Alli & Adam
Wedding Party
Alyssa Payton
Maid of Honor
She’s been my bff since the first day of kindergarten at Seymour Elementary. Don’t ask me how she’s put up with me for 20 years because I have no clue! She's been there for me throughout every stage of my life, and we have shared so many laughs & tears together. She's my go-to concert buddy, and she is always down to go on adventures with me (aka going to dinner, Target trips, and runs to Shadow Lake). She is one of the strongest people I know, & also one of the most sarcastic people I have ever met. She likes to tell me she's judging me constantly, but I know deep down she never will! There’s no one else I’d rather have stand next to me, & I’m so so lucky to have Alyssa as one of my best friends. I'm so glad we're stuck together for the rest of our lives!
Chris Podraza
Best Man + Officiant
Even though Chris is my younger brother, I've learned a lot from him. He's shown me that it's better to be authentic than perfect. You never have to guess what Chris is thinking. If he's not being sarcastic, you'll get brutal honesty - just ask our neighbor from our old apartment about Chris's thoughts on their dog using our front yard as a bathroom. Chris has also shown me to be assertive when needed. For example, he asserts himself right between me and Alli when we're hanging out as you can see in many family pictures. As painful as his honesty and assertiveness can be, it only means that his kind words are genuine and that he has the best interests at heart, which makes him the perfect person to stand beside me as my best man (and fittingly, between Alli and me when he marries us).
Sarah Hauxwell
Bridesmaid
We met at my first job at Bag ‘n Save, & we instantly became friends. (I mean, we’re basically related, so how could we not?!) Some of my best memories are with Sarah, and the crazy adventures we have had. From J-Birds every Thursday for Thirsty Thursday, to going out to Bogies on Saturday night, and everything in between, we always have the best time together. We might not make the smartest decisions when we are together, but I know it'll always be a good time. I can always count on Sarah to tell it like it is, & she will be brutally honest with me. I know she will always have my back no matter what happens. I value our friendship so much, & I’m so grateful to have Sarah in my life.
Jack Micek
Groomsman
I knew Jack and I would be lifelong friends when we worked maintenance at Indian Creek Golf Course in the summer of 2014. I thought we had talked about everything under the sun that summer while driving around every day after work, but somehow we always ended up in better conversations whether at parties at the Dome or study breaks at Nebraska Hall. Still to this day, Jack puts in the effort to call and check in with me from Wisconsin. I always look forward to talking to him because he knows something about everything (except for where to park the cart when edging bunkers). Jokes aside, I can always count on him to give me solid advice, a new perspective on things, and a good laugh. I'm so grateful to have Jack in my life and can't wait for him to stand up with me (or to move back to NE).
Mallory Kozeny
Bridesmaid
I’ve known Mal literally her entire life (I was so excited to finally have a girl cousin!!) I used to babysit Mal & her brother Grady many years ago during the summer. We had the best time together- we went to the pool everyday, hung out at the park, and we made trips to Sonic a weekly thing. Mal would come downstairs once I got to their house in an outfit similar to mine, because she wanted to match me. I have loved watching her grow into the young woman she is today. Somehow, we still end up matching our outfits by wearing the same jeans or necklaces. I’m lucky to share a special bond with her & I know our bond will continue to grow the older she gets. I’m so happy she said yes to stand by me!
Jake Kochanowicz
Groomsman
Jake is my little brother, but everyone seems to think he is the older one (he likes to think it's because he's more mature, but I think it's the beard & hair!) Growing up, we always had the best time together. Whether it was playing with Barbie's, pretending we were a part of the Dragon Tales, or watching TV shows together, we always had fun. We had the typical sibling relationship growing up- we were always getting into fights & picking on each other. Nowadays, the fights don't happen as often, but we still pick on each other. No matter how often we disagree, I know Jake will have my back no matter what. I'm so happy he will be helping Adam & I celebrate!
Kaitlyn Christenson
Bridesmaid
We’ve been friends since our brothers met in preschool, & we ended up bonding over shopping trips & late night apps at Applebee’s. Our personalities are so alike, but yet so different. She's obsessed with all things spooky & Halloween, whereas I love sparkle & Christmas. She loves her whiskey & cokes, and I love a good Bahama Mama. Even though we have different interests, our friendship is so easy, & we have always have the best time together. When life gets crazy & we don’t see each other for a while, Kait is one of those friends where everything picks right back up where we left off. That type of friendship is something I have grown to value the older I've got. She has the biggest heart & she is one of the most caring people I know, & I'm so happy she will be helping us celebrate!
Jake Palm
Groomsman
You probably won't meet a bigger Nebraska football fan than Palm. He's my go-to guy when I need to brush up on the team before the season starts. Palm and I have lived with each other for pretty much the entire time I lived in Lincoln, beginning in the fraternity house where we met, to the Bottoms where we hosted our unforgettable tailgates, and onto 3 other places around town. We've been on road trips spanning over 6,000 miles in total. He's also my co-host of our annual Cornhusker Classic golf outing. Can't wait for Palm to put on his blue suede shoes and celebrate my wedding with me!
Courtney Christie
Personal Attendant
I can thank Four Sisters Boutique for bringing Courtney & I together. We met about 3 years ago when she got hired at the boutique, & we clicked almost instantly! We drifted apart when I left FSB & moved to Lincoln, but now we live in the same apartment complex! (Living down the street from one of your closest friends is literally the best!) Court has been such a huge help during this wedding planning process, so it was a no brainer to me that I needed her to help me on my big day! If I ever need help with anything, I know I can ask Court & she will be there! I’m so thankful to have someone who will give me the best advice, & who will be there for me no matter what the situation may be. I know our friendship will last forever, & I couldn’t be more grateful to have Court in my life!
Quentin Christensen
Usher
When Q is around, you know it's time to get UP 'N AT 'EM! He knows there's only one Saturday in a week and he takes advantage of it every time. I first learned this in college when we lived down the street from each other in the Bottoms. On any given Saturday, you could catch us tailgating home football games, waking the neighbors up "too early" by filling up the pool and playing yard games at the crack of dawn, or dancing in front of the mirror together in the middle of a party on Claremont Street. Q is the head honcho in rounding up the crew to go out and have a good time together, which makes him a perfect usher. I couldn't be more stoked that he is helping Alli and I celebrate our wedding day!
Karl Keyser
Usher
I asked myself if Karl should be in my wedding. Easy answer.... YEEEPPPPPP!! He is one of the most animated people out there and he won't let a quiet room stay that way for long. Every time he comes into the room, the energy level instantly goes up. I was always trying to keep up with him both at our workouts and our parties, so for better or worse he is always doing things to the max. He can't help it - he's from Texas. I can't wait to have Karl bring his Texas-sized energy to celebrate with me and Alli!
Brook Podraza
Jr. Groomsman
Brook is the master of the Rubik's Cube and he's not afraid to let you know. He is one of the smartest kid's out there and he's quick as a whip. Some of the jokes he comes up with are so clever that I can't believe it came from a kid who hasn't even hit his teen years yet. His laugh is mischievous but infectious and his curiosity is inspiring. I can't wait for Brook to be there with me to celebrate our big day!
Grant Podraza
Jr. Groomsman
Grant is the star of his own movie. He's the most outgoing kid I've met and he just does not care who's watching. Grant does what Grant wants. He's an absolute character and I wish I had his extremely carefree attitude towards life. I have no doubt that he'll be the life of the party at my wedding and I'm excited to have his fun loving attitude help celebrate our wedding!
Archie
Dog of Honor
Archie will be the best Dog of Honor you've ever seen! Don't be surprised if he stops for a kiss or wants some attention on his way down the aisle. He is so excited to see his mom & dad get married!!