Deanna & Eric
Wedding Party
Katie MacKenzie
Maid of Honor
Katie and Deanna met during the Big/Little reveal for their sorority in 2010 up at Truman State. Neither knew one another but it was a true match made in heaven. Katie has been there for Deanna through thick and thin! Their adventures have taken them to Denver, CO, Dallas, TX, Las Vegas, NV, and most recently, the Big Apple! Things they like to do together are watching Hulu, coffee shop hopping and shopping, and sending reels or snaps to one another when witnessing everyday chaos or celebrations in pop-culture, animal cuteness, or societal justice.
Bryant Vander Weerd
Best Man
Bryant is Eric's brother, and dad to Ava. Eric and Bryant met shortly following Eric's birth, and while they've had their ups and downs as siblings do, they are always there for each other.
Vanessa Stegner (Palier)
Bridesmaid
Vanessa is Deanna's longest friend. They met on the first day of their freshman year in Richmond, MO. They did track, student council, art club, and FBLA together. When high school was over, their friendship continued despite the distance. Deanna and Vanessa had a lot of 1st's including high school prom and heartbreaks . Deanna attended school in Kirksville while Vanessa studied in Liberty at William Jewel. They would visit occasionally on the weekends at one another's alma matter. This is where Vanessa and her now husband, Josiah would begin going on double dates together. Their first of many with today's crew of couples was at PF Chang's after Deanna's 21st birthday and Vanessa's 22nd. We've been birthday since celebrating our birthday together in Southview Park in Richmond with Wabash BBQ, Deanna's sweet 16 in her parent's yard, and Vanessa's 30th at Dauphine Island, AL. Although they may only send a text on one another's birthday, now, this friendship is a forever friendship. Deanna is so proud to have Vanessa by her side. She's not only a Blake Lively look alike in the right lighting, she's also wise beyond her years and is someone to watch as a rising leader at household brand, Hill's Science Diet (the official food of 100% of the pets at the Columbia Vander Weerd home). Yes, this is Vanessa studying while on vacation. She's a rock star.
Ken Jones
Groomsman
Eric's fraternity brother. Eric and Ken met their first day at Truman State University, and have been friends ever since.
Chelsea Rodriguez
Bridesmaid
Deanna and Chelsea met during their freshman year through greek life and mutual friends at Truman State University. After Deanna switched majors to Political Science, they began studying together occasionally and muddled through difficult coursework designed to prepare them for a future of working in public policy or within the political fabric of foreign or domestic affairs. Chelsea jumped on the election train, and Deanna worked briefly in state politics where she worked on legislation to help address infant and maternal mortality and 911 dead zones in rural parts of the state. Deanna worked in Jefferson City on and off for a little while, when Deanna moved in with Chelsea in Fall 2016 after beginning work at MU Health Care where she worked primarily with nursing administration. Deanna became bonded to Chelsea and her then two fur babies, short Ruth and the suave Yoda. After the election in 2018, Deanna lived through Chelsea's culinary experiments on social media. They finally reunited in 2022 when Chelsea moved back to Missouri. Now neighbors with the same landlord (non- derogatory), they are resolute friends that pick up right where they end when they gotta run. I have one of your spoons and an old grey shirt. Let me know if you want them back. Haven't used or worn respectively in a while. I put your package inside ;)
Mark Lacey
Groomsman
Eric and Mark met in elementary school when they were on the same soccer team. They played a lot of HALO 2 together, and were lacrosse teammates in high school.
Sara O'Conner
Bridesmaid
Sara and Deanna met while attending graduate school at the University of Missouri's Truman School of Public Affairs. Sara and Deanna grew their friendship during stressful cram sessions during their MPA program and patio sessions at Sara's house. These were usually accompanied by Sara's daughter, Rosalind and the best boy, Hershel. Sarah recently completed law school at the University of Missouri and is preparing to begin work as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri. We're so proud of her and continue to be grateful for her as our longtime CoMo friend!
Eddie Floretta
Groomsman
Eric met Eddie in high school, where they were in marching band together. They also played a lot of Counterstrike and Super Monkey Ball, and both got season passes to Hidden Valley ski area where they had a blast snowboarding.