Wedding Party
Cole Cruz
Best Man
Best Man and Officiant Imagine being so full of yourself that you have to be both Best Man and Officiant. What else does this guy want? Good looks? Health? Happiness? It's too much. Kyle first met Cole in 5th grade on a field trip to Deep Portage. He sat next to me on the bus. There's a story there. He'll also claim that I didn't invite him to my birthday party, but you should know he tends to conjure false memories. Bear that in mind. I feel like we met again in 6th and 9th grade respectively, but who can keep track. We spent many hours talking about Life, the Universe, and things that pissed us off. Our exploits mainly consist of driving to college together, driving to work together, and Cole briefly introducing Kyle to a cult for ten years.
Nehn Borh
Maid of Honor
Sister from another mother! Who would dare to nudge, kick, and pinch you to keep you awake during biology lectures? This one will! We met at UW-Madison's Summer Collegiate Experience (same with all of my bridesmaids, except for my sister). Nehn and I became inseparable 2nd semester of freshman year! Ballin’! Nehn will challenge you and tell you how it is, even if it’s not what you want to hear. She keeps it real and calls you out on your shit and I love her for it...sometimes. She is determined and attentive! Her love to support her community astounds me! She strives to make sure everyone is heard! Our relationship has evolved through the years. What will not change is our love for Scotland and Ireland. Hopefully, we'll be back there in 2023!
Jesse Shea
Groomsman
Jesse, Groomsman extraordinaire and adequate brother in law. I met Jesse as just another dude who was dating my sister - who knew if he'd stick around. Turns out being decent and easygoing were qualities my family was in need of, so Jesse made the cut. Jesse's been around for a damn long time and - wow - I think we're approaching 2 decades of experience there? That can't be right, can it? Through it all, there's been a lot of yelling and farting. Jesse's one chill dude. He'll go on a trip with you, kick back, shoot the bull - anything. Would recommend.
Stacey Schmidt
Bridesmaid
The sweetest, most sensible, and genuine person I know! Seriously! During the summer before college, I knocked on her door thinking she was the Resident Assistant. I didn’t want to look stupid so I pretended to not know something and asked her about it. We started chatting at the doorway. Then, she invited me into her room and we talked. The next day, I found out she wasn't even in the same program as me! She was in an Engineering program! Nonetheless, we became friends since! Stacey will be there for you without a doubt, no questions asked. You can trust her! Need help with chemistry homework? Check! B-day party? Check! Travel to another state? Check! Travel to another country? Check! Being in my wedding party? Check!
Randy Orvis
Groomsman
I met Randy in 2011 when I started my first job in Information Security. He was a tricky bastard then and he's a tricky bastard now. If you end up playing a board game with him - watch out! Dude is out to win. Randy is sharp, motivated, and I'm telling you, seriously, watch out. Dude is OUT to win! He does not care. While it took awhile for Randy to warm up to me, eh, look at us now. We have our own Discord server, and all the firewalls in the world can't take that from us. He's the kind of dude you want to share a drink and career with, cuz homie got your back. Here's to more gifs, memes, and dram.
Myzoom Yang
Bridesmaid
Sister of the bride! We have our own opinions--I blame that on the 4 year difference, but in terms of traveling and career--we are the same! We both taught English in South Korea. We work in a middle school setting. We talk to each other and bounce off ideas! What can I say? We love to teach. She is resilient. She is also quite creative--crafting stickers, decorating, etc. You can give her anything and she will amaze you with her ideas. She loves her K-pop!
Chawntou Yang
Groomsman
Older brother of the bride! Growing up, Douchi and Chawntou did everything together: getting bowl haircuts, learning the alphabet, celebrating their birthdays, etc. Douchi needs to add that it was always important to call out when they were the same age for 3 whole days during the year. His love for board games and Rick and Morty is contagious, and you can regularly count on Chawntou for a new recommendation on anything. Thanks in part to these efforts, we're slowly building our own board game collection! Special shout out from Kyle on our similar philosophical convictions!
Whitney Antone
Bridesmaid
Whitney to the rescue! You can talk to her about anything, ANYTHING! No judgement. I was so naive entering college. I’m glad we roomed together freshman and junior year as I learned quite a bit from Whitney. Through our talks, Whitney helped me navigate a world filled with pressure and anxiety while maintaining a down to earth, carefree persona. Whitney likes to have fun and enjoy the moment wherever she is. I could laugh all day with her! She is caring and compassionate. She is willing to be there for her family, friends, and pets. Through her, I slowly got over my fear of animals, especially dogs. Whitney and Spirit definitely prepared me for Prisca (Kyle’s Great Dane). I am so thankful for Whitney and her kindness and patience with me! Spirit and Prisca--you will never be forgotten!
Choutae Yang
Groomsman
Younger brother of the bride! Douchi and Choutae (also) shared both birthday celebrations and pugilistic moments together over the years - but that's since been resolved. He would be far more interested in sitting and discussing now. Choutae is generous, thoughtful, and purposeful in his actions. Both Kyle and Choutae share a love of books and Kyle has especially enjoyed their theological talks lately (may they continue). As well as bourbon. And scotch. And games. And...
Gloria Palencia
Bridesmaid
The coolest person you will ever meet! Gloria was the first person I met in the program as we were living across from one another in the dormitory. She helped me move in and get settled. I remember thinking that she’s so nice! She got along with everybody and is always up for a good time. She was so open and friendly! You could strike up a conversation with her and feel like you have been friends with her since the beginning of time! She’s that type of person! Her love for music and dancing definitely brought me out of my shell. Every time I'm back home in WI, there's fun to be had with Gloria! Watch out for her on the dance floor!
Hleedra
Junior Bridesmaid
Hleedra is Douchi's cousin! She has been waiting for this role for a long time! She is sweet and friendly. Hleedra loves to listen to BTS. She has a great imagination as her tea parties are always a hit!
Gigi
Flower Girl
Gigi is Kyle's niece! She might be shy at first, but don't let that fool you. She is energetic and loves to dance! Gigi also loves mermaids, Frozen, Sonic, books, video games, and being independent! She will dazzle you away!