Wedding Party
Chloe Derks
Maid of Honor
Chloe is my best friend, my chosen sister, and the person who’s seen all my bad decisions and still shows up for me. We met in middle school, back when Chloe always looked effortlessly stylish—and I was rocking athletic shorts and a headband like it was a fashion statement. She was giving cool and collected, and I was giving “just came from P.E.” energy every day. She’s now a nurse, which is perfect because she’s been keeping me alive through chaos for years. She’s smart, stylish, slightly scary when provoked, and the only person I trust to tell me if my dress is crooked or if I picked the wrong shoes.
Carter Beer
Best Man
Carter is my younger, yet somehow larger, brother. He’s the family’s unofficial bouncer and therapist rolled into one. Built like a linebacker, but with the temperament of a guy who’s just happy to be here, Carter’s the mellow middleman who can talk down a heated debate with nothing but a head nod and a “you good, bro?” He’s the peacekeeper at family functions, the go-with-the-flow guy who never picks a side. The world could be burning and Carter would still be chilling, probably holding a beer and saying, “Well, that’s wild.”
Alia Hiner
Bridesmaid
Alia was my college partner-in-crime — stuck to me like glue through every caffeine-fueled meltdown and midnight snack run. She’s secretly a genius but prefers to play it cool and let everyone underestimate her. A true girls’ girl who will hype you up but is also ready to throw hands if your boyfriend so much as looks at you funny. Basically, the perfect mix of brains, sass, and protective instincts.
Brady Wiggs
Groomsman
Meet Brady, my long-suffering friend from high school. He's a man who runs on sunshine and sarcasm, always armed with a quick wit and a joke for every occasion. Brady's famously "down for anything"... as long as his wonderful wife, Nicole, gives the official green light.
Jordyn Clairmont
Bridesmaid
Jordyn was my college roommate and part-time life coach—mainly because she could cook and I... could not. She’s the queen of going with the flow, the master of turning chaos into comedy, and the reason half of our college stories are still classified. Now she’s a nurse and a new mom, juggling real life like a pro—still with better snacks and better instincts than the rest of us combined.
Anthony Panella
Groomsman
Next up is Anthony, another high school veteran. He might be the quietest person in the room, but don't let that fool you—he's always got a smart remark ready to go. Anthony is famously "down for anything," as long as it doesn't involve extended conversation. We're pretty sure he communicates primarily through knowing glances and perfectly timed witty one-liners.
Claire Stevenson
Bridesmaid
Claire and I also met in middle school, and from the very beginning, she was the loud, fearless, slightly chaotic friend I didn’t know I needed. She has never met a stranger, a filter, or a volume below “maximum.” Somehow, I managed to become her parents' favorite child—which she reminds me of regularly—but miraculously still loves me anyway. We’ve been through just about everything together: awkward phases, heartbreaks, bad decisions, and great stories. She’s bold, hilarious, and the kind of friend who will always have your back, even if it takes 3-5 business days to get a response.
Chase Brown
Groomsman
Chase, as a lawyer, is surprisingly adept at managing my anger and is always the voice of reason when I'm about to do something questionable. Chase is one of my closest friends, tirelessly keeping in touch and always ready to team up with my fiancé to relentlessly make fun of me. We're just glad he put aside his Democratic leanings to be a groomsman.
Soda Rice
Bridesmaid
Soda is the friend who’s basically a walking party alert. We were college roommates, and from day one, she’s been the life of every room. Tall, blonde, blue-eyed, and way too funny for her own good, she’s always there to crack a joke (or five) and keep things hilarious. Now she’s a nurse in Arizona, still bringing that wild energy—and probably causing just as much trouble from afar.
Sean Balbach
Groomsman
This guy has seen me at my absolute lowest and somehow still sticks around. He's also the most stubborn of the group, loves a challenge, and let's just say he's certainly won his share of "disagreements" with me over the years. When it comes to having someone steadfastly in your corner, Sean's your guy.
Makyah Albrecht
Bridesmaid
Makyah is my younger cousin and one of the sweetest humans you’ll ever meet. She’s a little shy at first, but once she’s comfortable, she’s hilarious and brutally honest in the best way. She’s had a front-row seat to all the wild twists of our family drama, and somehow still chooses to hang out with us. Just don’t mistake her kindness for weakness — she’ll call you out faster than she spikes a volleyball.
Maxton Beer
Groomsman
Max is my younger and perpetually annoying brother. He's the surprise baby who somehow managed to weasel his way into becoming Mom's undeniable favorite. Despite his many endearing (and infuriating) qualities, Max is always ready to cook a family dinner, and honestly, he keeps life interesting in ways no one else can.
Katelyn Panella
Bridesmaid
Katelyn is my newest friend, but somehow makes it feel like we’ve known each other forever. She’s the absolute best mom to her two beautiful daughters and somehow keeps it all together without losing her mind—or at least hides it really well. She’s got a wild side that pops up when you least expect it, but underneath all that, she’s one of the most caring people you’ll ever meet. Always down to hang out and somehow gives the best advice. Basically, she’s the mom friend everyone wishes they had.
Shondel Connerton
Groomsman
Shon is my fiancée's brother. He's so mellow, we're pretty sure he communicates telepathically with golf clubs. Always ready for a round or to support his sister in absolutely anything, Shon is a true family guy who consistently delivers the laughs, usually with a perfectly timed dry wit.
Avery Beer
Bridesmaid
Avery is little miss know-it-all — funny, witty, and always ready with a comeback that leaves you wondering if she secretly runs the place. She’s the best older sister anyone could ask for (even if she acts like she’s been CEO of the family since day one). Soon, I get the honor of being her stepmom—which means I’m officially signing up for endless sass, smart remarks, and a lifetime of hilarious chaos.
Tyler Johnson
Groomsman
Tyler has known my fiancée and me for what feels like forever, and bless his heart, he's always ready to support us... usually right after he's rallied the group for some questionable decisions. Tyler is the wildest of the bunch, but beneath that chaos lies a genuinely supportive heart. You can always count on him for a good time and unwavering encouragement (sometimes simultaneously).
Bruelyn Washburn
Bridesmaid
Bru is the little sister who totally snatched the “baby of the family” crown—and, yep, she even stole favorite-child status from me (rude, but fair). She’s got enough sass and attitude to fill a stadium, and somehow still finds time to bust out dance moves like she’s headlining a show—whether anyone asked or not. But beneath all that sparkle and drama, she’s the sweetest little tornado you’ll ever meet… and my built-in best friend for life (whether I like it or not).
Mark Herrara
Usher
Shadren Connerton
Usher
Sawyer Connerton
Usher