finds a way to make every person happy.
Dakota Ramos
Usher
If you look up Friend in the Webster's Dictionary, there would be a picture of Dakota. Now this picture might not be appropriate for all viewers and probably comes with a warning label, but it is there regardless. Steven first met Dakota back in 2017 while he was walking out of the Subway in Montevideo, MN. He went out on a duck hunt through Veterans In The Outdoors a few weeks later and has been by Steven's side ever since. Something clicked on that duck hunt. It could have been the full sky and tornado of Mallards that were coming into the decoys. Or the 6 Man limit we shot in the first 40 minutes. But whatever it was created a bond that has lasted these years. Dakota is a man that puts friends and family first. His constant drive to create a better life for himself and family is exactly what most should aspire to follow. We have had many late night conversations just leaning over the truck bed talking about life, hunting, trips, family, everything. Now, Dakota is not an angel. Give this man a reason to have a good time and it happens. Many Busch Lattes have been shared and bottles finished. He is the only man I know that when at a restaurant has an empty plate before the table is finished being served. Dakota should be the unofficial model for CROCS, since it is rare to find anything but those on his feet when he is not working. We have shared bon fires, truck tubs (its a funny story), hunting blinds, and car rides together and there is never a dull moment.
Jordan Olson
Usher
Not enough can be said about Jordan. Steven first met Jordan through Dakota on a waterfowl hunting trip. He came along (or maybe I tagged along) and we had such a good time that we all just kept making plans for the next hunt. Then the next ice fishing endeavor. And it kept going from there. Steven and Jordan have spent many days driving around looking for new hunting spots and just looking at the wildlife. A few memorable trips would be going out to South Dakota on a very successful Snow Goose hunt and the random trips to Big Stone Lake ice fishing. Jordan has been one to always stand by your side and joke about EVERYTHING. This man lives for fishing and he goes every chance he gets. Always shows up to the hunting blind of the fishing spot with Dudes on his feet and the fanciest pair of jeans. If you have ever wanted someone to talk to for hours about nothing, this is your guy. Jordan has been a part of Steven's life for many years and has been one of the best friends anyone could ask for. When asked to be an Usher in Steven and Dani's wedding, he first asked, "Where? and When?" There was no wavering in his answer to be a part of this day and be a part of our lives.
Jeanne & Don Smith
Mother of the Bride
Mom, and my step Dad have been married since November 1990. They blended their two families and added Caitlin to the mix. These two taxied all of us kids to ball games, birthday parties, and anywhere else our busy schedules would lead. I still don't know when they or our poor minivan ever got a break!
Charles Winder & Deb Winder
Father of the Bride
Dad and Deb were married in 2002. Both are always up for an adventure and travel often. Deb has created LOTS of photobooks from their trips and enjoys sharing them, however, doesn't share their itinerary or offer to include their fabulous daughter on these trips....... :)
Patty James
Mother of the Groom
Patty James is the Mother of Steven. If the word Family could be portrayed in a person, she would be it. Mom has always put family first. Her two children (Steven (The Favorite) and Catherine (The Daughter)) grew up loved and encouraged to be the best people they could be. Patty pushed both kids into sports and extra activities and in turn, developed them into who they are today. Being retired, she is busier than ever with the grandkids and traveling. She sees the grandkids more than her own children, but that doesn't bother her one bit. While Steven and Catherine were growing up, Mom would plan so many vacations and activities that really did shape who we are today. With Patty comes a loud and crazy side of the family. Those that are in attendance will stand out. Especially since all the siblings look the same. But they will be wearing out the dance floor and always be the rowdy crowd.
Joel James
Father of the Groom
Joel is the Father of Steven. He has showered Steven and Catherine with love throughout their entire lives. Joel is a true outdoorsman and have raised me to be the same. Dad was always working hard to provide for the family, but took time to attend sporting events, boy scout trips, and all the family vacations. All the hunting trips have been memorable because it was usually just the two of us. Growing up we had an old '74 Bluefin with a 20 hp Mercury motor. Nothing fancy, but we went out almost every Sunday. Money by Pink Floyd and Yellow by Coldplay would be on the radio on the way to the lake. But he always found a church service on the radio while fishing. Dad instilling this enjoyment for the outdoors has been a huge factor in my life as I try and instill it in Charlotte. The lessons learned and personal time between us can never be overlooked and forgotten.