Krista & Jarrad
Wedding Party
Ellen Ryder
Friend of Honor
Krista's best friend. Ellen and Krista first met during their study abroad in Valladolid, Spain in 2017 through UW - Stevens Point. From there, they clicked! They went on many weekend trips to other countries together, spent many nights going to Juanita's (a local bar), going out dancing, enjoying day trips in Spain, finding the best croquetas, churros con chocolate, and patatas bravas. You could often find them on the rooftop of their hostel sharing a cheap bottle of wine (ahem - those nights in Barcelona)! Many of Krista's fondest memories are when Ellen tagged along for weekend trips, especially dogsledding in Norway, seeing the northern lights, visiting the castles at Sintra, Portugal, and going to the top of the Eiffel tower! Their friendship flourished even more as they continued to have classes together back home. A lot of bonding happens when you learn Spanish phonetics together. They actually recently got to relive some of their fond memories and make new ones when they went on a "reunion" trip to Spain for Krista's golden birthday in 2023! (Jarrad tagged along too) They added some new things to their favorites, such as their Italian Air BnB host in Ibizia, Giovanni's out-of this-world delicious pizza, tinto de verano, and the natural water jet in Valencia! If anyone has any wild and crazy stories to go around, it's them and there's plenty more! Their bond continues strong over their love for the Latin and Spanish cultures, food, dance, and language!
Michael Hovland
Best Brother
Brotherrrr. Jarrad's one and only sibling. Jarrad has known him since he was born. Although they live almost two hours apart they still find time to hang out. In the wintertime its ice fishing trips with cheap (sketchy) motels and in the summertime its sitting around a campfire, typically accompanied by some typical Wisconsin beverages! - They don't call him PBR Mike for nothing! in recent years, Jarrad and Michael look forward to sitting in the deer stand together at their parents land. Even though they hunt the same area, it seems like Michael never gets any big bucks, not sure what that's about though :) haha. It also seems that each year they think of ways to upgrade the deer stand, or talk about that shooting lane that they will open up for the following year, but lets face it - None of that work has actually ever been completed! But that's alright, cause they have a pretty good time each year anyways!
Brittany Wiatr
Cousin of Honor
Krista and Brittany, "Britty" - as Krista calls her, met all the way back in pre-school! They were best friends back then. Their friendship rekindled when they met again at the Waushara County Fair during grade school. At the fair, they discovered they were actually cousins through marriage - every young girls biggest dream come true! They became inseparable ever since that day. From that point on, they went to every Waushara County Fair together every year. Britty gave Krista the nick name "Cuzzo" (can be pronounced koo-zoh). They grew up laughing over boys, bowling, watching scary movies, partying at bonfires, getting a little too drunk and laying on the floor together laughing... No matter what they do together, they're always having a fantastic time giggling at everything! Let's not forget, they practically lived at the Redgranite quarry together in the summers during high school! Britty now has two sons, Sebastian and William. Auntie Krista calls them Baby Bash and Baby Bill. Now, they spend much of their time relaxing with the boys, hanging out, and of course giggling over silly things and making each other pee their pants π€£.
Matt Tlachac
Best Man
Matt and Jarrad met when they were students at UW - Stevens Point. They enjoyed hanging out and going out to the bars together! They have been great friends ever since they met and were event roommates for a while. Based on looks, some people joke that Matt may even be related to Jarrad, I mean, just look at those striking facial features of his! Watch out ladies, he's taken! These days Jarrad and Matt see each other from time to time, typically out golfing. It's pretty common for Jarrad to play "best ball" and hit off Matts shot, even though nobody else is playing best ball!
Kyle Bareta
Bridesfriend
Krista and Kyle met while they were students working for Dining and Summer Conferences at UW - Stevens Point. Their friendship grew as they would chat about work, life, and classes while they worked the meal prep shift. From there, they started hanging out after work and classes. They've stayed in touch after college and are there for each other! Kyle likes to come up to Stevens Point to visit, especially to see Guinevere, but she doesn't like when he visits.. He always tries to squeeze her too much and dares to call her chonky! Kyle also loves visiting Milo. Unlike Guinevere, Milo has no complaints, just licks. Krista and Kyle otherwise enjoy relaxing, going out to the bars, doing beer and wine tastings, and trying new foods and restaurants together!
Andy Golliher
Groomsman
Jarrad and Andy knew each other since grade school back when he used to eat paper and pee with his pants down! Andy moved away and they lost contact until college when they became roommates their freshmen year at UW-Stevens Point. At that point they barely knew each other but as Andy said "Jarrad was cool in grade school, what could go wrong?" Well they ended up getting along fairly well and have stayed in contact since college. Ironically, Andy actually helped Jarrad and Krista meet and was Jarrad's wingman on the night they met! Note: for the record, Jarrad didn't "need" his help though!
Jennifer Bitney
Bridescousin
Jen and Krista go wayyy back, ever since the day Jen was born! Jennifer and Krista are cousins on the Nelsen side of the family and are 6 months apart. Growing up they were the best of friends. They grew up hunting, fishing, and taking summer trips to Noah's Ark together! Krista had many nicknames for Jen when they were children such as "Jen-Jen" and "Gulla" (mostly because Krista watched Gullah Gullah island too much). Very early on, she was also known as "Jeper" and Krista was "Kista" (mostly because they couldn't enunciate quite yet). As they got older they enjoyed frequent bonfire parties, four wheeling, mudding, snowmobiling - basically anything outdoors! Much of their childhood was also spent bowling, going to Country USA, spending summers at the Redgranite Quarry, and playing varsity soccer. They also created many fun memories with their other Nelsen cousins too and always wanted to be around each other. Today their relationship continues with hunting and fishing trips, family gatherings, playing with Jen's two young daughters, and game nights! From flinging shredded cheese in living rooms as toddlers to shredding the slopes on their snowboards in high school, they were and will always be there for each other.
Nick Heitman
Groomsman
Jarrad met Nick when they were students at UW - Stevens Point. Ironically enough, the first time Jarrad met Nick he thought "who is this weird guy that seems to be hanging out with our friend group now?" Well, turns out Nick was alright and they became good friends. Jarrad and Nick even worked together for two summers constructing tents for events (really putting that degree to work!) Nowadays they see each other from time to time, usually at the golf course where Jarrad is hitting absolute bombs! Although Nick tries very hard, he still aspires to be half the golfer that Jarrad is. But hey, not everything is about winning, right?
Kelly Mammen
Bridesfriend
Kelly and Krista first met in their Annuities math class at UW - Stevens Point where they bonded over their one-problem, 5-page long math homework and the struggles of being math majors. They continued to have classes together in statistics including the dreadful "Math History" - oh the horrors of Euclid! Their relationship actually grew stronger after Krista told their Math History professor that he was assigning the class way too much homework... The bonds from math trauma are for life! Their friendship continued as they ended up working together at Sentry insurance after they both graduated. This is also where they met Dakota and they all bonded over some more trauma in the horrors of working customer service for an insurance company during the Rona. Their friendship now includes meeting up for fun events, the occasional drink, annual Christmas crawls and game nights! They also plan fun play dates with Milo and Kelly's dog, Mable. Kelly and Mable were actually in on the plan when Jarrad proposed to Krista! They plotted a "dog-walking date" to surprise Krista. But... you could say their friendship is mostly based off trauma! ππ Kelly is such a wonderful friend and Krista doesn't know what she'd do without her.
Kyle Reid
Groomsman
Jarrad and Kyle met soon after Jarrad graduated from UWSP. They ended up being neighbors in the same apartment complex after they "mean-mugged" each other because they each thought the other was trying to take the apartment they wanted. Turns out, they wanted the opposite apartments! Come to find out, both of them ended up hating the apartment building they were in, but they at least got a good friendship out of it. At this very apartment, Jarrad once fed a stray cat some soup causing it to hang around the house meowing allllll night. Turns out, Kyle heard the cat the next day and decided to let it into his apartment. Kyle still has that very cat (Sparticus). Cat stories aside, Kyle has always been a good neighbor and an even better friend.
Milo Nelsen
Ring Bearer
Milo is Krista and Jarrad's dog. Milo was Krista's dog first when she got him as a puppy when she was 17 years old. One of Krista's friends was giving away puppies for free. Krista asked her dad if she could have a puppy - he of course said no. π But, Krista brought little Milo home anyway! She actually hid Milo from her dad for a whole week before he noticed! Milo was and has always been the goodest boy. He came to live with Krista and Jarrad in 2019, soon after they got their first place together. Jarrad quickly fell in love with Milo too, of course. He is their little "Stinky-butt," "Baby Boy," "Meatloaf."
Guinevere Nelsen
Flower Girl
While Guinevere will not be attending in person, she will gladly be there in spirit from the comfort of her cozy perch of pillows and blankets on the couch at her home in Stevens Point. Krista and Jarrad adopted Guinevere in 2021 after Krista gave Jarrad an ultamatum of getting a cat in 6 months. Krista quickly started preparing to have a cat in the home and began her search. She came across Guinevere's profile on the Portage County Human Society and instantly knew that Guinevere was family. The adoption process was quick and they adopted her within 5 months in stead of 6. π Jarrad of course absolutely loves and adores their "G-poops".
Dakota Petts
Usher
Dakota first met Krista when they worked together at Sentry Insurance. Alongside Kelly, they bonded by complaining about the customers they worked with π and the trying times of working remote during Covid. Their friendship continued as they talked about their shared interest in video and board games. Jarrad quickly became friends with Dakota as well. Now we have game nights, attend each other's important events and babysit each others animals. Milo and Guinevere love when Dakota comes over! Dakota has two daughters with his wife Katie. Krista and Jarrad have also been Auntie Krista and Uncle Jarrad to them and they bounce off the walls when they come to visit!
Nick Mammen
Milo's Attendant
Nick is a great friend to Krista and Jarrad. Husband to Kelly Mammen, this is how Krista and Jarrad met him. They enjoy hanging out, having game nights, and going out for the occasional drink! Nick is amazing with animals and is also dad to Milo's friend - Mable! He has also occasionally babysat Milo and Guinevere. Milo and Guinevere adore him! Nick was also in on Jarrad's plan to propose to Krista! He tagged along on the "dog-walking date" when Jarrad surprised Krista.
Michelle Nelsen
Mother of the Bride
Michelle grew up around the outskirts of Redgranite where they raised horses and she became obsessed with them. Much to her dismay, Krista did not develop her mother's affinity for horses. Regardless, Krista will enjoy the occasional horse back ride or horse fair with her. But Krista did get her love for animals from her! They love to go and play with puppies and kittens together! They also bond over Asian cuisine (especially Singapore Rice Noodle), books, coffee, and desserts (mostly chocolate and ice cream). Michelle actually intentionally took Krista to Chinese restaurants when she was a baby so that she would a develop a taste for the food and she would have someone to eat it with! At least Krista developed this affinity for good taste... They also bond over their love for the outdoors, fishing, the spiritual world, heritage, and ancient history, but mostly over the Twilight franchise. They actually made it over to Forks, WA in February of 2024 and did allll the Twilight-esque things they could. Dad was there too. (he secretly enjoyed it). If you're wondering, Michelle is Team Edward and Krista is Team Jacob. Michelle will be wearing Krista's and her favorite color - dark purple.
Veronica Hovland
Mother of the Groom
Veronica has been very helpful throughout the entire wedding planning process. She is an extremely talented seamstress and did all of the alterations to Krista's gown! Growing up, if Jarrad needed anything sewn, Veronica was always willing to do it. Sometimes that meant moving a "Gumby" patch from one worn out pair of pants to another, then another, and so on. . . Nowadays, Krista has even found this quite beneficial as well! It wouldn't be a normal visit home without at least one item of clothing that needs mending! If you have had the pleasure of meeting Veronica, then you know she is one of the most hardworking people you'll ever meet, a real jack of all trades kind of individual. To this day, Jarrad still calls home asking "How do I" while doing random projects. Veronica is so helpful, supportive, and kind. She is the best mother in law a bride could ask for. πShe will be wearing Jarrad's favorite color - green.
Lee Nelsen
Father of the Bride
Lee grew up in the lovely small town of Poy Sippi where he spent most of his time hunting, fishing, camping, working on vehicles, and being outdoors. Lee shared his passion for the outdoors and survival skills with Krista while raising her. He and Michelle raised Krista in Poy Sippi where she too, developed her love for the outdoors. Not too far from Poy Sippi, you can find the best fish fry in the state of Wisconsin at The Golden Nugget in Pine River (Krista's and now Jarrad's favorite place to get fish fry)! Lee and Krista bond over moose and grouse hunting trips to Canada, deer hunting together on "The Land," many fishing trips, road trips, and their absurd addiction to cheese. Krista also shares Lee's interest in Pirates of the Caribbean, Shrek, and medieval, Roman, Viking, and Greek era film productions and history. When Krista was a child, he planned many road trips across the U.S. to either go fishing, hunting or sight-see, along with fishing trips to Canada in the summertime. Because of the trips he planned, Krista developed her strong passion of traveling and experiencing new places. You can usually find them enjoying each others company over a bonfire, eating brats, venison sausage, melted cheese, drinking homemade vodka, and sharing great stories.
Jon Hovland
Father of the Groom
Jon grew up in Barrington Illinois, but before you make any Wisconsin-Illinois comments, you should know, he's actually a pretty great guy and an even better Dad. Jon definitely passed along his bartering skills down to Jarrad as they both love a good deal. Whether its antique furniture, old bikes or toy cars - Jon knows the value of it and probably has 3 in the barn already! With plenty of barn space, he is always looking for the next "deal" or cool memorabilia. Jon is also a big believer that Jarrad and Krista need to get a big shed for themselves as well because and I quote "this is my space, go build a shed of your own!" Beyond that, Jon has always been the kind of Dad that would study a map all day to route out a family vacation - whether it be the Grand Canyon, Redwood National Forest, Gooseberry Falls State Park or every other part of the United States! He was always going to be the one driving and he is always the first one up ready to go!
Germaine Schwebs
Bride's Grandmother
Germaine is Krista's paternal grandmother. When Krista was a child, she was always a great help with taking Krista to her dance lessons. They spent a lot of time together from going out to eat, going to church, and cleaning. Krista always loved going to "Grandma Maine's" for the holidays and camp grandma in the summers! Germaine has been extremely helpful with the wedding process and has been enjoying it too! Most especially the dress shopping. Germaine crocheted many loved items as gifts for the bride and the groom.
Griff Brown
Officiant
Jarrad knew Griff throughout college at UW-Stevens Point and have remained good friends since. Griff "Bro" as they call him has always been a bit of a wild card, he is a red head after all! In the past few years, Krista was able to meet both Griff and his Wife Kim during an annual canoe trip down the Wisconsin River each summer - This has become somewhat of a tradition and each year there is always a great story to be had. The first year Jarrad and Krista joined the canoe trip has since been deemed "The year of the storm" - Our tents stood no chance against heavy rain and practically 300 mph winds (that's the honest truth, this is the internet, it's illegal to lie on here) were no match for our flimsy tents! Suffice to say - Griff and Jarrad became great friends throughout college and now they are still making memories to this day!