Wedding Party
Lauren Benda-Hoffman
Matron of Honor
Lauren and I met in 2007 when we both played on the same softball team, Wolfpack. It was the most challenging year of softball but I am forever grateful because it led me to my best friends. The team ended up divided into two groups which we accurately labeled as "Group 1" (the cool group), and "Group 2" (the others). Myself, Lauren, and Lexie were 3 of the people who formed Group 1 and still hangout to this day. Lauren has been there with me through all the different seasons of life whether it’s showing up at my parents house with a get well soon card that was larger than both of us after I had knee surgery, allowing me to invite myself to her house whenever I want, road tripping with me and Bandit from Chicago to Houston when I moved (even though she is allergic to cats), or even helping me plan a wedding. Throughout the last 18 years our friendship has evolved and only continues to get stronger. Lauren is one of the most thoughtful people and is truly one of the best friends that anyone could ask for.
Alexis Kleczka
Bridesmaid
Where does one even begin to explain their friendship with Lexie? If you read Lauren’s description, then you know how Lexie and I met! She is the other 1/3 of Group 1 that is still holding strong to this day. A lot of my favorite memories with Lexie was going to her parent’s house and hanging out in the neighborhood without a plan because we always knew the day would end with our stomachs hurting from laughter. Lexie is by far the most hilarious doctor you will ever meet, even if she doesn’t mean to be. But once you peel back the jokester in Lexie, you learn about the selfless heart of gold she has. Lexie is the friend who never forgets to check in on you when anything is happening, who always listens and never judges, and would drop everything in a heartbeat if you needed her. While being friends with Lexie always keeps you on your toes and makes life so much more enjoyable, it’s also the scariest from the number of terrible photos she has of you and isn’t afraid to pull them out.
Wyatt Powell
Best Man
Wyatt is my first and oldest best friend. We grew up across the street from each other in Sugar Land, Texas, where I was born. Even after I moved to St. Louis at seven years old, our bond stayed strong. We kept taking vacations together and logged countless hours on Xbox Live. Over the years, we've shared some of my favorite adventures. We've gone SCUBA diving and wakeboarding, and I went on my very first quail, dove, and deer hunts with Wyatt. Together, we’ve explored Aruba, Bonaire, Hilton Head, Destin, Galveston, Cozumel, South Texas… and probably a few more places I’m forgetting. Wyatt has always been my most steadfast friend. He is a thoughtful listener, trusted advisor, and true brother in every way. Time and distance have never changed that.
Jake Kinsinger
Groomsman
Jake and I have been friends since 7th grade, when we both started at Westminster Christian Academy. We immediately bonded over a shared love for music. At the time, that meant Death Cab for Cutie, Jack's Mannequin, Dave Matthews Band, and plenty of other angsty teenage favorites. Throughout high school, we spent countless hours together. One of my favorite memories is our senior-year routine: with a long break between classes, we’d head to my house to grill and hang out in the hot tub, then head back to school like nothing happened. It became a weekly tradition and a highlight of that year. In recent years, we’ve grown even closer through our shared focus on personal growth, fitness, and health. Jake’s my 5AM gym partner during the week and always up for a spontaneous Colorado trip filled with hiking and white water rafting. He once talked me into running a Spartan race with only two weeks’ notice. 13 miles of running and 20+ obstacles with zero prep and no running background. It was brutal… and one of the best times I’ve had. Jake’s the kind of friend who pushes you, shows up, and makes life way more fun.
Luke Schroeder
Groomsman
Luke and I go way back to 7th grade at Westminster Christian Academy. In high school, our friendship was fueled by friendly competition, constantly debating who was the smartest and who could ace a test with the least amount of studying. His house became legendary for late-night hot tub hangouts with the guys and for us shamelessly raiding his parents’ stash of fancy cheeses and crackers. Luke stayed in Missouri for college while I moved to Texas, but every time we were both back in St. Louis for the holidays or summer, it felt like nothing had changed. After graduation, Luke decided he couldn’t live without me and moved to Dallas. Purely coincidental, of course. In Dallas, we dove headfirst into the nightlife scene. We spent countless nights at It’ll Do, losing ourselves in pounding house music and chest-rattling bass, surrounded by darkness and good vibes. Life looks different now, but through every season and city, the strength of our friendship has never wavered.