Brittany & Erik
Wedding Party
Oscar Weglund
Best Man
Oscar and the groom met 12 years ago when they started working for the same company. Ironically, neither of them ever left. Oscar was never much of a salesman, so he became the group CMO, and the groom (with a significantly stronger business sense) took on North America. Through work, the two developed a strong friendship. During the early years they spent months together traveling across Scandinavia. When two people spend that much time together, it can only end in one of two ways, 1) you start hating each other, or 2) you become really good friends. Thankfully, the latter was the case. Over the past decade, Oscar and groom have created many memories together and they have supported each other throughout their careers as well as through life. Even through there is an ocean in between the two, their friendship is as strong as ever and the groom is proud to call Oscar his Best Man! P.S. the photo was taken in the right moment, with perfect lighting…Oscar doesn’t look like that in real life!
Brooke Bales
Matron of Honor
Brooke, the bride’s sister and Matron of Honor, has always been a shining light in the bride’s life. Growing up, Brooke was the more responsible one, but in the best of ways. She has been a grounding presence, always supporting the bride throughout life. Last year, Brooke tied the knot with her high school sweetheart in a beautiful ceremony in Greece, and the bride and groom couldn't be happier for her. As a high school teacher, she pours her heart and soul into supporting and inspiring her students, both inside and outside of the classroom. With her kind heart and child-like spirit, it’s likely that Brooke will have a basketball team of kids one day, filling their lives with love and joy. And let's not forget about her two precious little dogs, Bear and Sadie, who bring even more happiness into her life. P.S. Not only does Brooke have a heart of gold, but she also has an eye for a great photo-op. This is a quality she shares with the groom.
Oskar Ysander
Groomsman
Oskar and the groom found each other on the handball* court more than 17 years ago. The two would play side by side for many years to come, and they became known (and feared) as the two toughest defensemen in the country. Side by side, like brothers, they have stuck together through life and have always supported each other. However, still to this day, they are still arguing about who was the better handball player. P.S. Oskar will also be taking the role of Master of Ceremony and will be guiding you all through the festivities in true Swedish fashion. There is no one better suited for this role than the groom’s dear friend, Mr. Ysander. *Handball is an Olympic sport, not a prison game.
Molly Ducker
Bridesmaid
Molly Ducker, the bride’s ride or die since they were just 18 and navigating college life as out-of-state students in Hardin House at UT. The two spent countless nights exploring 6th street and coming home to Molly's famous pizza order (Large pizza, no cheese, no sauce, just crust, 5 pepperonis). It's no secret that Molly is the main reason the bride took the leap and moved to Chicago, and the bride is forever grateful for her encouragement and support. With her perfectionist nature in all things, including her intelligence, fitness, and impeccable taste in music, Molly is truly one of a kind. P.S. If the DJ doesn't live up to her standards on the big day, don't worry, she'll be the first to grab the aux cord and save the party.
Oscar Zanden
Groomsman
Yet another Oscar? Yes, this version of Oscar and the groom have been good friends since their early childhood days. While the groom was an early bloomer, Oscar Z was somewhat of a late bloomer, so the groom had to take Oscar under his wing throughout middle school. Since then, Oscar has grown up and became successful in life. He is now the proud owner of his own grocery store, drives two Tesla’s’, bought a house, got married, and has created two beautiful children together with his wife, Erica. I think we can say that the groom’s mentorship during the early days has been no short of a success. P.S. Oscar Z still doesn’t carry his liquor very well.
Jessica Murrell
Bridesmaid
Jessica has been a constant presence in the bride and groom’s lives since showing up on their fourth date…and she never left. Jessica has a way of convincing people of things, and she did just that with Erik when she convinced him that Brittany was already his girlfriend after 6 months of dating, even though he wasn't quite ready to admit that to himself. Jessica is feisty, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal, and will be well known as “the cool Aunt Jessy” to the bride and groom’s future kids (and will also likely be the one to give them their first beer). PS. The only thing that outnumbers the amount of marathons she’s run is the amount of Michelin star restaurants she’s dined at.
Isak Öjelid
Groomsman
Isak and the groom have known each other for nearly their whole lives. They met early on in pre-school and have stuck together since. During their early years (age 7-10), more often than not the two skipped school to watch crime movies (like Beck) and eat cheese doodles together. The years went by and Isak grew up to become a successful insurance broker. You will often see Isak on the golf course mid-week, taking out “clients” to play 18. The groom has been one of those “potential clients” many times and often shows up on Isak’s expense reports. A few more rounds and Isak will earn the business! Apart from that, Isak now lives a quiet life in the suburbs of Gothenburg together with his two children and Sambo, Kajsa. P.S Every now and then, the suburban dad will retreat and the snarky old devil we once knew will emerge. If you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll get a glimpse over the wedding weekend.
Anna Doudnikova Green
Bridesmaid
Anna is a great friend that the bride was lucky enough to meet in college, and she is grateful for every day since. A proud Russian, Anna brought so much to the friend group, including the famous "Momo-driver" (a mimosa with a vodka floater). Her loyalty is unwavering, and the bride knows that she always has her back. What sets Anna apart is her genuine care for others. When she asks "how are you?" she truly means it and won't settle for a superficial answer. It's a rare quality in today's world, and the bride is honored to have her in her life. PS. Anna has the flattest head in North America. She can balance anything on her head, from cocktails to a full pineapple. The bride can't wait to see what she'll balance on her head at the wedding!
Paul Kurtyka
Groomsman
The groom and Paul (or Pawel) met in Chicago back in 2018. He is married to Kendall (one of the bridesmaids). The couple has become close friends with the bride and the groom, and they spend a lot of time together doing what couples in their early 30th do - dinner parties, bar hopping, traveling, and more. Paul is an F1-crazed Polish-American architect residing in Chicago. You will often see Paul driving well above the speed limit on I-90 West towards the northern suburbs, where he designs houses for rich people. While not driving, he spends most of his time cleaning his Audi, ensuring shine and glow. (that’s the Polish in him). The groom and Paul are a perfect example that you don’t need to grow up together to build a strong friendship filled with trust and love for one another. P.S. don’t be surprised if Paul and the groom end up living in the same suburb of Chicago, on the same street, with two identical houses, both designed by Paul.
Kendall Summers Kurtyka
Bridesmaid
Kendall entered the bride's life during the legendary Hot Girl Summer of 2016 and has been a ray of sunshine ever since. With a love for Queen, a talent for noodley mom-dancing, and an adorable Westie named Otto, Kendall always knows how to bring the fun. Born and raised in Minnesota, she feels right at home amongst the Swedes, but her true home is by the side of her husband, Paul, one of the groom's groomsmen. The bride and groom were lucky enough to be in Kendall's own wedding party and now they are honored to have her stand by their side on their big day. PS. Kendall holds the title of having the longest tongue in North America, a fact that adds to her already impressive list of unique talents.
Jesper Theorin
Groomsman
Jesper (aka, Jerry, JT, Jay, Jay-la & Easter) and the groom have been close friends for many years. Jesper has two sides: 1) The loving father of 3, living a somewhat quite life in the suburbs of Gothenburg. 2) The character and animal. No written description will do justice to this side of him. However, rest assured, you will all get a taste over the weekend…whether you ask for it or not. P.S. Don’t ask Jesper to tell you a joke unless you’re prepared for some real dark stuff.
Tamara Shifrin
Bridesmaid
Tamara (aka Tam Tam) and the bride may have attended the same college, but it wasn't until a post-graduate Europe trip that their paths finally crossed. The stars truly aligned in the Summer of 2015 as they traveled through 10 countries in just 29 days. Although it may sound like a glamourous trip, it was far from it as they took every mode of transportation except for a plane, including buses, trains, ferries, and even Greek donkeys. Tamara is a special needs teacher, and her kindness and selflessness knows no bounds. She truly lives to help others, and it shows in everything she does. PS. If you're looking for her at the wedding, just look for the biggest smile in the room - that's Tamara shining bright.
Victor Axmalm
Groomsman
Victor has called himself many things over the years: “Heavy international Businessman”, DJ, music producer, real estate giant, sales guru, hustler, and many more… What Victor will become when he grows up is yet to be determined. Victor and the groom have known each other since their late teenage years, when they bonded over a common love for bouncing around the bars in Gothenburg where they both pretended to be far more successful than they actually were. Over the years, Victor has spent most his time between Oslo, Dubai, London and now most recently Amsterdam. No one really knows what’s next for this man, not even himself. The groom’s job is to keep him honest and bring him back to earth once his dreams get too big for his own good. Regardless of the many oceans that keep the two apart, the two will always remain friends and keep a close eye on each other. P.S. Victor is the only white man on record known to have accidentally walked through the favelas of Sao Paolo, Brazil, and lived to tell the tale.
Bethania Köpke
Bridesmaid
The bride is not only gaining a husband on her big day, but she's also gaining a sister in Bethania. Living in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Bethania embodies the essence of cool, artistic, free-spirited, and full of joy. The two first met on New Year's Eve of 2018 and hit it off instantly, spending hours on the dancefloor together. With Bethania by her side, the bride knows the big day will be filled with love, laughter, and endless dancing. PS. Bethania is the epitome of "worldly" and speaks Portuguese, Spanish, German, and English fluently, putting all of us Americans to shame.
Dr. Ben Romer
Officiant
The Bride and the Groom became good friends with Ben when they met in Chicago back in 2018. Since then, Dr. Ben has enriched their lives with love and laughter. When thinking of who should officiate their wedding, the answer was clear. Who better suited than Dr. Love himself? Ben is all about the heart! As a cardiologist, he heals them. As a professor, he teaches about them. And as a hopeless romantic, he celebrates them. The Bride and the Groom are honored to have their dear friend lead them through the ceremony and make their marriage official. You know what they say, keep your friends close, but keep your doctor closer.