Thomas & Emily
Wedding Party
Noelani Anderson
Maid of Honor
Noelani is my niece, sister, and friend. Nani has been through it all with me, and I am honored to be doing the same in my own way as she grows up. I am honored to have her say she'd be my maid of honor because I am so stinking proud of the woman she has become and will continue to grow into.
Ryan Shadle
Best Man
Ryan has been my best friend for as long as I can remember, so it was really a no-brainer for me who my best man would be. Ryan has always been like a brother to me, in fact, I have always questioned throughout the years if my mom preferred Ryan over me—I’m still not sure of the answer. We spent almost every weekend together playing football, baseball, or hockey in my parent’s basement (somehow, the only thing we ever broke was a poptart*). I graduated high school with Ryan, roomed with him at Creighton, and graduated college with him, so it only felt fitting that Ryan should be by my side on my wedding day, as my best man. *It was actually a commemorative German beer glass, but Ryan said I should lie to my mom and say I was vacuuming up poptarts, and don’t listen to Ryan if he tells you differently.
Kailyn Tauber
Bridesmaid
I met Kailyn before I even *started* at Creighton. When she called me as an FLP recruiter, we knew from that conversation we'd be best friends. Turns out, we were right. I am so honored to have such a gracious, kind, passionate, and loyal friend in Kailyn. She is the real yin to my cynical, realistic yang. Just spark a conversation about One Direction, coffee, Creighton, or Taylor Swift. You'll see exactly what I'm talking about.
Andrew Kresin
Groomsman
Andrew is my cousin, but more so than that, he is one of my best friends. From a young age, we were always thick as thieves, convincing our parents on the weekends to let us have sleepovers so we could stay up way too late playing video games. Andrew is an incredibly bright and kind-hearted person. Despite the fact that he is unfortunately a Chicago Cubs fan, I am incredibly happy to have Andrew as one of my groomsmen.
Kayla Young
Bridesmaid
Kayla is, as she always says, electric. Kayla and I met freshman year of college, lived on the same floor, and eventually ended college as roommates living doors apart once again. In undergrad when we lived together, she would keep it spicy by cooking in her cast iron skillet and spilling the tea with me while I ate green beans on the couch. My favorite memories were in our last year of undergrad, trying to live it up before adulthood sunk in. Sadly, that year came to an end, but Kayla's sense of adventure did not. Kayla is a world traveler, has volunteered to serve deserving communities, and is one of the most steady, awesome, and kind friends in the world. Everyone's mission is to convince her to move back to Omaha, so we can start up taco Tuesdays again.
David Kresin
Groomsman
David is my other cousin and brother to Andrew. David is one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I know, he shows endless compassion for people and always has a story to tell. Besides being an expert on the American Interstate and Highway Systems and the liturgical calendar, he is also rigorous in his management and celebration of big events. I am thankful to have David as one of my groomsmen to keep the rest of my party in line and running on time.
Sarah Giacomini
Bridesmaid
Sarah and I met at Creighton, and I immediately knew I had met a kindred spirit. Though I always claim to be the "mom" friend, that title actually goes to Ms. Sarah Giacomini. She is the person who you could call at 2 a.m., and she would drop anything to help you out or even go to Walmart to buy some brown food to help make ya feel better. She rocks. If you see her, give her a high five for her service in getting me here today in one piece.
Nolan Niehus
Groomsman
Despite being a fellow Creighton graduate, I did not meet Nolan until after graduation. He was Emily’s friend in undergrad, but I heard stories about the parties, laughs, and a pulled pork recipe that was to die for. It wasn’t until hanging out with him later that I could confirm all the stories were true. With an ice-cold Busch Latte (insulated by a koozie, of course), Nolan is bound to liven up any party. His endless jokes and lightheartedness will make him a great groomsman.
Rose MacClure
Bridesmaid
As I'm sure everyone knows, Rose was my rock in law school. We met on day two (I think) of law school orientation, and both of us were scared out of our minds. We knew no one and were starting all over. I remember that after we met, I prayed she'd still want to sit next to me in the large lecture hall. Spoiler alert, she did. We've been inseparable since. Rose is so passionate about the things she cares about and is one of the smartest people I know—don't let her tell you any different. Need a great friend or help with your criminal defense or farming estate cases? Rose is your go-to gal.
Paulie Clines
Groomsman
Paulie is the type of person who you can talk to about anything and feel like you have been friends with him for years. That is why, despite being Emily’s best friend since elementary school, I knew I had to have him in my party. Pauile is endlessly supportive and is such a great friend to have in our lives. Just talk with him for a few minutes, and you’ll see exactly why I am so grateful to have him as one of my groomsmen.
Kara Patton
Bridesmaid
Kara is probably one of the reasons why I survived undergrad in one piece. After meeting freshman year and living on the same floor, Kara and I were fast friends. While Kara wore Kendra Scott and J. Crew, I wore long jean jackets and all black (and green, of course). Although opposites in many ways, that drew us together to become the unexpected duo and force to be reckoned with. Kara is the kind of friend who always has your back, just like she will on my wedding day.
Andrew Pfaff
Groomsman
While technically my second cousin, I have always referred to Andrew as just my cousin or friend. I have countless memories of Andrew visiting from Wisconsin in the summer. We played hours of Rock Band, got in some very heated Nerf wars, and often found ourselves walking around Omaha with our eyes set on soft-serve ice cream at the end of the road. As a fellow member of the West Omaha Soft Ice Cream and Walking Society (WOSICWS), I am grateful to have Andrew and his wealth of kindness and goodheartedness as my groomsman.
Erica McDonald
Honor Attendant
Erica and I met by way of our boyfriends (now fiances), but we hit it off, leaving them jealous of when we hang out without them. Erica brings a sort of positivity to the room that I hope to one day achieve, and boy, does she know how to plan a Colorado vacation. Planning our weddings at (almost) the same time has been a delight and honestly so helpful for us to use each other's research. In the future, we look forward to our Grace and Frankie era when Thomas and Ryan finally leave us for each other.
Treyson Anderson
Usher
You can’t miss him, he will be the almost seven-foot high school senior walking around the reception. Treyson is Emily's nephew/brother. At first, he may seem like a quiet giant. I still remember the first time he spoke to me was after MONTHS of dating Emily during a game of Mario Kart, where he said he almost beat me. Though he tries to hide it, Treyson is such a caring and funny guy Groot who secretly loves us all under his cool-guy exterior. That said, I’d recommend getting his autograph early, it could be worth something in the future.
Jaylee Niehus
Honor Attendant
I have known Jaylee since my freshman year of college, and we have been through it all. From playing True American in her Tip Top apartment to eating too many Sweet Tarts, Jaylee and I created so many fundamental and core memories on the way. Now, the three couples of our party (Ryan + Erica, Nolan + Jaylee, and us) love to relive some old and create new memories together. We look forward to Jaylee and Nolan's little one coming soon (if not yet here when you read this)!
Andrew Haggstrom
Usher
The third and final Andrew is my party is Andrew Haggstrom, my cousin on my dad’s side. I have memories of Andrew coming to visit on holidays as a kid and playing in my grandparent’s basement. We played everything from football to playing with the toys that our dads would have played with when they were younger. Andrew has grown up so much over the years, and it is still crazy to think that he is currently a college student.
Kyle Hudson
Usher
Kyle is my cousin and has watched me grow up from my basketball short era to today. Throughout that time, Kyle tried to mentor me in the ways of The Dougie, which I have unfortunately failed miserably at. Now a firefighter, Kyle goes around Omaha saving lives for a living and is still very good at The Dougie (which I'm sure will be on display at the wedding). Kyle has an infectious laugh and a sort of warmth that made Thomas feel welcome right away. We are honored he agreed to be our usher.
Edward Pfaff
Usher
Edward is another cousin of mine and is Andrew Pfaff’s brother. A lot of my memories of Edward are from when he was younger and would come to visit with his family from Wisconsin. He always wanted to be involved and play with the big kids to which we often played the role of the mean big kids providing him with an unplugged controller and assuring him he was playing the game so well. Time has flown since then. Edward has grown into a thoughtful and respectful young man and will be a sophomore at Earlham College.
Addy Anderson
Junior Bridesmaid
Little baby Addy is my beautiful and sassy niece. When she was born, she and I were the queen of taking naps together (or maybe she was just my excuse to). Now, she's the queen of comedy and hugs. Addy has grown up so much and won't stop, no matter how much we all beg her. Not only is she a rockstar niece, sister, and daughter, she is a rockstar friend. Although jury is still out on whether or not she likes Thomas, but don't tell him that.
Frankie Anderson
Junior Groomsman
Not so little Frank is Emily’s nephew. The first time I met Emily’s family Frankie and I became quick buddies. Frank and I spent the entire time playing with all of his Marvel action figures. I felt bad because I barely remember even talking to Emily’s family at all that night. Even though Frank has grown up since then, we are still best buds. Instead of playing with action figures or toys, we play Xbox or run football routes on the front lawn. Frank’s charisma and playfulness shine through wherever he goes, and I’m sure by the end of the night, he’ll be everyone’s best friend.
Beth and Dan Anderson
Parents of the Bride
Beth and Dan are my sibling/parent/guardians who have been there for me through thick and thin. After mom passed, these two stepped up in a way I could not fully appreciate until I grew up and saw what needed to be given up to ensure I could have the best childhood possible. To this day, these two choose family over and over again—something I am so grateful and blessed to have. Dan literally brought a hand-drawn sign to one of my band concerts like I was the Taylor Swift of french horn players. Beth has pushed me out of my shell to become the woman I am today, fighting for us all to succeed along the way. If you see these two on our big day, give them the props they more than deserve.
Ann and John Haggstrom
Parents of the Groom
I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for these two people, my parents, Ann and John. From a young age, my mom instilled in me a sense of what it meant to be a respectful and responsible person. My mom was always there for me when I needed her (and when I didn’t realize I needed her), always willing to help me out, even if when I gave her little to no warning or preparation time. It is her selflessness and ability to keep our family running that I try to carry with me every day. My dad instills in me a sense of curiosity and drive. My dad has so many books in the house that I always joked I had my own personal library I could pick and choose from. No matter how bad of a day my dad had at work, he was always willing to come home and help me with my homework or take me to basketball practices and tournaments. It is his drive and hunger for knowledge that I have tried to emulate as I have grown up and become the person I am today. I am forever grateful for my parents and everything they have taught me and for making me who I am today.
Katy and Joe Menousek
Hosts
Katy and Joe are two of my siblings who I have been pestering for the past 26 years. Growing up, I thought both of them were so cool. I remember growing up and hoping Joe would let me watch him destroy Mario on the Nintendo 64. He would sometimes. I also remember visiting Katy at work when she was at Old Chicago feeling like we were meeting up with a famous person. When I say family means the most to me, these two are two integral parts of that. Now, Katy and Joe are two of my best friends who I am so honored agreed to be a part of our day. However, they probably would say we need more cats involved, which is fair.
Katie and Cerridwyn Strom
Hosts
Katie is my sister, and Cerridwyn is her wife and my sister-in-law. Katie and I have had the usual older sister and younger brother relationship. It began with me ruining her only child status and the occasional arguments, but we still always found some time to get along. I remember one particular car ride back from Wyoming where we serenaded our parents with the Annie Oakley soundtrack for the whole car ride. As we’ve gotten older, I have been thankful to have more of the getting along and less of the bickering, it has been very valuable to have both a sister and a friend to lean on and talk to throughout the years. Cerridwyn is my sister-in-law, and I have been lucky to be able to witness and celebrate all of her success over the years. From graduating from CSU and the University of Denver Law School to passing the BAR exam and becoming an attorney, it has been great to celebrate Cerr through all the years. Katie and Cerr have been a great example of a loving and committed relationship.