Benjamin & Liesel
Wedding Party
Gabriel Carlson
Best Man
Gabriel is my favorite brother by far. Growing up we bonded over our shared love of sports, video games, music, and movies. He was always the Mario to my Luigi, the Hall to my Oates, and the Obi Wan to my Qui Gon Gin. Ever the showman, Gabriel’s zeal for performance inspired me to break out of my shell and become a more confident person. He has always encouraged me to be myself and I’m proud to call him my brother.
Hana Ivanov
Matron of Honor
Hana is my eldest sister and longest friend. She taught me how to read and has been teaching me important life lessons ever since. As the eldest sister, Hana lead by example and I am forever grateful for her tenacity in overcoming life’s challenges growing up. Hana is the biggest bookworm I know, and we constantly bond over our shared love of reading. She is a strong woman and has always been one of my biggest role models. I'm grateful for the friendship that we've found!
Joey Wendt
Groomsman
Joey and I met in college through the engineering fraternity. He became my Big and ever since then we've been collaborators, accomplices, partners in crime, and even coconspirators. Joey's profound appreciation for the things he cares about has inspired me to think deeper and reflect often. I'm fortunate to be able to collaborate on creative projects with him often and I'm proud to call him my friend.
Gretchen Rutland
Maid of Honor
For as long as I can remember Gretchen has been a firecracker. She lights up every room she enters and is gifted in hilarious storytelling. Her fashion sense is effortless and her influence has helped me to find my personal style. It’s been a pleasure getting to watch her grow into the beautiful young woman that she is and I’m happy that our sisterhood is also a strong friendship.
Nick Heredia
Groomsman
Nick is my brother from another mother. For as long as my human brain has been able to create and store memories Nick has been in my life, sharing laughs, songs, kind words, and good times. Nick's affinity for live musical performance is a gift that he has shared with me and the world for many years. I am blessed to have such a good friend that I have made memories with for over two decades and I'm looking forward to making even more.
Amanda Carlson
Bridesmaid
From the moment I met Amanda I felt like she was already another sister. She’s spunky and hilarious. Her confidence is contagious. It’s obvious that she cares deeply about the well-being of other people and her commitment to being a nurse is an inspiration. Amanda has the undeniable gift of comedy - she is witty and hilarious. It's always a fun time when she's around & I can't wait to have another sister!
Anthony Tortorici
Groomsman
Anthony and I became friends in middle school when he invited me to his birthday party. Since then we've been soccer teammates, college roommates, visited Carowinds 9 years in a row, and been on countless adventures together. In college we spent so much time together that people genuinely got us confused for each other even though we don't look all that similar. Although we no longer live close we make a point to see each other frequently and make more memories together. I am proud to call Anthony my friend.
Leah Wilson
Bridesmaid
Leah and I met one night early in our freshman year at Wofford College. She and I stayed up late into the evening chatting in my dorm room. The rest is literally history. After that night, we've been inseparable. Everyone assumed that the two of us were roommates our freshman year even though we weren't, but we eventually did become suitemates and then roommates. Leah is my voice of reason, she's wise beyond her years, and I'm so glad that God brought her into my life.
Justin Cusmano
Groomsman
Justin (aka Cooz) has been my friend since we started riding the school bus together. We used to use a headphone splitter to listen to MP3s and we'd jam out all the way there. Since then Cooz has been a constant in my life, as a friend, confidant, and creative collaborator. I can always count on Cooz to be there for me and I value his friendship highly.
Nicole Dakes
Bridesmaid
Nicole and I met during our freshman year at Wofford College. We went on to be suitemates and then roommates. Nicole and I have a shared love for math! As a teacher, Nicole has a heart of gold and goes above and beyond for her students - both inside and outside of the classroom. She's been a shoulder to cry on, an amazing friend to laugh with, and a huge inspiration for me.
Cory Novotny
Groomsman
Cory and I met in the engineering college at the University of South Carolina. We were fraternity brothers and classmates all the way to graduation. Cory is thoughtful, kind, and brilliant. I'm not sure I would have graduated from college without his constant help in our study group. To this day we frequently collaborate on creative endeavors and planning trips to fun places. I'm proud to call him my friend.
Brenis Aaron
Bridesmaid
Brenis and I met at church, but our friendship grew due to our 6am Tuesday morning Bible study. She and I just clicked immediately, and she is my current roommate! Brenis is one of the coolest people I know. She is an amazing hostess, is incredibly easy to talk to, and can be so silly! Her friendship is invaluable to me and I'm so lucky that she's in my life!
Jacob Reeves
Groomsman
I met Jacob in high school and we quickly became friends. As roommates at University of South Carolina we created countless memories together and we still do that today. Jacob's pursuit of his passions in graphic design and photography are an inspiration to me, I am so proud of the incredible things he creates. Especially the Christmas cards that he helps me create each year, which are a big hit thanks to his talents. Jacob is an incredible guy and I'm proud to call him my friend.
Sara Kyte
Bridesmaid
Sara and I met at the gym where she trained. She was there for me through a lot during my first year in Columbia. She feels like home, is the best listener, gives incredible advice, and is so passionate about everything she believes. Sara introduced me to the church that Benjamin and I currently attend! Sara is such a light. She's so fun to be around and her laughter is infectious. Sara has taught me a lot about life and I'm so grateful for her wisdom and friendship.