Betsy & Tanner
Wedding Party
Sarah Harnisch
Maid of Honor
Sarah is the oldest of the Spencer kids. She has always had Betsy's back. From teaching Sunday school when they were little, to instructing creative writing classes during Betsy's homeschooled years (complete with field trips!), to stepping up at the last second and giving the speech at sister #2's wedding when Betsy forgot! (whoops!) Sarah is very type A and hands on. She is likely one of the most generous people you'll ever meet. When Sarah heard that Betsy and Tanner were considering elopement, she offered her backyard and planning expertisefor the modest ceremony and reception. Thanks, Sar!! <3
Rachael DeValk
Bridesmaid
Rachael is the second oldest of the Spencer kids. Rach has been a huge part of Betsy's life, not just because they are sisters. She is always there to support Betsy through her biggest endeavors- from living together throughout college and graduating on the same day, to visiting her THREE times in the Dominican Republic during her Peace Corps service- Rachael has always been there. While working her very first nursing travel assignment, Betsy was lucky enough to live with Rachael for a few days each week right after Rachael and Kevin were married. Seeing the love between Rachael and Kevin was inspiring for Betsy and after that, she vowed she would not settle for anything less for her own life. Her very next assignment was in Iowa, where she would meet the guy she had been waiting for.
Lisa Reichenbach
Bridesmaid
Lisa and Betsy met in the 3rd grade! They grew up together climbing trees, telling off the boys, and playing Sonic the Hedgehog. Lisa even came to see Betsy in the Dominican Republic! She is one of those friends Betsy can go a long time without seeing, but when they catch up on the phone, it's like no time has passed since their last visit. Her little one, Ella, will be the flower girl :)
Becky Shoemaker
Bridesmaid
Betsy basically stalked Becky in the 8th grade, trying to get her to be friends with her! When Betsy moved from the Chicago area out to the sticks- Dixon, IL, Becky was a fun loving gal who lived in the same small (and I mean SMALL) town as Betsy. They started out on the same softball team in the summer of 1997. By the end of next summer they were BFFs- reading Chicken Noodle Soup for the Teenage Soul, setting each other up on terrible blind dates, and laying poolside in the warm summer sun. They have been inseparable ever since!
Ali Bujanovich
Bridesmaid
Ali and Betsy formed a special bond when they met in the Peace Corps! Ali is from Colorado, but moved to Maryland a little while after she returned from from serving. Betsy moved from Illinois to NY when she returned stateside as well, and the two were able to plan lots of trips together- like meeting up in NYC, visiting each other at home, and even going to Italy, Greece, and Hawaii together! Some fun facts: Ali and Betsy met their sweethearts within two weeks of each other, became engaged within two months of each other and will each be married within two weeks of each other! It's crazy how these two seem to be connected- from both independently dying their hair purple at the same time, to moving out East, to meeting their other halves at the same time!
Kristine Wager (KP)
Bridesmaid
KP and Betsy met during the hellacious accelerated nursing program. KP was near tears on the floor in the first lab of the year, because she couldn't get her blood pressure cuff to work properly. Betsy noticed this poor girl and went over to help out. They became fast friends after that, forming study groups, talking walks with Coop, and just being a shoulder for one another. They even took their nursing boards together! From their first nursing jobs, to break ups and moves, the two of them have a friendship many people can only hope for. KP is the most enthusiastic, fun loving girl Betsy has ever met. Last August Betsy and Tanner went to Long Island to be a part of KP's special wedding day, and now she gets to be apart of theirs:) Fun Fact: KP knows all the words to every Disney song!
William Woody
Best Man
The oldest of the three brothers, Will works and lives in Des Moines, Iowa. Working at Wells Fargo full time provides Will with the free time to pursue other hobbies and interests, as well as volunteering within the community. Be it exploring a new world in Dungeons and Dragons, unfolding a new players guide to a board game, breaking a sweat swinging a hammer for Habitat for Humanity, running from "Dam to Dam", Will's portfolio of skills are all stamped with success through persistence and determination.
Jeremiah Johnson
Groomsman
The youngest of the three brothers, Jeremiah continues excelling with sports and academics in Newton Senior High School, located in Newton, Iowa. Jeremiah blows past his competition on the racetrack while blowing up the record books. Jeremiah's love of music and Star Wars shows itself in his massive knowledge of the two subjects. His social network continues to grow within clubs like the DeMolay.
Alejandro Samaniego
Groomsman
Alejandro's life in Iowa City has been blessed with a wonderful marriage, a beautiful daughter, and a thriving career path. After receiving his Masters in Mathematics at the University of Iowa, Alejandro now invests his time into bettering those around him by teaching at both The University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College.
Matthew Johnsen
Groomsman
Coming to Iowa City from Salt Lake City, Utah for his B.S. in English from The University of Iowa was just a momentary quench to the wanderlust and natural curiosity that pushes Matt on new adventures. These adventures are the palette to Matt's creative writing. After graduating from the University of Iowa and moving to Austin, IBM now uses Matt's ability to explain the unexplainable as a technical writer.
Daniel Haws
Groomsman
Daniel first met Betsy when she sublet a room upon moving to Iowa City. He and his wife, Amy, were there the day Betsy first met Tanner at the dog park, and throughout the development of their relationship. Amy was the person Betsy would text to let her know where she was going when her and Tanner started spending time together (Incase her date ended up being crazy!). After Daniel and Amy bought their own house, Betsy moved into their house and kept extending her contract in Iowa. What could have been a crazy craigslist roommate situation ended up blossoming into a strong friendship. 💜 Daniel and Amy are a fantastic example of what to strive for in a relationship.
Brent Black
Groomsman
A strong male role model in Tanner's life, Brent's time in the Air Force, working with community economy via Hy-Vee, and developing strong family bonds with his wife Paula and daughter Sophia help show us all a way to a happy, filled life.