Wedding Party

Emily Hustead

Bride

Jack Lynch

Groom

Laura Merritt

Maid of Honor

Eighteen years ago, I had the honor of being Laura Merritt’s Maid of Honor. Now, it’s my turn to return the favor (finally! 😉). Laura has always been there for me, offering her steady support and friendship through the years. As she stands by my side today, I’m grateful for the family bond and the shared memories that have brought us here. Here’s to many more moments together and the simple joys that make life special. Thanks, Laura, for being part of this celebration and for your constant presence in my life.

Owen Lynch

Best Man

My little mini-me. Despite his young age, he’s already a force to be reckoned with. Will he strut down the aisle with confidence, or stage a mini-protest mid-ceremony? We'll leave that to fate, or rather, to Owen’s mood of the moment.

Anna Victoria Ballard

Bridesmaid

Vicky is Jack's cousin who's so close, she's practically his sister. Living just around the corner from us in Austin, she's not only family but also one of our dearest friends. We're incredibly grateful to have Vicky by our side on this journey, and we can't wait to celebrate our special day together.

Paul Fitzgerald

Groomsman

Paul, from college shenanigans to trips around Europe to soccer stadiums.. or oversleeping and missing the trains to those stadiums and going to a brewery instead, we've been through a lot. So it seemed natural for Paul to take the role of best man. But then Owen came along and took that one. So, poor Paul will end up doing all the best man work Owen decides not to do without getting any credit... thanks Paul!

Kaiya Merritt

Bridesmaid

From cradling her in my arms as a baby to watching her blossom into a junior in college, time has flown by with my niece Kaiya. It feels like just yesterday I was 17 and marveling at the tiny bundle of joy in my arms. Now, as she embarks on this exciting journey through college, I couldn't be prouder of the incredible woman she's become. Though years have passed, the memories of those precious moments will forever be etched in my heart. Sleeping together under the stars at the Grand Canyon is a memory I will never forget. Kaiya brings light and laughter wherever she goes, and I'm so excited to celebrate this moment with her.

Patrick Lynch

Groomsman

My older brother, Patrick, I think was looking forward to having a little brother before I arrived. But after five minutes of playing with me after I came home, he told my parents 'Okay that's enough, put him away'. But hey, he’s come around since then, showing up for life’s big moments, including this one. Honored to have him by my side.

Jazmin Spreiter

Bridesmaid

I met Jazmin when she was just a bright-eyed 2-year-old, and she has grown into a beautiful and kind soul who brings light to every room she enters. Currently, Jazmin is soaring the skies as a pilot and finds her peace and balance through her passion for yoga. She is always the first to offer a kind word or a positive thought, making everyone around her feel cherished and valued. I am incredibly honored to have Jazmin not only as my niece but also as a friend and one of my bridesmaids. Her presence in our lives is a true blessing, and I am thrilled to have her stand beside us on our special day.

Adam Merritt

Groomsman

Adam, my groomsmen and brother-in-law-to-be. He taught me much about surviving in a Minnesota winter... how to ice fish... that it is totally normal for the ice to be cracking underneath your car as you drive over a frozen lake and perfectly safe as long as the windows are rolled down. But beyond that, he's welcomed me into his family with open arms and always the first to lend a hand with Owen. As he stands by my side on my wedding day, I'm grateful for his friendship and support.

Brooke Merritt

Bridesmaid

Meet Brooke Merritt, our talented 16-year-old bridesmaid and an incredible artist whose creativity never fails to amaze us. Whether she’s sketching a portrait or painting a masterpiece, Brooke's artistic flair is truly inspiring. And as her “embarrassing aunt,” I’m always trying to convince her to make a TikTok with me—maybe she’ll finally agree during our wedding weekend! We’re so excited to have Brooke here, adding her unique touch and creativity to our special day. Thanks for being a part of it, Brooke!

Blake Merritt

Groomsman

Meet Blake, our 16-year-old groomsman and hockey star! Known for his fierce game on the ice and his legendary hair flow, Blake brings a fresh energy to our wedding party. Whether he's scoring goals or flaunting his impeccable style, he does it all with a quiet confidence. We’re excited to have him here, adding his charm and spirit to our special day. Thanks, Blake, for being part of our celebration!

Cathryn Flaten

Bridesmaid

Also known as KK, my rock, confidante, and family at heart. Our journey began over 19 years ago at college. From navigating the ups and downs of dorm life to throwing me a baby shower, KK has been a constant presence through every twist and turn. Beyond friendship, she embodies the true essence of family. Her unwavering support and boundless love have woven her into the very fabric of my life. As I walk down the aisle, I am profoundly grateful to have KK by my side, not just as a bridesmaid, but as a cherished companion on this journey called life.

Jace Merritt

Groomsman

Meet Emily's nephew, Jace, the youngest (well not anymore ;)) but undoubtedly one of the most spirited members of our groomsmen squad! At just 13, he brings an infectious energy and a perpetual smile to every gathering. Whether he's challenging us to a game of Rummikub or Pig (and losing), his enthusiasm is unmatched and his competitive spirit unwavering. Jace's zest for life and his boundless optimism never fail to brighten our days. As he stands by our side on this special day, I'm reminded of the joy and laughter he brings to our family.

MacKenzie Arnold

Bridesmaid

In high school, we were often mistaken for twins. After college, we reconnected as single women living in North Loop, Minneapolis. Our friendship deepened as we navigated parenthood together, with our first kids born just four months apart. She is my rock and taught me how to recover in life even after tragic events, and of course how to pop champagne properly. We look forward to raising our kids together.

William Planicka

Groomsman

I met Mike while working together at Carnival Cruise Line in Miami and many.. many guest sourcing meetings. He was been a source of much wisdom, navigating lifes many stages - transitioning from drinking picklebacks and playing beer pong to changing diapers and giving bottles. He was the first person to (for some reason) trust me alone to watch a baby while he stepped out of his apartment for a few minutes... thankfully I managed it okay.

Liz Hollway

Bridesmaid

Liz and I met back in college. When it came to choosing our wedding party, we made sure it was people we wanted in our lives forever. Even though we live in different states now, Liz is one of my absolute favorites. Whether it's parenting tips or fashion advice, she's always got the best insights.

Robert Burrow

Groomsman

We've known each other since living on the same dorm floor our first year at college. From dozing off on top of greasy takeout bags after late college nights to dining at fancy spots like the French Laundry, we’ve come a long way.