Chris & Kayla
Wedding Party
Kelly Van Wyk
Maid of Honor
I can’t remember a day of my life without my younger sister Kelly- probably because I don’t have many memories before the age of 3. Her uncanny sense of humor and ability to remember any movie quote at the drop of a hat are just a few of the many reasons why you want to be around her. From sharing a bedroom & matching Jeff Gordon t-shirts growing up to sharing a love for all things college sports related, I can’t imagine not sharing this day with Kelly by my side.
Darren Raih
Best Man
Darren and I attended Unity Christian High School together and were also roommates at Dordt University for three years. Darren has been a great friend for a number of years and helped connect Kayla and I.
Caitlin French
Matron of Honor
Who would have thought that a girl from Iowa and a girl from Indiana would hit it off so well as freshman year roommates at Bethel University that they would live together all four years? With Caitlin as the Director of Dances and Banquets at Bethel there weren’t many weekends that we weren’t doing social events together or hanging with friends in the Twin Cities. We not only share middle names-now turned tattoos- but a love for Jesus and Dutch almond patties.
Lucas Kurtzleben
Groomsman
Lucas and I went to high school and college together. While living in Fort Collins, Colorado, Lucas came to visit a number of times and I was able to show him how to brew beer, ski, and hike.
Megan Bell
Bridesmaid
I feel like I hit the jackpot with having Megan Bell as a friend in my adult life. Megan is the kind of selfless person that will rearrange her schedule to help a friend in need and yet is the keeper of the best margarita recipe around. I’ve loved spending 30th birthday trips with her, serving alongside her at church, and spending summer days boating & skiing at Green Lake with her.
Tyler Jacobsma
Groomsman
Tyler and I went to high school and college together. Tyler has been a great friend of mine for many years and came to visit me while living in Fort Collins, Colorado. We enjoy golfing together.
Jacklyn Nieuwendorp
Bridesmaid
Jacklyn and I did not pan out as college roommates like we had originally discussed- (one of us didn’t go to Northwestern.) But actually were better suited to be “freshman year of REAL LIFE” roommates. Jacklyn, Kristin, and I lived in the ”301” apartment together and navigated the change from college to adulthood for several years. Without Jacklyn I would have never experienced Sioux Falls community volleyball games, trivia nights at BB’s, or hosting Beth Moore bible studies in our apartment.
Matt Van Roekel
Groomsman
Matt is my second oldest brother. We both enjoy Dordt University basketball games, and Matt is the reason that I enjoy playing and watching basketball.
Kristin Cooke
Bridesmaid
Living with Kristin in the “301” was such a joyous time in our adult years. I love Kristin’s passion for life including when that passion leads to driving four hours to be in a real life flash mob in front of 1000s of scrapbooking consultants. I love having Kristin in my corner- knowing she is the first to join our Fantasy Football league or have a deep conversation about world events, I am blessed by her friendship and Instapot cheesecake recipes.
Andy Van Roekel
Groomsman
Andy is my oldest brother. We both enjoy a good organ performance on Youtube, green tractors, and a good Rocky Mountain hike. My interest in engines came from helping to restore one of Andy's John Deere tractors while in grade school.
Rachel Kleppen
Bridesmaid
When Rachel came back to the USA in 2020 after serving as a missionary in Taiwan for 4 years- I was excited to have this friend be back on American soil… except that we couldn’t live any further from another while yet both living in the “Dakotas.” I love the humor & intentionality she brings to a friendship- and also that our happy place includes attending Twins games and leading freshman girl’s bible studies at Bethel together. She is also one heck of a storyteller- ask her about the time she hit a dear on her driveway or the time her Durango rolled down the hill of our junior year house!
Brandon Van Roekel
Groomsman
Brandon was almost the youngest Van Roekel brother, but I came along three years after him. Brandon and I enjoy talking all things Iowa Hawkeyes - basketball and football - except when we lose in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Merissa Kringen
Bridesmaid
Merissa is such a gift as she has been my roommate for the past 6 years. What a great friend to experience a pandemic (and a tornado!- yikes) with by playing lots of card games, going for walks, and sneaking in some Tiger King. I have loved getting to learn from her in the kitchen and always having a sweet friend to come home sharing stories about her life as an elementary school teacher.
Erik Van Wyk
Groomsman
Erik is Kayla's younger brother. During the 2021 Van Wyk Christmas trip to California, Erik and I were roommates in a camper. We both enjoy a good board game and Erik's dog Tella.
Liz Ascherl
Personal Attendant
Liz and I go way back as high school BFFs and attending birthday parties of one another since the 4th grade. Liz and I have many laughs under our belt from a trip to Washington DC to Orab softball and volleyball games. I love Liz not only for her adorable 6-year-old twins but together experiencing her husband’s most embarrassing moment hitting a bus in front of the marching band. #GoBand
Michael Eekhoff
Usher
Mike and I have known each other for a long time and has been a great friend almost as long as I can remember. We played basketball together while attending Dordt University. After graduating we continued to stay in contact while living across the country from each other.
Saylor French
Flower Girl
Saylor is 4 years old and is the oldest daughter of Kayla’s Matron of Honor Caitlin. Saylor is always good for a laugh and anytime we receive a Snapchat or Marco Polo video from her, we know it will be sure to make us smile.
Craig Groeneweg
Usher
Craig and I attended high school and college together. After graduating college we spent time living close to each other in northwest Iowa. Craig and his wife Jess made a number of trips to visit me while I lived in Fort Collins. We both enjoy a good craft beer and breakfast sandwich.
Jordan Raih
Ring Bearer
Jordan is Darren's (the best man) youngest son. Without Jordan and God's work in his life Chris and Kayla would not have met. In 2018, at age one, Jordan was diagnosed with cancer. This diagnosis included hospitalizations and appointments at the children's hospital where Kayla works. Through these appointments, Darren and and his wife, Steph, got to know Kayla and thought she and Chris would be a great match. Fast forward to 2021, Jordan got to celebrate the end of his cancer treatment and Chris & Kayla finally took Darren and Steph's advice and started dating! With Jordan being the ring bearer we celebrate not only God's faithfulness in Jordan's healing, but also His goodness and plan for Chris & Kayla's relationship and marriage.