Bridget & Andrew
The Wedding Party
Ann Reichel
Maid of Honor
Ann and I started our friendship in middle school, and have been inseparable since! She is the true definition of a best friend for life! Ann is my sister from another mister, my travel-around-the-world partner in crime, the "Frog" in our Frog and Toad Adventures, and will be the one sobbing alongside me all throughout the big day! Fun Fact About Ann: She gives a mean high five. It's kind of our thing.
Katie Johnson
Matron of Honor
Katie is my oldest friend, dating way back to 2nd grade where we met through a lunchbox and instantly became best friends! We have been through thick and thin together, including living together for years, playing volleyball against each other in college, standing by her side as her MOH, and have been known to write poems to each other! Fun Fact About Katie: She can ROCK the dance floor, and has a move that still to this day I cannot do.
Andrea Palma
Bridesmaid
Andrea was one of my very first friends at Gustavus, where we played volleyball, lived together for 2 years, and studied abroad in London & France together! After college we essentially spent every non-working moment together, and she even had an overnight bag constantly packed to stay at my apartment. Watch out, this lady is an an instigator of fun and shenanigans! Fun Fact About Andrea: She used to watch Animal Planet prior to our volleyball matches, a tradition I quickly joined in on.
Allison Woitas
Bridesmaid
Allison, code name Gator, is my soon to be sister-in-law! As soon as I met Allison, it felt like we had known each other for years, and we haven't had a dull moment since! Sometimes I'm convinced we may be the same person! Although she is all smiles and as sweet as they come, don't be fooled, she grew up with 3 brothers and can hold her own! Fun Fact About Allison: She is also engaged and they will be getting married 2 weeks prior to us! We are officially wedding planning companions!
Christine Wicker
Bridesmaid
Wicker and I became great friends our junior year of college when we lived together in The Hotel and quickly bonded over our love for late night mac and cheese. When Wicker is around a good time will follow, whether it's random road trips to Indianapolis, biking around the town (sometimes while it's raining), or hitting up every possible country concert that we can! Fun Fact About Wicker: Hardly anyone calls her Christine - it's either Wicker or my personal favorite, Wick-Daddy!
Britta Bolm
Bridesmaid
Britta was an arch nemesis/high school rival turned into friend! GAC Volleyball brought us together and we still play together in leagues to this day! Britta is one of the most kind-hearted people you will ever meet and may be the only person I know who loves lists more than me! She'll be the one mingling with everyone at the reception...that is of course when she isn't busting a move on the dance floor! Fun Fact About Britta: We created our own "concoction" in college called B's Lemonade with the tagline, "It Tastes So Good It's Dangerous!"
Jenna Reinarts
Bridesmaid
Jenna and I go way back when we used to battle it out in 2nd grade in Around-The-World - thankfully our competitiveness didn't get in the way of our friendship! Not only did we grow up together, but Jenna and I both attended GAC as well! I can always count on Jenna to 'go with the flow' of the weirdness that usually occurs when we hang out, and one of our favorite things to do together is kayak and sing Disney songs at the top of our lungs! Fun Fact About Jenna: Jenna has a steel trap memory, and is someone you want on your team for FRIENDS Trivia.
Natasha Thelemann
Bridesmaid
Tasha and I met back in second grade, but became really good friends in middle school where we played volleyball and basketball together! We spent so many hours playing JO volleyball together that her family called me their "adopted daughter," and it definitely feels like we are sisters! My favorite thing about Tasha, which is evident as soon as you meet her, is her kind, big heart and goofy humor. In fact, one of my favorite phrases (which I will not repeat here) is an original quote from Mrs. Thelemann herself! Fun Fact About Tasha: Tasha gives the world's best hugs. This is not an exaggeration; they are amazing!!
Shelly Burtzel
Personal Attendant
Shelly, or as I like to call her Shell Bell, is married to my brother, Mike and is the mother to two of my favorite humans, Madelyn and Cameron! The first few times I met Shelly are some of our funniest (and craziest) stories together, and we're just thankful she put up with all of us and said "I Do" to Mike! Not only is Shelly an amazing sister, but she's become a great friend over the years as well! One of our newest traditions together is to craft and drink wine! Fun Fact: Shelly is the best chef of the siblings and often Andrew is her Sous-Chef.
Tricia Burtzel
Personal Attendant
Tricia is married to my younger brother, Aaron, and is a proud dog-parent to their adorable Baylor (aka Sir Baylor)! Since the moment Tricia came into our lives, it was evident her and Aaron were meant to be and she just clicked with our family! I love how easy it is to talk to Tricia, especially if the conversation is centered around our mutual love for Joanna & Chip Gaines! She also is one of my biggest competitors in speed solitaire! Fun Fact About Tricia: Do not believe her in the game Mafia. She is the toughest person to read, and has deceived us many times during this game!
Laura Burtzel
Personal Attendant
Laura is married to my oldest brother, Rick, and also is an amazing mother to my other two favorite humans, Melody and Jordan! Laura came into our lives when I was in college, and automatically assumed the role of an older sister and allowed me to crash on her couch 2 times a week while I was interning in the cities. I have learned a lot of important things from Laura over the years, including how to make the most amazing cake pops and the proper way to dance to Lady Gaga's Poker Face. Fun Fact About Laura: She is an extreme chocolate aficionado and always bakes the BEST desserts!!
Alex Woitas
Best Man
Alex is, and always will be, my best bud. He is the smartest one in the family, and yet, we never let him talk. Literally never. If he did we just talked louder so we couldn't hear him. Alex was there at everything while we grew up, from going to our sporting events, to driving Bohnen and Ibby around on a golf cart, to now being teammates on the Sleepy Eye Indians Amateur baseball team. If Alex hits the dance floor, no fence or table is safe! Three things Alex loves: casino runs, public speaking, and sports!
Alan Woitas
Best Man
There is nobody else I would rather have be my best man...especially since whatever he says in his speech can and will be held against him when Kelsey and Alan tie the knot in October! We both out kicked our coverage! Alan has been my longest roommate (approximately 20 years, counting time in the womb), my practice companion through the countless hours in the gym/field throughout high school and college, and now. a beer drinking companion late into evenings when we are together. There may have been a few fights along the way, but once he finally agreed I was the better twin, it has been smooth sailing since. Alan's three loves are: Bruce and Mary's basement, being principal at Cathedral, and gambling!
Jake Bohnen
Groomsman
High School Friend, College Friend, Roomate for a couple years, a best friend since the beginning....we have been through it all! From long drives to and from Sleepy Eye Indian baseball games, to long nights solving the world problems, we even managed to survive a couple Vegas trips! Two things I’ll never forget about Bohnen are hitting the big 3 at Williams arena and slipping around 3rd base (you knew I would sneak that in eventually)! Three things Bohnen loves: sports, craps, and a good bourbon whiskey.
Willy Mangen
Groomsman
Willy is a long time friend from Sleepy Eye, and he is also the cooler, smarter, better looking twin. We think it is because we are older than our less-significant brothers. Willy and I competed in sports together in high school, but the best times were spent just hanging out in the Woitas basement. Willy's three loves include: Gopher sports, cold beer, and ice fishing!
Scott Mangen
Groomsman
Scott Mangen is a legend! Not only is this guy a long time friend from high school, but he also was my college roommate for 3 years at Gustavus! We competed on the grid iron in high school, but have countless memories from high school and college...most of which can not be shared! Scott's three loves include: making loud appearances, athletic training, and golf!
Zac Salfer
Groomsman
Salfer is another all time friend growing up just blocks away from eachother in Sleepy Eye. Most of our summers growing up were spent at Kiefer park playing baseball. We had so much fun we continued playing baseball, as well as other sports, throughout high school and a few summers together with the Tribe! Three things Salfer loves: ice fishing, casinos, and climbing light towers.
Justin Helget
Groomsman
Helget is my very first friend. We instantly bonded over sharing the same birthday (Sept 4th for those who want to send gifts). This guy is the life of the party, and despite going to the cross town rival high school in Sleepy Eye, we remained best friends. From winning Sleepy Eye Blue championships as kids, to partying (I mean studying together) at Green Acres in college, he has always been a big part of everything. Three things Helget loves: hunting, pull-tabs, and scratch offs.
Matt Gangelhoff
Groomsman
Chewie is another best friend from the great town of Sleepy Eye. The long block and a half between our houses didn't stop us from hanging out and becoming great childhood friends. That friendship lasted through out high school and sports. It is hard not to get a good laugh while hanging out with Chewie, he is your typical lefty. He is also the worst fantasy football player I know. Chewie’s three loves: handing out speeding tickets, Hot 100, and sports.
Rick Burtzel
Usher
Ricky, Dicky, Pooze, Brick...Rick has more nicknames than any human I have ever met! He has embraced me as a brother in law from day one. We had an instant bond over baseball and have enjoyed talking sports since. Rick someday will be most famous for inventing the cone of silence! His only downfall is he a Johnnie...please remind him that he can not keep up with us Gusties! Rick's three loves are: sharks, dinosaurs, and baseball - just like all other 5 year-olds!
Michael Burtzel
Usher
I am excited to be gaining Mike as a brother in law! He is the life of the party and constant fun. When we start our podcast, he will be the one arguing with everyone! Mike will be the one smiling with squinty eyes, making friends with everyone, but as soon as California Love comes on, he will be seen head bobbing on the dance floor. Once again, his only downfall is he is a Johnnie...ok, maybe not his only downfall. The three things Mike loves include: a good cry, competing in any game, and bulldogs.
Aaron Burtzel
Usher
Aaron may be the youngest of the 3 brothers, but he is by far the most talented and superior athlete. Aaron is the quiet one of the bunch, mainly because it's tough to get a word in over Mike and Rick. My younger brother, Alex, can probably relate. I am lucky to be gaining Aaron as a brother in law; he is one of the most thoughtful and sincere people I know. Aaron’s three loves include: hoops, zebra cakes, and hiding dishes in his parent's basement.
Chris Ibberson
Usher
Ibby is another great friend from high school! We competed in sports together and formed a dynamic tandem at WR in football. Ibby taught me how to toe tap in the back of the end zone! Lots of good times were had in the Ibberson basement growing up! Ibby;s three loves include: playing guitar, hitting big 3's in the alumni games, and pulling out teeth.
Melody Burtzel
Flower Girl
Miss Melody is Bridget's "Fairy Godchild" as she calls it, and lights up a room with her contagious smile, giggle, and fun personality! She's been begging us to get married so she can dance all night at our wedding!
Madelyn Burtzel
Flower Girl
Miss Madelyn is Bridget's niece, and will steal your heart in an instant with her curious, hilarious, and wild spirit! Madelyn helped Andrew pop the big question by asking me when we were going to get married (at the top of her lungs)! She will be found on the dance floor ALL night, until she falls asleep on it!
Jordan Burtzel
Ring Bearer
Jordan is Bridget's nephew and a veteran Ring Bearer. Jordan is a major goof-ball and talks non-stop! We'll be lucky if we can convince him to walk down the aisle without his Vikings jersey and baseball glove in hand!
Cameron Burtzel
Ring Bearer
Cam the Man is Bridget's nephew, and is the sweetest little boy! He will break your heart with his ear to ear grin and amazing eye brows! This will be his first time as a ring bearer, so we'll be counting on veteran Jordan to help!