Wedding Party
Cody Drimel
Best Man
Cody has been around simply too long - and because of this, Tanner has gotten to know the best and the worst of Cody. The best being his wonderful wife and bridesmaid (Kenzie Drimel), his amazing family (shout out Drimels, Rittenhouses, and Schmitzs), and the dog he never wanted - Rocky Odysseus Drimel. The worst being everything else. Cody at this point has gone through every life stage with Tanner. From playing basketball in some sick yellow jerseys in our distant youth, to cheating off each others tests in high school, to living together through college, and finally establishing our lives in Minneapolis. Cody is one of those people who gets himself (and everyone else) into the most bizarre situations but always makes sure everyone is happy, thought of, and taken care of coming out the other side.
Emily Vyrostek
Maid of Honor
Emily and Josie met in 6th grade. Thankfully, we were both deep within our awkward stage and leaned into it together. Emily also had a deep love for Chip, which surely helped their friendship bloom. It was not long until they were getting into shenanigans. Those shenanigans continued through middle school, high school, college and thankfully into adulthood. Emily credits Chip as the reason why she and our groomsman, "Caleb (pretty hair)", got together. Although distance has sometimes separated Emily and Josie throughout their friendship, they can always pick back up without missing a beat when they see each other. Josie can always count on Emily to be a confidant, for being one of her biggest supporters while also calling her out when needed, and for a good laugh - often times where they both end up being unable to breathe.
Caleb Burris
Groomsman
Caleb and Tanner met to late in life, towards the very tail end of college. The friendship blossomed quickly with an immediate spring break trip together in our early 20's. While Caleb and Tanner's friendship is primarily based on arguing about Lord of the Rings vs Star Wars, water boarding each other (most Tanner), and having as much fun as possible - behind it is a guy who is very considerate, caring, and simply the life of the party.
Alyssa Johnson
Maid of Honor
To Alyssa's dismay, she met Josie in 3rd grade. Josie was "the weird new kid in the Hawaiian dress with really long braids." Thankfully, Mrs. Railsback would not take Alyssa's "No way!" as an answer when she asked her to play with the new kid. Alyssa eventually came around and Josie and Alyssa have been friends ever since. Alyssa has been there through every stage of Josie's life (even the not so desirable ones... We'll ignore those times when speeches come... right..?) Josie love's Alyssa's sarcasm, wit, and dark humor, and that Alyssa can remember absolutely every minor detail of events throughout their friendship. Although Alyssa moved to Colorado (rude) she and Josie love to catch up often talking about unhinged Facebook Marketplace finds. Pinky promise forever, Alyssa.
Connor Nelson
Groomsman
Mr. Connor Nelson, aka CNelz, aka Nelson, aka Chuckles, aka the originator of the Aquatic Family. Connor is one of my newest and hopefully last new friends I will ever have and I wouldn't have it any other way. While Tanner and Connor met in college, our friendship really became a bond immediately after graduation. Nelson and I found ourselves as orphans with no home in Minneapolis but were quickly adopted by Cody and Corey. There we spent nearly the first year of our post-grad lives sleeping on the couches in their living room. CNelz is truly one of the funniest human beings I have met in my life and just as kind and considerate. Always down for a good time - he is the absolute king of going on last minute vacations with anyone who asks and is sure to make everyone have more fun and feel all the more comfortable and joyful with his big hugs and phenomenal taste in music.
Kenzie Drimel
Bridesmaid
Josie got to know Kenzie in 2017 after a whirlwind weekend at a music festival. It took longer than necessary for them to figure out that their own individual versions of weird and awkward were quite compatible. This is a good thing, especially considering Kenzie is married to Tanner's best man and childhood friend, Cody. Tanner got to know Kenzie prior to her and Cody getting married and the two quickly became friends. Kenzie is the friend that you can always count on. The one who remembers big and small details and is known to show up on your doorstep with flowers, drinks, or a gift to celebrate milestones or hardships. She is also the group planner and is infamous for planning the ultimate trips and get togethers. If you're in Kenzie's circle, you're in good hands.
Corey Schlosser
Groomsman
is a groomsman and friend. Also largely a reason why Josie and Tanner are together.
Molly Davidson
Bridesmaid
Molly is Tanner's younger sister. Josie felt quickly welcomed by Tanner's entire family, but she felt a lot of pressure to impress Molly, who is one of Tanner's favorite people on earth. This felt like an incredibly difficult task, given that Molly was a teenager when Josie met her, so she was expecting a challenge. Thankfully, Josie quickly learned that Molly is a very down to earth, easy going, and caring human being - even from a young age. Josie and Tanner have enjoy watching and cheering on Molly as she goes through stages of life. They are ever impressed by her compassion and tenacity. We love you, Molly!
Frannie Pearson
Officiant
Franimal - our chosen officiant truly because both Josie and Tanner wanted her on their side of the wedding party. This friendship was born for no other reason than the minute you meet Frannie you realize she is a wonderful, sweet, hilarious, and witty person that you want in your life far as long as possible - and so upon meeting her through friends of friends in 2017, we claimed her as our own. Frannie is by far our most talented friend - not only serenading all our friends while playing in her band - the Whistles (check them out on Spotify), but has also invented a way for getting everyone outside in the winter for short micro breaks.
Madi Goodman
Assistant to the Regional Bride
Josie and Madi met many moons ago in middle school. Since then, countless sleepovers have been had at one another's houses -Starting at their parents houses, but continuing on through college and adulthood. Madi is a literal ray of sunshine. She has always remained unapologetically true to herself and is not afraid to speak her mind. She is a fierce social justice advocate and molder of young minds. She is also a fanatic of pickles, which is greatly appreciated, as there is always an endless supply of pickles in her fridge. If Madi tells you to do something (or to stop doing something) on the wedding night, listen or she will burp in your face. She is the boss.
