Betsy & Nicki
Wedding Party
Molly Donnelly Colonna
Bridesmaid
Molly and Betsy first met in August 2000 when they were assigned to be roommates in 218B Badin Hall at the University of Notre Dame. After a bit of an awkward start, they clicked right away; they were old friends right from the start. From being idiotic college students to finally doing that backpacking trip 12 years after they graduated, Molly and Betsy have had their share of adventures together. For nearly 20 years, Molly has provided Betsy with laughter, support, understanding, and unwavering friendship. Betsy was honored to stand up at Molly's wedding in 2012, and when it came time to ask Molly to stand next to her as she marries Nicki, Betsy sent Molly a card that simply read "Duh."
Jill Schroeder Lusk
Bridesmaid
Jill and Betsy first met in September 1987, and Betsy has known Jill literally her entire life. Despite the five year age difference, they have always had a deceptive amount of things in common. They aren't allowed to be teammates during family game night any more because it isn't fair to anyone else playing. For her entire life, Betsy has known that Jill would have her back in any circumstance. Jill is a fierce friend, and brings insight and a sense of humor to any situation. Betsy can't imagine getting married without Jill being there beside her.
Charity Truelove-Karcz
Bridesmaid
Charity and Nicki first met in 2014 at CrossFit. They were introduced by two other friends and quickly hit it off despite Charity's poor taste in college sports teams. Since then Charity has become one of Nicki's dearest friends. They both grew up in southern Indiana and they easily relate to each other. Charity has badgered Nicki into running several races, including a duathlon and a 5k where they had to eat a dozen donut holes halfway through. They have shared lots of laughs, adventures, and drank plenty of beer together. Charity has been a positive influence and has become someone Nicki can always count on for sound advice or assistance, and Nicki could not imagine getting married without her by her side.
Brittany Bolden
Bridesmaid
Nicki has no idea when she first met Brittany. Nicki is two years older than Brittany but they went to elementary, middle, and high school together. They were both in the band and both played on the basketball team, but they were not extremely close. Brittany and Nicki reconnected when Nicki moved to Indianapolis in 2012 and they started hanging out. Eventually Brittany saw the light and joined the CrossFit gym Nicki attended. Since then Brittany has been a constant in Nicki’s life by supporting and challenging her at the gym, being there through frustration and heartbreak, and even taking care of Nicki by feeding her a plethora of crackers when needed.
Sam and Georgia Campbell
Parents of the Bride
Sam and Georgia have been married since 1984 and live in Austin, Indiana. They initially wanted to have a large family, but shortly after Nicki was born, they realized they had achieved perfection and stopped with her.* * Written by Nicki
Rick and Diana Schroeder
Parents of the Other Bride
Rick and Diana live in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and have been married since 1979. They, too, wanted a large family, and after Betsy was born, they had four more kids.* * Also written by Nicki
Grant & Thompson
Candle Lighters
Just kidding, they will not be handling open flames. At least, not in any official capacity. Grant was begat by Betsy's brother Peter and his wife Megan. Thompson Lusk, of the Pittsburgh Lusks, is the son of Betsy's sister Jillian and her husband Bill.
Meriam Saleh
Dog Bearer
Meriam has known Betsy since 2012 and Nicki since 2016. Meriam and Betsy went to grad school together, and they quickly became great friends. Meriam and Nicki were friends before they even met, bonded by their adoration and love for their dogs and one fascinating group text thread. When Nicki and Betsy first started talking about getting married, they knew they wanted to involve their beloved dogs, and they could think of no one better to serve as Dog Bearer than Meriam.
Max
Best Cat
Max has been a part of Betsy's life since 2008, and has moved with her seven times since then. He is the world's best cat. Due to his being a cat, Max will be celebrating with us remotely.
Luna
Dog of Honor
Betsy and Luna met when Betsy was in vet school. Luna is just happy to be here, in this place where she has always been. Hi, she is Luna.
Cooper
Dog of Honor
Cooper made Nicki a dog mom for the first time in 2012. His hobbies include barking at the mailman, begging to be picked up, and then being mad about being picked up. He is a good boy.
Penny
Dog of Honor
Penny joined Nicki and Cooper in 2013. Since then, she has been asking if it's time for bed. She loves treats and keeping everyone in line.