Maid of Honor
Gabbi and I met through Trent and Matt (Best Man) and were fast friends. It became a running joke that we were just the exact same person, and it didn't take long before people were being warned to, "watch out, now there's two of her!" Somehow, Gabbi is always down to humor me when I have crazy ideas and when I drag her halfway across the country to help me move because I'll miss her too much if I don't see her for a few weeks. We even convinced Matt to get a job at the same company Trent did in Madison, which he gladly did because the boys couldn't bear the thought of how obnoxious we'd be if the separated us (or something like that) This day absolutely wouldn't be possible without Gabbi here to keep me sane.
Best Man
Oh, what to write about Matt. One of my first friends in New York, we originally met through Pep Band (we both play the sousaphone), and I'm honestly not sure what I would have done without him. We pulled more than one all-nighter together with CJ working on our personal project at the time during our first couple years of college, and I knew I always had a friend to confide in and complain to about my problems, whether they be school or personal-related. When Jenna and I moved in together, Matt was endlessly supportive, and during Covid, we had many many many game nights with him, Gabbi, and CJ. He's also helped us move (more than once), and I don't think I can ever express just how thankful I am for his friendship.
Maid of Honor
I can't write too much about Laney without getting sentimental. We have been best friends for quite literally our whole lives, roommates for a couple years, and partners in crime to the point where I wouldn't be surprised if my aunt and uncle were to actively try to keep us away from each other. I was with Laney when we got our noses pierced together and when she got her first tattoo (let the record show that both of those were her ideas!) and I'd run out of room if I were to talk about all the adventures we've dragged each other on (Laney, I'm talking about our Friday the 13th trip. Still not sorry about that.) I am so grateful that Laney is with me for this adventure too.
Groomsman
CJ was my other first friend in Rochester. We originally met through Matt and Pep Band because they met during Orientation week. We've spent quite a bit of time together, whether it be hockey games, all night programming sessions, or game nights, and now, like Matt and Gabbi, he's come to Madison to work at the same company. We may not always see eye to eye, but I'm not sure I would've been able to stay sane for my 5 years in Rochester without his and Matt's help. I'm so thankful for his friendship.
Groomsman
One of my first and best friends, I first met Tanner during elementary school. We became fast friends and for quite a few years we did almost everything together. Most afternoons after school, I could be found over at the Merwins' house playing video games or just hanging out, and how could I forget all of the times our group went to the movies and had Star Wars movie marathons. Some of the most fun I had in high school was competing in Speech and Mock Trial competitions, and Tanner was with me for nearly all of them. It may have been harder to keep in touch after I moved to Rochester, but Tanner never stopped being my friend, and it means a lot to me that he's sharing our special day with us.
Bridesmaid
Jana and I have been friends for a long time. We met through Kathryn, and it was a fast friendship. In high school, the three of us would trade books and have discussions about them at the end of the week. We read at least three, but often more, books every week. That is one of my precious few fond memories of high school. Jana is endlessly supportive, but she always makes sure you know what she really thinks- any big life decisions should be run by her first because she'll always offer a fresh perspective. I'm truly lucky to call her one of my closest friends, and I'm so glad to have her by my side as I walk down the aisle.
Bridesmaid
Alexis is more than just my sister, she's one of my best friends. I could go on and on with stories from our childhood- horse bikes, walnut shavings all over the yard, and always having too much fun to remember to do our chores was our typical summer day growing up. We almost always humored each others' craziness and there were very few days where we just sat around being bored. Alexis is someone that I genuinely enjoy being around, even if we get on each others' nerves sometimes (siblings, ya know?) and I am thrilled that she's going to be a part of my wedding day.
Groomsman
I can just barely remember being 3 years old and telling my mom that I wanted a little brother. Oh what a mistake that was. In all seriousness, as soon as Trevor was born, I knew that I'd care about him for the rest of our lives. I started playing with him as soon as he came home, and some of the first games I "designed" were probably actually for him. We may get on each other nerves sometimes, and I don't thing there's anyone who can push my buttons quite like Trevor can, but I wouldn't trade him for anyone else. I'm so proud of the person he's become and I'm so happy he's going to be a part of this important day.
Bridesmaid
Mady is my second oldest (and second youngest!) sister, and she is definitely cooler than I am. She is insanely talented, compassionate, and funny. I really enjoy hanging out with her, and I'm honestly surprised that she still puts up with me given how much we all messed with her when she was too young to know we were messing with her. She's super fun to be around, and I'm sure pretty sure she'll roast me- even on my wedding day (I'll probably need to be humbled though, so it's alright)
Groomsman
I'm honestly not sure what Alex thinks of me. I first met him in Fort Wayne, the first time Jenna brought me home to meet her dad's family. I, being the awkward person that I am, am not sure I made the best first impression, but they accepted me anyway. When I first met Alex, I thought he reminded me of Trevor, but I've learned a lot about him since then, especially his love of Gucci branded products, and his inability to remember that Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, and now I can say definitively that he is his own person. I'm so happy that he's going to be part of our special day, and I can't wait to officially call him family.
Junior Bridesmaid
When I think about what to write for Anna, all I can think of is how much I love this kid. She is the absolute sweetest little sister a girl could ask for. I truly enjoy being around her and talking to her. She shares my love of board games, and she can beat me at just about anything we play. I'm fully expecting her to outshine me, and I honestly can't wait. My bridal party wouldn't be complete without her, and I'm so happy she'll be there with me.
Junior Groomsman
Jenna's youngest brother, I met Nick on my first trip to Michigan, and honestly I think he was one of my favorite people there, not counting Jenna's mother of course. Nick and I share a lot of the same interests, in particular video games, and I always have a ton of fun every time I get to go over to Jenna's mom's house and play Mario Kart or Zelda with Nick on his Switch. He's a fantastic kid, and I can't wait to continue watching him grow up as his brother-in-law.
Officiant
Who better to officiate our wedding than my long time best friend and our long time D&D party member! Seriously, though, apparently 3 maids of honor is too many and Kathryn deserves an extra special role anyway. She stuck with me through my emo teenage years after all, and that is quite the feat. She also was always down to play virtual dungeons and dragons at least once (sometimes even two or three times!) a week with Trent and I. I think a huge part of Trent and I not going completely crazy during the COVID times was because of Kathryn. I appreciate her friendship endlessly, and I am so grateful that she agreed to officiate, even if half her motivation was to get out of wearing a bridesmaid dress!