Ann & Matthew
Meet the Wedding Party
Sam Cook
Maid of Honor
During their senior year of high school, Sam and Ann became inseparable best friends. A shared love of books, sarcastic humor, musical enjoyment, and deep conversations have cemented their bond over the years. Ann and Matt are honored to be considered Aunt and Uncle to Sam's children, and godparents to their youngest. Sam and her husband Chase will forever have credit for setting up Ann and Matt in the spring of 2022.
Rylan Compton
Best Man
While in the Marines together, Rylan and Matt kept each other sane, bonding through working out together, pushing each other to be better and work harder. Since leaving the military, they have enjoyed motorcycle trips, ski vacations, and visits to the other's hometown and families. Through Matt, Rylan experienced his first North Dakota winter, a harrowing few days for him. If they could, Rylan and Matt would be next door neighbors for life.
Abby Smith
Bridesmaid
Sharing the exact same birthday, Abby and Ann's friendship seems destined. Through their shared major in social work and extracurriculars at NDSU, Abby and Ann met and bonded their freshman year of college. Passion for social issues, love of new experiences, and enjoyment of simple nights in kept them close through college and beyond. Though now a long-distance friendship, Abby and Ann are adventure buddies for yearly (and meticulously planned) trips.
Chase Cook
Groomsman
Friends since high school, Chase and Matt enjoyed playing in Jazz Band and working on school theater sets together. When Matt moved back to Williston in 2022, Chase and Sam's house became his second home. Through game nights, boys trips, campfires, and medical mishaps, Chase and Matt stay close. No matter what, they can count on each other to drop everything when they need help or a friend to lean on.
Cheyenne Harrison
Bridesmaid
Meeting in high school, Cheyenne and Ann are two sides of the same coin. Both grew up homeschooled, were involved in music and drama in high school, are avid book readers, are interested in writing, and love philosophical conversations. Physical distance may mean they don't talk often, but it's a joy when they do. Ann is always excited to hear about the world-wide travel Cheyenne has to share. And fun fact, Cheyenne is also marrying a Matt this year!
Nate Jorgenson
Groomsman
Growing up as brothers, Nate and Matt's days were full of wrestling matches, nerf battles, fort building, and constant competition. That is still the case today, but with a few more "I love yous" thrown in (after comparing who has the better beard of course). Separated by distance, Nate and Matt now stay in contact through weekly family DnD sessions. They might not have had a choice in the matter, but they are grateful for the relationship that will last them a life time.
Gaby Kruzel
Bridesmaid
As some of the only middle school age girls at their church and homeschool group, it was inevitable that Gaby and Ann became friends. What truly cemented their relationship was the yearly church camp in Red Lodge, MT that they both attended and counseled at. They both witnessed the other go through every awkward middle and high school phase, and can't wait to see all the awkward phases yet to come.
Blaine Radke
Groomsman
Connecting in high school, Blaine (the Eagle scout) and Matt (the farm boy) already had plenty in common: dry humor, enjoyment of reading, building or fixing things, and hunting. Both would rather be in the woods, living off the land. Those interests have remained true, while expanding to an adult friendship that includes deep conversations. Blaine is a friend that Matt looks forward to spending life (or the apocalypse) with.
Bekah Stafford
Bridesmaid
While working together in Williston, Ann and Bekah discovered a shared history of being homeschooled pastor's kids. Obviously, this meant they both loved the Chronicles of Narnia, Pride and Prejudice, and Lord of the Rings while growing up. A shared enjoyment of craft nights, puzzle games, and books has brought them close. Bekah has also helped solidify Ann's nerd status by introducing her to the world of Dungeons and Dragons.
Luke Bean
Groomsman
Luke and Matt met while both were stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC. Luke, Matt, and Rylan became close friends/brothers quickly as Luke showed the other two the ropes of their shop. Matt and Luke spent many afternoons during lunch playing Call of Duty Zombies to pass the time and were sent on many assignments together for work to the Line Companies. They have remained close after both leaving the military by planning an annual ski trip to meet back up and rehash old memories, making new one in the process.