Wedding Party

Whitney Hoffmann -Columbia, MO

Matron of Honor

Whitney and Amy first met and in high school, but it was during their 7+ years as roommates, and the adoption of McLovin, that solidified this friendship. Having officiated Whitney’s wedding to Tyler in 2017, there is no other person Amy would want to have by her side when she marries Ben. Whitney’s favorite memory with Amy: The night of our graduation from Mizzou ended with me in tears at our apartment. I was sitting facing Tyler, my now-husband, as he tried to console me. Knowing me, and Tyler, as well as she does, Amy sat behind me coaching Tyler over my shoulder on what to say. Amy has always been behind me, holding me up when I needed her. I can’t wait to stand beside her when she marries Ben.

Peter Kruchten -Madison, WI

Best Man

Peter and Ben's friendship pre-dates pre-school, having grown up in the same neighborhood. From late night video game hang outs, countless soccer games and enjoying each other’s taste in music, Ben and Peter have been close friends through thick and thin. Peter’s favorite memory with Ben: While there are many great memories, a favorite that comes to mind most recently was seeing Rufus Du Sol at the Sylvee with both Ben and Amy. It was an amazing show made even better by being there with them. Little did we know that it would be the last show we'd see before a pandemic swept the world away as we knew it. I don't think I could have picked two better people in that moment to be with!

Francie Dekker -Milwaukee, WI

Bridesmaid

Amy & Francie meet in college, sharing snacks in Journalism lectures and haven’t stopped enjoying food together since. Having lived near each other in Columbia, Milwaukee, and now an hour door to door, the two are lucky to still be close. Fortunately for Amy and Francie, Ben and Jon have found each other to be great golfing companions and friends! Francie’s memory: Amy wanted a nice relaxing beach vacation, I convinced her hiking the Grand Tetons would be equally tranquil. We both cursed this decision several times on the way up but gasped in unison at the breathtaking views waiting for us. Her adventurous spirit, joyful heart and positive attitude are a delight to experience the world with. I can’t wait to stand by Amy and Ben as they start this great adventure together!

Steve Ticknor -Madison, WI

Groomsman

Steve and Ben ruled Upland Court; they initially bonded as elementary schoolers over their mutual fascination over all things military. That bond evolved into home movie making (“Northlake 911”, “World’s Fastest Indian”, “A Cowboy Movie”) and general shenanigans in the Court. Steve has been a close friend and confidant since the day they met. Steve’s favorite memories with Ben: Runs in Pheasant Branch, biking to Family Video, sleep-overs, fireworks, movies, grilling, backyard wiffle ball, Mario Kart tourneys, Joel catching air rockets on his head, pellet guns, failed tree houses, golf & gatorade, watermelon, cereal at the island, building who-knows-what in the garage, court home run derbies, basement rubber band gun wars, root beer, & last but not least, Joel running into the glass door.

Jessica Chenault -Dallas, TX

Bridesmaid

Amy’s older sister, Jessica has gone from defacto baby sitter to her go to cooking and baking reference advisor. Amy relishes the time when Jess and her can both meet up as her dog Charlie, although less than 20 pounds, is a formidable opponent for the 80 pound McLovin. Jessica’s favorite memory with Amy:

David Stark -Madison, WI

Groomsman

David and Ben met in second grade at Northside Elementary, and have been friends ever since. The two share a common love of the Green Bay Packers (Go Pack Go!), Dave Matthews Band, and backyard hangouts. David’s favorite memory with Ben:

Courtney Chenault -Norwalk, CT

Bridesmaid

Amy’s younger sister, Courtney and Amy managed to survive sharing a room throughout childhood AND still talk plenty to this day! Despite living in different states, the sisters have always managed to make visiting each other a priority as they have grown from sisters into friends. Courtney’s favorite memory with Amy: I have never known life without Amy so the task of picking a favorite memory left me with a lot of pondering. What I found in the moments were that no matter the setting, be it trying on endless clothes or at a crowded party, she makes you feel seen and special, with her love always there as a guiding light.

Ryan Stark -Madison, WI

Groomsman

Ryan and Ben also met in the second grade at Northside Elementary, and have been friends through adulthood. The two share a common love of music, the outdoors and having a good time. Ryan’s favorite memories with Ben: Sleepovers as kids. Making bottle rocket airplanes, shooting paintball & bb guns, playing flight simulator and Ben's mom making scrambled eggs and toast in the morning

Lauren Horn -Chicago, IL

Bridesmaid

As a friend of the groom since the fifth grade, and a sister he never had, Lauren has been a close friend of the couple from the day Amy and Lauren met tailgating after a Badger game. Sharing a love of good food, their own jokes, and bad dance moves, the three of them never fail to have a good time. Lauren’s favorite memory with Amy: There are too many wonderful memories with Amy and Ben to count, but some of my favorites involve boats, Badger Saturdays, jumbo hot dogs, Taco Bell and dancing the night away at Frostiball!

Jay Chenault -Amsterdam, NL

Groomsman

Brother of the bride, the two first met in person at family Christmas in Rocheport. (Jay did meet Kona before Ben, she was an impressive ambassador!) A mutual love of Europe, and Amy, led to a quick bonding process. The easy going nature of both hints at a lifetime of friendship to come for the brothers-in-law. Jay’s favorite memory with Ben:

McLovin

Bridesman

Adopted in 2014, McLovin has been Amy's constant companion in three cities. He is forever thankful to now have a backyard to patrol with Ben and Kona. He is okay with Ben being labeled the 'most handsome boy' for the wedding.

Kona

Groomswoman

A native of Alabama, Kona has been Ben's constant companion since April of 2017. She is the boss of the John household. Her love of belly rubs, playing ball and barking at anything that enters the neighborhood is only surpassed by her love of hiking with Ben, Amy, and McLovin.

Ryan Koch

Usher

Firoz Khilji

Usher

Coety Wyse

Officiant