The Valerie

Wedding Day

The Valerie 

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Kristina, who lived halfway across the world in a placecalled Bulgaria. Little did she know that 5,000 miles away there was a young, handsome boy namedZach, who she would eventually cross paths with and fall in love. It was a fairytale in the making, andneither one of them could have ever imagined what was to come. Before Kristina and Zach, there was Anna and Brandon. Anna, the older sister of Kristina, and Brandon,one of Zach’s closest friends, began dating while Brandon and Zach were living together in college. Atthe time, Kristina and Zach were both dating other people and simply knew each other as “friends offriends”, seeing each other occasionally at birthdays and cookouts. It wasn’t until Zach and Brandon decided to start a volleyball team and join a local bar league, thatKristina and Zach would begin spending more time together. To meet the co-ed requirements of theleague, Anna asked her sister if she would like to play, and just like that, the team was complete, butmore importantly, the stage was set for Kristina and Zach to build a true friendship. Once volleyball had been going on for a few seasons, Zach was looking for any excuse to see Kristinamore. It was not uncommon for them to carpool to their games, or meet there early, just to squeeze insome additional time together. Soon, volleyball wasn’t enough, and they began spending as much timeas they could around one another, sharing laughs, stories, and ideas about their future, which at thispoint, almost certainly included each other, even if they weren’t ready to admit it yet. Eventually, they were ready to take their relationship to the next step and finally voiced the feelings thatthey both knew were there. It was the best decision they ever made. Since then, they have moved intogether, added a dog to the family, bought a house, and traveled back to Bulgaria to visit the placewhere this whole story started. No, there were no castles to conquer or dragons to defeat, but to them,it has been the greatest fairytale ever written, and they cannot wait to continue their adventure bysaying “I do” and celebrating with their family and friends!

Feels like a Fairytale 

Our Story

Photos

Anna is my older sister, best friend, and all-around amazing human. Even though she is 5.5 years older than me, she has been by my side through all the ups and down. She doesn't like to see me fail, so she will do anything to make sure I get back on my feet. She can be bossy sometimes (as she is my older sister), but she means well! She is always looking out for me, even when she thinks she is always right ;). We have had so many memories, laughs and cries throughout our years and I couldn't ask for a better sister. She knows me better than anyone in my life and I am so grateful to call her, my sister and best friend. She has taught me how to love unconditionally, how to be humble, how to work hard and how to smile through anything. When we were younger, I always wanted to be part of her friend group and hangout with the "Adults" (as they were pretty cool)! Even throughout our adulthood, I still found my way to hang out with her friend group and be part of it. She is my role model and has been so successful in her personal and professional life that I have followed her footsteps. I love you sis, forever and always! I cannot wait for you to be by myside on my special day :)

Anna Carus 

Katie is not only my future sister-in-law, but also one of my dearest friends. From the moment we met, she welcomed me into the family with open arms and made me feel right at home! We may not be connected by blood, but we are bonded as family. Funny story- I started talking to Katie before I started talking to Zach ;). Katie and I played volleyball together every Sunday. She may get anxious and nervous playing sports, but she sure knows how to make me laugh and always has a great time! She has an infectious laugh and can always crack us up with her silly jokes! As soon as I met Katie, I knew that we would click right away! Katie and I have gotten closer over the past couples of years, and she has always been there for me no matter what. She is loving, kind, beautiful and so talented and creative! She is a free spirit that loves to travel, be adventures and will never say no to trying something new! We both love reality TV, mystery documentaries and trying new brunch places! I am excited to not only have you by myself on my special day, but for the rest of our lives :) I love you! 

Katie Willmering

Hanah is one of my best friends! Hanah and I met first year of college. Hanah and I both worked with Autistic kiddos as we were trying to figure out what we wanted to do for our careers. We ended up working with the same family, and that was the best day knowing that I would get to call Hanah my friend :) Since that moment, we talked nonstop and always stayed connected! Hanah and I also worked together at Mimosa (brunch)! We have had our ups and downs, and through the thick and thin Hanah has always cared and wanted what is best for me! We have learned that we cannot work together though! hahaha. Hanah makes me laugh all the time, and we always know how to have fun together.  We always make fools of ourselves when we go out in public, because half the time we get lost or don't know what we are doing! Even though Hanah moved to Texas, there hasn't been a week that we haven't talked! Hanah is a great mother, great wife and an amazing human being! Cannot wait to have you by myside :)

Hanah Westbrook

Lexi and I have known each other since Freshman year of High School. Ever since I met Lexi, I knew that she would be one on my best friends. Lexi and I have had many great memories together throughout our high school years. Lexi is so caring, loving, down to earth person you will ever meet. Lexi has witnessed me eating a snickers bar every morning in high school, even before gym class and she has never judged me once! She saw me struggling in math classes and continued to support me to make sure I passed! Lexi moved to Hawaii after college and that was one of the saddest days, since I knew I wouldn't be able to see her weekly.  Even though Lexi and I are 4,217 miles apart, our friendship is stronger than ever. Lexi has always made an effort to stay in touch and that shows how much of a loyal friend she is! I am so happy I get to see you at least twice a year around the holidays :) Cannot wait to have you by myside :)

Lexi Prei

Anna and I have known each other since Freshman year of High School. Anna is one of the nicest and sweetest people you will ever meet. I will never forget how welcoming she was to me when I moved from Lacrosse to New Berlin. I was the new girl as a Freshman in High School and the first time her and I started talking, we knew it wouldn't be the last! We have had great memories throughout our years, and I am so grateful to have such an amazing friend in my life. Anna and I stopped talking for a bit during college years, and we were able to reconnect! I am so happy that we were able to reconnect and got Bdubs that night! We have gotten closer than ever, and I can't wait for you to be by myside :) Anna is a loyal friend, who loves nature, being around her horses/riding horses, being with family and having a chill night at home with some good food/good people around! Anna is smart, loving, adventures, and resilient! She is a fighter and knows how to stand up for herself! I love you; and I am always here for you :)

Anna Arcuri

Sadie Lady! Sadie's and I's friendship started when I joined their volleyball team in September 2019. Sadie will always make sure everyone else is good before her needs are met! She wants everyone to be happy and she will do anything to make sure that happens! Sadie and I have gotten closer throughout the years. We have become travel buddies with taking road trips together and taking our first trip to Vegas:) Sadie recently became a mom, and she will do anything for her family! We have had so many amazing memories, and the one I remember the most is when I was sick, she came and dropped off a basket of goodies and made sure I was okay! Sadie and I might not see each other as often anymore due to not playing volleyball anymore/busy with life, but I know she is always one phone call away and will aways be here for me no matter what! I cannot wait to have you by myside :) I love you!

Sadie SanFellippo

Emily has been one of my best friends since 2018/2019. We used to work together and throughout the years we have gotten closer. Emily has a big heart and cares about the people she loves. We have had our ups and downs and disagreements, and we also have learned so much from each other (that's what best friends do)! One of my favorite memories was after we got done working, I always went to her place to hang out, talks shit and watch the Bachelorette and Bachelor!  She always made me smoothies and cooked when I was over! Emily is an amazing wife, friend and human being! I can't imagine her not being in my life! I am so proud of her for starting her career and I admire her for working with kids, because I definitely can't! I am so excited for you to stand by myside, I love you:)

Emily Dembiec

Raechel and I have known each other since Zach and I started dating in 2021. The first time I met Raechel was at my sister's wedding and who would have known that conversation would lead us to be in each other's life's. Raechel, her husband (Davin), and Zach have been friends for 12 years! If it wasn't for their friendship, Raechel would not be in my life. Raechel is a special person to me, for many reasons, but the most important reason is because how much love and support I got from her and her husband as they welcomed me into their home/life's. Both of you mean so much to me! Even though you all live in MN, we always love coming to visit you and the girls. Raechel is an incredible human being, loving, caring, passionate, understanding, loves to have fun, and most importantly she loves being a mom! We always joke about moving next door to each other, maybe one of these years it will happen ;) We have had so many great memories and laughs, especially when we play board games, SORRRRYYYYYY ;) I love you and I cannot wait to have you by myside!

Raechel Huff

Julia and I met when we both started working at Mimosa Brunch place.  We have had so many great memories working together and so many laughs! When working together, I was stressing out trying to get everyone seated and get them off the waitlist, while Julia was nowhere to be found for couple of hours as she was walking around filling people's coffee's and drinking orange juice ;) The best memories that we have had was when we went to Punta Cana and South Carolina together! Julia likes to have fun, she has a wild side ;), and she will always make sure that I am okay! Julia is smart, funny, beautiful, loves to help others and most importantly she is a loyal friend. If you are in a room with a bunch of people, you will know she is there due to her laugh :) I am so excited for you to be by myside! I love you :)

Julia Martinez

Wedding Party

Q + A

This hotel is right next to the venue (no driving required)! We will be staying at this hotel night of the wedding! Thursday and Friday check in is at 4:00pm! You can book for 2 nights or 1 night! Last day to book is, August 11, 2025. There are limited rooms, so please call to make your reservations! The rooms are spacious, and they can be shared with others as well. Guests can make reservations by phone through the hotel at 262.200.2900 or via our Central Reservations Department at 800.225.1237. They must request a room within the Boteva-Willmering Wedding Accommodations Block, Group Code: BKW to receive a room. Cancellation of any Block Reservation is required more than 3 Days in advance Select your room (Thursday and Friday) Select your room (Friday)iu cs

Staybridge Suites Milwaukee West-Oconomowoc, an IHG Hotel

This is the second hotel that we have a wedding block for! This hotel is 3 minutes away from the Venue (no freeway access to get to the hotel)! Reservation-Link (Thursday-Friday) (You can book either for 2 nights or for 1 night) Last Day to Book : Monday, August 11, 2025

Kristina & Zachary

Kristina & Zachary

K&Z

Wedding Day

4:00 PM

Ceremony

Reception