Maid of Honor
I met Jenny during sorority recruitment my sophomore year of college at the University of Minnesota. We quickly bonded and soon after became roommates. We lived together for two years and shared all the ups and downs that came along. Some of my favorite memories include the days that we came home from class to eat Mcdonald's and watch movies, playing with my puppy together when we got home from a night out, and endless life talks over a glass (or bottle) of wine. Since college, Jenny and I have become colleagues at Medtronic, fellow dog moms, and we make sure to see each other at least once a week. We keep each other accountable and I know I can always count on her to have my back. She's my best friend.
Best Man
Ben met Luke in high school in Wisconsin. They became close friends after sharing a few classes together. Some of Ben's favorite memories with Luke are being doubles partners on the Varsity tennis team, working at the Lake Geneva Country Club together, and staying the night at Luke's house playing ping pong, "gaming hard," and enjoying a beverage or four. Their close friendship has lasted through attending different colleges, starting new careers, and Ben moving out of state. They both prioritize seeing each other as often as they can. Luke has always been Ben's best friend and was the clear choice for the role of Best Man.
Bridesmaid
Chandler and I met in a fraternity house in college. She is the funniest, craziest gal and we always have an amazing time together. Football games were our jam and I could always count on her for puppy babysitting services or a karaoke night. Our relationship has grown a lot over the years and I love how supportive and positive she is. We continue to see each other each week for our Bachelor nights where we discuss dog mom life over wine. She pushes me to get out of my box (aka camping in 90 degree weather) and has joined my family for Thanksgiving. One of my favorite memories is when I visited her hometown in California and we toured Alcatraz together. She loves life and inspires me to get out and live each day to the fullest.
Groomsman
Ben met Colin freshman year of college in the dorms. They became fast friends and enjoyed playing basketball and going out in Madison. Colin's goofy nature always brightens up any situation and though Ben acts annoyed, he really appreciates Colin's true friendship and advice. One of Ben's favorite memories is going to Florida every summer with Colin and a couple other friends. Ben was lucky enough to witness Colin's recent wedding in Mexico, and is so glad Colin agreed to stand by him on his special day.
Bridesmaid
I was sooo lucky to have met Kaela shortly after Ben and I started dating, as she is the amazing wife of Ben's best friend Luke. They both have become our closest friends, and it's amazing to have an incredible role model like Kaela in my life. She is definitely one of the most positive and bubbly people I have met, and her laughter is infectious. I can always count on her to point out the silver lining in any situation. We try to see each other several times a year and we always pick up right where we left off. I remember the amazing care package she sent after Phoebe's surgery, which shows her compassion that I value so much. Living far apart is hard, but I know I have found a true friend for life.
Groomsman
Ben and Keaton weren't always as close as they are now. Ben was afraid of having a random roommate in college freshman year, so he reluctantly agreed to room with Keaton. After a few bumps in the road and passive aggressive sticky notes, Admiral Nelson brought them to their senses and it was friends from there on out. For the rest of college, you could always find them at a Badger sporting event together or the local watering hole. One of Ben's favorite memories with Keaton is the trip they took around Ireland, visiting pubs, national parks, and enjoying the scenery. Ben is proud to call Keaton one of his close friends and is honored to have him be a part of this special day.
Flower Girl
Teresa is my genius, hilarious, and adorable 7 year old cousin who has honorably taken over my role as the favorite grandchild. We knew she would take her role as flower girl very seriously and we couldn't imagine our big day without her infectious giggle!
Ring Bearer
Little Ben, as we call him (you gotta differentiate at family gatherings), is my adorable 5 year old cousin who is likely the sweetest child alive. At one Thanksgiving he announced that he hopes to grow big and strong like Big Ben one day, so clearly we couldn't get married without his help!
Usher
Mitchell and I have been so close our whole lives, people even thought we were twins when we were young. From sleeping on my bedroom floor because he didn't want to be alone, to singing in shows together in high school, to Greek events in college, and long distance chatting when he was living it up in Cali, Mitch has been a rock in my life since day one. He's a ridiculous human with the biggest heart imaginable, and I am so grateful to have such an awesome brother.
Usher
Ian has been my brother's best friend since middle school. My mom always asked Ian how he put up with Mitchell's shenanigans, but I always knew deep down that he was just as ridiculous as Mitch. I watched Ian mature and beat unimaginable odds. I drove him to school every day in high school (he was the one who always made us late, for the record) and jammed with him for Mitch's going away party. Ian will always be like family.