Wedding Party
Jillian Brannon
Maid of Honor
Jillian is my lifelong friend. What started as a "forced" companionship by our moms as babies and toddlers, years of playdates consisting mostly of fights and tears, now has become the sweetest gift of friendship. Jillian is loyal, encouraging, caring, and supportive. She holds a unique and special place in my life unlike anyone else. She’s my go to because we are so alike and see eye to eye on almost everything. Our memories together are countless, and we have stayed friends through the thick and thin in life. Ask her about our lifetime of memories made together as best buds. You'll be in for a ride.
Kathryn Greener
Bridesmaid
Katie is the oldest sister of the Manning clan. Leader of the pack! Katie is calm and the best person to have around if you want a little help with organization. She has been an important role model for me my whole life- very poised, confident, talented, and rooted in her faith. Katie majored in English and has a gift in writing- therefore she has always been my go-to for editing help. Katie is married to Jon and expecting their first baby in August as well. Perhaps you will get a chance to meet this baby at the wedding! ;) We couldn’t be more excited.
Andrea Kopp
Bridesmaid
Andrea and I shared a room for our entire life until she went off for college. It is safe to say because of this, her and I have a special bond. She was always on the bottom bunk and I was on top, and there are countless stories to be told about middle of the night sleep talking arguments we'd have. She takes after our dad with her quirky and goofy personality, love and kindness for people, and her ability to be the life of any party. She is driven and passionate, intentional, a great listener and includer, and loves to serve others. Andrea is married to Tyler, and they live in Sioux Falls. My new favorite thing is to hear updates about all the animals at the Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium where Andrea works as volunteer coordinator. Giraffes, parrots, camels, you name it- she sure has a fun job that she just LOVES.
Taylor Seim
Bridesmaid
The "younger twin!" We first became friends through Gracepoint church in Sunday school, endured the middle school years together at Highview, stayed close through high school, and continued friendship through our years at Bethel in the nursing program. My best memories with Taylor have become the quick trips we now take to Balsam Lake to waterski over the summer. We taught ourselves to pull each other slalom skiing behind the jet ski last summer and this became our new thing... until that rope got caught in the motor. Oops! Taylor cares deeply for me and all her friends, and this caring personality is what makes her such a fabulous nurse. She is my go to workout buddy, best listener, and makes me laugh until I cry.
Morgan Seim
Bridesmaid
The "older twin!" Morgan has also been a friend since our years in Sunday school at Gracepoint church. Morgan and I had many classes together through the years that I will always remember- like middle school gym class, band, and Spanish in high school. She is my motivator- she is one of the most intelligent people I know, driven and passionate in her studies. She excels in what she does, but she is humble about her accomplishments. Morgan has been one of my closest friends, easy to get along with, kind, always a light to the room.
Cerilene Gessford
Bridesmaid
Cerilene and I were roommates at Bethel during our freshman year. When I first met Cerilene, I recognized her sweet and somewhat shy, tender personality. As I got to know her more, I was surprised to discover her warrior heart for the Lord. She is the best model of Christ I can point to because of how well she loves Jesus, prays, studies, and seeks to know her Savior more each day. Our friendship has been sweet because of this. She is encouraging and uplifting, giving, and kind. I am lucky to have her in my life.
Nicole Montgomery
Bridesmaid
I met Nicole during our PSEO year at Bethel University. We became friends quickly when we spent most of our free time at school in the “commuter lounge” at Bethel. One year of friendship has now turned into almost 6! Nicole is an achiever, like me; she is smart, talented, organized, but also goofy and loves to have a fun time. Last August I had the privilege to stand by her side during her wedding day, and now I am honored to have her stand by mine.
Kelsey Parkin
Personal Attendant
When I thought about who would be a good fit for being my personal attendant, Kelsey immediately came to mind. This girl is the most spunky, energetic, sweet, and fun person I know. My earliest memories with her are from her family's cabin growing up. Kelsey was the one who always wanted to go tubing on the lake, and was usually heard talking about how she got that Jet Ski into "sport mode" to get my dad up skiing. She's such a great helper and listener and wears many hats in her life as such a skilled and giving person.
Carson Onken
Best Man
The Middle Bro! Carson has been such a great friend and brother to me my whole life. We have both loved basketball since I can remember. Growing up playing one on one basketball on our little tikes hoop in the living room and shooting hoops in the driveway are definitely some of my favorite memories. He has always been an exciting guy to be around. His love for life rubs off on those around him and he has a way of making everyone feel welcome. Being his roommate for basically the past straight twenty three years has created a special bond between us that is irreplaceable!
Kyle Onken
Best Man
My brother Kyle is the best oldest brother you could ask for. I don’t remember a time where he thought he was too cool for his little brother. All three of us brothers grew up being great friends, which I guess is what happens when you share a bedroom and are classmates together everyday. Kyle has always been a good role model for what a friend should be. He is someone who is loyal, kind, and wants the best for you. Everyone who knows Kyle would have a hard time finding a mean bone in his body. His infectious excitement and anticipation for fun family vacations or the next good movies to come out has made life all the more fun! I am blessed to have someone like him as my friend and even more so, my brother!
Tristen Pals
Groomsman
From playing highschool basketball and Tennis together, going to church together since younglings, and directing camp together, Tristen and I have built a friendship that will last a lifetime. He has had a big impact on my life, and is one of those friends I feel comfortable sharing pretty much everything with. He has definitely pushed me and encouraged me in my walk with Jesus. If you need someone to hype you up, he’s your guy. Tristen’s been a big supporter of mine and Emily’s relationship from the very beginning and I'm very excited to have him celebrate with me as I capitalize on turning Emily from my camp crush to my wife!
Josh Tinklenberg
Groomsman
This guy has been one of my best friends for almost as long as I can remember. It feels like we grew up together, and let me tell ya, it was a blast! There are countless memories of us playing sports in each other's backyards with our older brothers, having sleepovers and bonfires, going on youth group trips, and so much more. Josh is always down to do something, he’s hilarious, and he has a huge heart. What more could you want in a friend?
Noah Onken
Groomsman
Noah is a brother from another mother. Not only are we cousins, we are cousins who have truly had an amazing friendship our whole lives. Being that we are the same age and related, it made it easy for us to get along. In our younger years we would go and explore the creek and woods and imagine we were surviving like wild men. Whenever we got together there was no limit for what type of game we could play and what imaginary world we wanted to play those games in. As we have grown up, he has continued to be a big part of my life and I now love to discuss the Bible with him. He is going to college to be a pastor, so one could say he has a bit more knowledge than me when it comes to theology. Whatever happens in life, I can count on Noah to be my friend through it all!
Alex Stahl
Groomsman
Alex has always been a special friend of mine. The two of us have done a lot of fun things together throughout the years like… Going on a trip to the black hills, going to Bible camp together, staying up late and playing our favorite video games, playing board games, and going to theme parks. Valleyfair trips are the best with Alex. No one can match his excitement for the fun day of riding awesome coasters and being with friends. I was actually able to go on my first date with Emily because of a valleyfair trip Alex planned in the summer of 2019. Alex is a thoughtful and faithful friend and I’m grateful to be able to celebrate my wedding with him!
Joey Mesa
Groomsman
Talk about cousins who are great friends, This guy is a great example. Joey is another cousin of mine who is like a brother. My brothers and I always have a great time hanging out with him. We all grew up in Pipestone and there would be weeks where not a day would go by that we didn't see each other! Some of my best memories are with Joey just playing outside and doing whatever it is you do as a kid in a small town. We’ve gone on some of my favorite trips together like a mission trip to Mexico and a road trip to Pensacola. Joey’s stayed a great and true friend and I can’t wait to be a part of his wedding that is also coming up soon!