Best Man
"Grandpa" as he is known by AJ was his Theta Chi Alumni Advisor (Wally advised AJ's dad in Theta Chi in College). You can bet that when these two link up, AJ and Wally meet at Cafe Beaudelaire in Ames Iowa and catch up over some exquisite Long Island Ice Teas. Wally is known as Mr. Iowa State, a VERY dedicated fan and you can bet that he is wearing at least one Iowa State themed clothing.
Maid of Honor
Amazing person I have know since Kindergarten. We became better friend junior year of Highschool Spanish class when we were assigned extra credit to make bread for the day of the dead. Our friendship has grown from making bread to an amazing confidant I trust with all my heart.
Groomsman
AJ and Tyler met their second day of class in Leadership Studies 103 and it's been a friendship ever since. AJ introduced Tyler to "The Cafe" (a wonderful restaurant in Ames Iowa) and continues to ask him for rides up to Ames from DSM when he is in town.
Bridesmaid
Emily is an Angel in my life. I met her sophomore year of Highschool in marine biology class and from there, our friendship has grown to something I cannot live without. She Is a new mom this year and I couldn’t find anyone better to be a mom. She is one of the most kindest people I have met, and inspires me to be just as kind.
Groomsman
Amber's older brother (15 years apart), and has been the best older brother anyone could ask for. Not only has he excelled at being a big brother but he is even a better role model. His attitude to live life to the fullest and enjoy everyday is something Amber admires. If they are not in Napa, they are usually in Palm Springs or some exotic place scuba diving. Aj was shocked to hear Marc was a bigger wine "enthusiast" than him (if you can believe it). Marc loves to share some sparkling wine with his husband Matt under the beautiful California sky.
Bridesmaid
Alex and Amber met through their Tri Delta Sorority. Amber doesn't remember the first time she met her yet they have filled the time of our friendships with so many memories of going out dancing or bars, being officers in the sorority, being roommates and multiple FaceTime calls. Amber admires Alex for her drive to achieve so much in her life and career. She has never met a stranger and will forever inspired me by her appreciation for planners and adding a sparkle to everything she does.
Groomsman
The second oldest brother, Michael Tjaden, and the only Tjaden that doesn't look like the rest (his brown hair). Michael works as a mortgage broker in Chicago and is an avid traveler like AJ (primarily in South America).
Bridesmaid
Brooke and I met through our Tri Delta Sorority. The first time I remember talking to Brooke was during the night her pledge class initiation, from then on I knew she would be one of my amazing friends. Our friendship has grown from being officers in the sorority, to going out to Illegal Petes, traveling to New Orleans and experiencing Bourbon street, to enjoying three way phone calls with Alex and I. Brooke is an amazing problem solver, I admire her.
Groomsman
The youngest Tjaden brother has a passion for fitness and football. In college, Daniel played DIII football at Augustana, rain or shine Daniel was always giving it a 120%. AJ would make every effort to fly up for his games to see Daniel "hit" someone on the field.
Bridesmaid
I met Clare the first time AJ took me to Iowa to meet his family for the first time. I could tell then and even better now that she was awesome! I will always find her either reading a good book, making some spectacular art or having great come backs to anything that her brothers say. Being the youngest of 4 brothers has made her tough yet she is still so kind and welcoming. She has always been so welcoming to me and I always appreciated it. She is a freshman at Iowa State, killing it as expected can’t wait to see what more amazingness is in store for her! So honored to have her as a Sister-in-Law!
Groomsman
The second youngest Tjaden brother and also the tallest of AJ's brothers. Matt spends most of his days working as a Fun-ance guy in Chicago and has a passion for politics. He even knows who Barry Goldwater is ( for all you AZ fokes). Matt can walk in to enter room and easily command it with good jokes and lots of laughs. You will find Matt after the ceremony on the dance floor, bust’n a move until the DJ starts playing “Closing Time” by semi sonic
Bridesmaid
Olivia is my little beautiful cousin. She is a senior in Highschool, killing it and has her eyes set on an amazing college still yet to be determined. She is always either reading a new book, finding new octaves to sing or hanging out with her friends. It is such a treat to see her grow into this beautiful young woman with a good head on her shoulders that I get to have stand next to me on my big day.
Groomsman
AJ would say TJ is a person who specializes in the art of conversation negotiations. AJ and TJ spent many nights at Theta Chi at Iowa State arguing about sports, girls, classes, and even where to live post-college. Their friendship grew stronger after college as AJ always made sure to call TJ when he was traveling and finding time for him for basketball games in Germany or an ISU bowl game in Phoenix.
Bridesmaid
Charlotte is my cousin who is 6 months younger than me. Growing up we built forts together, playing American Girl Dolls or made up pretend games to play over and over again. Now she is an amazing Fitness coach in Phoenix living her best life with her dog Milo and her husband Connor. She is beautiful inside and out and it always feels like no time has past when we hang out.
Groomsman
AJ and John met their first day of college in English 101 at Iowa State. From there started an amazing friendship. Since AJ has only been to Italy a handful of times and John not as much, the two discuss who is the most Italian. Is it the one who has Italian ancestry or the one more gelato in the actual country?... It is still a point of debate. Somehow AJ convinced John to come with him to Shanghai and since that trip, John has always wanted to go back. Don't be afraid to weigh in on the Italian debate!
Bridesmaid
Faye is one that will always bring the life to any party, she is the party. Faye is my beautiful cousin who is about 2 years younger than me. Once we get together the quotes from the movie Pink Panther and the laughter never seem to end. Faye is an amazing Designer in Phoenix whee she lives with her dog Duke and her husband Sam.
Groomsman
AJ and the best "Bench Player" at Texas Tech (Andrew Sorrells) met years back through Davide Moretti and since that wonderful time in Lubbock, they have been nothing but best friends. Between their ISU vs TTU sports rivalry, they always find time to connect and plan a trip or two. Don't let Andrew fool you, he still plays from the senior tees and has yet to beat AJ in a round of golf.
Bridesmaid
Melinda Stewart is a friend I have known sine kindergarten, really I still do not even remember how we meet but I just know our friendship has grown into something that I will have for a lifetime. Melinda lives in Las Vegas working in Tech. Her hobbies outside of work include baking massive amounts of cookies and face timing me on her breaks to tell me how her day is going.
Flower Man
There is no party without Myles, and you can bet he's going to make a grand entrance in his role. The "Life of the Party" is no stranger to this man. Their friendship started in the DFW area and has grown to "Taco Tuesdays" and constant phone calls about where the party is at!!