Kendall & Jake
Wedding Party
Alli Celms
Maid of Honor
Alli & Kendall met back in the day when they took their first jobs. Around the age 16, they both worked at a store called “Heartbreakers” which is ironic cause they both have no game. Though not at the same high school, they developed a friendship that lead them to applying to another job together at the Lafayette Country Club. From there their paths did not cross again until Alli transferred colleges & began to attend UST. After that, they were pretty inseparable! Sharing clothes (despite a massive height difference), dancing around to One Direction, & satisfying the drunchies with late night Mac and cheese were just a few hobbies to name a few. Alli has always been there for her & despite her unapproved move to CA, has always been by her side at heart. She’s one of two maids of honor!
Camey Zdrazil
Maid of Honor
Camey is Kendall’s oldest friend & closest cousin; as well as another Maid of Honor (yes there are two it’s 2018 for god’s sake). Back in the days of diapers, they met before they even knew their own names, knew how to say hello, & definitely before they knew how to wipe their own asses (some are still working on perfecting this part). It was their late Grandma K who originally told Kendall this: “family is everything; if I were you I’d make sure you put some in your wedding party”. Although she isn’t with us today, (and although I would have done it anyway) this one’s for you Grandma. As for you Camey, I hope you & your friends continue to prank call me long into your 90s. Love you to the moon & back.
Chris Weber
Bridesmaid
This is Kendall’s friend Chrissy at prom (JK try spring break haha don’t kill me!). She & Kendall met through Alli (MOH) also in college. In fact, on the first day they met Chrissy slapped her butt & asked Alli what Kendall’s intentions were hanging out with the “Mound crew”. Chrissy has since had the travel bug & Kendall has been vicariously living through her adventures living in another country (New Zealand). Of the whole bunch, Kendall would say she is the most daring, spontaneous, & unpredictable in the best way possible. She always makes her laugh that is why Chrissy is so so loved. Chrissy is down for anything & always up for a last minute girls day. She is so easy going & sure to put the bride at ease on her big day.
Jess weber
Bridesmaid
Don’t worry you’re not that drunk, but you are seeing double!! Yes Chris & Jess are twinning at being bridesmaids. Kendall met Jess shortly after meeting Chris in college. Jake told Kendall once that Jess cornered him on Lake Minnetonka & asked about his intentions with her (see a pattern with these twins yet? Haha). Jess was one of the first people to visit Kendall after she made the big move to CA. While visiting, unbeknownst to Kendall, Jake told Jess he had a ring! She will also be getting married soon after Kendall in the fall of 2019 (congrats to you & Adam!) & has been so helpful in wedding planning, offering up photographers and venue ideas. Jess is organized, smart, & sassy as they come which will make it an excellent ally when trying to keep the groomsmen at bay come August.
Amy Joy Renaud
Bridesmaid
Amy & Kendall met in grad school in Arizona while pursuing their doctorates of physical therapy. Amy holds a unique spot in Kendall’s heart as far as the bridesmaids go because she was a big advocate for Kendall & Jake’s relationship when it began. In fact, she was a regular ear to lend for both the bride and groom; she also reminded Kendall on a regular basis that Jake is “so in love with you” which gave the bride warm fuzzies. She hates public speaking, so naturally Kendall is making her give a speech on the big day but she won’t be doing it alone. She also shares the head table with her new hubby, groomsmen Beau Renaud, who sucks. Just kidding. If it weren’t for Kendall drunkenly verbalizing her crush on Jake to Beau in the bed of a pick up trunk, they may not be getting married today.
Lilly Drew
Bridesmaid
Where to begin with this one. Kendall met Lilly through mutual friends freshmen year of college at UST. While being two different people on the outside they share two very important views in common: 1. Disney movies are the best movies & 2. it is totally acceptable to do karaoke to Disney songs when you’re 26. Though time has passed & a lot has changed, Kendall appreciates that Lilly is the type of friend that you can pick up where ever you left off despite months passing between. They both have never been the type to chat just for the hell of it; but are fiercely loyal and there for each other when it counts.
Katie Kopale
Bridesmaid
This is Katie. Now I know what you’re thinking... is that a selfie from the shitter? Let me put your mind at ease. Yes, yes it is. Kendall met Katie in grad school & they hit it off right off the bat with their bathroom humor. Katie is not allowed to give a speech at the wedding secondary to the fear that she will never stop talking. She is one of the most friendly people you will ever meet & could get along with a brick wall if she wanted to. Some may say that Katie should be standing on the groomsmen side secondary to her ability to go drink for drink with the boys. She is probably the kindest of all the bridesmaids and her heart is bigger than both of her boobs combined (which is massive). Oh & Kendall enjoys making fun of her. Love you Kathleen Mary Brigid you Irish gal you.
Kelly Anne Tierney
Bridesmaid
Kelly Anne was Kendall’s first friend (and room mate) after moving to Arizona for grad school. One of the first interactions they had, Kelly Anne had such a thick Philly accent Kendall had literally no clue what she was saying. KA later told her that she picked her as a room mate based off of her profile picture on Facebook at the time (which had a puppy in it). Anyway, Kelly Anne once tried to fight another chick at a bar because she was being mean to Kendall. She even lifted up her dress to reveal her spandex shorts in order to show that girl she wasn’t messing around. This bridesmaids is fiercely loyal & equally as awkward so Jake better treat Kendall right or else he’ll have this woman to answer to!
Christina Eelma
Bridesmaid
This is Tuna. Long story short she’s been an unofficial part of the Finney clan longer than the bride has tried to be, dating Jake’s brother and best man, Jared for almost 6 years. She made the trip out to MN in August of 2018 to be there for Kendall & Jake’s engagement to celebrate! She has honestly been one of Kendall’s closest girl friends since moving to CA. It’s hard not to love her because she is absolutely hilarious & is Kida’s (Kendall and Jake’s pet rat) god mother/ designated baby sitter. You will find her on the dance floor at the wedding busting a move you wish you could do. She will also probably have set pet rat in hand. Love you auntie crittina!!
Kida Finney
Flower Girl
This is the pet rat that was discussed in the last bridesmaids blurb, Kida. She will be our flower girl along with Kendall’s dad’s dog, Rosie (if they don’t kill each other first). She originally came into Kendall & Jake’s life a week before their board exam when Kendall had a mid life crisis & decided to foster a dog. She thought by picking the opposite of what she liked (small dog, black, not a springer spaniel) that she would be able to successful foster this 8 week old puppy & find it a good home. However, Jake new better & Kida was added to the family officially a couple months later. She is now 1 (she will be 2 years old come wedding time) and was actually present the moment Jake proposed. She’s also what you call a “so ugly it’s cute” kind of puppy. Give it time, she’ll grow on you!
Rosie Seamans
Flower Girl
This is Kendall’s dad’s dog Rosie (but if you ask Kendall this is her dog). Rosie is 5 and will be going on 6 come wedding time. She was often the reason Kendall left the house in tears every time she had to leave for the airport to head back to Arizona for grad school. She was with Kendall through her parents divorce and is the only thing allowed to take up 90% of the bed in Kendall’s life. Highly loyal, exceptional sassy, and possibly 99% human; she will be the other flower girl if she can learn to behave herself and not eat Kida as an appetizer at the wedding.
Jared Finney
Best Man
Jared is Jake's little brother and the first best man. Jake met Jared in 1997. Ten years later, they were getting in fist fights playing wiffle ball in the front yard. They grew up close despite their age difference, loving to play sports together in the beautiful yard their parents built for them. Jared is in his last year of college and entering the finance world following graduation. Like his older brother, Jared can be a dick, but has a huge heart. Jake is very proud of Jared and his accomplishments, even though he knows Jared wouldn't be where he is without his perfect older brother leading by example. Love you dude.
Ben Agee
Best Man
Ben has been Jake's best friend since they were babies and is the other best man. They first became friends when they were two years old, where they were put on timeout together in their high chairs for Jake throwing a ball at Ben's head. They grew up together and spent the majority of their time together. Whenever the childhood friend group got in trouble, you know it was Jake or Ben who instigated it. Ben has been there through it all. Ben is the type of guy who would do anything for the people he loves. Like Jake, Ben has excellent taste in food, movies, and music. Unfortunately, Ben is a die hard liberal man hating vegan, but Jake will put that aside to have his best friend by his side on his special day.
Kyle Link
Groomsman
Kyle is Jake's hype man. They have known each other since they were kids. Their relationship didn't start blossoming till high school, and started transforming into a full bloomed flower the past few years. Kyle will literally beat anyone in a dance off, trust me, anyone. Kyle broke a world record at Country Thunder in Arizona, which people still talk about to this day. Kyle has a great sarcastic sense of humor, and a face for radio. He has not had a carb since 2004, and would love to talk to you about your diet plan. Deep down, Kyle has a heart of gold and Jake is pumped to have him by his side on his wedding day. If anyone needs a kitten, text Kyle, he has twelve.
Dominic Bongiovanni
Groomsman
Dominic has been Jake's good friend since they were tiny lads. Dominic is known for his smooth dancing with the ladies. Some would call him a white knight, but really he is just a "nice guy". Dominic is always there to escort his drunk friends around, where he adopts the persona "Dom Bon". He occasionally enjoys nice walks in the desert with three mysterious dudes, where they shoot guns and talk about life. .. (I think? I don't really know what they do out there). Dominic is truly one of the best people Jake knows. He is a very tough and motivated individual. Jake respects him very much for having one of the most important and challenging jobs in the world, being a police officer. Jake is excited to have him by his side at the wedding, and to see him seducing his way on the dance floor.
Wesley Merritt
Groomsman
Jake has known Wesley since kindergarten. Wesley and Jake were very close growing up, having frequent sleepovers and play dates, which they still arrange to this day. Jake's Mom told him tonight that him and Wesley used to play naked hide and seek together in the Finney's backyard. This was news to Jake, but sounds like a good after party for the wedding. Wesley served in the Army for many years, when he returned, he didn't miss a beat with his long time friends. Wesley is now back in their hometown going to school. Wesley is a nice guy that everyone loves. He can make anyone laugh and does great impressions. Jake is excited to have him at the wedding to provide comedic relief and for the sleepover later that night.
Trent Seamans
Groomsman
Trent is Kendall's little brother. He is the pound for pound strongest guy in the wedding party. Trent is a game warden/conservation officer/nature guide. He seems to have really found a job he loves, and is very responsible and driven. Jake once got Trent drunk in Nashville, where Trent threw up in front of the Grand Ole Opry, at Noon (Trent has poor taste in future brother in laws). Don't ya know eh? You can find him going on long walks in the forest studying bird mating rituals, or finding the perfect spot for ice "hole" fishing. Trent's mother informed Jake that Trent used to like getting his nails painted as a child, which explains a lot. Trent has made a good effort getting to know Jake and bringing him into the family. Jake is looking forward to calling him little brother.
Joel Chavez
Groomsman
Joel was Jake's college roommate. They had a spotless apartment for three years, as both are extreme clean freaks. Joel and Jake got very close in college, where they would enjoy a nice scotch, a cheese platter, and binge watch How I Met Your Mother. They once had to take Alcoholics Anonymous together online, which was a great bonding experience. They adopted a chihuahua and named her Lola. Joel still has her to this day. Joel and Jake used to love working out together, playing basketball together, eating good Mexican food, and having legendary hangovers. Joel was a part of a pivotal moment in Jake and Kendall's relationship early on, where he served as a tour guide for Kendall to see Sequoia National Park in California. Jake will always consider Joel a best friend. Te amo Joel.
Beau Renaud
Groomsman
They met in physical therapy school. Their first time meeting, Beau was very charming and bought Jake a drink. Jake felt butterflies immediately. Jake and Beau became very close due their mutual skill of making fun of people and strangers. Beau and Jake drink, laugh, and cry together. Most importantly, Beau is the only man which Jake has shared a passionate kiss. Beau is a social media icon, growing his following by the day with his inspirational posts. His catchphrases "what" and "nice" and "for sure" have become trending #'s sweeping the nation. Don't @ him on Instagram, as he will destroy you with his witty verbal assault. Jake was lucky enough to be a part of Beau's wedding this past year. Where he married the woman of his dreams, his cake box, Amy Joy. Love you dude, TTYL, BRB, HAGs.
Kyle Flood
Groomsman
Saving best for last. This is Kyle Flood. Fun fact, Kyle was born with a rare disorder that makes his legs and calves progressively smaller as he ages. Similar to Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button, but Kyle has better hair. Despite this, he accomplished his dream of becoming a physical therapist and professional ego lifter. "Flood" is a good boy. He is witty, smart, charms the pants off people, and is genuinely a good guy. Jake and Kyle sat next to each other the first day of orientation in grad school, where they bonded immediately over movie quotes, Chipotle, getting swole, and their reptilian brains. When Jake and Kyle are together, it is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. I know this bio here is a bit silly and long, but it just felt cute, might delete later.