Amy & Cove
Wedding Party
Katie Darling Lund
Matron of Honor
Katie is my oldest sister and fiercest defender in the early days of the Darling sisterly dynamic. Leading the way for both younger sisters, she’s always wielded a fiery competitive spirit (one I’m proud to have inherited), a humble if not relentless perfectionism (again, SAME), and an adventurer’s heart (even when the adventure is finding the best pizza in a tiny Bavarian town). Katie currently lives in Germany, where she and her husband, Chris, are active duty Majors and orthodontists/dentists (respectively) in the US Army. Bouncing from Colorado to Hawaii to Texas to Germany (and a million places in between), Katie’s become a super-host and tour guide so exceptional, Rick Steves would tip his hat to her. And somehow I managed to score this fabulous world-conquerer as my maid of honor!
Evan Wilkinson
Best Man
Ever wonder where I got my first Fossil watch, bottle of cologne, and Jay-Z CD? Secret’s out — it’s this guy! Evan and I have been friends for most of our lives after meeting during his annual summer visits to Montana. When Evan moved to Montana for high school, we became even closer and ended up sharing a college dorm, which was the best/worst decision we ever made. Evan has been a pillar of loyalty and selflessness in my life. He's the kind of guy that will let you borrow his skis, then pick up one of your gloves in the ski area parking lot and drive snail speed the rest of the way home looking for the other one (both gloves were saved). Evan, thank you for showing me that integrity, honesty, love, and fierce, beer-fueled debates can get us through the best and worst times!
Kimberly Collins
Bridesmaid
Kimberly — or Kimmie, as I have the privilege to call her — is my middle sis and the person who’s had the most major influence on my sense of humor. From my humble beginnings under her burping tutelage, I’ve spent my whole life carefully observing and learning from her badassery — whether it be in music, healthy relationships, or actually being able to make decisions in a timely manner (not a strength of the rest of the Darlings). Kimmie lives in Rochester and is the matriarch of the most attractive family ever (you’ll see what I mean when you see the ring bearer, flower boy, and baby of honor). She also commands the helm of her husband, Grant’s, super successful orthodontics clinic. Like I said, badass. I am ridiculously honored to have this hilarious and beautiful dorkus by my side!
Alex Casbara
Best Man
After meeting for the first time at the premiere of “Stuart Little” in 4th grade, Alex and I became fast friends. Making up the percussion section in band for most of our years in school, Alex and I put on a masterclass in blame deflection, feigned innocence, and general musical chaos. Multiple trips to Alex’s basement and his cabin on Flathead Lake proved to be some of the most exciting, scary, and soul-bonding experiences one could ask for. Alex has been a constant reminder that true friends stay in-touch, always offer up their couch, and will carve out time to chat — or simply send a text that reads: Peanut Butter-Peanut Butter-Peanut Butter-Peanut Butter-FISH-FISH-FISH-FISH. (If you want a demo just ask Alex.) Alex, thanks for being such a positive force in my life!
Julie Walsh Smith
Bridesmaid
Julie has been a saving grace in human form to me since 6th grade dance class, when she befriended me and my chicken legs in lead-up to an epic performance of Dirty Pop by *NSYNC. We went our separate ways for college, but when I moved back to Missoula 6 years ago, she didn’t miss a beat. Right away, she introduced me to amazing friends, a boyfriend (ahem, HUSBAND), a job, countless dance floors, and a friendship so unconditional it brings a dang tear to my eye. Julie lives in Missoula and is the COO for the coolest company in town, Complexly. She and her husband Jordan (featured in Cove’s lineup) are also the proud parents of an apocalypse warrior princess baby, Robin, and also proud dog parents to Lupa’s BFF, Ellie. I can't wait to share a porch with her as kooky old women.
Jordan Smith
Best Man
Onions and Peppers 2021! It has become my lifelong goal to convert Jordan to the onion and pepper lover we all know he can be...maybe this is the year! Jordan and I have been friends for longer than I can remember. I find it pretty amazing that, through all of what childhood, adolescence, and adulthood throw at you, two people can sustain a friendship that stays true. Whether it be on one of many soccer trips, singing together on stage, having a few too many beers, or holding his beautiful baby girl, I know that we can always give each other that “seriously dude” look and know that everything is just right. Jordan, thanks for being so consistent and loving in our friendship, and for always accepting me for who I am. Let me reiterate, onions and peppers are seriously SO good...
Julia Derk
Bridesmaid
Julia’s friendship was such glorious serendipity. We met as hotel roommates during orientation for our college study abroad program in Scotland, and after exchanging about 12 words, we were basically inseparable. We had a renaissance in New York City, where we shared countless homemade tacos, bottles of cheap wine, and bouts of hysterical laughter over the course of 2 years. And since then, Julia hasn’t let time or distance win, always magically sensing when I most need a FaceTime call or a spontaneous trip to Banff. Julia conquered a Ph.D. studying brain disease at NYU Medical School, and she’s since harkened back to her mountainous roots, moving to Denver to conduct cutting-edge research for the University of Colorado. Here’s to many more barefoot strolls and face-down naps!
Emmet Ore
Best Man
The first time we met, Emmet and I picked up two guitars and proceeded to jam — without any words exchanged — for about thirty minutes straight. At that point I knew that I had found someone I wanted to create music with as much as I could. Little did I know that I was also getting a lifelong friend out of the deal. Emmet has been an unwavering creative influence on me and he’s always pushed me to keep exploring. His ability to push the boundary as an artist has always lit a fire under me and helped keep me on this shared creative path. He’s also one of the smartest guys I know and an unrivaled late-night conversationalist. Thank you, Emmet, for being such a steadfast friend, and for being every middle-aged woman’s favorite member of Shakewell!