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MEET THE

Wedding Party

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Cierra Bakovka

BRIDE

Cierra grew up in Big Flats, Wisconsin where she enjoyed reading, taekwondo, and spending time with her pets. She earned a B.A. in English from Grand Valley State University before pursuing graduate studies online at Valdosta State University, where she obtained an M.S. in Library and Information Science. Currently, Cierra works as a library director and continues to enjoy reading and playing with her pets in her free time.

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Rachel Larsen

MAID OF HONOR

​​Rachel lives in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with her boyfriend, Ben, and their dog, Blueberry. Rachel and Cierra met in 2016 after going in blind as roommates for the summer and the two hit it off. Rachel was present for the couple's first "I love you"s and the proposal, so it's only fitting that she be standing next to them when they say I do!

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Skye Neuman

BRIDESMAID

Skye lives in Holland, Michigan with her husband, Wesley, and their two cats, Rooney and Regina. Skye and Cierra met in college at Grand Valley State University. Skye sat down next to Cierra in class and said, "We're going to be friends." And so, they we're joined at the hip through the better part of Cierra's college years. Eventually, the nights on the town that turned into days quieted down to movie nights ending at 10pm - but they still make time for the occasional visit to IHOP.

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Marissa Haight

BRIDESMAID

Marissa lives in Holland, Michigan with her husband, Trevor, their dog, Titania, and their cat, Nezica. Marissa and Cierra actually lived in the same building their freshman year of college at Grand Valley and would occasionally walk together to a shared English class. After reconnecting and becoming friends a couple years later, they've enjoyed visits to the park together with their dogs, a short-lived book-club (thanks to the pandemic), movie nights, and mutual wedding planning adventures.

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LuAnn Raymer

FLOWER GRANNY

Cierra's grandmother, LuAnn, has been a huge part of her life since the very beginning. She would take care of Cierra while her mom was at work and helped inspire Cierra's love of libraries with their weekly outings - especially during summer break. She lives in Big Flats, Wisconsin with her husband of 67 years, Wally (Cierra's grandfather), her daughter, and her daughter's fiance.

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Cassidy Raymer

USHER

Cassidy lives in Arkdale, Wisconsin and is currently a high school student. Cierra is her cousin. Cassidy enjoys riding motorcycles and writing in her spare time.

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JoLynn Bakovka

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

Jo Lynn lives in Big Flats, Wisconsin with her fiancé, her parents, and their two beloved dogs, Ben and Ziva. A devoted mother and constant source of support, she has been her daughter’s biggest cheerleader every step of the way and welcomed Max into the family with open arms. When she’s not planning her next adventure as a recent retiree, Jo Lynn enjoys getting lost in a good book and spending quality time with her family.

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Randy Bakovka

FATHER OF THE BRIDE

Randy lives in Oneida, Tennessee with his partner and their cat, Snowball. He is high-spirited and loves the great outdoors. When he isn't working, he enjoys tearing through the mountains on his UTV or taking banjo lessons. He enjoys bringing his daughter and her fiancé in on the adventure whenever possible.

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Kurt Krueger

FATHER OF THE GROOM

Kurt Krueger is an adventurer and engineer at heart. He has been a champion motocross rider, a record holding swimmer, and an accomplished combat robotics competitor. His son, Max Krueger has always greatly admired his mental strength and perseverance. As an avid sportsman, the took max fishing locally and abroad. The patience and practical skills Max learned on those trips helped Max grow into a better person.

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Max Krueger

GROOM

Max grew up in Benzonia, Michigan, where he enjoyed participating in BattleBots-style robotics competitions with his father, fishing, and playing video games. He earned a B.A. in English from Western Michigan University and has just started taking classes to become an LPN. Currently, Max works as a phlebotomist for the Red Cross and spends his free time engaging in politics and playing various types of games.

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Alex Berard

BEST MAN

Alex lives in Wyoming, Michigan with his two cats, Ghost and Bagel. Max and Alex met through their fraternity Pi Kappa Phi at Western Michigan University, of which they were both founding members. After being friends for more than a decade, Max admires Alex's ambition, charisma, and acumen most of all. They share a love of videogames, table-top roleplaying games, and getting into trouble.

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Phil Snyder

GROOMSMAN

Phil lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his dog, Yuri, and his cat, Lyka. Max and Phil met in 2016 through their work as political activists. Phil is a man with a nearly boundless knowledge of history and an abundant supply of will power to put the lessons of history it to use. Together, they enjoy discussions on political theory, current events, and the crusade to make the world a better place.

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Nick VanderWulp

GROOMSMAN

Nick lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his dog, Titus. Max and Nick were roommates during the pandemic and have had a very reliable friendship since 2016. They share an avid interest in activism as well as Dungeons and Dragons. Nick's dedication and persistence has always been a positive example in Max's life.

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Mimi

RING BEARER

Cierra's mom surprised her with a baby Mimi during her junior year of college at Grand Valley and they've been inseparable ever since. Mimi fell in love with Max on sight and it was the three of them against the world. Now, Mimi has two sisters: a cat named Cricket and a turtle named Roosevelt, but Mimi still strives to be the center of attention.

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Marcus Fracassa

USHER

Marcus Fracassa is an intelligent and charismatic young man nearing the end of his high school career. He has a passion for basketball and cars. Max is his cousin.

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Bristol Raymer

BRIDAL ATTENDANT

Bristol lives in Adams, Wisconsin with her fiancé Connor. Cierra is her cousin. Bristol enjoys reading and planning her next tattoo in her spare time.

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Mary Krueger

MOTHER OF THE GROOM

Mary Krueger is a loving mother to Max Krueger, the groom. She is know for her deep connections with animals, having given long and beautiful lives to many dogs, cats, goats and horses. Mary and Max loved those animals and it’s why he has so many pets now! Mary has traveled through Europe, exploring Ireland, Italy, and Poland uncovering family history in the process. In more recent years she has become an award winning soup chef. Her intelligence and compassion shaped her son’s life and he is incredibly grateful for that.

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