Sara & Brent
Wedding Party
Amanda Roder
Maid of Honor
Sara's partner in crime since 1996. Amanda is her favorite sister (well...her only sister) and built in best friend. Sara has been so incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful woman to look up to her whole life. Amanda resides in Sioux Falls and is a middle school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys sweating at Barre3 classes, empowering women through her Mary Kay business, meeting up with friends, shopping at the local boutiques, and frequenting Josiah's for coffee/brunch. Sara is extremely thankful to have the best sister in the whole world! Thank you Amanda for all of the love and support along the way. The happy couple couldn't be more exited to have you join them for their big day! Brent and Sara couldn't imagine their day without you!
Matt Gorter
Best Man
Matt is a brother, a role model, but most importantly a best friend. Dashingly handsome- some may say even more handsome than his younger brother. Brent fondly remembers long car rides to school with the old school hip-hop music blasting through the speakers. Brent looks up...well actually, looks down to Matt (due to the height difference). When Matt and Brent get together they are like "two peas in a pod". Matt is an amazing dad to two beautiful girls, Aryanna and Aaliyah, and a loving husband to Shelly Gorter. In his free time, Matt enjoys playing league softball, watching the Vikings lose, making dad jokes, jamming out in the "Cheetah" (his spotted minivan), and watching his girls grow up (too fast). Brent and Sara are so happy to have you stand by them as they finally say "I Do".
Jessica Kurle
Bridesmaid
A mom of two beautiful children, a wonderful wife, a woman of God, and an amazing older sister. Jessica is Brent's oldest sibling! Even though they are 13 years apart, Brent is able to learn from Jessica's wealth of life experience and knowledge. She resides in Harrisburg with her husband, John, and her two children, Nora and Miles. Sara is so excited to have another sister to join her tribe and officially take on the title as "Auntie Sara". In Jessica's free time, she enjoys spending quality time with family, meeting for group bible studies, cheering on the Vikings, and hitting up a local Starbucks for some much needed go-go juice (to keep up with her children)! Brent and Sara cannot thank you enough for standing by their sides!
John Kurle
Groomsman
A brother since 2014, John brings an added dynamic to the family. John and Brent share a love of golf and football. John is the husband of Jessica Kurle and the father to Nora and Miles. When football season is in full swing, expect to see Brent and John discussing the games together. They also happen to argue numbers and make "deals" over buying and selling items. Jess and John moved from Rapid City to Sioux Falls in 2018 and just purchased their first home in Harrisburg in 2019. Since then, Brent has crashed at their house during Sunday football games. John is an amazing role model and friend that Brent is able to look up to. Speaking of amazing, John also makes the BEST chicken noodle soup. Quite a cook! Brent and Sara are ecstatic to have John by their side when they get married.
Shelly Gorter
Bridesmaid
Shelly is a mother of two, a patient/loving wife, a fun-loving sister, and a beautiful person inside and out. She and her husband, Matt Gorter, reside in Sioux Falls with their two amazing daughters, Aryanna and Aaliyah. Shelly has had the pleasure of heckling Brent for many years (deservedly so)! When Shelly isn't busy chasing around the girls and Matt, she enjoys the occasional glass of wine/sangria, laughing at Matt's lame dad jokes, making sure her house is spotless, and spending time with family and friends. Shelly is a great listener and a relaxed person who is able to enjoy life and go with the flow. Brent and Sara are so glad to have Shelly stand by their side as they say "I Do". Official "Auntie Sara" status is on the way!
Peter Bakk
Groomsman
Peter is a long-time college friend of both Brent and Sara. "Petey" was a housemate to both Alex (Bridesmaid) and Brent during one of their years in college together. Brent remembers many late nights consisting of Madden bets (there was a spreadsheet), prison break, and movies. Fun fact, Brent and Petey were parents to a turtle for a total of 1 day until their RA found it and forced them to return it. Petey now resides in Minneapolis where he works for a non-profit organization and lives with his beautiful wife, Katie. In his free time, he enjoys cheering on all things Minnesota, playing fantasy football, spending time with his family, and being a strong man rooted in faith. Brent and Sara are so glad to have him be a part of their day!
Alex Cassady
Bridesmaid
Alex is one of the original best friends of Sara from Augustana. Freshman year, they lived kiddy corner to each other, worked at the same place together, and stayed up late way to many nights. Over the years, Alex has been a best friend of both Sara and Brent. Sophomore year, Alex bravely lived with Brent and two other boys in a house together. Many pizza boxes, mac n' cheese, skittles, and memories later, they still remain the best of friends. Alex resides in New York as a Sign Language Interpreter. In her free time...who are we kidding?! Alex doesn't have any free time! She likes to stay busy, involved, and gives her all 110% of the time! Alex is a fun-loving, bubbly, beautiful friend. Brent and Sara are so glad to have her be a part of their day!
Braeden Myers
Groomsman
Braedan aka Brae was Brent's first friend at Augie. They met during the Elmen Center training week, and never looked back. Halfway through the year, they then decided to be roommates (319!!). This idea, however, turned out to be a partially horrible decision. Many classes were skipped because of "incliment weather" or "sickness" when in reality they were holed up in the dorm playing NCAA Football 12 all day long. Braeden and Brent did build some great squads though. Even though they skipped many classes freshman year, somehow they both managed to graduate. Braedan decided to take his talents down to Phoenix, AZ to teach. He resides with Nickey, and they have an apartment together. Brent and Sara basically owe their whole relationship to Braeden and are so glad to have him by their side.
Madison Glidden
Bridesmaid
Madison is long time high school friend of Sara's. Throughout choir, cheerleading, and lifeguarding they managed to become close friends! Even when Madison went to college in eastern Iowa and Sara headed up to Sioux Falls, they managed to stay in touch over breaks to catch up over coffee or dinner! Madison is now residing in Colorado as an Occupational Therapist. In her free time, Madison enjoys boating on the lake, catching some rays, spending time with her family, DIY crafting, running/preparing for 5k and half-marathon races, and traveling/exploring new places. Thank you for continuing to be friends with Sara during her awkward years and until now! She could not imagine her day without you!
Michael Grady
Groomsman
Michael Grady is married to Kim Grady, Brent's cousin. He has been "apart of the family" since 2013, and fit right in right at the beginning. It takes a strong person to survive the uncles at Christmas and he did just that. Brent and Michael have a true bro-mance and often create chaos at family gatherings. Getting to know Michael over the years has been a true joy and has made Brent a better person. Michael and Kim currently reside in Denver and welcomed their first child in June. When Michael isn't spending time with his beautiful family, he is out conquering a hike. Sara and Brent are so glad to have you join us on our wedding day. Also, they always welcome cute baby cuddles (good thing Michael and Kim's baby boy is ADORABLE).
Emily Radde
Bridesmaid
Emily is a college friend of Sara's. Their friendship started when they were on the same team at work. If memory serves right, Emily and Sara had a great conversation over coffee one day, and the rest was history. They endured a research methods course together over many coffee/study dates and Nancy yoga sessions. Emily and Sara have shared many laughs, smiles, and wonderful conversations together. Emily now resides around the Minneapolis area. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and his dogs, spending days on the lake, relaxing with yoga, watching an occasional Netflix series, and being the amazing person that she is! Brent and Sara are so happy to have her join them for their big day! Maybe the coffee dates can turn into a weekly thing in the near future!
Shane Tinklenberg
Groomsman
Shane and Brent had a love/hate relationship throughout growing up. From wrestling until someone was mad/crying, playing football in grandpa and grandma's basement, and playing video games they did it all. Shane and Brent seem to fight like brothers, but are close cousins. Somehow they managed to grow up and love each other through it all. Shane is entering his final year at Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA with an engineering degree and has been working on his internship with Raven, doing what he loves. Shane is a true fan of golden retrievers (Sara shares the same love and they often bond at family gatherings over this). Brent and Sara are so happy to have Shane join them as they get married.
Emily Tinklenberg
Bridal Attendant
Emily is a cousin (and a built in best friend from birth) of Brent's. They grew up together and actually were in the same grade at school! Emily reminisces on the days that Brent tried to make up all of the rules during a game. (Bossy Brent!) He did have to keep up with the 3 girl cousins around his age. Since he got roped into playing Barbie's a lot, Brent was gifted his very own "Ken" doll. Emily lives in Sioux Falls and is a kindergarten teacher at Sioux Falls Christian. She is a very talented individual! In fact, many of the signs you see on the wedding day, she created! Brent and Sara are so glad to have you as a part of their big day!
Taylor Gibson
Bridal Attendant
Taylor is one of the first people Sara met at Augustana! They were on the same team together freshman year at their job! In fact, during their senior year they were roomies! Taylor now resides in Sioux Falls and works for Make-A-Wish. You know the people who grant wishes for kids battling illness? Yep! She's one of those awesome people who make that happen! Taylor has been a service driven person. She strives to do good in every aspect of her life! Taylor is a happy plant mom and loves to find ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle! Saving the planet- one step at a time. Brent and Sara are so glad to have you as a part of their day!
Rochelle Ramharter
Bridal Attendant
Rochelle is a wonderful friend of Sara's. Rochelle attended Augustana University for Education and Special Education. In fact, they were in some Special Education classes together and knew each other mutually. It wasn't until Rochelle did her student teaching placement in Kansas City that they reached out and became good friends! Sara was so thankful to have such a beautiful human to have in KC. They were able to explore, go to church, and enjoy wholesome conversations together. Rochelle is embarking on her second year of teaching in Omaha! Brent and Sara are so glad to have you as a part of their big day!
Aryanna Gorter
Junior Bridesmaid
Aryanna is Brent (and soon-to-be Sara's) OG niece. Aryanna is a smart, kind, loving older sister to Aaliyah. She is the daughter of Matt and Shelly Gorter. Embarking on her 4th grade of school, she continues to excel in her academics. In her free time, Aryanna enjoys spending time at Nana and Papa's house, helping her mom bake, being a good role model for her younger sister, reading a lot of books, and singing/dancing to songs. Aryanna has been looking forward to this day for a long time! In fact, when Brent and Sara got engaged, she wanted the wedding to be the next week! It is finally here, Aryanna! And Brent and Sara are so glad to have her be a junior bridesmaid! They love Ms. Aryanna Marie to pieces!
Aaliyah Gorter
Flower Girl
Aaliyah is the niece of Brent (and soon-to-be Sara). She is also the youngest daughter of Matt and Shelly Gorter. Aaliyah is a dainty little ball of sunshine and energy! In Aaliyah's free time, she enjoys watching/singing along to Lion King, playing outside all day, completing puzzles, and snuggling up when she's tired. Brent and Sara are so happy to have her be one of their flower girls.
Nora Kurle
Flower Girl
Nora is another beautiful niece of Brent (and soon-to-be Sara's). She is the daughter of Jess and John Kurle. Nora is a sweet little girl who enjoys to occasionally tease her younger brother (Miles). In her free time, Nora enjoys watching cartoons, playing dress up, dancing and singing, and eating the occasional Oreo (or two). Brent and Sara are so glad to have Nora be one of their beautiful flower girls.
Miles Kurle
Ring Bearer
Miles is the cutest, sassiest, and coolest nephew of Brent (and soon-to-be Sara). He may be the only nephew in the crowd of girls, but he holds his own! Miles is the son of Jessica and John Kurle. When he isn't busy sporting a funny/cute t-shirt, he is being a complete little ladies' man. In his free time, he enjoys playing ball, cheering on the Vikings with his jersey, and being a food connoisseur. Miles is a little mini-me of Brent and is proud of it! Uncle Brentski and Sara are so lucky to have such a dashing young man to guard their rings.
Berkley Jones
Flower Girl
Berkley is the adorable goddaughter of Sara. She is the daughter of Pat and Angela Jones (a long time family friend of the Roder's). Angela somehow managed to babysit for Amanda and Sara growing up. When they both went to college, they were able to babysit Angela and Pat's four beautiful children. Berkley is the youngest of four and has the nickname of "Birdie". She surely holds her own. In fact, she cannot take a nap if it is quiet. In Berkley's free time, she enjoys scooting around in her stroller, taking Lincoln (the dog) for a walk, going to a park, enjoying all kinds of foods, and taking naps. Sara and Brent are so happy to have her as one of their flower girls!