Wedding Party
Carlea
Bride
Hi, I'm the bride! Having just one favorite memory with Cole is tough. However, I would say a favorite of mine was the night we first met. I can be fairly quiet when first meeting people but it felt easy to talk with Cole. He was kind, funny, and constantly trying to give me fist bumps throughout the night. After that, I was (and still am) always looking forward to the next time I could see him again. My parents would joke around saying I couldn't go 24hrs without seeing him. Things have always felt natural with Cole, like he's my matching puzzle piece. I'm beyond excited to marry my other half and start this new chapter with the love of my life.
Colston
Groom
Hi, I'm the groom! My favorite memory with Carlea would be the night we first met. When I first walked in and saw her, I had to do a double take. It took awhile for her to warm up to me but after a little bit of talking and a lot of fist bumps, the rest was easy. I'm so excited to marry Carlea and start our next journey together as husband and wife.
Cierra
Co-Maid of Honor
Cierra has known the bride since (her) day one, as Carlea is her older sister. Cierra says her favorite memory with Carlea was from our childhood when we were "hiding underneath a blanket for what felt like forever because there was a wasp in our room. When I got the courage to sprint out of the room to get mom, I left Carlea under the blanket and forgot to tell mom."
Chevy
Co-Best Man
Chevy has been friends with the groom since High School. Chevy says that one of his favorite memories with Cole "has to do with a shamrock shake..." Chevy is most excited to see Cole and Carlea start their future happily married.
Aubrey
Co-Maid of Honor
Aubrey met the bride during their second year at Wartburg College, and were roommates for multiple years. One of Aubrey's favorite memories with Carlea was "when our dorm shower was clogged. Instead of calling maintenance, she got right to work plunging the drain with our toilet plunger. An hour and two plastic bags full of gunk later, it was draining good as new!" Aubrey says she is "so excited to stand beside Carlea on her big day as she marries her other half!"
Weston
Co-Best Man
Weston and the groom have been friends since childhood. Weston's favorite memory with Cole was "throwing the party of the Century the night of Halloween when we were roommates in college." Weston's fun fact is that "Cole and I were born on the same day. I am older." Weston is most excited for the wedding to see Cole and Carlea have a really fun night.
Raeganne
Bridesmaid
Raeganne has known the groom since (her) day one, as Cole is her older brother. Her favorite memory with the bride was our 2024 Neilson reunion trip to New Jersey. Raeganne says she is most excited to see her brother get married to his perfect bride and for Carlea to officially join the family!
Carter
Groomsman
After Raeganne introduced him to the family, Carter has become a great friend and has fit right into the Neilson crew. Carter's favorite memory with the bride and groom was attending a Not Quite Brothers concert with them and Raeganne. Carter is most excited about the wedding to "see the happiness of two great people... and Cole crying."
Brinlee
Bridesmaid
Brinlee has been friends with the Bride since Middle School. Brinlee's favorite memory with Carlea is writing her a note every morning before class during our Junior year of High School. Fun fact: Carlea ended High School with a shoebox full of these notes from Brinlee.
Tate
Groomsman
Tate met the bride and groom through his girlfriend Aubrey at Wartburg College. His favorite memory with Cole and Carlea was the first time we all went to Big Grove (Cole, Carlea, Tate and Aubrey). "We spent 5 hours just drinking, laughing, and getting appetizers (it was a pretty big bill.)" Tate says what he is most excited for at the wedding is the food and getting to hang out with the wedding party!
Baylee
Bridesmaid
Baylee has been friends with the bride since middle school. Baylee's favorite memory with Carlea is getting ready for all of our school dances together. Her favorite memory with the groom is when she first met Cole and he chugged a thing of Fireball. A fun fact about Baylee is she set the bride and groom up together. Baylee is most excited to "support her favorite couple and dance the night away!" Keep an eye out for her line dancing skills out on the dance floor!
Jaxson
Groomsman
Jaxson is a cousin of the groom. He says his favorite memory with Cole is "yelling at each other on video games." Jaxson says his fun fact is that "I'm Cole's favorite cousin." Jaxson is also an active member of our U.S military. Unfortunately, he will be unable to celebrate with us.