Shane & Jessica
Wedding Party
Caroline Bridges
Maid of Honor
Nothing brings you closer than mutual suffering through those awkward middle school years. And considering just how awkward they were for Caroline and Jess, it's really not surprising the two became inseparable. Caroline has always been an "international woman of mystery" having grown up in England before moving to the U.S. She wins the award for traveling the farthest to make it to the wedding, coming from her new home in Shanghai China. Jess doesn't have a biological sister, but Caroline comes pretty darn close.
Sean Giles
Best Man
Sean is the groom's only and older brother. If you knew these two as children, you never would've believed they'd be each other's best man someday. Being four years older, Sean won just about every "competition," but also taught Shane a lot - especially not picking fights with someone twice your size! Now these two just look forward to nights drinking Dad's beer (with him of course!) and talking about life. Only one person can claim a better friendship with Sean and that is his amazing wife Nina. The two are blessed with four wonderful (and mischievous!) children and their family will simultaneously delight and exhaust you.
Emma Kerschner
Bridesmaid
Emma is the youngest of all seven cousins on the bride's mother's side. Since the day she was born she's been able to get all of her older cousins to dote on her with a single lip pout that was termed the "puppy face". There is even an Emma theme song that all six cousins can sing. But don't let all the cuteness fool you, Emma is a fierce athlete. When she's not on the field, she's watching her basketball equal, Steph Curry, play in the NBA.
Greg Trinkl
Groomsman
Greg is the younger brother and only sibling of the bride. It may shock you to find out that Jess used to do all the talking for Greg growing up. We are not quite sure when Greg found his voice but we haven't been able to get some silence since. Shane and Greg have bonded over being the only two in the Trinkl Family not working in medicine. Greg knew that things would work out between the bride and groom before the rest of us. He even made a $1,000 bet with a friend on it! Greg now works in Private Equity and really enjoys probing questions on the confidential transactional details of his deals.
Kate Holubowicz
Bridesmaid
Kate beats all the other bridesmaids for knowing Jess the longest. The two spent almost every day together growing up when Jess's parents went to work. Kate is an accounting major at the University of Wisconsin and we'd like to think her success can be attributed to all the lemonade stands we had as kids. If there was an award for the number 1 Wisconsin sports fan, Kate Holubowicz would definitely be in the running. She likely went to more Brewer games this past season alone than the number of MLB games you've been to in your whole life.
Daniel Sjostedt
Groomsman
Daniel has probably spent more time at Shane's parents' house than his own since about 4th grade. Never a better night was had than splitting a fifth of whiskey with him while he takes you to the cleaners in trivial pursuit. While he is unfortunately a Patriots fan, you can't hold it against him because he was born that way. Ask him about politics and you'll find out just how much you don't know.
Jackie Stoneburner
Bridesmaid
If you had to guess where Jess was during any given moment of college, your best bet would be with Jackie. It is rumored that the bride switched majors to match Jackie's just so she could spend even more time with her. Jackie is in medical school at the University of Southern California. In case you were wondering, she still roots for Notre Dame during rivalry football games (phew!) Jackie has been dating John since sophomore year of college, and they are easily one of the best couples to spend time with (Jess would know!)
Eric "Muskrat" Kim
Groomsman
Eric's defining feature is his angelic singing voice. He legitimately sings Ed Sheeran's songs better than Ed Sheeran. Despite the separation of a year in college, Eric and Shane became fast friends after realizing both were always up for a midnight Taco Bell run (which occurred more often than either would like to admit). A typical evening spent with Eric will likely involve hanging Christmas lights, watching the 80s sitcom Cheers, and a tackling a case of Guinness. If you get the chance you should ask Eric his thoughts on Andy Grammar.
Claire Claussen
Bridesmaid
Claire and Jess met during a summer of waitressing together at Erin Hills Golf Course. The two became friends when they realized they could focus their talents on what each did best and split the tips. This ultimately led to Claire interacting with all the customers while Jess rolled silverware in back. Claire took her skills to New York where she started her own business in, of course, sales. We'd like to think her success can be attributed to all the "extra practice" Jess let her have.
Garrett "Blue" Fonacier
Groomsman
Garrett, Brandon, Eric, and Shane all lived together at Notre Dame. Meeting Garrett though, you will wonder why such a genuinely kind and personable individual ever wanted to share a room with the other three. He's an avid runner but only after a few drinks. Garrett also married his college sweetheart Andrea who is actually way cooler than he is. And yes, he is always that happy.
Grace Maginn
Bridesmaid
Grace and Jess lived in the same dorm for two years but it took traveling half way around the world for them to actually meet. Despite the delay, it was love at first sight and the two spent a romantic three months together sipping cafes in Spanish plazas and yelling to each other in English from matching bedroom balconies. Grace has a killer Spanish accent- she’ll swoon you with those rolled R’s.
Brandon "Glowstick" Russo
Groomsman
Brandon is the grandmother you never knew you needed. His listed nickname is Glowstick, but more people simply refer to him as "Mom". He will annoy you with how much he cares about you and somehow manages this without drinking coffee every single morning. Brandon lived with the groom for most of their time in college and if you ever heard them bicker you might think they've been married 50 years. Among his friends he is both the most likely to join the priesthood and most likely to "steal yo girl."
Ben Brockman
Usher
Ben only takes shirtless photos so we're hoping he wears a tux to the wedding. Formerly a regular at a bar named Cheers, he is also the only member of the wedding party (bride included) who has seen the groom cry. Ben will talk your ear off about Ireland but that means he's always up for a good toast, Sláinte!
Troy Laedtke
Usher
Troy was once the groom's RA. He really only got an invite so Shane wouldn't get "written up". The coolest thing about Troy is his younger sister. In reality though, Shane and Jess spent most of their Friday evenings in Madison drinking Spotted Cow and making memories with this guy.
Sean and Nina's Children
Flower Girl/Ring Bearer/Junior Ushers
Lacey Giles - cutest flower girl you'll ever see Jason Giles - the guardian of the rings Brendan Giles - usher in training Michael Giles - usher in training