Wedding Party
Elise Grzybowski
Maid of Honor
Elise is just about the best friend McKenzie could ask for. They met the first week of college and have been inseparable ever since. Over the years they've become more like sisters, with so many late-night talks and morning coffee runs their friendship grew in love and strength. From freshman year in the dorms right across the hall to living on different floors in the same apartment building and separate houses on different streets, they finally became roommates this summer! McKenzie's favorite thing about Elise is her heart for the Lord shown through acts of service for the people she loves. Elise has been an essential contributor to every important life event, including taking her engagement photos! Elise has not only captured the special moments for McKenzie and Matthew but also captured their hearts. McKenzie is overjoyed to share her next journey with her. Elise has been next to McKenzie's side and her biggest supporter throughout her college journey. With her generous heart, empathetic soul, and strong faith, she was the obvious choice for Maid of Honor!
Christopher Freed
Best Man
Chris is the greatest big brother to Matthew. He has always played an incredible role in his life and Matthew always wanted to be just like his big brother. From playing the same sports, the same video games, and the same movies (especially Star Wars), it's obvious that Matthew wanted to share a bond with his brother in every interest of life. Since the day that Chris left for college, every goodbye is often left with tears and a question of when the next time they will see each other. Each moment is never taken for granted. Matthew learned his sense of humor, competitiveness, and protection of those he loves from Chris. A perfect example of Chris' protection is when he leaped out of the bleachers and onto the football field when Matthew was blindsided in peewee football. He was there in a heartbeat! The two of them often scheme about one day having enough kids between the two of them to form a Freed basketball team. Another shared experience waiting to be written! :)
Kennedy Grimes
Bridesmaid
Kennedy is McKenzie's hilarious, beautiful, fun-loving little sister. She is so proud of the woman Kennedy has become. As a senior in high school Kennedy is transitioning into a whole new world of college and McKenzie know's she'll do great. Kennedy is one of the funniest people McKenzie knows, her outlandish jokes always make her laugh. After McKenzie moved for college, it seems like every time she sees her sister she's gotten older. It's an exciting but bittersweet time. McKenzie remembers when they were still kids and shared a room, there were fun times and lets be honest, some arguments too. But she's thrilled to have Kennedy by her side and add to the long list of memories they're creating growing up together. Kennedy will always be McKenzie's little sister that seems to be growing up way too fast. She looks forward to the next time Kennedy asks her to braid her hair, because that's something they'll never grow out of.
Reily Grimes
Groomsman
Reily is McKenzie's younger brother. She is so excited for him to be a part of Matthew and McKenzie's wedding day! Reily and McKenzie have bonded over the Christian club she's been involved in. Reily has gotten so involved some would say more people know him than her, which McKenzie loves and is very grateful to God that he has found community in such a good group. McKenzie has seen Reily grow into an incredible young man and she couldn't be more proud of him. Matthew and Reily have bonded immensely and she's grateful that Reily has another guy around to balance out her and her sister. Reily has survived a childhood with two sisters and him being in the middle, so needless to say he can survive anything. McKenzie is thrilled that Reily will be a groomsman and celebrate with them on their special day!
Rachael Davis
Bridesmaid
Rachael is Matthew's sister. She has always been the most caring and thoughtful person in his life. Gift giving is one of her God-given gifts, and it is evident. She combines her creative energy and talents with gift-giving to create reminders of her care and protection of her little brother. Many times Matthew and Rachael have played video games with each other and share many 1 on 1 meals. Like all siblings, their childhood had the bickering and sarcasm, but it always consisted of a deep bond. Matthew respects the path that she has paved for herself in the many aspects of her life. From vigorous teaching duties, a crochet business, and continued schooling, Rachael is a representation of seeking what you desire. She is incredibly studious and high achieving. She certainly has left an everlasting stamp in Matthew's heart and he can't wait for what is in store for the family.
Nathan Davis
Groomsman
Nathan is Matthew's brother-in-law. He is kind, gentle, and a great husband to Matthew's sister. Nathan is polite and incredibly hard-working. He is a goal-setter and goal-achiever. He has an eternal stamp in the Freed family history books. He's been nothing short of exactly what Matthew's sister, Rachael, desires in a man. Matthew was able to see his character up close at Nathan's bachelor party. He's everything he says he is and is considerate and thoughtful with his intentions. Nathan not only is a great man, but a great addition to the Freed family.
Devon Freed
Bridesmaid
Devon is Matthew's sister-in-law. Matthew was very standoffish meeting, at the time, his brother's girlfriend. Over time Matthew was able to see the laughter and playful comments between the two of them. It reminded him of his childhood with Chris when they would have civil (well sometimes) sarcasm and play. If she can handle Chris' sarcasm, humor, and teasing, then she's on the right track, Matthew thought. Matthew begun to open up to her and ever since the two have symbolized a true brother and sister relationship. Devon is supportive, resourceful, and kind. Devon is always thinking about others as she buys Christmas gifts almost a year in advance! She is always willing to lend a hand and step in whenever is needed. Matthew is excited about moving to North Carolina to be near family, but especially to grow his relationship even more with her. Devon is a true sister.
Andrew Racine
Groomsman
Andrew is Matthew's current college roommate and great brother in Christ. The two of them randomly met freshman year of college at the University of Minnesota. With a few other friends from the "Penthouse" floor they moved into the Freund Haus on University Avenue the year following. Their relationship truly fostered when they opened up about their love and obedience of Jesus Christ. It was not uncommon to find the two up late in the night discussing the wonders of God, the reading of scripture, and sharing their struggles and blessings in life. This lead to the creation of their Christian podcast for fellow college students "Bare Bones" consisting of scripture readings, applications, and a snapshot into their life with Christ. Through ski trips, Culver's excursions, gym sessions, a burnt down apartment, and more, the two have experienced a lot of life. One thing is for sure, the two have always had the foundation of Christ to give them encouragement and hope through all of their seasons of life. They often remind each other of these truths. These two are life long friends that will always show up for each other. Always.
Maya Kovdiy
Bridesmaid
Maya and McKenzie met not that long ago, during their sophomore year after McKenzie came back from a semester abroad in Rome. God's providence was written all over their story! Maya has been a huge part of McKenzie's faith journey, McKenzie needed a place to live and was randomly paired with Maya for the second semester. As they got to know each other more, the nights were filled with long theological talks, and the days were filled with conversations that left no time for homework. Finally, Maya offered for McKenzie to come to Chi Alpha, a Christian club at St. Thomas. Ever since, they've grown in their faith alongside each other, eventually being President and Vice President of Chi Alpha together! McKenzie is so grateful for God putting Maya in her life, she misses their late-night talks and early-morning check-ins. No matter where they are in life, they'll always be more than just roommates in that small Morrison apartment, but lifelong friends with a bond anchored in Christ that will never fail. She cherishes that Maya is apart of her special day!
Joshua Lentz
Groomsman
Josh is the closest to a second brother as Matthew has. Matthew is commonly called their second son among the Lentz household. Matthew has always felt as if Josh was the younger brother he never had. They've known each other since the 3rd grade and have been great friends. The two did everything together. Most days after school were spent hanging out at each other's houses. Sleepovers, birthday parties, classes, video games, intense games of hide-and-go-seek, spring break reunions, winter break ski trips, laughing till they cried, just a few moments that begin to capture their bond. The two are in fact so similar they copied each other's academic degrees (both Bachelor's of Economics and Master's in finance degrees)! Their relationship is one that can always be picked up where they last left it. Even since Matthew moved from Fort Worth, TX, they make sure to keep in touch.
Maddie Dooley
Bridesmaid
Maddie has the softest heart for the Lord out of anyone McKenzie has ever known. Her love for her friends is only outshined by her love for Jesus. McKenzie met Maddie in marketing class during her sophomore year when they were put in the same group project. They quickly bonded over inside jokes and Christian values. They strengthened their bond when they found out they both went to Chi Alpha the following year! Throughout Maddie and McKenzie's friendship, they've had the opportunity to see each other grow in their faith. They've been able to support each other through medical challenges, relationship struggles, and their walk with Christ. They even had the opportunity to see each other be baptized throughout their friendship. McKenzie is overjoyed to have Maddie be a part of her wedding day and is so excited for their bond to grow even stronger!
Graham Mayfield
Groomsman
Graham and Matthew have been good friends since Elementary school. Graham is always there to crack a joke and have a great time. Graham is down for anything. He loves to travel and explore any opportunity present. His laugh is distinct and contagious. He is incredibly supportive and kind to everyone, especially those that are close. Graham and Matthew share a common bond of video games, music, and more. His loyalty, love, and respect to his friends and family is consistent and ever-present. Everything you can wish a friend can be, Graham is the embodiment of that.
Greta Rongstad
Bridesmaid
Greta and McKenzie met while studying abroad in Rome. They were paired as roommates for those 3 months and a bond was formed that was rooted in shared laughter and shared experiences. Greta brought McKenzie food while she was sick with COVID in Rome, and was her favorite travel buddy because of her relaxed attitude (if you know McKenzie, you know she needs someone relaxed to balance her out). After Rome, they stayed in touch, and eventually moved into a house together Junior year! The past two years of knowing Greta have brightened McKenzie's life in so many ways. To know Greta is to know laughter every day, her story-telling is a theatrical event that has you on the edge of your seat, even if she's only telling you about her trip to the gas station. Greta is not only hilarious but incredibly hard-working. And through every circumstance, she remains calm and collected (something McKenzie hopes to learn from her). She is so excited for Greta to witness her marriage and knows there will be many conversations in the future that end with Matthew telling her she needs to stop laughing so loud.
Arhan Ghosh
Groomsman
One of Matthew's dearest and most supportive friends is Arhan. They've been great friends for a long time and have experienced great friendship. Arhan always keeps in touch with his friends and is extremely loyal. His work ethic is admirable and has always pushed himself in every area of his life. Arhan is a great motivational figure for Matthew and an incredible representation of someone who never gives up. No mountain is too high to climb (as you can see in the picture above)! Arhan seems to always call Matthew when he needs it most. When the week has been tough and tiresome, Arhan gives Matthew just the motivation he needs to push forward. His words are true and powerful. Arhan is as great as they come.