Wedding Party
Thomas Hotvedt
Best Man
Thomas is Peter's younger brother. Like with most sets of older and younger brothers, he and Peter have spent their lives playing, learning and growing together. To say that each would be the person today without the other's presence, guidance, perspective and care would be inaccurate to the greatest degree. The two have always been present in each other's lives to help do the big stuff like move into new houses and apartments, and the small stuff, like hanging out on the couch and playing some games after said move. He is as reliable and caring as any brother could hope for, and Peter considers it an honor to have him as his Best Man.
Elizabeth Guokas
Maid of Honor
Elizabeth (also known as Beth to family and Liz to friends) is Erin's older sister and oldest friend. Erin has looked up to Beth her whole life, and feels lucky to have such a caring, funny, and really cool sister. The two joke about having a "sister hivemind," but they really are kindred spirits. Erin has a lot of fond memories of thrift shopping and garage sale-ing with Beth, photoshoots along Lake Michigan in the dead of winter, weekend sleepovers at their first Milwaukee apartment, and the long but fun drives moving them out to California.
Matthew Hotvedt
Groomsman
Matthew is Peter's older cousin. Peter, despite being the oldest child in his family, has always seen Matthew as a kind of older brother (though of course this led to a strange dynamic of being the effective "middle child" when he Matthew and Thomas all hung out together). Nevertheless, Matthew has been a fixed beacon of support and care through Peter's life. Matthew is patient and caring even when Peter somehow gets every single Star concealed in a Hidden Block, in Mario Party 2. It's okay, Matthew can get his retribution by clobbering Peter in Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64.
Breanna Grady
Bridesmaid
Erin and Breanna first met in high school, and got to know each other after both being selected for their school's a cappella group. They bonded over their shared band kid-choir kid identity and similar sense or humor (even though Erin is an alto and brass player and Breanna is a soprano and woodwind, they looked past their differences). As both attended UW-Madison, their friendship only grew stronger and was forged in late-night Domino's, walks through State Street, and a lot of Monday night DWTS and Bachelor viewings.
Drake Kobler
Groomsman
Drake and Peter met one night when the former killed the latter in a game of Among Us. Or maybe it was the other way around? Regardless, since the many nights spent cooped up indoors during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns Drake and Peter have become fast friends. Drake is a responsible and honest friend who is willing to be frank because he trusts his friends to do the same for him. Peter and Drake's continued comradery is a lasting example of what modern friendships can look like.
Kira Chavez
Bridesmaid
Erin was introduced to Kira by Breanna, as the two were water polo teammates at UW, and they became fast friends, especially after a winter break trip to Atlanta together (shoutout to the Georgia Aquarium, especially the whale sharks). After college, Erin and Kira roomed together in a cute apartment near the Wisconsin Capitol building... though don't ask them about the narrow staircase you had to take up three flights of stairs to get there. They spent many nights there watching Hannah Montana, trying in vain to get the heat to work, and playing with Erin's cat Winnie.
Cynthia Hotvedt
Mother of the Groom
Cynthia is Peter's mom and his most enthusiastic fan. She has supported him and his interests through every single period of his life, from giving him a flip video camera to make little videos in his pre-teen years to giving him professional recording studio materials in more recent years. Given that she spent almost her entire career working in Medtronic's media production sector, she was the perfect person and parent for a child with his own interest in the art of making videos. She has been a cornerstone of his life and he is grateful for her constant love and support. While Peter jokes that she might be even more excited for this wedding than either he or Erin, there's no way he'd rather have it. Cynthia is the definition of a wonderful mother.
Linda Guokas
Mother of the Bride
Linda is the best mom a girl could ask for. She is the person who instilled Erin's love of music and reading in her and who taught her the values of kindness and creativity that she still holds dear today. Many may know Linda from her various roles in the community: cantor at weekend mass, Girl Scout Troop Leader during Erin's school days, substitute teacher, poll worker, and so many more. Even in her retirement, Linda is as busy as ever, but she always makes time for her four kids. And if you've ever heard Erin say you'd be hearing from her lawyers, her mom is one of them (shoutout to Marquette Law School).
Craig Hotvedt
Father of the Groom
Craig is Peter's father and greatest example of a strong, responsible man. Craig taught Peter both the value of hard work, and the fun that can be had afterwards. He taught Peter to be honest and to accept others with respect and care. Craig has lived his life in service to others: working in broadcast journalism, as a community health non-profit program coordinator, and as a member of the church council. Peter remembers his annual trips to the Minnesota State Fair and the Health Fair 11 building as the final celebration of summer vacation, a lasting memory he has his father to thank for. It is through his father's unyielding giving nature that Peter has learned the merits of compassion and what it means to to love others as you love yourself.
Charles Guokas
Father of the Bride
Charles--who goes by Chuck--is the perfect dad. No, seriously, all of his children grew up calling him Daddy Perfect. Chuck taught Erin to always do the extra credit, always shop the sales, and, although a frugal person himself, always be generous to those around you. He also instilled in her a love of nature and wildlife, and their family road trips to National Parks are memories Erin will always be grateful for. Chuck had a long career as an Administrative Law Judge, but is now retired (not fired!) and enjoys visiting local museums and spending lots of time up north at the family tree farm. He's the other lawyer you'll be hearing from if you get on Erin's bad side.
