Natalya Walker & Nicholas Muller - Bride and Groom
Nicholas has an eclectic background in the trades, has a welding certificate and has now been a welder and fabricator for 5 years.
Natalya has degrees in Environmental Studies, and Zoology and a Certificate in SE Asian Studies. She worked in natural resource conservation for 8 years before switching careers and now works for the University of Minnesota in aging health equity research for rural and indigenous populations.
Nick and Natalya grew together through their shared love for the outdoors, wildlife, homesteading and tinkering. After 7 years together they love working, living, and playing together as a solid team.
Andrea Maikke - Maid of Honnor
Andrea and Natalya have been best friends since they met in Middle School! They bonded over their shared loved for theater and the arts, their experiences as mixed-race women, their experimentation with new foods and restaurants, and their joy in shopping for a good deal. Although Natalya moved away from the Twin Cities area in 2012, they've remained good friends.
Graham Walker - Bridesman
Natalya's favorite (and only) brother. Only 2 years apart, they're good friends and hang out regularly. They share interests as movie buffs, and as fantasy and sci-fi nerds. Graham often keeps Natalya up-to-date on current events. And they have traveled well together with Nicholas through Ireland and Peru.
Nicole Walker - Bridesmaid
Natalya's close cousin and friend into adulthood. Nicole is kind hearted and a go-getter, a true Walker woman. She's an Early Childhood and Special Education Teacher. Natalya looks up to her expertise in child development.
Laura Walker - Bridesmaid
Natalya's close cousin and friend into adulthood. Laura is a care taker and determined, a classic Walker woman. Laura is perusing her Doctorate in Nursing, and Natalya looks up to her expertise in preventative care and decoding medical jargon.
Jonathon Bametzreider - Best Man
Nick and Jon met in preschool and had a passion for causing trouble in the classroom. The mischief didn't end in the classroom because they would also get into dangerous projects at the Muller house where Peter was in charge. All in all they share lots of fond memories from growing up and sharing an interest in building projects, fishing and all around shenanigans. Both have remained friends to this day.
Ryan Muller - Groomsman
Nick's younger brother by two years. The two brothers competed on everything when they were younger, although they had differing interests. As they have aged into adulthood, the competition has subsided for good conversations about life and life skills. Ryan has been in the Airforce as an electrician for nearly 10 years and has a wonderful wife Rina, baby girl Rylee, and loyal dog Fritz.
Madison Muller - Groomswoman
The eldest of the Muller sisters. Maddie has always had a strong spirit, drive and ambition to do the best. Growing up Nick enjoyed taking walks in the woods with Maddie and talking about life. Nick's favorite memory of Maddie is teaching her how to drive when he was 21. Maddie works in marketing for a University in Washington DC and enjoys the city life.
Caroline Muller - Groomswoman
The middle of the Muller sisters. Caroline has always had a quick tongue and had to compete with her other four siblings. She has had many good conversations with Nick over the years and the two got along well. A favorite memory of Nick's is when Caroline's school bus got to see a dead deer on the back of Nick's car.
Caroline is pursuing a career in fashion design and merchandising, and is looking to get into the wedding business.
Anne-Marie Muller - Groomswoman
The youngest of the Muller sisters, Nick's look alike sister, and the book end to the family. Annie may be the youngest but is very mature and watchful of her older siblings. Out of all of Nick's brothers and sisters she is the most measured person in the sibling group. Nick's favorite memory of Annie is when she stole dad's beer and ran around the yard with the beer bottle at full tilt while he was chasing her. She was four years old. Annie has become a licensed realtor in the state of Pennsylvania and has many adventures ahead of her.
Parents of the Bride and Groom
Elizabeth Walker & Michael Berre - Mother and Bonus dad of the Bride
Beth and Mike have been continually supportive of Natalya's pursuit to follow her heart (through uncertainty, career changes, and lots of moves). They have embraced Nick into their home and family. Beth challenges Nick (in a way an attorney challenges any newcomer in her family), and Mike embraces him as a good friend.
Grimaldo Walker & Paula Cooney - Father and Bonus mom of the Bride
Aldo shares his passion and skills for outdoor recreation with Natalya and pushes her to go beyond her comfort zone. Paula encourages Natalya to continually seek new and great things. Aldo and Paula have embraced Nick and fully appreciate his skills as a tradesman and workhorse, especially when visiting their cabin after a storm.
Peter & Mary Muller - Father and Mother of the Groom
Growing up Peter encouraged Nick to explore his hobbies, and to become a life long learner. Mary guided Nick to think about safety as he pursued skateboarding, four wheeling, and late night country drives (in a way an O.R. Nurse would). Nick had many broken bones and emergency room visits over the course of his childhood and it was always met with; it's a cheaper co-pay during the week. So, he often went for an X-ray and cast after the weekend. Mary and Peter are great parents that care immensely for their children and always pushed for their best efforts. This challenged the children but in a way that made them grow up into capable adults.
Peter and Mary have embraced Natalya with open arms and are continually surprised by her breadth of skills, passions, and experiences.