Wedding Party
Denise Stalinger
Matron of Honor
Denise and Kendra met during their freshmen year of college in 2018! They lived on the same floor, and they hung out often, doing homework in the lounge at their dorm or exploring their college town. Denise helped Kendra grow in her faith more than she ever knew was possible. Denise invited her to Cru, a college campus ministry, and also invited her to Love Church, the church she attended! If it wasn’t for Denise’s persistence with Kendra and her faith, she might not be the Jesus loving woman she is today! Denise and Kendra have so many memories, from living in a house together with two other roommates for two years of college, to countless Cru nights, church mornings, and hangouts at all times of the day. Denise has really shown Kendra what it looks like to be a woman of God, and Kendra looks up to Denise and takes after her example. God knew Kendra needed Denise in her life, and Kendra is so beyond blessed and grateful to have Denise as her matron of honor!
Ty Smith
Best Man
Jackson met Ty at the end of the summer in 2023, right after Ty and his wife, Lexi, moved to Wisconsin from Illinois. Ty had just stepped into the role of Youth Pastor at Jackson’s church in Oconomowoc, and before long, he reached out to Jackson, looking to grab dinner and hang out outside of church. That first meal at Chick-fil-A turned into countless dinners, phone calls, and long conversations about life and Jesus. From day one, Ty has been nothing but encouraging and supportive of Jackson in his faith journey. As their friendship has grown, Jackson has easily come to see Ty as one of the strongest examples of a godly man in his life. He couldn't be who he is today without Ty's valuable wisdom, perspective, and steady guidance. Ty also knows how to make Jackson laugh, usually with an endless supply of dad jokes. Jackson couldn’t be more grateful to call Ty one of his closest friends. It’s an honor to have him standing by his side as his Best Man.
Emma Jones
Bridesmaid
Emma and Kendra met at the very beginning of their sophomore year in college in 2019! They lived on the same floor and became friends pretty quickly after meeting one another. Faith is extremely important to both of them, and Emma has been an example of a woman of God in Kendra’s life. They spent A LOT of time together! From sleepovers, to Culver’s runs, to church mornings, to coffee dates, to movie nights, homework hangouts, and lots of deep conversations, they were truly inseparable throughout college! Emma was considered a fifth roommate in Kendra’s college house of four. Emma has always been such a loving and prayerful friend for Kendra, and she’s definitely a woman Kendra admires in how she holds herself and pursues the Lord. God developed Emma and Kendra’s friendship, and Kendra is so thankful that Emma is one of her bridesmaids!
Sam Swittel
Groomsman
Jackson met Sam at the beginning of 2024, right after Sam started a young adult group at their church. Joining the group sparked countless conversations about Jesus, faith, and what it really means to live it out. What started at church quickly turned into a genuine friendship, and through time spent together and honest discussions about life, Sam has become one of Jackson's strongest friends in the faith, consistently challenging and encouraging him in his walk with Christ. With a calm presence, a dry sense of humor, and a genuine kindness, Sam makes it easy to have meaningful conversations. His commitment to his faith is steady and authentic, and it never fails to inspire Jackson to pursue Jesus more intentionally himself. Having someone like Sam in his life has been a gift, and having him stand with him on his wedding day feels only fitting.
Sierra Zeller
Bridesmaid
Sierra and Kendra have been friends since elementary school! They technically met in first grade, but really became friends in third grade. They have talked about being in each other’s weddings for years, and that reality is coming true! They’ve watched each other grow up and have gone through the ups and downs of life together. From hanging out almost every day in the summer throughout middle school, to walking the same high school graduation stage, to navigating long distance friendships throughout college and adult life, they’ve stuck together through all of it. Sierra is extremely loyal and she has such a fun energy in her. She’ll be on the dance floor all night! Kendra could not be more thrilled to have Sierra, her longest standing friend, be one of her bridesmaids!
Eugene Glukh
Groomsman
Eugene came rocking into Jackson’s life in the fall of 2018. They met through their fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, at the University of Minnesota, where Jackson had just joined as a sophomore. It didn’t take long for him to recognize Eugene as one of the friendliest and most outgoing seniors in the house. Their friendship quickly grew beyond fraternity life, built on late-night hangouts, jamming to Linkin Park, and Eugene convincing Jackson to finally watch One Piece — a choice he’s never regretted. Generous, welcoming, and full of life, Eugene has always been one of Jackson's favorite people to be around. Whether opening his home whenever Jackson visits Minnesota or planning fun hangouts, he’s been a steady and loyal friend who's always had his back. There’s no doubt he’ll bring his signature fun and enthusiasm to standing by his side on his wedding day.
Natalie Brown
Bridesmaid
Natalie and Kendra met working at Briq’s Soft Serve (if you know you know) while they were in high school! They’ve been through a lot in the past 10 years, from working at an ice cream shop together, to learning personal defense together in one of their high school classes, to planning friend group weekend trips, and navigating a long distance friendship throughout college and into adult life. They have never felt distant from each other and every conversation picks up where the last one left off. Natalie is a joy to be around, and she radiates positivity and kindness. Natalie has been such a loving and supporting friend for Kendra throughout the years, and she is one of the most caring people you’ll ever meet! Kendra is so excited and grateful to have Natalie as one of her bridesmaids!
Aaron Malecek
Groomsman
Aaron was the first of Jackson’s groomsmen he met during his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota through Alpha Sig. It was during his junior year, when they worked hard to keep the fraternity going through COVID, that their friendship really began to grow. By senior year, that friendship carried beyond Greek life and into regular gaming nights, grinding through Halo and Call of Duty: Zombies together. Aaron has always set an example in the way he leads and carries himself, and over the years he’s become someone Jackson deeply respects as a man. What means the most is the effort Aaron has continued to put into staying connected, even after Jackson moved back to Wisconsin. He and his girlfriend, Kristina, have remained a meaningful and constant part of his life, and he couldn’t ask for a better stand-up guy to stand beside him on his wedding day.