Alison & Jason
Wedding Party
Sami Banks
Matron of Honor
Sami is Ally's sister-in-law and has been in her life since 2014. There's rarely a day that goes by when they don't communicate via text, phone call, or FaceTime. Sometimes, the bride forgets that they haven't been sisters since birth! It certainly feels that way, especially considering how eagerly Sami stepped into the role of the sassy older sister. :)
Brian Faul
Best Man
Growing up, Brian was the cool older brother who the groom idolized. When they would walk by each other in the halls at Prior Lake High School, Brian would hide a smile and pretend he didn't see Jason. They truly balance each other out as the perfect sibling duo; in many ways, they're polar opposites. One of Brian's noteworthy qualities? His infamous dance moves. Be on the lookout!
Nichole Johnson
Bridesmaid
Ally met Nichole in 2005 through fastpitch softball and they've been best friends ever since. Both showed up to their first practice wearing red capris and the rest is history! Growing up, they had sleepovers pretty much every weekend. Nichole's an earlier riser though, which often meant starting mornings in the kitchen with Ally's parents while Ally continued sleeping. :)
Chris Baker
Groomsman
Chris is Ally's oldest brother. Early on in the bride and groom's relationship, Ally often mentioned how much the groom reminded her of Chris, so it came as no surprise when Chris and Jason became instant friends upon meeting. The two have gotten to know each other well through weekend visits to Milwaukee. They share a love for early 2000s rap music and exchange mixtapes from time to time.
Kelly Baker
Bridesmaid
Kelly is Ally's sister-in-law, and she's always been someone Ally looks up to. It began with fashion help during the bride's awkward high school years. Now, Kelly is someone from whom she seeks advice on just about anything—most recently, advice related to finding balance in grad school. In August 2021, Kelly gifted the bride a new title (her favorite title): auntie to Aiden.
Matt Baker
Groomsman
Matt is Ally's older brother. Some of her fondest childhood memories with Matt are staying up all night watching horror movies. The groom is frequently reminded that Matt is a better movie buddy because he doesn't fall asleep halfway through like Jason does. Ally and Jason love their double date sleepovers at Matt and Sami's house in Rochester, which always include the boys getting record-low scores in Just Dance.
Katie Aney
Bridesmaid
Katie is one of Ally's close friends and former college tennis teammates. You can often find them in the corner of the party having a meaningful life talk about relationships, the world, music, politics... anything really. Katie is a free spirit and will require lots of room on the dance floor so make way!
Austin Goetz
Groomsman
Austin and Jason met right away at Gustavus, immediately bonding over basketball and boy bands. These two had the time of their lives studying abroad together in Rome. When they returned from their semester away, they lived together as roommates and shared the same basketball and class schedule. They couldn't get away from each other if they tried (and they definitely tried). Austin is the king of dad jokes and loves a good classic movie quote.
Kinzee Salo
Bridesmaid
Ally and Kinzee met through Tennis and Life Camps (TLC) in the summer of 2017. In spring 2019, Kinz was promoted to Assistant Director of Tennis, making her Ally's summertime boss. It appears she didn't have to discipline the bride too much because their friendship is alive and well! They even took a trip to the U.S. Open together in 2019.
Scott Eischens
Groomsman
Scott and Jason lived across the hall from each other during their freshman year of college. They initially bonded over the difficulties of Calc. II and the struggle of waking up for their 8:00 AM class. Scott is a loyal friend; their relationship is the closest one the groom has to a true bromance. Scott's always down for a good time, so expect him to be the life of the party at the wedding!
Taylor Anderson
Personal Attendant
Ally initially knew Taylor as Jason's best friend's girlfriend (and now his FIANCÉ!), but since graduating, the gals have become close pals. Taylor is loyal, inclusive, and FUNNY. She's a great friend to go to for some perspective or words of encouragement. She is famous for her toasts; when there's reason for celebration, she always finds the perfect words, so be prepared to raise your glass!
Jacob Herd
Groomsman
Jason first knew of Jacob after their high school basketball teams played each other. The groom thought the Gustavus coach was at the game to recruit him, but after the coach abruptly ended their conversation to go talk with Jacob, Jason quickly realized that was not the case. :) Jacob is a caring friend, an extremely hard-working individual, and ALWAYS the roommate with the earliest bedtime.
Anna Herd
Personal Attendant
As you read on the home page, Anna's the matchmaker who introduced the bride and groom! She's one of the most thoughtful, intentional friends you could ever have. So thoughtful, in fact, that for Ally and Jason's engagement party, she baked and frosted homemade cookies and arranged them to depict the timeline of their relationship. How cute?!
Casey Decker
Groomsman
Throughout college and living together post-college, Casey and Jason grew very close. Jason respects how Casey lives out his passions, whether it's collecting rocks (geology major) or going to flight school. Jason foolishly likes to test Casey's wrestling abilities, but Casey was a state participant in high school so these attempts typically don't end well for the groom...
Maggie Decker
Personal Attendant
In a few words, Maggie is lively, caring, and hilarious. She's both a great host and the life of just about every party. She's a teacher through and through and makes everyone feel loved. Truly, everyone! But her best quality? She makes a mean jello shot.
Mike Kough
Usher
Mike and the groom's bond began in middle school just like how any other teen friendship starts: video games and backyard football. These days, they like to share their dog training tips and discuss the most recent psychological thriller movie they watched. Mike and the bride recently discovered their shared passion for Broadway musicals, an appreciation which the groom is "lacking."
Mason Bultje
Usher
Since 2015, Mason has been one of Ally’s most loyal and trustworthy friends. They met through the Gustavus tennis program but grew close after being Anat. and Phys. study buddies and went on to work four summers together at TLC. He always has her back and tells her what she needs to hear... even when she doesn't want to hear it! :)