Wedding Party
Nina Welp
Matron of Honor
There are not enough words to describe the kind heart that is Nina. We crossed paths in college as we were in the same business fraternity, but it was when fate brought us together as roommates in Cincinnati post grad that we realized just how strong our connection was. Nina's open arms and open mind quickly made me feel at home in a new city. She never judged me for the endless reality TV or Hallmark movies I would watch and always encouraged me when I would come home after a hard day at work. Over the past 7 years we have supported each other through it all and I can't imagine entering this next chapter of life without her right by my side.
Stephen Williams
Groomsman
I met Stephen during middle school as we had many classes together and both played soccer. A pivotal moment in our friendship was around the age of 16 when Stephen critically injured his knee and was not able to walk for a few weeks. During his recovery, I often visited him at his house which is also home to the family horse farm. Following those visits, we began to hang out a lot on his farm and eventually Stephen shared with me the best hobby in the world, Bass Fishing. He also fed my hobby by taking me on a 2-week fishing trip in Canada with his dad. Stephen and I chose to become roommates at Ball State our freshman year. We had and continue to have many adventures together.
Michael Venn
Bridesman
It was an instant connection when we met the first day of Freshman year at Miami University. Our love of TV, chocolate and Taylor Swift built a foundation for 10+ years of friendship. Over these years Michael has gone from a friend to a roommate to truly family. He has been a pillar of support through the rollercoaster of life. I'm not sure I would have been able to survive my twenties if Michael hadn't been there to play the perfect song to embody what I was going through or offer a Diet Coke when I was just having one of those tough days. Derrick is fully aware by marrying me, he's marrying Mikey too!
Tyler Mecsey
Groomsman
I was very excited to hear that DJ had an older brother. I was especially curious to what his personality was like since I knew DJ wasn't a rule breaker growing up or even today. After meeting Tyler, I quickly realized how much energy, laughter, and unique humor he brings to the family. I also found out that Tyler's goofiness brings that side out in his sister as well! It also doesn't hurt that Tyler is not afraid to share DJ's most embarrassing moments prior to my coming around. One moment with Tyler that I will never forget is when he was sitting at the table next to his father and grandfather when I came to ask for permission to marry DJ. Tyler often reminds me how lucky I am that he was in the room to cut the tension when asking the hardest question of my life. On a side note, I am also extremely hopeful that our children inherit some of Tyler's height!
Erin Mecsey
Bridesmaid
Many may know Erin as my brother's wife but to set the record straight, she was my friend first! Though we attended the same church growing up, we didn't get to know one another until freshman year at Milford High School. A fast friendship was formed, and before we knew it Erin, MacKenzie and I were inseparable. I am blessed to be able to call one of my closest friends my sister. Erin is an incredible sounding board, always helping to put things in perspective. She is also the craftiest person I know so be sure to look out for all of her great Cricket work at the wedding!
Jeff Martin
Groomsman
My sister met Jeff while attending college at Indiana State. Right away we clicked, bonding over our shared interest in the outdoors and fishing. Jeff has always been a genuinely humble man with a good heart. He is a great example of all that a father, husband and family man should be. Not only do I look forward to having Jeff stand with me as a groomsman, but also all of our future family adventures and possible fishing trips if the girls let us.
Ashley Martin
Bridesmaid
How lucky am I that I get to marry a man who has Ashley as his sister? Ashley has welcomed me with open arms from the moment I met her. Quickly into our relationship, we realized we had more in common than just our love for Derrick. We both can frequently be found drinking an iced coffee, getting our nails done or eating Crumbl cookies! Ashley is the absolute sweetest person and an incredible mother. I know for certain that I will be calling her for some parenting advice in the future.
Blake Elliott
Groomsman
At Ball State, back in 2009, the university mandated that all students stay in the dorm for a night with a random roommate during freshman orientation. Lucky for me, my roommate was Blake! Instantaneously we became close friends and journeyed through all 4 years of college together. We experienced living together, Indy 500 races, many tailgates, countless concerts and plenty of other trouble college kids get in. Clearly, Blake has some great methods to peer pressure you into having fun at all times. He certainly won't be shy at the wedding!
MacKenzie Totzke
Bridesmaid
I’m pretty sure after having almost every class together our freshman year of high school, MacKenzie and I knew that we were two peas in a pod. Both of us are incredibly driven and instead of competing, we have always been each other's biggest cheerleaders. We have been each other's rock through every high and low of life. From the embarrassing high school days (do not ask to see the Hannah Montana Halloween costume), to finding ourselves on different college campuses and now establishing ourselves in relationships and careers. We just get each other, and I know that will never change.
Eric Rupel
Groomsman
Eric and I met around the age of 7 as our families attended the same church. We truly grew up together. We played soccer on the same team as young kids and always had lockers right next to one another since our last names are close in the alphabet. We remained tight throughout college, rotating visits between Ball State and IU each year. Later in life, when Eric lived in New York I continued to visit him. We had an unforgettable experience when we rented jet skis to cruise around the harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Our shared adventurous spirit and spontaneity have allowed us to stay close over the 25+ years.
Libby South
Bridesmaid
Fun fact, Libby told Derrick to ask me out a year before we ever dated! This girl has always had my back. Libby has a magnetic personality, and I was instantly drawn to her when we crossed paths at a business organization event freshman year of college. We share a mutual drive and optimistic outlook that has carried us through some crazy times. When you don’t get sick of each other after driving an hour each way every day for an entire summer internship, you know the friendship is built to last. No matter how much time passes between visits, we always fall comfortably back into our giggly girly ways!
Eddie Acheson
Groomsman
Though Eddie and I were not friends in high school, I knew who he was as we attended rival conference schools, and both were competitive in athletics. We never spoke until we realized each of us was attending Ball State University for college. Living across the dorm hall from one another, Eddie and I became good friends. In college we played many recreational sports but this time we were on the same team. I am so grateful we were able to let go of our rivalries and become such close friends. Today, we always make it a priority to hangout when we are both back in our hometowns.
Hillary Radcliff
Bridesmaid
I'm pretty sure Hillary completed a full background check on Derrick before our first date was even over. She is that friend that will go to the ends of the earth to protect those she cares deeply for. The two of us met our freshman year of college, having joined a business organization at the same time. Our morals and ethics united us, often turning to one another when unsure of which path to take. Hillary also has a zest for life that is contagious! She travels often but her devotion to our friendship never waivers. I know I can always count on her, regardless of what time zone she is in.
Ben Steinmetz
Groomsman
Ben is one of the most competitive people you will ever meet. I remember as a kid he would get very emotional after losing our little league baseball games. Not only did Ben and I play baseball together but also football. Sports is no joke in our small town, so we spent much time practicing together. Plus, we were always paired up in conditioning with our similar physiques. Ben's dedication continued into adulthood as he is now a police office in Illinois. I pray often for his protection, and I could not be prouder of all Ben has accomplished since our childhood.
Elizabeth Beumel
Bridesmaid
There is no friend more loyal than Elizabeth. While we attended college together, we didn't become close until we both ended up in Cincinnati post grad. Trying to find our footing in adulthood, we shared a drive for personal and professional growth. Together we've run countless half marathons, traveled all across the country and laughed endlessly at Heather McMahon. Elizabeth always lends a listening ear and provides support with my best interest in mind. I'm sure she can recall countless runs we went on where I babbled all about my "friend" Derrick and sought her input on what to do. Thank you for all of the great advice Elizabeth!
Liam Martin
Ring Bearer
Liam made me an uncle and has always had a special place in my heart. Liam is very sweet and patient with everyone, except sometimes his little sister. Jokes aside Liam is a great big brother to Nora, always protecting her. Liam is absolutely obsessed with baseball and Rizzo! It has been so fun to witness his passion for the sport grow. Together not only do we play baseball but also fish and adventure down waterslides. As he has gotten older, we've also bonded over Liam's openness to trying spicy foods.
Nora Martin
Flower Girl
If you ask Nora she'll tell you I am her bestie! Of course, she loves Uncle Derrick too but our bond is undeniable. Barbies is sort of our thing and Derrick just doesn't seem to have the same capabilities. Nora is also my resident makeup artist; her skills are simply unmatched. Derrick and I are overjoyed to have Nora as a flower girl. She is sure to steal the show with the walk she's already been practicing.
Kasen Clarke
Ring Bearer
I have loved watching Kasen grow from a little boy to now an excellent big brother. Kasen cares deeply for his 3 siblings and all of his loved ones. If you get a chance to hang out with Kasen at the wedding, he will blow you out of the water with his smarts and Spanish skills. Kasen is also an excellent athlete, playing basketball, baseball, football and soccer. You can often find Kase and I shooting hoops in the driveway, hitting baseballs, or playing 1-1 soccer.
Kinsley Faehr
Flower Child
Kinsley is one sassy little lady and is always keeping us on our toes. She loves to give Aunt DJ lots of hugs and cuddles. You can bet I soak it all in because it won't be long before she is way too cool for me. Considering she loves all things girly; I know Kinsley will completely rock her flower girl debut!
Dawsen Faehr
Ring Bearer
I am confident that Dawsen will be taller than his uncle Derrick by the age of 10. He may be our youngest nephew, but he is already independent, adventurous and energetic. Not to mention he is also full of love. I am soaking up these days while he enjoys playing together with his construction vehicles and eating everything in sight.
Ruthie Faehr
Flower Girl
Ruthie is the newest addition to our niece and nephew crew and we couldn't love her more! She is the most easy going and sweet baby girl. Whether she will actually be walking down the aisle is to be determined but we know without a doubt she will be there with a bright smile on her face.