Our "I Do Crew"

Tom Heiar

Man of Honor

Tom and Liz go WAY back to their days at Buena Vista University as Admission Counselors. Tom and Liz were even roommates in Storm Lake for a few years before Tom left to get his Masters Degree in LaCrosse, WI. "Tom was (and still is!) always there for me. We went through a lot together and our friendship grew over our jobs and passion for higher ed, Tom's famous hot ham and cheese sandwiches, and quoting terrible TV shows. We've seen each other succeed, fail, find love, start families (Tom, a baby! Liz, puppies!), and so much more. So many laughs with this one!"

Chris Cuellar

Best Man

When I met Chris, we were in a meeting for the Iowa State Daily sports staff, and he and another sportswriter were talking–pretty loudly–while our editor tried to lead the meeting. I remembered thinking, “I am NEVER gonna be friends with that dude.” Cut to 2 weeks later and I was the one he was debating Big 12 basketball with. Cut to 10 years later, and he’s like the older brother I never had, even if we’re still debating Big 12 basketball. Our friendship spans road trips–ask him about Louisville–moves to and from Phoenix (whoever had to clean out that Penske truck we rented deserves a medal) and a beer or two. His is a lead I’ve always followed (whether it was a good example or not), and his advice is some I’ve rarely taken, at least until I realize he was right to begin with.

Rachel Rudeen

Bridesmaid

Rachel and Liz first met at Buena Vista University as Admission Counselors! Living in Storm Lake in your mid twenties, your coworkers quickly became your best friends. There were many nights spent at Puffs and bonding over being new professionals. "I realized very quickly that not only was BVU lucky to have her working to recruit new students but I was extremely lucky to have her in my life. She's the best confidant, she's supportive, always listens, and will crack you up even when you don't think it's possible to smile. She taught me about great podcasts (Comedy Bang! Bang!), is always extending my bits that aren't funny, and gives the best advice. She's the "she to my nanigans".

Jake Lovett

Groomsman

Jake might be the most selfless person I’ve ever met. His presence for his wife and son, his friends and family is inspirational. I like to think I played a role in that because when we were at the Iowa State Daily, he had a JOB in trying to corral me. Whether it was reeling me back in after a fight in the newsroom – I can still see him standing in the doorway, just having entered with a fountain Powerade from Hy-Vee Gas, wondering why the hell I was storming out, only to basically smack me upside the head via text to get me to come back – or driving me to Mary Greeley Hospital with a kidney stone, or even helping push my Jeep (the “Jerokee”) after I ran it out of gas. Thanks for being there, Jake. Hopefully I’m like you when I grow up.

Lindsey Aldrich

Bridesmaid

Lindsey and Liz met first on the Iowa City bus to work but then more formally at recruiting events at the University of Iowa. After a "hey, she looks familiar, why do I know her" looks, they realized they rode the same bus to work. Small world! Lindsey finally moved to North Liberty and about a year later, Liz followed suit and now they still live two doors away from each other. "Lindsey and I bonded right away during that week in Chicago recruiting students for Iowa. I quickly realized we both love sushi, shopping, and trashy TV. Lindsey is a great friend who is always a sounding board for me when it came to dating, work, and life in general. She was there the night Jer and I had our first date at Reds and met him when we went across the street to J&A's for karaoke!"

Adam Wesley

Groomsman

If I was a few inches taller and had the ability to grow a beard, people might mistake Adam and I for brothers. Our gingerness unites us, as did journalism at first, then beer, then Manchester United, then a place of residence and then finally and (maybe?) most importantly, the West Wing. Toss in our mutual hatred of Aaron Rodgers and our fondness for debating one another (OK, let’s call it what it is: we love to argue), and we might as well be brothers. Adam comes to the wedding from Seattle, where he lives with Hayley and their dog Gromit. Hopefully he will have brought some high-quality beer with him, because he should know we only drink Coors Light and Miller High Life ‘round these parts. (Adam is a beer snob. Tell him how much you love Busch Light, he’ll get a kick out of it.)

Marianna DiVietro

Bridesmaid

"Hi, I'm Marianna. I don't know anyone here. Do you want to be friends?" Those are the exact words Mar used when she saw Liz at a busy interview day for graduate school at Ball State University. They were both accepted and started school in fall of 2009 and were instant great friends. "Mar and I couldn't be more physically different but we are basically the same person otherwise. Mar introducing herself that interview day morning is a moment in my life I will never forget! I was so nervous and absolutely needed a friend. She's been there for me ever since. Even though we live a few states apart and don't see each other often, I know she's someone I can always count on. Her friendship has been genuinely effortless since we met. I will always love her for that."

Danny Lehmkuhl

Groomsman

When I first moved to Cedar Rapids for a job as a reporter, I knew absolutely no one in town. For about a year, it stayed that way, save for a couple friends at work. That changed when I started covering racing and Danny sort of adopted me into the group. In fact, it was at IMCA Super Nationals in Boone where I knew we’d for sure be friends, because a less-than-sober Danny made sure he got me a beer on the front stretch, despite my insistence that I needed to first clock out from work. This also will be approximately the 100th wedding in which Danny has been in the wedding party – he’s a man of the people, so this shouldn’t be surprising – so we’ll have to wait to find out where this group stacks up in his rankings.

Ryanne Allen

Bridesmaid

Ryanne is Jer's sister but it was clear from the start that she and Liz would become good friends. They both understood the role of being the older sister (organized and responsible!) as well as the chaos that often follows Jer when he gets a wild idea...which is often. "Ryanne is simply the best. I'm very lucky to be gaining such an amazing sister-in-law. We have a lot of interests in common plus it's always nice to have someone on my side when it comes to Jer and his shenanigans. Right from the start, she always made me feel welcomed and relaxed during family events and drove four hours one day to sit in the waiting room with my family while I had surgery. She is constantly putting others before herself and will drop everything to be there when you need her."

Ben Tjaden

Groomsman

Ben is Liz’s younger brother, and played a bigger role in Liz and I getting together than he might realize. When Liz and I matched on a dating site, she had included in her profile a picture of her and Ben. You know how when a name pops into your head that you haven’t thought about in years and it catches you off guard? That happened to me. I saw their picture, said, ‘Wait, that’s Ben Tjaden, Mrs. Tjaden’s so – WAIT THIS GIRL IS MRS. TJADEN’S DAUGHTER.” After that realization I couldn’t not respond to her GIF message (ask her about that). The rest his history. Thanks for being in her pictures, Ben.

Rachel Lamis

Bridesmaid

Rachel and Liz met during their first day at Simpson College. They lived right across the hall from each other and continued to be roommates/apartment-mates all four years of college. Some of Liz's favorite Rachel memories include having a funeral for her dead fish, cheering her on at her band concerts (trumpet!), and honestly laughing so hard with her that her face hurt. "Rachel is honestly one of the smartest people I know. She became an eye doctor in Seattle, owning her practice with her husband, Arthur. But even smart people need study breaks and man, we would take advantage of those. We were always laughing about something and would watch "Deal or No Deal" anytime it was on TV. She literally brightens any room she is in and you can't help but have a good time around her."

Torey Cuellar

Groomswoman

Torey is Chris’ wife, and if he’s like my older brother, she’s my second sister. As long as I’ve known her, Torey has never been one for B.S., and that’s always been especially true with me. When we were at school together, my grandma died. It was Torey who gathered a group of us together, led us to Applebee’s for half-price apps and to make sure I felt better. She’s done that for me since in more ways than one, all the while keeping Chris in line, which is a feat in and of itself. Torey’s generosity of time and compassion is unlike most anyone I know. Her willingness to still give me advice after years of offering and me ignoring her, then telling her after the fact that she was right, shows a patience that maybe only Liz can relate to when it comes to me.

Emily Deutsch

Bridesmaid

Emily and Liz met living on the same floor their first year at Simpson College and even became roommates before the first semester was over. She also lived with Liz (and Rachel Lamis!) all four years of college. Every Christmas she would fill the apartment with the smells of her baking and quote National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (a yearly tradition!) "There are many things I admire about Emily but one of her best qualities is her determination. She's an avid runner who is constantly inspiring me. She's also a successful band teacher in NW Iowa. I've seen her move to a new town, start a new job, and completely rejuvenate their program with her talent and commitment to teaching and music. Any time I've needed her, she's always been there for me."

Tork Mason

Groomsman

If we could have our dog Billy at the wedding, it’s safe to say this is who would get to handle him. When Tork and I were roommates, he and Billy bonded quickly because while I was on the road working, Tork was co-parenting Billy. In fact, Tork was “Mom,” and I was “Dad,” and maybe you have to know us better to understand that, but we wore those labels proudly. We were roommates for more than three years, and realized we agreed on most things – except Iowa vs Iowa State and who was the Josh and Sam (from the West Wing) of our group. If I had it my way, and Tork had enough time, he’d have BBQd our meal for the wedding. Alas, it’ll have to wait for another time.

Dakota Allen

Junior Bridesmaid

Dakota is Jer's niece and the one who made him an uncle for the first time! She's involved with dance, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and softball among many other activities. Not only is she an athlete but she's also kind and compassionate who is growing up much too quickly.

Walker Allen

Junior Groomsman

Walker is my sister Ryanne’s son, and also doubles as a tiny ginger hurricane. The kid has all the energy of a typical 8-year-old, but like his older sister Dakota, is smart enough to be dangerous with that energy. From our foray into go-kart racing (if his uncle had been smarter about it, he’d probably still be racing) to watching him play basketball and soccer, or even puzzles and games, it’s so much fun to watch how his mind works. He’s a clever kid and going to make his parents, and especially his uncle (and future aunt) proud.

Andrew Lopez

Usher

Nathan Ford

Usher

Todd Skauge

Usher

Liz and Todd met the Fall of 2017 when Todd moved to Iowa City for Law School. Liz, knowing ALL the good restaurants and coffee shops offered to show Todd around and soon they realized they were 5 bits deep during any point in their conversations. Many happy hours and dinner later and they are still riffing their favorite quotes and doing bits! "Todd is the best. We became friends based on our love for comedy and all things hilariously dumb. I remember one time, I was driving back from a recruiting event and Todd graciously came to my house and let Lilly out. If you don't know, Lilly has a fear of men (and is stubborn) and so she hid under my bed and wouldn't come out! He left a "report card" for her that cracked me up when I got home. Let's just say she didn't test well."