Wedding Party
Hannah Thorlakson
Maid of Honor
Hannah and Allie met during our freshman year of college at UND. Little did I know that the funniest, most supportive, and genuinely caring person lived just two doors down in old Johnstone Hall. We first crossed paths through Bible study, but we didn’t become real friends until first semester—when I heroically saved Hannah from what can only be described as a catastrophically embarrassing dorm-hallway situation. From that moment on, we were inseparable, and that friendship eventually led to sharing an apartment, along with Hannah’s sister. Since then, Hannah and I have shared countless adventures—spring break trips, long Walmart grocery runs, and late nights wandering around campus trying (and sometimes failing) to find the moon for Hannah’s astronomy class. Through all of it, Hannah has been a constant source of laughter, encouragement, and grace. She is one of the greatest gifts UND gave me, and I truly couldn’t ask for a better friend.
Ashley Christopher
Bridesmaid
Ashley has been one of my best friends since day one—literally. There truly is no better older sister. She has always been a constant light in my life, never failing to pave the way for Emily and I. Ashley has the kindest, most gentle soul, and I am so honored to be her sister. Some of my favorite memories with Ashley include playing Barbies and Polly Pockets as kids, our sister movie nights, and now, as adults, our daily phone calls during my commutes home from clinicals. Today, as I prepare to walk down the aisle, I couldn’t ask for a more organized, supportive, and thoughtful bridesmaid—or a better sister—to be standing beside me through it all.
Emily Haiby
Bridesmaid
And just when I thought one built-in best friend was enough, God blessed me with a little sister. Although she carries the role of "baby sister," Emily has taught me so much in life, including beating to your own drum, embracing life's adventures, and taking time to be present in the moment. I treasure so many memories of building forts in the woods as kids, playing sports together, and I was so blessed to have gotten to spend a year together up at UND last year, with many hockey games attended together. Emily, thank you for your vibrant spirit, your unwavering strength, and for being the best little sister I could ever ask for.
Jessica Lovell
Bridesmaid
Funnily enough, Jessica and Allie first met at Jessica and Neil’s groom’s dinner the night before their wedding in September 2023. Since then, I’ve had the joy of getting to know Jessica more—along with her sweet pups, Aspen and Aella. I’m so grateful to call Jessica my future sister-in-law. She is warm, welcoming, endlessly supportive, and always shares the most thoughtful insight. The greatest day of Jessica's life was the day her baby brother, Connor, was brought home. Through many years of games in the Moose Room, adventures in the snow-covered brush piles behind the barn, and drives into school listening to rants, Connor couldn't have asked for a better sister to love, support, and occasionally tease than Jessica. It means the world to Connor and Allie both that she and Neil be a part of our wedding journey.
Kaitlyn Bennett
Bridesmaid
Kait and Allie met at UND during Allie's sophomore year and Kait's freshman year. Kait joined mine and Hannah's Bible study group that year, and the rest was history. Kait has such a joyful soul—one that instantly brightens any room she walks into. Some of my favorite memories with Kait include playing intramural volleyball together, Olive Garden endless pasta after hockey games (many take-home containers may have been involved 😊), trips to the farmer's market, and countless game or movie nights spent at the apartment. Kait, thank you for such a wonderful friendship and for all you have added to my life so far.
Vanassa Booth
Personal Attendant
Vanassa and Allie have known each other since first grade; however, our friendship truly began in seventh grade, when she offered to be my throwing partner on the very first day of softball. From that moment on, Vanassa has been a constant light in my life. She is an incredible friend with the kindest heart, unwavering support, and a presence that effortlessly brightens anyone’s day. I hold so many cherished memories with Vanassa—endless sleepovers, days spent on the lake, and countless moments from our school years together. Thank you, Vanassa, for being my dearest and long-time friend.
Zach Lunde
Best Man
Connor first met Zach on the first day of Band Camp in 2022, but their friendship hit its stride the following summer when they moved into the Forge together. From small-time trash talk during Zach's endless defeats in Mario Kart, to Connor's utter inability to win at Smash Bros, and then the next year living together, leading the trombone section and a bible study together, Zach was Connor's best friend through all the highs and lows. Zach has always had a way of bringing a quick laugh, good advice, and insight beyond his years.
Wyatt Jones
Groomsman
Connor met Wyatt his second year in college when Wyatt was his section leader in the Trombone Section in the Marching Band. Through long practices, a trip to Nashville, and many conversations, we went from band mates to roommates when two years later I moved in with Wyatt and 4 other amazing roommates. We would go on to have conversations late into the night and early into the morning, lead a Bible study group together, go on two mission trips to Alaska together, and Connor would eventually be one of Wyatt’s Groomsmen at his wedding. Wyatt has been a steadfast friend, is one of the funniest guys I’ve met, and has a deep and caring heart for mission work.
Uche Okoro
Groomsman
Uche met Connor moving into the house Zach, Wyatt, and Connor had shared Connor’s second year living there. It was a wild year, with me moving downstairs and all of a sudden being met with one of the smartest, and most hilarious guys I’ve yet encountered. Whether it’s messing with each other the second one of us gets home, playing our favorite video games together, or Uche adding BBQ sauce to every meal I make, Uche brings the kind of banter that makes every day interesting. Just don’t ask him to play a round of RISK with you, he won’t.
Chris Kelly
Groomsman
Chris and Connor met Chris’s freshman year through the Marching Band. We played in dozens of shows together in front of millions of people collectively over four years of marching. We led a Bible study together for two years, and Chris has always been there with an exceptionally dry sense of humor, a love of planes and memes, and an encouraging word when I needed it most. My wedding day wouldn’t be right without Chris standing in a dashing suit right behind me, especially since he made a point to tell me he’d be there with or without an invitation!
Paul Murray
Groomsman
Paul, nicknamed Master Paul for his master’s degree, was Connor’s Resource Group leader for three years. A Bible study leader for Bible study leaders, and you would be hard-pressed to find a man as wise beyond his years as Paul. Through many tough situations, frustrating weeks, and deep theological talks, Paul was there to give encouragement, drop some knowledge, and engage with tough topics whenever he was needed. Paul was always a good sport when I had a random question about a bit of the Bible I read, even if it was past 11 pm.
Andrew Christopher
Usher
Andrew first met Allie in 2019, when my older sister Ashley brought this boy home from college to meet her sisters. Who would have thought that this quirky guy would turn out to be the best, funniest, and kindest brother-in-law there ever was? Andrew has become a wonderful brother to Emily and I, and we truly can’t imagine our family without him. Over the years, he has grown into my biggest competitor in yard games, the best conversationalist, and, without a doubt, the best brother-in-law.
Neil Lovell
Usher
When Connor’s sister Jessica first mentioned Neil, it was a secret I wasn’t allowed to share with Mom and Dad. Somehow, some way, she’d found herself a man. Little did I know either Neil and I would share a love of history which led to not a small amount of chats while Jessica sat bored listening or playing with my fuzzy nieces, Aella and Aspen. I’m honored to have Neil as part of my wedding, especially after he and Jessica made me a part of theirs, and am grateful for all the help and guidance I’ve had from both through the years.
Dax & Bennett Haiby
Ring Bearer
We are so excited to have Dax and Bennett as our official Ring Bearers! These two little gentlemen bring big smiles, endless energy, and just the right amount of mischief to our special day. Dax is a natural-born leader with a smile that lights up every room and laughs that are impossible not to join in on. Right behind him is Bennett, the sweetest soul you’ll ever meet. With his big heart, he brings so much joy to every moment. Together, they are the perfect pair, and we are so lucky to have them as part of our special day!
Marley Haiby
Flower Girl
Marley is the sweetest little ray of sunshine, and we are so lucky to have her as our flower girl! With her bright smile and joyful spirit, she’s sure to sprinkle a little extra magic (and petals!) down the aisle on our big day!
Joshua Christopher
Ring Bearer
Our tiniest VIP arrived just in time for the celebration! Baby Joshua may be little, but he’s already stealing hearts everywhere he goes. As our honorary ring bearer, he’ll be bringing extra sweetness, snuggles, and a whole lot of love to our special day.