Syriah and I’s friendship began when our parents signed us both up for the Manistee Ski Club at the ages of 5 and 6. We skied around Crystal Mountain like we owned the place and often got mistaken as twins. Since then, we’ve been through pretty much everything together. Family trips, ski races, weekends at The Boot, that dreaded NYE hike, boat days on Crystal Lake, even a recent summer when she moved in for the season and we waitressed together because we were sick of work schedules keeping us from hanging out. Although geographically we are far apart, our friendship has remained close and we’re always just a phone call, text, or road trip apart. Craig has been the perfect third wheel to our friendship (😉), always putting up with both of us, and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect match for Syriah. I can’t wait to stand by their sides on their special day!
Alex Keyes - Best Man
Olivia Kolanowski - Bridesmaid
I can’t wait to celebrate this special day! Syriah and I were once girls, conquering the world together. We thought life couldn’t get any more wild and were there for each other for every moment good, bad, and had some of the best times not knowing they would become our favorite memories. Now I get to stand by her side witnessing eternal love between her and Craig watching dreams come true and to make even more memories we will never forget! I am honored beyond measure and so happy for them both.
Nick Viazanko - Groomsman
Jourden Brubaker - Bridesmaid
I met Syriah through Albion Swim and Dive. We were both butterflyer’s and often trained together! After, we both left the team we spent a lot of time together in room 303! After Albion our friendship rekindled during Covid and she has become my closest friend and travel buddy! We have been to multiple states and a new country together. I met Craig the first night of freshman year and we quickly became friends! Our friendship has been filled with all sorts of shenanigans since day one thanks to Nate and Craig’s ability to cause trouble. Craig and Syriah are the best people I know and I am so excited for them in this next great adventure!
Nate Brubaker - Groomsman
Haley Grisdale - Bridesmaid
I met Syriah a few years ago when she came down to LO to begin working as a school psych. We were introduced by a mutual friend and instantly clicked. We began to do everything together. Coaching, working out, running errands. We became inseparable. It felt as though we have known each other for our entire lives. She is truly my other half!! When I first met Craig I knew he was special and their love was truly a perfect match. They balance each other so well. He is the calm in the storm and helps her navigate through all of life’s waves. They both motivate and push each other to be the best versions for each other. I am so happy to have met my best friend and that she will be marrying hers! Love you both, can’t wait to celebrate!
Pierce Fenech - Groomsman
I first met Craig while jamming out to some tunes in our college freshman hallway. We instantly connected and as time went on, became great friends through being brothers at Delta Sigma Phi! I was then lucky enough to meet Syriah as she would come visit with friends. As time went on, I got to watch a beautiful relationship blossom into what it is today! I truly could not have asked for better, loving friends and I am beyond excited to be a part of this incredible next chapter in their forever lives!
Megan Niederstadt - Bridesmaid
Syriah and I became instant friends when we started working as school psychologists together in Ludington. I had just moved there and knew no one. Her outgoing personality matched mine perfectly and the rest is history! At the time Syriah and Craig were doing long distance and when we all met up it was always a party. I was able to witness their relationship grow as we both then moved over to the East side of the state and can’t wait to celebrate their love!
Charlie Shinske - Groomsman
I met Craig within the first hour of freshman year at Albion. In the hallway of Wesley and the rest is history. We continued to stay friends, even when we joined different fraternities. I was always coming over to hang out, play video games, or head to the nature trail. Craig quickly became one of my best friends. Syriah came a couple years later and we met on the swim team. Spending that much time in the pool together, you really get to know someone. I am so happy to see these two sides of my world come together in this relationship. I can't wait to see what the future holds! Love you both!
Nicole Compeau - Bridesmaid
Syriah and I became quick friends at Albion. Through swimming, we spent a lot of time together and made memories I will treasure forever. Even though I graduated two years before Syriah, it didn’t keep us apart. Long-distance friendships can be hard, but we’ve made trips to Albion, Grand Rapids, Manistee, and Downriver to stay connected. I could not ask for a better lifelong friend. I’ve had the joy of watching Syriah and Craig’s relationship grow and blossom from day one. I knew this day would come!! I am honored to stand by Syriah’s side on her special day and cannot wait to witness many, many years of happiness for them.
Bret Crosk - Groomsman
Kayley Sullivan - Bridesmaid
Nick Broadbeck - Groomsman
Lindsey Tapping - Bridesmaid
I’m Craig’s sister, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this incredible day! Fun fact: I was the first person to hold Craig when he was born, and from that moment, we had a special bond. From dressing him up in my tutus (I really wanted a sister!) to pushing him around in my baby stroller, Craig has always gone with the flow. Now, Syriah gets to have the fun of dressing him in coordinating outfits and making sure his hair is somewhat cut. I first met Syriah eight years ago at Delt Sig’s formal, where she held my daughter, Emma, who was just a few months old. In that moment, I knew Craig had found someone truly special. Watching their love grow has been such a joy, and I can’t wait to see all that the future holds for them. Here’s to a day filled with love, laughter, and the best memories! ❤️
Logan Dobis - Groomsman
Growing up, Syriah was always the organized, sporty athlete with a schedule packed with practices and games. Meanwhile, I was the nerd who preferred reading books, playing video games, and avoiding anything that involved running. As you can imagine, we were pretty different, and I spent a lot of time tagging along to her events—grudgingly cheering her on while secretly wishing I was at home watching tv. Despite our differences, though, I couldn’t have asked for a better sister—though I’m sure Craig had a little something to do with helping me realize that! Then there’s Craig. From the moment I met him, I knew he was different. For one, he actually listens when Syriah talks, which, let’s be honest, is a superpower in itself. But I’m pretty sure Craig spends more time picking out the perfect plant than actually planning their wedding! I’m so happy for both of you, and can’t wait to celebrate this big day! Just remember, marriage is like a good plant—you’ve got to water it, give it plenty of sunlight, and if all else fails, just talk to it like it’s a living thing… which, let’s face it, is probably what you both do anyway.
Emma Tapping - Jr. Bridesmaid
I love Uncle Craigy and Syriah especially when they play with me! Uncle Craigy pretends to be a horse and pulls me around on a blanket - it’s the best! Mommy tells me I met Syriah when I was only 4 months old and that I loved to snuggle her!
Ethan Tapping - Jr. Groomsman
Uncle Craigy and Syriah are fun to be with. I’m excited to have Syriah as an aunt and Im most excited that I get to see moose at the wedding. I also can’t wait to go fishing with moose at their cottage!
Claire Kolanowski - Flower Girl
I’m so happy I get to be a flower girl for Syriah and Craig’s wedding! It will be the best day ever, celebrating them!
Calvin Kolanowski - Ring Bearer
Syriah is my God Mother and I’m so happy I get to be with her on her big day as ring bearer.
Malcolm Keyes - Ring Bearer
I can't wait for Uncle Craigy and Aunt Riah's wedding!
John Rutherford - Officiant
I am so honored and excited to have been asked by Syriah and Craig to officiate their wedding. I have seen how much they care and love for each other firsthand and I am happy to add my part for their special event. Syriah is my niece and I literally met her the day after she was born. My wife Lisa and I were camping outside of Traverse City when we learned about Syriah’s birth. We went to see her in the hospital and we immediately knew how special she was! We met Craig in 2018 at a family event and I expressed to him how much I struggle with the difference between the names Greg and Craig. I hope I don’t mess it up at the wedding ceremony. While living in Lake Orion we got to see more of both of them and it was fun to see how they were as a couple. Very happy to be included in their wedding celebration and be part of this wonderful relationship.