Jessica & Patrick
Wedding Party
Claudia Thompson
Maid of Honor
Claudia and Jessica survived the akward middle school and high school years together. They even were duo partners in speech trying to get a few laughs with their skit. Through graduation, college, and cross country moves, they have remained friends. Claudia would like everyone to know that she is incredibly thankful to be a part of Jessica and Patrick's wedding, and to have a lifelong friend, restoration enthusiast/consultant, and someone who also finds peace in going camping in the boudary waters.
Dylan Klein
Best Man
Dylan and Jess were Crew Leaders for Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps, and were actually Patrick's bosses at one time! Patrick and Dylan became fast friends in the corps and, most importantly, they shared a love for the 1977 hit record "Bat Out of Hell" by Meat Loaf. They worked on various other handy-man jobs together, calling themselves "The Guys", and Dylan was always the one who kept Patrick on track. Dylan works for UW Superior, has a cat named Aldo, and is the only person I know who actually likes blackberry brandy.
Amelia Berquist
Bridesmaid
Amelia and Jessica became quick friends at the University of Minnesota Duluth pool during kayaking club. Soon they were going on adventures in canoes, kayaks, and on hiking trails. These adventures continue today with perhaps a few more local brews involved. Amelia makes sure Jessica cross country skiis once a year, borrows her all the camping equipment, and feels safe on all the outdoor outings.
Douglas Fortney
Groomsman
Douglas and Jessica are friends because they have to be, but Douglas and Patrick are friends because they choose to be. Douglas lives in Lafeyette, IN where he works for Cargill at a soybean processing plant. He has red hair.
Trisha Gospodarek
Bridesmaid
Trisha and Jessica met at St. Norbert College complaning about the same guy (waste of time). They quickly became friends. Jessica had a long drive home from De Pere Wisconsin but found out Trisha's home was on the way for a carpool adventure. Through the moves, different colleges, jobs, life events, they still kept in contact and would check-in on each other. They vetted each others significant other to make sure they were good enough for their friend. Good thing Patrick passed the test.
Brock Larson
Groomsman
Brock is a professional fine artist, and co-founder / instructor at the Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art. He first met Patrick and Jessica when their crew was assigned to help renovate the school through the Northern Bedrock Corps. Patrick soon joined the academy as one of the first students in the program, they have since become friends and currently are fellow instructors and colleagues in painting.
Evette Steinkraus
Bridesmaid
Jessica and Evetee met when they both worked at Glensheen Mansion. In between dealing with tourists and college studne, they shared a love of History and stress crying in closets. Even though Evette chose the farm life with two springer spaniels and moved away from Duluth, Jessica and Evette still talk everyday, mostly to complain about work. When Jessica and Evette get together, they enjoy trying different restaurants in the Twin Ports and being attacked by Jessica's cat, Tuna.
Dave Pangborn
Groomsman
Pat and I met in college when we lived in the same house together. We both have a passion for visual art, music, and the outdoors. Through those connections we were able to form a long lasting friendship and mutual respect. After college I moved out to Bellingham, WA with my at the time girlfriend, now wife of 5 years Nicaela. We have since moved back to MN where we build a house together, started new careers, and had our child Ezra. Through all of this Pat and I always stayed in contact. He would send my pictures of this newest drawings, I would send him my latest photographs. I would not have missed this wedding for anything, even though I did have concert tickets for these dates...
Tess Portesan
Bridesmaid
The Tess and Jess duo started when both started working for UMD stores and had a love for the show Pretty Little Liars. After college both remained close friends with many phone calls figuring out life together. Through the years, moves and long distance, they have kept the tradition of watching shows together. Also, Luna knows Tess' voice and Harry (pictured) knows Jessica's voice through the phone.
Luke Stettler
Groomsman
Luke and Patrick met in highschool at Mr. Lunde's study hall. They became best friends and were in a band together in highschool, spending many hours playing music, listening to music, and watching Death Wish 3. They both went to UM Duluth, and lived together in college for a year, along with Dave Pangborn (see other groomsmen). Luke is one of those friends that, even though you don't see eachother for a long time (sometimes years), you pick up exactly where you left off. Luke lives in Indianapolis with his girlfriend Carrie.
Katie Kappauf
Officiant
Katie and Jessica were assigned roommates when Jessica transfered to the University of Minnesota Duluth her sophmore year. Katie was a great friend from the start and introduced Jessica to the movie and song Footloose. Katie and Jessica have been known to go one Adventures and to start shenangians at Country Fest. Katie is an amazing cook and baker, and loves a good board game.
Claire
Flower Girl
Claire is one of Patrick's adorable neices. She is three years old and loves life.