We Still Do
Our Greatest Supporters
Mitch Sierakowski
Best Man
Mitch is like the brother that Jake never had. Jake first met Mitch in 2005 while playing indoor lacrosse. Their similar interests and sense of humor sparked a friendship that lasted beyond junior high school and into adulthood. Even though Mitch attended college on the East Coast, the distance did not come between their friendship. Jake has always been able to go to Mitch for advice about anything, and when Jake made the decision to propose to Kate, Mitch was one of the only people to know beforehand.
Lauren Diamond
Maid of Honor
Kate met Lauren on the first day of high school Freshman year! Even though Lauren is a few months younger than Kate, Kate has always looked up to Lauren. Her positive energy and loyal support helped Kate through many of life's obstacles and Lauren has always been a cheerleader in Kate's life. So for this celebration, it was fitting to have Lauren as the maid of honor - plus her organizational skills can't be beat (even by Kate)
Kevin Winters
Groomsman
Jake has known Kevin their whole lives - literally! Their moms use to take the two of them on walks in their strollers! Growing up together meant they shared secrets, adventures, family vacations, and were always on the same sports teams... except the one time Kevin made the A team and Jake made the B team (Jake still isn't over this). Neighbors during their childhood led Jake and Kevin to being roommates in college, where they were upstanding citizens in the community ;) The amount of stories and inside jokes are endless. LJ Rose forever!
Amanda Jacobs
Bridesmaid
Amanda (Mandy) is Kate's big sister! Mandy was Kate's first best friend and has always been the cool older sister to look up to. Kate was born on Mandy's 13th birthday, which also happens to be NYE, and the twinning doesn't stop there. The most valuable thing Mandy has taught Kate, is how to be compassionate towards others and to always look on the bright side. PS in case anyone didn't already know, Giraffes really do live in Africa.
Bryan Schmitz
Groomsman
Jake met Bryan through hockey around age 10. Bryan was Kevin Winter's arch nemesis because of Bryan's big head, so naturally Jake and Bryan became friends. Bryan and Jake played many years of hockey, lacrosse, and football together. They too were roommates in college, and played on the University of Minnesota-Duluth lacrosse team. Jake has always found it very easy to confide in Bryan, and has appreciated his advice. From weekends at the cabin, to hunting trips, or just hanging out at home, there's never a shortage of laughs.
Lexi Hamer
Bridesmaid
The night that Jake and Kate first met, Jake bragged about having such a cool little sister. As he showed Kate some family pictures, he said Lexi was incredibly down to earth, had the best sense of humor, and he would do anything for her. Jake couldn't have described Lexi any better, except he missed that she is also fiercely loyal to those she loves. True to Jake's word, Kate has been fortunate enough to experience the endless laughter, loving support, and honest advice from Lexi over the years. From wine nights, to Christmas cookies, to shopping, and concerts, Kate has grown closer to Lexi and can't wait to have her as a little sister!
John Hommes
Groomsman
Jake and John have been friends since middle school. They played hockey and lacrosse together in high school. Their similar sense of humor and outgoing personalities always make for an eventful time. Whether it's watching sports, hunting, or just going out on the town, the laughs never seem to end. Jake has always found John easy to talk to for his straight forward and blunt responses. John's biggest fear is that he'll miss out on something fun, but the truth is that no matter where he goes fun seems to follow. Hit'em with the fish fry.
Evan Babekuhl
Bridesmaid
Kate first met Evan at the University of St. Thomas in 2010. Through their fondness of country music, whiskey drinking, dancing, sports, and pizza, their friendship grew closer in 2013. Evan taught Kate to let loose and live for the memories to be made with friends. Evan lead Kate on many journeys through Dassel-Cokato and Minneapolis. In fact, they frequented Cowboy Jacks downtown Minneapolis... which just happened to be the place where Jake first laid eyes on Kate.
Kyle Ficken
Groomsman
Jake met Kyle in 2014 while coaching lacrosse for the Rogers High School varsity team. The two instantly bonded over their similar coaching styles, and their movie quoting abilities. Outside of lacrosse, Kyle and Jake like spending their time arguing over the Packers and Vikings football rivalry, and they've been known to shoot a few pheasants every now and then. Kyle has been there every step of the way through Kate and Jake's relationship, and has been a big supporter since the beginning.
Paulina Kluk
Bridesmaid
Paulina was one of Kate's roommates at the University of St. Thomas. Paulina and Kate spent many of those late nights talking about life, boys, supporting each other with classes and work; Paulina has always been one of the most supportive friends, and has had Kate's back every step of the way. Paulina was the one who pushed Kate to be courageous and text Jake after the first night they met. Paulina was the third wheel during the first hangout, and without that night, we may not be here today!
Jeremy Klicka
Groomsman
Jake has known Jeremy since they were little kids, and their parents have been friends going back to their college days. Although Jeremy and Jake didn't live near each other growing up, the two have always created great memories of their time together. No matter if the Hamers went down to Winona, or the Klicka's came up to Champlin, it was always a good time filled with laughs. Jeremy is incredibly hard working, and so down to earth that it is hard not to get along with him. Not to mention he's always down to get the party goin'! is it shot o'clock?!
Ava Jacobs
Bridesmaid
Kate was 9 years old when Ava entered the world, making Kate an Aunt for the first time! While Ava may be Kate's niece, given their age differences, Ava has been more like a little sister. Kate has been so proud of Ava's many accomplishments while watching Ava learn how to navigate the world. Growing up together, Ava and Kate have spent much of their time sharing secrets, enjoying laughs, talking about boys and school, and dreaming about their future weddings. Kate couldn't imagine this day without Ava by her side!
Zach Kiminski
Groomsman
Jake has known Zach since middle school. Zach's sense of humor and love of sci-fi made it very easy for him and Jake to get along. Zach is maybe the only person that could outlast Jake on a dance floor. (Outlast, not out dance). Zach is by far the funniest friend, so everyone please ask him to tell you a joke. (Enjoy that pressure, Kimmy). Even though his fantasy football team hasn't made the playoffs in over 10 years Jake is still his friend.
Cassie Gamble
Bridesmaid
Kate met Cassie in 2017 while working at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology. They quickly realized that their lives were mirror images of each other from education, a career in research, their relationships and family dynamics, and hobbies they enjoy in their free time. Cassie has the same sarcastic humor as Kate; if they aren't busy working at Medtronic, then they're probably sharing stories about their lives or a funny joke they saw online. Kate is thankful for Cassie's blunt honesty and admires how Cassie puts her heart into everything she does. While they have only known each other a few years, it feels like they've been friends for a lifetime!
Zoey Kline
Flower Girl
Zoey is Jake's goddaughter, and Jake is Zoey's favorite jungle gym! Whenever they're together, they spend endless hours playing. Zoey's favorite game to play is the 'Hat Game' where she steals Jake's hat, and plays keep-away with it. Zoey is a very intelligent and passionate young lady who loves gymnastics and learning new things. Anywhere from science kits, to cooking, board games, and ice skating. Zoey was the first little girl to come into Jake's life, and make his heart melt. Jake and Kate feel overjoyed to have Zoey be part of their big day!
Joanna Jacobs
Flower Girl
Joanna is Kate's goddaughter. Words can't describe this little girls infectious energy! Joanna's outgoing personality & endless curiosity are just a few things to love about her. When Jake 1st met Joanna, Joanna asked Jake "Do you love my Aunt Katie?" Which Jake responded with "Yes, I do." Without hesitation, her follow up question was "So are you going to ask my Aunt Katie to marry you?" This put an instant smile on both Kate & Jake's faces. Jake responded with "When I do, I promise you'll be one of the first to know". Fast forward to the night of the proposal: Kate & Jake called Joanna to give her the news before her parents. Kate told Joanna to tell her parents that she was getting a new Uncle. It took a few minutes, but they quickly caught on.
Anna Kline
Flower Girl
Anna is the youngest of the flower girls, and Jake's other goddaughter. Her favorite color is orange, and sometimes we believe that's the only color she sees. She loves turtles and paw patrol. Anna has learned a lot from her big sister Zoey, and the two team up on the 'Hat Game' to make it harder on Jake (unless Jake convinces Anna to give up the location of said hat). Anna is very compassionate, loving, and free-spirited. Both Jake and Kate have loved spending time with Zoey and Anna, and can't wait to share their next big adventure with them!