ALICIA BAILEY
MATRON OF HONOR
I met Alicia the first day of Navy boot camp. I do not really call her Alicia, never have. I've always referred to her as Bailey because it kind of became a habit while we were in boot camp, then training, and then, when we were on the USS Abraham Lincoln together. I wouldn't have survived boot camp without this woman and there are several other incidents that I will not get into here, in which she has been my wing lady and has saved my life or saved me from making a really poor choice. I love her fiercely and trust her with my life. This friendship is SO important to me that when I was discharged, prior to the existence of social media, I lost contact with her for about 15 years. I looked all over for her but with the military, people transfer and move all over. I finally found her on social media but that took a long time and, after years of dedicated searching. I was lost without her! With all that we shared, all that we have been through, and how destined it was for us to be in each other's lives, she was ALWAYS going to be by my side when I got married. Considering she knew Dave when we were dating, I'm very thankful that she's able to be with us for our Vow Renewal.
TAMMY FELCAN
MATRON OF HONOR
Let me tell you, Tammy was my friend years before she married Dave's cousin John. I didn't need a legal paper or form to know this little lady was family. I don't really remember how we met but I know we've had our fair share of lady's weekends together, shopping trips, and some brief vacations. She's always been one to offer the shirt off her back and she's been there when I needed her, even times when I didn't know I needed her. I love her dearly and I'm happy that she gets to help us share this day together.
ABBY ZIEBELL
BRIDESMAID
Abby was one of the first people I met when I started working at the VA. I also call her Xena but then she also calls me Rogue, names that came about through the work we did in our prospective roles. She has been a good friend throughout the years. She knows when to make me laugh and she's that friend that will make you have that really deep and hard belly laugh. She is the chicken soup of my soul. I love her dearly and I'm glad that she's in my life!
LISA BROOKER
BRIDESMAID
I met Lisa while working at VA. She is a fierce leader and a great friend. She's been very supportive and helpful. I met Lisa through Melissa, and the rest was history. It's funny because Melissa was constantly talking about how great Lisa was and all the things Lisa had done for her so I kind of snuck in and stole a little piece of Lisa for myself until somehow, we were friends, too. Yeah, I guess I shouldn't have been stealing but Melissa wasn't lying, Lisa was pretty awesome, and, in that case, I felt that justified my getting in on Lisa's friendship, haha! Lisa has great stories and I'm super jealous of her travels but I'm still waiting on my ghost story from her, hehe. I love this lady! She is a breath of fresh air and gets super involved in her story telling. I love listening to her!
MELISSA O'DONNELL
BRIDESMAID
Melissa has been my friend since we started working together at the VA but it feels like much longer. We've been through a lot together and I think the support helped us bond. Have you ever had one of those relationships where you meet the person and you instantly mesh, start talking and the conversation doesn't seem to stop. Yep, that's us! I cherish my Melissa time when I get it and when I don't we make time outside of work to meet up. She might be petit but do not underestimate her. You're looking at Wonder Woman outside the uniform. She's just an awesome person inside and out and I love her for that!
JOHN FELCAN
BESTMAN
John is my cousin and has always been there when I've needed him. Except for his support for the Packer's, he's a pretty great guy!
SCOTT SCOVRONSKI
GROOMSMAN
I met Scott at a Lyon's Club event and then he became a DAV member. We've been friends ever since! He's the best smoker around and if he ever wants to give away one of his 2 German Shepard's I'd be willing to take them. After all, they love their Uncle Dave! This guy is the most dedicated to helping people. He's getting married in September 2025.
ED FELTEN
GROOMSMAN
Ed is my older brother! Go BEARS and Cubs! We definitely agree on sports, but he is more of the walking sports almanac than I am. Ask him about stats and prepare for a lengthy conversation because he can talk your ear off about anything sports.
Brent Snow
GROOMSMAN
Brent is one of my newest cousins! He's a cool guy and you can tell by the way he carries himself. He may be a "baby" compared to the rest of us but don't let that fool you, he's definitely an old soul and can keep up with the rest of the pack.
Danny Diebold
GROOMSMAN
This guy would give you the shirt off his back. He's been a good friend and I've always enjoyed the lunches we've shared and talks we've had.
MICHAEL GRUSKIN
Officiant
Mike is Dave's uncle. He is an ordained Minister in the Universal Life Church. In his free time, he likes to ski, travel with his wife (Aunt Kathy) and explore the world. They definitely make retirement look fun and give us something to look forward to. We asked Uncle Mike to [re]marry us because we wanted our ceremony to be intimate. We could have been married by the staff at Sandals wedding planning, but they don't know us, they aren't connected to us, and they don't know what kind of people we are. We aren't saying there isn't a need for that kind of thing. We are simply saying, we know what we want, and we want there to be love and our family and friends to leave feeling loved, and as though they witnessed love. Anyone can read words but when there is meaning behind those words because it's coming from a family member and someone who has had a long romance, we knew that's who we wanted officiating our vow renewal.
Samantha Felten
Secret Service (AKA Ring Bearer)
Most of you know little miss Sam. She's the best of Dave and I. She wanted to be part of the wedding but didn't want to wear a dress and didn't want to stand in the wedding. So, we went through all the various roles and she chose to be a Secret Service person to keep our rings safe lol. This role is all her (including the music).
H
Hope Wilkinson
Secret Service (AKA Ring Bearer)
Hope has been friends with Sam since elementary school. She has been kind enough to entertain Sam's idea of Ring Bearer to include clothing and everything that it's going to entail. This will be her first time out of the country. I'm really excited that she gets to come along with us and spend this time catching up with Sam.
Sandra Snow
Flower Woman
Sandra is our adult flower woman She is our cousin but we've known each other and hung out for years. She's super sassy and was the first person that came to mind for the job that I have in mind. Everyone is going to end up getting a show and a Vow Renewal and that sounds awesome! Love ya, Sandra!