Wedding Party
Jillian Blakkan-Strauss
Bride
Jillian is beyond excited to celebrate with her favorite people, bringing together friends from her theatre, scuba, and freediving worlds—proof that her life has never fit into just one lane. She’s especially thankful she went paddle boarding on a whim with a random Instagram connection a few years ago, because saying “why not?” turned out to be the best decision she ever made. She can't wait to celebrate with Mike and all their favorite people, embracing love, laughter, and a little bit of adventure
Michael Winkles
Groom
Mike can almost always be found in or on the water. Growing up in Florida, diving and paddling is in his blood. So it's so wonderful that when he met up with a fellow dive professional to go paddle boarding one night it began a life changing relationship that led us to a wedding next February. Jillian is the love of his life and nothing makes him happier than being able to celebrate that with everyone at their wedding.
Kelsey Makan
Matron of Honor
Kelsey is Jillian's sister and a constant source of inspiration, introspection, and laughs. She’s a total badass in every sense—a fearless adventurer, a top notch lady boss, an incredible mama, and the most loyal sister and friend.
Daniel Winkles
Best Man
Mike and his brother Dan have been side by side since they learned to joy of causing chaos running around outside. Both in the woods and on the water, Daniel is a true outdoorsman, and Mike has had support from his brother his whole life. The perfect man to stand beside him at his wedding.
Liz Lombard
Bridesmaid
Liz and Jillian have been friends for over half their lives, ever since they met in college. Liz has a show-stopping personality (and voice!), a razor-sharp sense of humor, and the kind of grounded perspective that makes her an amazing best friend. She is a Disney savant, a fellow distance runner, an incredible mama to her twins, and a constant source of laughter and support.
Ryan Lane
Groomsman
Mike & Ryan have been friends since the early days of high school. From summer days spent at the beach surfing together, college nights out late “studying for class,” standing together at Ryan’s wedding, and now getting to watch Ryan be an amazing husband & father, Mike & Ryan have always been close. Mike is extremely grateful for the kind of friendship that Ryan gives.
Elea Harvey
Bridesmaid
Jillian met Elea through their dive shop Pura Vida Divers, and they became best friends almost instantly. She has a true soul of adventure—motorcycle rides, scuba dives, horseback riding, and traveling the world are all fair game with her. Jillian has been lucky to travel to the Galapagos and Indonesia with her (and wherever they're headed next!). She has an incredible sense of humor and the kind of loyalty everyone hopes for in a best friend.
Jimmy Sterling
Groomsman
Mike & Jimmy met over 20 years ago through scuba diving. Both being dive instructors they’ve enjoyed time teaching and adventuring together. Jimmy, his wife Kristy and their 3 kids have kept Mike close in their family and affectionately call him Uncle Mike.
Ollie
Master of Ceremonies
Ollie is our sweet, mischievous Master of Ceremonies. His hobbies include cuddling, staring, leaf collecting, silent barking, and visiting Sonny's BBQ. He is a constant source of love and laughs and we are so lucky to have him in our lives.