Adrienne & Jacob
Wedding Party
Hannah Antonson
Maid of Honor
As twin sisters, Hannah and Adrienne have enjoyed many mischievous activities together for the last 28 years, earning them the babyhood nicknames of Bonkhead and Yank. In childhood, they made up silent languages that only they could understand, and still today laugh hysterically simultaneously at the same things in the same way. Hannah is delighted to be Maid of Honor, celebrating Adrienne's bond to a new "other half" in her life.
Jared Allen
Best Man
Jared is Jacob's older brother - He's still working on his note, so check back soon!
Jacquie Greiff
Bridesmaid
Jacq is the middle child of the family. She’s also the tallest, the only one who doesn’t get carsick, and the only one who’s never tried to be a vegetarian. When Adrienne was about 5, she’d often come into Jacq’s room in the morning and, pretending to be a baby, ask Jacq to tuck her into bed and sing to her. She was also quite adept at pretending to be a cat, a monkey, and a wolf cub. Now an actual mother to 2-year-old Charlotte, Jacq sometimes wishes for the simple days of singing Ayen-baby, or petting Ayen-cat to sleep. Growing up with Adrienne as a sister was a whirlwind of adventure, fun, shouting, squeals of delight, and mis-pronounced words (which is how Jacq somehow ended up with the nick-name Gee-Nee). Living as adults with Adrienne as a sister is nothing but a joy and a privilege.
Greg Whitehead
Groomsman
Greg and Jacob have gone to school together since 6th grade but it wasn’t until living together in Chapel Hill that they realized they were Soul Mates (sorry Adrienne). Greg credits Jacob with getting him into running and Jacob credits Greg with helping him with the ladies. They’ve been close buds since college and Greg couldn’t be happier to see Jacob ride off into the sunset with an awesome girl like Adrienne.
Krista Antonson
Bridesmaid
Krista is the oldest of all 4 sisters, and often the one mistaken for Adrienne's twin. From the days of "Monkey-Doo" games in the yard, to rolling with laughter at hysterical cat videos, growing up with Adrienne as a sister was a great journey filled with tons of love, humor, and laughs. Being a bridesmaid for Adrienne and Jacob is a wonderful honor and a privilege.
Thomas Howard
Groomsman
Thomas and Jacob met in the summer of 1999 when they were two young Speedo-wearing warriors destined to conquer the swimming pool. Over the past 20 years, Jacob has remained one of Thomas's most loyal friends, and is one of the greatest guys he knows.
Diego Hernandez-Saavedra
Bridesman
Adrienne met Diego about 4 years ago. She didn’t really know much about him and just thought he was a weird (but lovable!) Mexican guy. After a lot of mimosas—because that’s how the best stories begin—they decided to move in together, along with two of Adrienne's cats. Despite Diego not being a fan of cat hair, he learned to love the kitties and slowly became their godfather. Adrienne and Diego survived grad school together, with lots of wine, Mexican food, Schitt’s Creek therapy, and lots of crying sessions. Soon after helping coordinate the marriage proposal, Diego knew that Jake and Adrienne were perfect for each other, and they both knew they had a friend for life.
Austin King
Groomsman
Austin and Jacob's friendship dates back to at least grade school in Cary, NC. Ever since, Austin and Jacob have shared an unwavering friendship and bond. They roomed together during Jacob's brief stint at UNCW, and later reconnected at UNC when Austin was admitted to Carolina Law. Austin considers Jacob as family, along with the other Allens, and views his friendship and relationship with Jacob as unmatched by any other. Austin is an avid (but not necessarily superb) surfer and runner.
Jamie Wilger
Bridesmaid
When Jamie moved to Champaign-Urbana and first met Adrienne, she was very happy to have someone to play outside with. The pair proved to be an excellent team in a canoe, literally rowing circles around Jake and Joe (though to be honest, that was entirely due to Adrienne’s skill, and Jamie can’t take any credit). Over their friendship, they enjoyed cycling, rock climbing, bouldering, and playing Cards Against Humanity at breweries (that is, when Adrienne wasn’t busy babysitting piglets!). Jamie was very sad when Adrienne disappeared for months to write her dissertation but was consoled by the fact that almost every time they got together, Adrienne had collected another cat to be snuggled.
Joe Beals
Groomsman
Joe and Jake met while Joe was interviewing for the Ph.D. program at the University of Illinois. After a night of beers with some of the professors, the next morning Joe and Jake decided to try a ridiculous workout at a local park. This was the first of many such adventures. Joe and Jake’s friendship was cemented when Joe joined the grad office in Freer hall (which is a lovely place to visit if you're ever in Illinois). During their time at Illinois, they were often seen having spirited conversations about their views on scientific publications or having a beer after a long bike ride or session at the bouldering gym. Whisk(e)y and beer were often inspiring for these two, and they inked many agreements to go on adventures only to find themselves in over their heads again come morning.
Sierra Young
Bridesmaid
Sierra first met Adrienne via Jake and Stephan during grad school, and while the guys were technically friends first, Sierra and Adrienne quickly followed suit! After bonding over their shared love of Ithaca, cats, and wine, it was clear that this was the beginning of a special, true friendship. They have been close friends ever since, and Sierra is beyond thrilled to celebrate Adrienne and Jake!
Stephan Van Vliet
Groomsman
Stephan and Jake met in Grad School at the University of Illinois while completing their PhDs. Their friendship kept them (in)sane during their 4 years in an asbestos filled basement, known as the graduate office. Funny enough, Stephan ended up living in the place where Jake grew up — Cary, NC.
Gracie Niemiro
Bridesmaid
Grace met Adrienne in grad school while studying with Jake, intimidated by her beauty and poise! They quickly became friends by supporting each other during stressful grad school moments, beer gardens and small breweries, beer “Olympics”, and scary murder mystery parties. One thing is for sure— that Grace always knew what a great person Adrienne is and how perfect she and Jake are together.
Nick Brenton
Groomsman
Jacob and Nick were thrown together randomly by the universe in 2009, in what was inarguably the largest event to impact the human race. Ever. They were both brand-new Tarheels, having just transferred from other universities. Through fiends-of-friends, they became roommates. But these two didn’t need those friends-of-friends for long until they, themselves, became fast friends. Since then, they’ve traveled together, biked together, laughed, cried and slept together. Seriously, they were roommates for a total of 3 years throughout college. In fact, Nick likes Jacob so much, “Cobbs” was a groomsmen in Nick’s wedding four years ago. The Universe does some pretty cool things.
Annabel Biruete
Bridesmaid
Annabel met Adrienne when she started dating Jake, during Annabel's second year of grad school. She was there to see their relationship develop, and for Annabel and Adrienne, it was the start of a lovely friendship! They spent a lot of time together as Jake and Brandon's +1s when they were roommates. The group of friends they had in Illinois was definitely Annabel's favorite, and she has many fond memories, including playing for the local volleyball team (Scared Hitless) and yearly pumpkin carving. Annabel says Adrienne is one of the nicest people she knows, an incredibly smart, all-around good person, and an amazing host and friend. She is so honored to be standing next to Adrienne and to be part of the big day!
Ken Brockman
Officiant
Ken and Jacob met while working at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and quickly bonded over a shared love for science and beer (not necessarily in that order). In 2018, Jacob and Adrienne decided to join Ken and coworkers on what would become an epic quest to visit 41 local Columbus breweries as part of the ‘Columbus Ale Trail’. Somewhere along the trail, over several beers and multiple nearly identical conversations, they came to the realization that Jacob & Adrienne were in need of a minister and Ken was just the guy for the job.
Brandon Kistler
Usher
Brandon and Jacob’s friendship started in Illinois where they were both putting in time on the grounds crew. When they weren’t mowing lawns, they were also working on a PhD in the same program and living in the same house. This group of friends produced many of Brandon’s fondest memories including late night cookouts, soju, and game nights. Since graduation, Brandon and Jacob have remained great friends and still talk science, soccer, and life.
Max Jaggers
Usher
Max and Jacob first met when Jacob joined the Bailey lab for his post doc position. They instantly bonded over a shared interest in sports, science, and happy hours (maybe a little too interested in the last one). Since they are fellow Southerners, there is an unending debate of who is best school in the SEC, Arkansas or Florida. Max can’t wait to help celebrate his and Adrienne’s special day.
Joe Melisi
Usher
Joe befriended Adrienne and Jacob through his better half while at the University of Illinois. Since then, Jacob has been telling Joe how to play better golf--though his efforts are futile, Joe is deeply grateful. Even more grateful for their counsel and support on a advocacy project Joe started with their help. The three being avid Chicago Cubs fans, the couple witnessed Joe cry over the 2016 world series win and proceeded to fill him with champagne and celebrations afterward. Many of Joe's most fond memories living on campus are those spent with Jacob and Adrienne. Whether it was beers at the bar, tickets at a cubs game, or thoughtful conversations over dinner, Joe cherishes those moments and his friendship with Adrienne and Jacob.
Brett Loman
Usher
Brett really got to know Jake and Adrienne after living with Jake in what is now the couple’s Columbus home. He quickly learned who wore the pants in the relationship...the cats. Brett knew that Jake really loved Adrienne when he would do the “girlfriend clean” of the apartment while she was in transit to Columbus, and that Adrienne really loved Jake when she bought him a real bed so he could stop sleeping on the crappy “temporary” foam-padded futon. Even though Brett isn’t there now to help keep the apartment clean, set the smoke detector off, or watch people fall down the stairs, he knows that Pickle has his back, and wishes the couple the best.