Emily & Ben
Wedding Party
Carly Tefft
Matron of Honor
Carly moved into the house down the street from my family back in fourth grade. After not liking each other at first (haha), we quickly grew to be inseparable best friends! We have shared countless memories together from the awkward middle school years to now. I cannot imagine my life without Carly's humor, wit, and support. She is the Leslie Knope to my Ann Perkins and the sister I never had!
Nick Keeler
Best Man
It is hard to describe what my brother means to me. We have shared so many experiences that it would be impossible to recount them all. Not only do we share hobbies and interests, but we also share a career, making us even more intertwined in each other's lives. Beyond all of those things, we also share an untold amount of inside jokes that can be triggered by just a glance or a single word. I am so happy to that I get to share this moment with him. And I am incredibly grateful that I've lived most of my life with such a wonderful brother and friend. I know I can always count on you to "pilot the bobsled".
Olivia Bishop
Bridesmaid
Olivia and I met our freshman year of college as members of the UNO Dance Team. Throughout college we did almost everything together - studying for hours at the UNO Library, rushing to Jones Bros for the free cupcake of the day, and trying to survive dance team amidst practicums and student teaching. We just clicked. Olivia is still my absolute ride-or-die! She is always there to make me laugh, talk about life, and be there for me when no one else can. BCLF4L :)
Quentin Cleveland
Groomsman
Quentin and I met in high school band and quickly became close. We spent a lot of time jamming out in my parents' basement to jazz standards on CD, playing video games and playing basketball. Not only is he one of my best friends, he is a man I have a profound respect for because he is an excellent father to his children. Love you Q!
Danyelle Kerrigan
Bridesmaid
Danyelle and I have been best friends for 21 years and counting! We started dancing together at the age of 5, followed each other to Nebraska Dance through high school, and then continued on to the UNO Dance Team. I've probably spent more time with her than I have with my own family! Danyelle is a truly amazing person and has always inspired me in dance and life, in general.
Brian Williams
Groomsman
Brian and I met in high school band. I remember him coming into band camp wearing an actual kilt and knowing then that we would be good friends. We are both outdoorsmen and have enjoyed many fishing trips together in the past. He definitely brings out the lighter side in my normally serious nature. There have been many moments when Brian and I will be laughing hysterically while everyone around us is looking at us like we are crazy. I am honored to have him share this day with me.
Kelsey Hooyer
Bridesmaid
Kelsey is my wonderful and artistic cousin! She was born less than two months after me so I loved having a girl my age around to play with at family gatherings. Some of my best, early memories with Kelsey were from summer church camp - it was so much fun having her there with me! Since then we've attended multiple concerts together including The Lumineers, bonded over our pet cats, and gotten even closer. I'm so excited to have Kelsey be part of the big day!
Jarrod Belcher
Groomsman
Quentin introduced Jarod (left) to me shortly after high school. We all played basketball together and I almost immediately knew we would be friends. We both have an old school mind set and it's always been good to hear his perspective on life. No matter how long it's been, when we talk it's just like we picked up where we last left off...usually talking basketball and the state of Dwyane Wade's health hahaha. I couldn't be happier to have him share this special day with me.
Shad Hovdenes
Usher
Shad is my oldest brother and one of the coolest guys I know. I've always looked up to his adventurous spirit and generosity towards others. It's been so fun watching him and Ben bond over food, the outdoors, and fine whiskey. I'm so thankful for his help in welcoming Ben to the family and I'm blessed to have him be part of our big day!
Alex Hovdenes
Usher
Alex is the second kid of the Hovdenes clan and such a gracious, older brother to me. Alex was always a good sport for driving me to school, going to my dance stuff, and letting me help build snow forts in the backyard :) I'm continually amazed by his creativity and thoughtfulness. Our wedding party would not be complete without him!