Jennica & Connor
Wedding Party
Kristen Shookman
Mermaid of Honor
From Lip-Smackers chapstick to braces, swoop bangs, tanning beds and school dances, Kristen has been by my side for all my major life events, including both of our first half marathons. Kristen knew me when I was a Tom-Boy, and had no desire to even look at boys unless it was beating them in sport during recess. Luckily for Connor, Kristen was there to show me just what make-up can do! She was there when Connor and I met, and she helped Connor set up our engagement. Kristen lives in Chicago, but we talk on the phone for easily an hour once a week. She constantly keeps me in the loop with what's new on social media and is always willing to give me advice, even though I may not always take it :) I am honored to have her stand next to me on our special day and share this next big life event.
Colton Underwood
Best Merman
Colton is the brother that every sibling wants. He's supportive, competitive, and always willing to go along with a good joke. Colt was always there when I needed him growing up, whether it was a ride to or from practice, money or someone to share a good laugh with, I could always count on him. Although, I beat him at almost everything, he was a good sport and constantly came back for more-even to this day. Going to rival schools was hard, but it made me a better player and an even better brother. Growing up, sharing the same bathroom with someone and then moving a state away is hard, but because of our connection our brotherly bond did not skip a beat, thanks to X-box. Living close again has kept us competitive and supportive, which makes having Colt be my Best Man even better.
Hannah Carmichael
Mermaid
If it were not for Zeta Tau Alpha, I would not have met Hannah, and if it weren't for trike, I would have never fallen in love with Hannah and her energetic personality. Yes, we were awkward, but that's what makes our story so great! We soon became inseparable from ZTA events, to the library, and football games. Hannie soon became Connor's second biggest fan, and traveled to most of Connor's games with me, including Youngstown, OH. From winning trike to living (and surviving) with football players we've done it all! She is a reliable friend who constantly shows me the positives in life (even when I disagree) and pushes me to be a better person. Although she lives in Indiana, when we are together it is as if not a day has passed. I could not imagine this special day without her by my side.
Kyle Donarski
Merman
Back in the day, Kyle and I were good ol' Catholic boys attending St. Patrick's Elementary School, only some things have changed since then. Kyle and I first met when we were seven, but did not become good friends until high school when we were roommates during football camp sophomore year. Since then nothing has been the same. If we were not at my house, we were at Kyle's house with all of our friends on the weekends. We made many memories through both high school and college that will last a lifetime. He was a constant supporter of my college career, including a trip to Fargo, ND with Jenn and my mom. Kyle and I disagree and argue on more things than not, but because of me, he is smarter for it! Having Kyle there for me on this special day will mean more to me than he will ever realize.
Kara Couwenhoven
Mermaid
You may not know this, but Kara Cow and I are twins. Not identical and not by blood, but in Zeta that didn't matter. Kara was my first friend in Zeta because of sharing a Big. We connected immediately (even though she's a Cubs Fan) because of our willingness to get involved as much as possible. We were voted "Two-Peas-in-a-Pod" at Zeta Formal in 2013! I was lucky enough to live with Kara for three years, which included our first apartment! She did not mind my excessive cleanliness and was always willing to pump my gas or cut my meat :) Kara always stood up for me and would drop anything to help me out. She is the most creative and generous people I have ever met and I will always cherish her friendship. Having Kara stand next to me on our special day means more than she will know.
Mark Sewall
Merman
Mark and I met freshman year of college playing football at Indiana State. We both majored in business, which is probably how we were able to graduate! Most of our classes were together, and if they weren't we skipped. Mark survived living with both me (for two years) and Jenn (six months) in a crap of a house in Terre Haute's ghetto neighborhood, which can only tell you half the man he is. Having four surgeries in five years two of which could have been career ending, shows just how strong he is. Although, half his career interceptions were because of my pass rush, he made one of the single greatest football plays I have ever seen with an interception that gave us a win over Youngstown State our junior year. Having Mark share our special day with us will be another great memory.
Jessica Glazier
Mermaid
Jessica was my second friend in Zeta! We did not become real close until the end of freshman year when my roommate gave me bed bugs... Jess let me sleep in her cramped dorm room during the last two weeks of school. Those two weeks are when we truly bonded and we have only continued to bond even with the additional distance. Jess lives in Indianapolis, but she was able to be our first visitor in Denver! Jess is always willing to listen to me ramble and always seems to enjoy my corny jokes. I can always count on Jess to give me fashion advice even though she does not agree with my taste of black and brown boots :) Jess was always willing to stay in and watch movies with me when everyone else went out. Having Jessica stand next to me on our special day will be my favorite memory thus far.
Trenton Desantis
Merman
Trenton is my oldest cousin and one of my oldest friends. We grew up practically doing everything together. Both of us have a competitive attitude which kept us close while growing up. Neither of us like to lose at anything, so growing up we had quite a few battles to determine who was best. I owe it to Trent for making me the competitor that I am today. He was always willing to push me to be better because Colt was not nearly as good as me in most things :). He is always down to have a casual game night when I am back in Washington, although most nights the board ends up getting flipped over in frustration of a loss. Trenton is a genuine guy always willing to help another person out. I will always cherish his determination to try and beat me! I am honored to have Trent stand next to me.
Patrick Hipes
Officiant
Patrick is three years older than me, and he never lets me forget it. Regardless of the age difference and years apart while at school, our friendship never changed, and only grew stronger through the years. He is the brother everyone wants-he is always there when you need him, as a protector and a friend. Although, I was more of a bully than he was, he continuously showed me unconditional love and support in every endeavor. He always looks for the good in everyone, especially me, even when we do not always see eye to eye. Patrick was never afraid to stand up for me and always had my back. As we have gotten older, and no longer share a bathroom :), we have become closer, and I truly consider Patrick as my best friend. Connor and I are honored to have him share this special day with us.