Wedding Party
Shawn Carlson
Best Man
Shawn has been lucky enough to be considered the younger brother to the groom for his entire life. He has many great qualities but one of the most important has always been the ability to make the groom look good by consistently being the one getting in trouble and getting caught! While this was one of his best qualities, it was Shawn’s loyalty and genuine love for his brother that built their lifelong brotherhood. When it came down to figuring out who the best man was going to be, even though there are a few lifelong friends in this group, there was no question it would be Shawn. There is no better person to be in that role, as he has always been Matt’s best man. For those that don’t know Shawn, he will be the one setting the over/under line on how long the ceremony will be.
Megan Schulman
Maid of Honor
Megan and Jenna were so much more than sisters, they were best friends. They grew up watching TLC’s BrideDay on Sunday mornings and shared a love for Say Yes to the Dress and Four Weddings (before watching the Giants of course). While watching the infamous wedding shows, they would spend hours talking about (or fighting over) what they envisioned for their own wedding days. Even when Jenna went to college and met her best friends Rachel and Tina, Megan would always tell her that the two would be allowed to plan the bachelorette party but no matter what Megan would always hold the title of Maid of Honor. While Megan will only be there is spirit on Matt and Jenna’s wedding day, she will forever hold the title of Maid of Honor and her love will be felt throughout the day.
Tyler Schulman
Groomsman
Tyler is the younger brother of the bride, and one of the most important people in her life. While its sometimes intimidating to get close to a new family member, Tyler & Matt quick quickly bonded over football (despite being rivals), espresso martinis and their love for Jenna. Possibly one of the few people that can rival Tim’s sports knowledge, Tyler fit it perfectly on the few occasions where all our paths have overlapped. The wedding day not only means the groom gains a wife, it also means he gains another brother!
Ashley Arre
Bridesmaid
Jenna met Ashley about four years ago, right at the start of Jenna and Matt’s relationship. Coincidentally enough, Ashely had just started dating Matt’s brother Shawn, but what was unknown was if Ashley and Jenna had crossed paths in college when they were at Bentley University together. Jenna and Ashley quickly bonded over their love for travel and their boyfriend’s love of golf (having been forced to learn to fit into the Carlson family). Quickly becoming friends has made Carlson family vacations and events that much more special. Jenna has been fortunate enough to have a future sister-in-law who shares so much in common with her, and she can’t wait until they are both officially a part of the Carlson family!
John Egan
Groomsman
The start of this friendship is a tale as old as time. It started silently and awkwardly sitting in the lobby of Cigna awaiting the first day as employees. John actually is the sole reason why the engagement was able to remain a surprise for the bride. Matt had to rush out of the house one day and left the ring’s receipt on a table. As the curious person John is, he took a look and made the correct business decision to take it with him! After 8 years of sharing a cubicle wall, several years living at Woodmere, countless rounds of golf, and one attempt at breaking and entering, these two have been through so much together and will continue to do so.
Christina Sulik
Bridesmaid
Christina, more affectionately known as Tina, met Jenna sophomore year of college after it was discovered Tina’s roommate was Rachel’s high school friend. Needless to say the mutual friends that introduced Rachel, Tina are Jenna are no longer in the picture, but the three girls have remained the best of friends. Tina has been the friend to have Jenna’s back no matter what – no really, don’t mess with her! She is also one of the most considerate and thoughtful people Jenna has ever met. Without Tina, college would not have been the same and Jenna would not be the persons she is today. Tina is one of the most important people in Jenna’s life and it means the world to have her be one half of Jenna’s Dynamic Duo!
Matthew Fox
Groomsman
Let’s get ahead of some claims floating around, Jenna and Brittany “claim” to have a longer friendship than our 26+ year friendship….there is no proof and let’s be honest, no one remembers anything before Kindergarten! Well anyways, this true friendship started in Kindergarten based on one similarity and that is lack of eyesight. It is hard to imagine, from that one moment, a life-long friend would be made. From 13 years of schooling, to video games every summer in the Kuhlberg’s basement, to being a groomsman in his wedding, where he married Kasia. Fox has been there through it all and I know he will continue to be there for all the big occasions. Him and all his 70+ belt buckles!
Kasia Fox
Bridesmaid
Jenna met Kasia through their significant others, as Matt and Matt have been best friends since Kindergarten! Jenna always liked Fox (aka Matt) but when he brought Kasia home and Jenna finally got to meet the infamous girl he had been talking about, it was a game changer! Jenna and Kasia instantly clicked having a shared love for all things Disney, Christmas, and Matts. All of a sudden hanging out with the boys wasn’t always so boring. Kasia has the biggest heart and is one of the sweetest people Jenna has ever met. She can’t wait for Kasia to bring that much love to her and Matt’s special day!
Chris Kuhlberg
Groomsman
This lifelong friendship didn’t start until the 1st grade since Chris decided to go to a different school for Kindergarten. Joining the two Matt’s at St. Gabriel School, he fit in perfectly given his lack of eyesight. Those that needed glasses that early in life need to band together! From there, the rest is history, countless hours of video games, decades of family parties, and almost yearly family/friend vacations. 25+ years of friendship helped create who they both are today and that will continue for the next 25+ years. While Chris will always be one of the smartest people in the room, his choices of sports team to root for is downright terrible.
Brittany Ferrara
Bridesmaid
Jenna and Brittany have been friends for all but two months of Jenna’s life and the entirety of Brittany’s life. Their parents lived down the street from each other, and having two girls born just two months apart meant Jenna would have an instant friend for life. Brittany has seen Jenna through it all - from bathing together as babies, to posting videos on each other’s Facebook walls as teenagers, and now adulting with jobs and responsibilities. Through all phases of life, Brittany and Jenna have remained close friends and Brittany has always been there for Jenna when she needed it the most. It is an honor to have Brittany be a part of our special day, just as she has been a part of so many other memories!
Tim Kuhlberg
Groomsman
While Chris & the groom have known each other since 1st grade, their brothers, Tim and Shawn, have known each other since Kindergarten. Naturally, this meant that Tim has been around almost every Carlson life event. From video games and NERF wars, to family vacations, and across their mutual love of sports, their friendship will always be full of fun and happiness. Sports has always been Tim’s passion, from playing/coaching football to his knowledge of obscure school mascots. Like his brother, he roots for all the wrong sports teams and this has caused countless “conversations” throughout the decades. Easiest way to find Tim on the wedding day is to check the dance floor. He is the one busting a move from the very first to the very last minute of the night.
Rachel Genovese
Bridesmaid
Jenna met Rachel sophomore year of college through a mutual friend, and the two bonded over needing someone to have breakfast with before early morning classes! They quickly became fast friends, so much so that they decided to room together the rest of the time at Bentley! Rachel has always been the person to bring Jenna out of her shell, forcing her outside of her comfort zone. Doing so usually resulted in a few consequences. Even after college, Rachel has remained one of Jenna’s best friends, and always knows exactly what to say or do to cheer Jenna up or calm her down. Rachel is one of the most important people in Jenna’s life and it is an honor to have her be one half of Jenna’s Dynamic Duo!
Brendan Home
Groomsman
Also known as Brandon to some, Brendan was forced upon this friend group by his now wife, Genna. 9 years have passed and now he stands firmly next to the groom on his wedding day. This should be a testament to his sparkling personality that meshed so well with everyone. Matt had the distinct pleasure of being Brendan and Genna’s wedding officiant, an honor that he definitely has abused over the years! Brendan has always been a true friend and someone who will drop everything to be by your side. He can best be recognized by is long flowing head of hair that is the envy of most people.
Lauren Valentine
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Jenna have been friends since elementary school and were practically raised as sisters. So much so they were constantly told how much they looked alike and were often mistaken for each other. The two grew up gossiping about cute boys and singing along to all things Cheetah Girls. Yes, we were convinced we were going to be famous one day, just ask us to sing Aretha Franklin’s Respect! Lauren has seen Jenna through it all – from the awkward stages and first boyfriends, to now being a part of each other’s weddings. It is safe to say that Jenna has come a long way since her days at Laura Donovan Elementary School and she is so excited to have Lauren be a part of this chapter in her life!
Kona Carlson
Flower Girl
Kona is Matt and Jenna’s baby, and is one of the most loving, sweetest, and friendliest dogs you can meet. There were zero doubts that Kona would need to be a part of Matt & Jenna’s special day but lets hope she can contain her excitement as she walks down the aisle!
