Ellen & Brett
Wedding Party
Anna Meinholz
Maid of Honor
Yes, Anna is my little sister, but she is also my best friend. Sharing a room for 12 years didn't come without its disagreements, but bedtime was always a little sweeter because I got to pillow talk with my best friend every night. Anna has been our biggest supporter from the very beginning and neither of us could imagine this day without her. Other than saying yes to Brett, asking Anna to be my MOH the second-easiest decision.
Steve Rist
Best Man
Steve and I have been friends for 12 years and it's terrifying how well we know each other. When you get two competitive people like Steve and I in the room it's a recipe for entertainment. There is no question that Steve and I have been through some of the most difficult "stages" in life together but our friendship has played a huge role in where we are in life today. I'm proud to call him my best friend.
Leslie Tuffy (Cannon)
Bridesmaid
Lez is my go-to, down-for-anything girl. We met freshman year in college - she was a diver, I was a swimmer, and despite our differences, we leaned on each other a lot throughout the years. Even after college, Lez has always been someone I can comfortably release all sorts of emotions, only to be met with that same level of emotion. I'm sure you can all imagine the flood of emotions when Leslie told me that she would be unable to stand next to me on our wedding day because she is expecting a sweet little babe around the same time as our wedding. Leslie has played a big part in my journey to Brett and I'm so blessed that she'll continue to be a part of our journey in the years to come.
Adam Wild
Groomsman
Adam certainly isn't my friend because he is an Oregon Duck fan or because he roots for the 49ers on Sundays but it sure makes it fun being able to talk smack to someone you love. I met Adam working for Eola Hills and he took me under his wing teaching me the ropes in the wine industry. Adam and I have only been friends for three years but I feel like I've known him my entire life. I'm lucky to have him by my side and to have a friend for life in Adam.
Andrea Gableman
Bridesmaid
Somehow, our younger sisters were close friends all throughout high school and we both attended Wisconsin, yet Andrea and I didn't even meet each other until one Masters practice at Brookfield Central in 2016. I wish that I had met Andrea a lot earlier in life, but I am also so grateful that I met her when I did. God knew exactly what he was doing when he brought this girl into my life, and now I can't imagine life without her.
Joel Bumgarner
Groomsman
Without Joel no one would be gathered here today. He not only introduced me to the person who invited me to the wedding where I met my Ellen, but he also played wingman, connecting Elle and I the night we met in 2016. Joel has always kept it true from day one. He has always been there for me and looked out for my best interest. He is not only the friend that every person needs but he's the friend that every person wants. Joel always gives and never takes and I'm lucky to have someone like him in my life.
Molly Simon (Dallman)
Bridesmaid
Molly, my cousin, was my first friend. We've shared literally every single part of growing up and we still like spending time together. After college, Molly and I moved into a sweet little apartment on the railroad tracks in Wauwatosa. In those two years as roomies, we met the loves of our lives and spent more time together than we ever have. Those two years are some of the favorite years of my life. We've pretty much tackled every major life stepping stone together, and marrying Brett is another one of those stepping stones where I need my girl, Molly, for!
Ben Meinholz
Groomsman
Growing up with four sisters... it's safe to say that I always wanted a brother. Getting married to the girl of my dreams is unbelievable, but marrying into a family like the Meinholz's is unparalleled. I am truly blessed to have Ben and Luke in my life that I can call brothers today...and forever a colleague on the golf course.
Arianna Arneson (Verette)
Bridesmaid
Arianna is my nearest and dearest childhood friend. It all started in fifth grade when she transferred to St. Jerome. We quickly became best friends. We went to different high schools, different colleges, and currently, we live in different states, but she continues to be one of my closest friends. Arie is someone I have always been able to rely on in any given situation, without judgement, and with full, unrelenting support! I'm so blessed to have someone I can count on for literally anything.
Jeremiah Wilson
Groomsman
Jeremiah and I have been friends since the 6th grade and he has brought nothing but positivity into my life, starting at age 11. His influence of rhythm, bold personality, and a humble God-seeking lifestyle started at a young age and it's very clear to me today that he has impacted my life in a powerful way that I can hardly put into words.
Luke Meinholz
Groomsman
Elle's brother, Luke, reminds me a lot of Ellen in many different ways. From his competitive spirit to his kind and humble persona, it's very obvious to me that these two amazing souls are cut from the same cloth. When Elle and I started dating, Luke was just a freshman in high school. It's been really cool being able to watch Luke grow up and see the man he is becoming, and I'm just really excited to have him as one of my new brothers.
Dan Haynes
Groomsman
Dan the Man was my very first friend, and one of the first people that I looked up to in this world. Growing up, we played every sport together. We were basically inseparable. Dan played quarterback, so I wanted to play quarterback. He pitched, so I was going to be a pitcher. Everything Dan did I strived to do too. Dan challenged me every day to be tough and to be better. The friendly yet competitive nature he instilled in me at a young age is a significant part of who I am today!
Holly Huggins
Flower Girl
This doesn't usually happen to me, but I literally have no words for how much we love this girl and how important she is to us. Of course, Brett and I have always talked about starting a family, and we may have jumped the gun a little bit with Holly, but we are so grateful to have her celebrate with us and be a part of our special day. Really, our wedding day is as much about Holly as it is about us. We already have an amazing family, but we can't wait to make it officially official with this little girl!