Wedding Party
Christopher Conley
Co-Best Man
John's younger brother and Co-Best Man is seven years his junior but just as tall (no need to verify). A voracious reader like his brother, Chris is also a talented writer and author-to-be who will doubtless fund his elder sibling's retirement with an award-winning series of gripping fantasy novels (no pressure). The best younger brother you could ask for, and finally old enough to share a toast with us.
Brittany Jackson
Maid of Honor
Brittany and Jennifer first met when they were next door neighbors in their Freshman dorm at Marquette and haven't spent too much time apart since then! These three-time roommates would be hard-pressed to recall a day they didn't at least text each other, and they spend just as much of their time together watching rom-coms as they do discussing topics both light and heavy. There's a fair amount of dancing and partying in there, too. Already blessed with two incredible sisters, Jenn found yet another in Brittany.
Alexander Shaw
Officiant and Co-Best Man
John's best friend from high school isn't actually his brother but might as well be. Countless adventures together, some of which didn't even involve drinking or sharp objects! From cross-country meets to running from alligators to bar crawls in multiple cities, Alex is always down for a good time. Apart from being well-learned in matters both abstract and practical Alex is also registered to officiate in two states. Ask him what he does for a living (but don't ask for pictures).
Jessica Carson
Bridesmaid
When she was two years old, Jessica thought she was set up for the cushy, charmed life of an only child - and then her first sister Jennifer came along. But it turns out having sisters is its own blessing, as these two can attest. Jessica was Jennifer's first role model, and soon they were old enough to learn from each other in equal measure. Jessica's patient composure, helpful attitude, strong will, and effortless compassion were what made her such a good older sister, and those same qualities make her a great mother. Out of all the gifts Jessica has ever given her younger sister, the experience of being an aunt is what Jennifer treasures most.
Wilson Haile
Groomsman
John's cousin Wilson Haile hails from Pickens County, South Carolina, and has known John since before either of them could pick up an airsoft gun to shoot each other with. Wilson and John love a good 80's action movie almost as much as they love a cold beer on the beach. No one in the wedding party has known John as long as Wilson has. Yes, there are baby bath pictures featuring both cousins. No, you can't see them.
Jamie Bernat
Bridesmaid
The qualities common to Jennifer and Jessica are, unsurprisingly, also to be found in the youngest of the trio of sisters. Jaime is only 14 months Jenn's junior, and although they went to different universities 1000 miles apart, they stayed close and grew closer. Jamie loves good food, good music, good art, and bad boys (well, one bad boy from Slovenia). Like Jessica, she has always been there for Jenn, and like any good sister no amount of bickering over where to get a bite to eat after a night out dancing will change the fact that she always will be.
Steven Thompson
Groomsman
John and Steve lived together for two years at Marquette and "tore it up," as the kids say. To say that Steve is a stand-up guy is an understatement - this tall drink of water from upstate Texas is as wholesome as he is animated during a Packers playoff game (which is "very" on both counts). A lifetime friend who combines the smarts of a biomedical engineer with a farmboy's heart of gold - what's not to love?
Emileigh Potter
Bridesmaid
Jenn's best friend from High School and sister from another mister! Jenn & Em were never too far apart throughout their time at Winston Churchill High School; whether it be laughing through lunch together, working side-by-side on an art project, or having an after-school snack session. While they travelled far apart for college (and beyond), the second they are back together, its like the years and distance were never there. Jenn always knew Emileigh would be by her side when she walked down the aisle, and beyond thrilled that day is finally here!
Andrew Lehtinen
Groomsman
One of John's best buds from Marquette, Andy shares John's love of music and film (but is far more knowledgeable about both). Equally at home at a good party and a chill day in the park, Andy is one smooth operator. Multi-instrumentalist AND self-taught portrait artist? Hell yeah, brother.
Gabi Kane
Bridesmaid
Gabi was Jenn's first new friend after moving to Austin, when they both lived in a dorm-like communal living space (they've both moved on to bigger and better things). They quickly realized they had more than a few things in common and their friendship almost seemed fated. Gabi's fiery, fun-loving personality is matched by her enthusiasm for culture, art, and history. Always quick with a compliment and a come-back, Gabi's a girl you want by your side.
Cooper
Ring Bearer
The first true love of Jenn's life (sorry John), a wedding without Cooper would hardly be worth having. Jenn adopted Cooper back in the summer of 2014 in Milwaukee and her life was forever changed. The second she saw him, she knew he was The One. In fact, just about everyone who meets Coops immediately falls in love with his sweet yet stoic personality. While John and Jenn weren't yet dating, John was one of the first people to meet Cooper upon adoption. And over time, John became just as important to Cooper as his momma. Our sweet boy Cooper loves a long walk, sleeping in, cuddles, and cheese (like a true Wisconsinite). Needless to say, he John and Jenn were made for each other. Nicknames: Coop, Bubs, Flower Boy, Best Boy, Coop-dog, Doops, Mister Man