Meet the Wedding Party
Bridal Party
Matrons of Honor
Margaret “Meg” Kabinoff
Simply put, none of us would be here without Margaret since she was the Machiavelli who got Niki and Chris together. She and Niki have been “spiritual sisters” since they were 14 (Meg) and 15 (Niki). They are both thrilled to soon be sisters-in-law as well! Niki’s favorite thing about Meg is her selflessness and her favorite memory (besides when they met) is driving around and listening to Cowboy Mouth’s “Jenny Says” on repeat for hours on a hot August day in the mid-to-late ‘90s.
Fun fact: She loves gardening and all things nature-related.
Courtney Marquez
Courtney is Niki’s best friend. They met at work (both have over 20 years at the company) and have been friends for 17 years this October. Her favorite memory with Courtney is their trip to LA where they saw Florence + the Machine at the Greek and met author Alyson Noel. Niki really appreciates Courtney’s sense of humor and calming presence.
Fun fact: Courtney lived in Cairo, Egypt, and attended American University Cairo. During that time, she received several proposals of marriage, but held out for Kelly (her husband).
Bridesmaid
Sara Dahmen
Sara and Niki met at a writing conference in 2016 and have been friends ever since. They have been known to spend obscene amounts of money when left alone together. Sara is one the strongest (in every sense) and hard-working women Niki knows.
Fun fact: Sara is also an award-winning author and screenwriter, as well as the only female coppersmith in the entire country. Check out her website.
Junior Bridesmaid
Seraphin Kabioff
Seraphin is Margaret’s oldest daughter and sister to Asha (flower girl) and Isabelle (ring bearer). Niki likes to say Sera is 10 going on 30 because she is so mature. Niki is excited to officially become her “crazy, cool aunt” and spoil her rotten.
Fun fact: Seraphin has aspirations of becoming a writer, just like Niki!
Groom’s Party
Best Woman
Katy Reed
Chris and Katy met in 2010 when they both participated in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). His character’s name was Sven and she still calls him that today. She is one of his closest friends. Chris jokes that Katy never really sleeps: at one point she was finishing her master’s, going through the adoption process, and working as a volunteer fire fighter and EMT - all while working full time.
Fun fact: She hates puns, and her husband and Chris love torturing her with them.
Groomsman
Steven Clifton
Steven is one of Chris’ oldest and closest friends. They met in 6th grade and became friends as most young boys do: by getting in a fistfight. They share a love of swords and military history.
Fun fact: Steven repaired the sword you’ll see in the ceremony.
Groomsman
AJ Pacis
Aj and Chris met in 2013 when they worked together in Seattle. They bonded over business talk and sports. They love long debates about MJ, Lebron, Brady and Manning.
Fun Fact: He hopes to be on the PGA Senior Tour when he retires.
Other Wedding Party Members
Flower Girl
Asha Kabinoff
Asha is Isabelle’s twin sister. She likes fashion, Youtube and animals. Her favorite colors are pink and purple. Niki can’t wait to officially become her “Aunt Nini” and teach her all about clothes and makeup.
Ring Bearer
Isabelle “Bebe” Kabinoff
Bebe is Asha’s twin sister. She likes to sing “Wellerman” with Unclepher (Chris), adores mermaids and cats. Her favorite color is blue. Niki is looking forward to officially becoming her “Aunt Nini” and watching her grow.
Honored Guests
Officiant
Madeleine Childers
Madeleine and Niki met at a Missouri Romance Writers meeting several years ago when Madeleine was a guest speaker. She and Niki bonded over a love of crystals, tarot and all things New Age. Niki can’t imagine taking this wedding journey without her and is honored to have her be the one to marry Chris and her.
Fun Fact: Madeleine is also known as romance author Mia Silverton. So if you hear Niki call her Mia, now you know why! Learn more about her here.
Reader
Jan Kabinoff
Jan is Meg’s mother-in-law and has quickly become Niki’s best friend in South Bend. The two are well-known for their all-day shopping trips to antique and thrift stores.
Fun fact: Jam’s personal aesthetic is bright, colorful and fun, which is reflected in her home decor and wardrobe.
Reader
Jeannie Lynn
Niki met Jeannie when Jeannie was president of the Missouri Romance Writers and Niki was a green newbie author. Her leadership and calm presence really helped Niki grown in confidence as an author and as a person. She is so proud to call Jeannie her friend.
Fun fact: Jeannie is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. Check out her website.
Reader
Shawntelle Madison
Niki also met Shawntelle through the Missouri Romance Writers group. Her favorite memory of Shawntelle is playing Rob Your Neighbor at the writing group’s annual Christmas party and watching Shawntelle try to hide the gift she wanted so no one else would try to steal it. Shawntelle is the most fun-loving person Niki knows.
Fun Fact: Shawntelle is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of romance and she has just made the leap into historical fiction. Learn about all of her books.
Extra fun facts: Collectively, Niki, Jeannie and Shawntelle make up the unofficial St. Louis chapter of the Historical Novel Society, which they really use as an excuse to go drinking and talk about the publishing industry. Jeannie and Shawntelle are Niki’s ride-or-dies and Niki considers them Honorary Bridesmaids.
