Ethan + SharaLee
Wedding Party
Alyona Attema
Maid of Honor + SharaLee's sister
This girl came into my life 11 years ago when she came home to our family from Russia! After growing up with 4 brothers, the good Lord knew I needed a little sister. From day one, I just assumed she would be my maid of honor one day, and what a gift it is to have her sweet friendship in my life. That age gap has nothing on us sissys! Alyona is kind-hearted, she always seeks to include the misfits, and has a brilliant mind. My sister holds her own on the basketball court, lets her imagination flow free, and is a leader and influencer amongst her friends. Her heart is pure and simple and she is growing into such a beautiful young lady.
Hannah Attema
Bridesmaid + SharaLee's sister-in-law
Hannah is my newest sister as of September 2017 via my oldest brother Dustin! Funny enough, they were actually set up on a blind date by my friend Becky! (keep scrolling to see her bio:) The two live in California together where Hannah attends Fuller seminary and is the absolute best supporting police academy wife. Truly. I have so much respect for the way she juggles school, work, ministry, and being Dustin's biggest cheerleader/#1 support. My brother is crazy blessed to have stolen her heart and we're super grateful she's a part of our family! This girl is full of spunk, delights in little things, and has a beauiful gift of ministry that is only just starting to unfold!
Allison Attema
Bridesmaid + SharaLee's sister-in-law
Allison was my first sister married into the family as of June 2015 via my older brother Benjamin. The two moved back to Michigan after having served on the mission field in Zambia, Africa for two years. Among many other roles, Allison used her teaching skills there to bless countless students. They now live in Holland where Allison is an incredible mother to my nephew Elijah, who was born on Thanksgiving! He made me an auntie! Allison is such an amazing wife and truly makes my brother the best version of himself. They are quite the dynamic duo! She has a heart of gold, is peaceful to be around, resourceful, organized and quite the powerhouse of ministry and encouragement!
Tika Nichols
Bridesmaid + Ethan's sister-in-law
Natika ‘Tika’ joined our family almost 10 years ago today! She’s truly been the sister that I always hoped for. Life has changed so much for Tika since I first met her. She is now the mother of two little girls and now a baby boy! Tika is creative, athletic, and an amazing homemaker. If you spend any time around her, you’ll know that she’s after making God most glorified, the church more beautiful, and knowing God more and more.
Dan Nichols
Officiant + Best man + Ethan's older brother
Dan and I were inseparable growing up. Whether it be playing wiffleball in the backyard, blowdarts with friends late at night, or simply sharing the musical artists we’ve been listening to on the daily. I look up to Dan immensely. Dan treasures the Lord, is strong yet very gentle with others and his family, and he is a giant kid at heart. If you happen to see any good character in me, it’s likely I learned it from Dan first.
Ted Nichols
Best man + Ethan's oldest brother
Ted is about the best big brother a kid could have growing up. He is tremendously loyal to his family and friends, always sees the best in others, and will do anything to help if you’re in a pinch. Ted is great at seeing both sides in family conflict and will always be quick to celebrate other’s accomplishments. I could not be happier to have Ted stand with me on our special day.
Dustin Attema
Groomsman + SharaLee's oldest brother
Dustin has worn a lot of different hats throughout my life. For years, he helped me decide which outfit to wear when nothing seemed to be working. He pulled me in for hugs when he could tell I was having a rough time with life. He talked me through all my boy problems and constantly refocused me on what's important, exemplified what to look for, and affirmed my worth as a woman. He's still an incredible big brother, but just lives across the country now! He will have just graduated from the Los Angeles police academy when our wedding rolls around! Dustin is an amazing husband, has a beautiful heart, and loves the Lord so so much.
Benjamin Attema
Groomsman + SharaLee's older brother
Benjamin used to pick me up, set me on top of the refrigerator, and leave me there. He also tied my pig tails to the chair I was sitting in. One time, He put me on his shoulders and started running down our gravel road, me hanging on for dear life while turning bright red as the cars passed by. Oh. And did I mention that he held me upsidedown by my toes when I was only a couple months old? That's kinda why I love him though. He's such a kid at heart, loves to goof off, and knows how to have a good time. He's a pretty amazing father to Elijah and loves a beauitful wife. He has a deep sense of justice, a mission mind, and brings a lot of life to every room he walks into!
Ryan Attema
Groomsman + SharaLee's younger brother
My big little brother. Coming in at 6' 4", he's over a foot taller than me, but will definitely always be my little brother. Ryan's watched out for me from day one and always has my back. He's pretty in tune to my emotions, checks up on my heart often, and is a sounding board for so much. He somehow always has a word of wisdom to share and is quite the prayer warrior! Ryan is finishing his undergrad degree in Cyber Defence and is honestly one of the most intelligent individuals I know. Yet, he has an extremely humble heart. And guess what ladies?! He's single! ;)
Jason Attema
Groomsman + SharaLee's youngest brother
Jason is a pretty stereotypical 16 yr old boy. He loves orange jeeps, playing sports, and attention from girls. Jed pretty much rules the halls in his high school, even as a freshman. He's such a joy to be around and always has a twinkle of mischief in his brown eyes! Jedwin constantly asks me to "come back home" and is one of the hardest things about living far away. The first time Jason met Ethan, he just looked him up and down, said "Oh hey dude", and brought him to his room to play nerf guns. They've been best buds ever since. Jason will always be my shnukimshnort!
Roberta Attema
SharaLee's mom
Where to start? This woman is rock solid. A huge prayer warrior. Crazy sacrificial. She brought me into this world, gave up her job in the medical field to educate us kids at home, and silently serves her family day after day. We don't look anything alike, but she's assured me that I'm hers! She's kissed my owies, talked me through some hard stuff, prayed me through all of it. She's only a phone call away and always ready to talk or listen. Mom has the best laugh and is just so beautiful. She knows what it means to sacrifice her own dreams, desires, and life for someone else. She's an award-winning wife, mother, and grandmother!
Gaylan Attema
SharaLee's dad
Dad didn't know what to do when a little girl came into his life. Growing up with four brothers, I'd sometimes get frustrated when dad didn't know how to play barbies. Instead, we've connected over softball and old trucks. Dad installed a salon in our basement when I was a kid and traveled to Africa with me so I could pursue that passion. He's the guy I called when my tire blew out on the interstate, when my doorknob fell off at 1am and I thought my house had been broken into, and the person who helps me find the perfect vehicle to purchase. Dad's a faithful and loyal man. He's taught me a lot about contentment and hardwork. And I'll always be his little girl!
Nancy Nichols
Ethan's mom
My mom raised three boys with no daughters. She has put up with a lot of our stubbornness over the years. My sense of adventure comes from my mom. My mom is a faithful prayer warrior, caring, and loves to make sure others are cared for and loved. I have learned so much from my mom and cannot be more excited to celebrate this life change with her.
Terry Nichols
Ethan's dad
Dad is extremely faithful, grounded in truth, and is a huge supporter of SharaLee and I. My love of sports comes from my dad. I have so many memories of practicing baseball in the backyard with my dad and brothers on those long summer nights growing up. He is one my biggest supporters and has always believed in me more than I tend to believe in myself. My dad taught me to endure through difficult times when it seemed at the time like the cards were stacked against me. Love this guy.
Elise Nichols
Flower girl + Ethan's niece
Elise ‘Tater Tot’ is my first niece that’s captured my heart. Elise LOVES lightning McQueen, princesses, puppies, and playing with her younger sister Alice. Meals at Dan and Tika’s wouldn’t be the same without one of Elise’s ‘famous’ stories about something Alice did the day before that Elise thought was hilarious. She’s one of my most treasured little human beings. Elise is most likely to be an administrative assistant/mom when she grows up because of her organization skills.
Alice Nichols
Flower girl + Ethan's youngest niece
Alice (‘Turkey’ or ‘Turk’ for short) and I got off to a rockier start our first year of life together. It wasn’t until family vacation 2017 when Alice and I went hammocking together that she fully accepted me as Uncle Ethan. Alice is a risk-taking baby gymnast. She loves The Incredibles, puppies, hair styling (thanks to SharaLee), and playing make-believe with her older sister. Alice is most likely to be a sky-diving instructor when she grows up.
Elijah Attema
Ring bearer + SharaLee's nephew
Elijah made me an auntie! He was born on Thanksgiving to Benjamin and Allison, and I'm pretty thankful for him. I haven't lived in the same state as him yet, which has been really hard. But thank goodness for texts, photos, videos, and FaceTime! Elijah's got the cutest big blue eyes and steals hearts with his charm.
Liam Nichols
Ring bearer + Ethan's nephew
Baby Nichols ‘ringbearer’ loves running marathons, pumping iron at the gym, and going to Minnesota Twins games with Dad. He’s a baby specimen and all the baby girls secretly want to ask him for his number. In all reality though, he’s a baby and I don’t know much about him since he was born in April! Go get to know him yourself when you see him in August :)
Victoria Geurink
Day of coordinator
Victoria has seen me through some of life's absolute best. And some of life's absolute worst. She moved to the Twin Cities for mission schooling four years ago and then moved to France right before I moved to the Cities! She returned to the states earlier this year and it was SO GOOD to live in the same city again.
Becky Ponstein
Personal Attendant
Becky, Grace, and I met years ago while mentoring at a special needs summer camp. We'd meet for morning devotions, and then just never stopped! Becky's married to Palmer, lives in GR, attends seminary, loves to learn, and loves the Lord even more!
Grace VanSlambrouck
Personal Attendant
Throughout the years, Grace, Becky, and I have lived in other cities, other states, and other countries. But I think our underlying passion for the gospel is what keeps us together. Grace gets married in June to Scott! She's your "90's grunge" girl, a bit of a hippie, extremely intuitive, and just has a beautiful heart!
Katelyn Jones
Entourage
My sister from another mister. Truly. Katelyn just 'gets' me. When we first met, our similarities were uncanny, and now it's just assumed. Katelyn came to live with us for a summer simply to use her nursing skills as a service to my family. She's married to Andrew and they live in California. Which is just way too far away.
Brenn Busker
Entourage
Brenn is probably the funniest person I know. But also the realest. When her insta bio says "walking through life, tripping over things", you know you've found a keeper. She's an outgoing introvert, insanely intelligent, and has a desire to serve people in tough spots. Currently lives in North Carolina and has the best laugh.
Shelby Bennett
Entourage
Shelby. Such a pure soul. Loves Jesus with sure an inspiring purity. She's been overseas on the mission field and currently studies in Canada to hopefully become a bible translator one day. (Did I mention she's trilingual?! Probably more by now :) Shelby's really good at entering grief alongside others and is a resilient encouragement to so many around the world!
Julia Keplinger
Entourage
Jules is just full of life. Has the cutest giggle and sweetest smile. Her chin also quivers if she's laughing hard enough. If that doesn't encapsulate her, I don't know what does. Her and her husband Levi live on a bison farm in Ohio. She embraces the farmer's wife life wholeheartedly, and is just a beautiful person.
Carolyne Smith
Entourage
Her name is Martha Carolyne Marie Smith. But we just call her Carol. She's currently living in Florida, but recently moved home from living and serving overseas. She's a generous soul, has a servant's heart, and will always have your back. She also played lacrosse in college, which I think is super cool.
Lauren Edmonds
Entourage
Unfortunately, Lauren won't be able to be with us in person on August 2nd, but it's for the best reason! Baby Edmonds will be here soon!!! Lauren is married to Ben and they live near Portland Oregon. Lo is an insanely talented photographer, has a creative mind, a beautiful voice, and brings beauty to everything she touches.
Joel Weller
Entourage
I met Joel my Junior year of college and boy life never was the same! Joel currently lives in Rochester, MN and currently works for Mayo Health Clinic. He married Janelle in May and is one of the most fun-loving and purest of hearts I know.
Trevor Hogg
Entourage
I first met Trevor through my friend James who is an usher! Trevor soon became my go-to whenever one of our favorite bands came to town. Trevor currently attends seminary in Kansas City and recently married his now wife Maria. Trevor will pastor a church in the future, probably author multiple books, and will always love Indie Pop.
Scott Demmer
Entourage
Scott was one of my previous roommates in Madison! Let me tell you, Scott loves Jesus. He has pointed me to Christ so many times in the past few years in Madison. I'm forever grateful for him. Scott lives in Madison and married Adrienne a year ago on this same weekend!
Taylor Pontius
Entourage
Taylor and I grew up in Brainerd, MN together and I've known him far longer than anyone else in the group. Taylor more so than anyone else I know lives life on the edge! He is an adrenaline junky, one of the funniest (and craziest) people I know, and he is a fun lover! I introduced Taylor and Joel a few years ago on a mountain biking trip in the blue ridge mountains, and it was an incredible time! Taylor is married to Priscilla and has a baby boy, Lewis.
Trevor Kleinmeyer
Entourage
Trevor sadly will not be able to make it to our wedding as his brother is getting married the same weekend! I met Trevor my sophomore year of college. I instantly thought Trevor was too cool for school and that he wouldn't ever make time for me. Little did I know we would be best friends at college, try to date the same girls in college (oops!), move to separate cities, and then he wound up in Madison a few years later! Trevor is marrying his fiance, Cassie this year! He is a friend that I can go from life sharing to hysterically laughing minutes later!
Travis Kraemer
Usher
Five years ago right around this time, I walked outside my apartment in downtown Madison and Travis was hanging out with my neighbors outside my apartment. He invited me to the farmer's market and became one of my closest friends! Travis is one of the most intentional people I know, strives to follow the Spirit's leading in all he does, and I could not be happier to have him support me this weekend!
James Housworth
Usher
I met James about 5 years ago because Travis said I needed to meet him! We met at chipotle and over dinner shared our life stories. James friendship over the years has been amazing. He currently resides in St. Paul, MN with his wife Emily! They have been superhosts in providing me a place to stay when I'd come to visit SharaLee in the twin cities on the weekend.
Isaac Lind
Usher
Isaac is my newest friend of the group! He lives in Madison with his wife Beth and I met him last summer at my favorite vinyl record store in Madison. Isaac has been a constant throughout the past year and has been an amazing support for SharaLee and I as we have been traveling every other weekend to see each other. Isaac knows all things music!
Jonathan (JB) Burditt
Usher
I first met JB the 2nd Sunday after I moved to Madison. I walked into a church for the first time and sat down by myself with a whole role of chairs to myself. JB came and sat right next to me. At the moment I thought he was crowding my space but little did I know he would become one of my closest friends over the years and is one of the steadiest people I know! JB is married to Lydia and currently live in Madison.