Abby & Collin
Wedding Party
Becky Hjellming
Maid of Honor
Becky and I have been friends since the eighth grade, when we did our huge Out of Africa project together and then didn't hang out at all the following summer. Fortunately, we stayed friends come ninth grade and enjoyed good times, such as marching band, prom, and cheating on an Honors Government test in ninth grade that we ended up getting a c+ on (the truth comes out). By chance, we ended up going to the same college, and were randomly assigned dorm rooms across the hall from each other freshmen year at UWEC. We've obviously stayed good friends since. I think all of her friends can agree that she is the coolest, most supportive, bad ass person around.
Justin Wolff
Best Man
Justin is as close to a saint as I'll ever encounter! He's the consummate enthusiast, conversationalist, and the most decent person I know. We became great friends as a result of high school jazz band, having known each other since middle school, but by now we've been through everything together. He knows everything worth knowing about music, food, travel, and more, plus he'll share it all and get you hooked on living life well.
Kayla Frazee
Bridesmaid
Kayla and I were friends in the 5th grade, then reconnected in 9th grade Earth science after going to different middle schools. Our friendship has been long-distance since graduating high school (because Kayla keeps moving around the country) but they say absence makes the heart grow fonder and I feel so lucky that our friendship has grown stronger despite the distance. Fun fact: I once ate about a hundred chicken wings with her dad and he still brings it up to this day.
Henry Bergmann
Groomsman
Don't try to figure Henry (A.K.A. Hank, Hanky, etc.) out - it's impossible (though I've seen many try and fail). All you can do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of a real friend, an honest man, and one of the biggest hearts the world's ever seen. Henry and I met freshman year at UWEC. He's one of a trillion trombone players with whom I became pseudo-siblings during college. Every room he walks into lights up! He's special like that. If I'm honest, I'd have guess it's because he's important to everyone he meets. Family, friends, and good people are his priority, and he's like a magnet for them all. His playfulness, thoughtfulness, and mettle are bulwarks against the tides of life.
Carley Kammerer
Bridesmaid
I met Carley at the end of college at UWEC, but we didn't really become friends until after we graduated. Carley is cool as hell; she has dreadlocks, has great taste in music, and started a business to employ homeless youth. Our favorite past time includes getting food at Tacocat and trashing - I mean critiquing - Nicolas Sparks movies.
Colin Marusek
Groomsman
Born a day apart during the same month of the same year (March, '93) with the same first name, Colin Marusek was fated to become my friend (sorry, man). This is the most open-minded, easy-going, high-quality individual I never knew I'd meet at UWEC - but I'm glad I did. Colin and I (Henry, too) were among the same class of incoming music majors that happened to play trombone. It turns out that this last coincidence was the most fortunate one, because Colin became one of my best friends. He's thoughtful and clear, warm and honest, and funny as funny gets. You can talk to him until the sun comes up (which we've done), and never get tired of it. Luck, fate, or divine providence, I'm happy he's around.
Morgan Hines-Munson
Bridesmaid
Morgan and I met while we were employed at the Eau Claire Savers. Morgan introduced me to Steel Magnolias, taught me what 'cisgender' means, and used to flip off the boys who catcalled us when we were running. Fortunately, our friendship has lasted longer than our time at Savers (which isn't saying much because no one lasts long at Savers). Fun fact about Morgan: she looks good in every shade of lipstick (including/especially green).
Stephen Hough
Groomsman
Steve is my older brother - by five years! He's tried time and again to protect me and Ted from ourselves, but it rarely works. Steve's the big brother everyone wants, but no one gets - except Ted and me. A teacher, a leader... he's really more like a force of nature. He's determined in all things and loved by everyone he meets. The hero we need, but not the one we deserve (thank you, screenwriters of "The Dark Knight"). Our connection is more than familial, it's made of stronger stuff. He taught me how to joke, to play, to share, and to love. Steve has been my shepherd and my foundation. I got lucky - he's my brother. Only Ted and I get to say that.
Gwynn Thompson
Bridesmaid
I met Gwynn in grad school at St. Thomas. She contributed to the most successful and satisfying group project experience of my education, so naturally I need her standing up with me as I begin my marriage with Collin. Gwynn is an A+ person and friend. Also, she once gave me a coffee mug with a picture of Sigmund Freud that says 'Freudian Sip.'
Ted Hough
Groomsman
Ted is my younger brother - by five years (like a clock, Mom and Dad...). He also happens to be absolutely ferocious - a tiger, by any measure! Brilliant, resilient, and tough as nails. What I love about Ted is his energy - he's me, but the sports car version. We're similar beyond similar. What separates us are a few years and a couple interests. I've watched him endure struggles greater than any person I've met, and emerge unscathed every time - in fact, stronger and more heroic after every corner. He's the only guy you want in your corner, but you're too late - I already picked him!