Wedding Party

Joseph Wendt

Groom

Jennifer Hegarty

Bride

Benjamin Carlson

Best Man

Benjamin and I met through the Engineering Fraternity Theta Tau, where we became fast friends, and then he became my Little. Ever since then we have had countless adventures together. From road trips, to formals, to late night movie discussions, Benjamin's ever positive outlook has been a bright light in my life for years. It is my great privilege that we are able to work so closely and so frequently together, on podcasts, videos, live streams, and so much more.

Elisabeth Meyers

Bridesmaid

Liz is my closest cousin in age to me, and is an even closer piece of my heart. Elisabeth is one of the strongest people I have ever met, and I look up to her more than she knows. We spent so much of our childhood at grandma's house, making up games outside, going on adventure walks, swapping and playing our different versions of Candyland, and doing each other's hair. There is literally nothing better on this earth than an Elisabeth hug (sorry, Joey- she's got you beat on this one) but a close second to her hug is her laugh. I know that no matter how long its been since I've seen her, we've always always got each other's backs no matter what. That is a truly special gift to me that I don't take for granted, and I can't wait to make more memories with her at my wedding!

Ben Wendt

Groomsman

I've been Ben's brother for as long as he can remember. We were always co-conspirators, creating more chaos when we got along than when we didn't. Since college Ben and I have become running partners too, where we whittle away at life's frustrations on the open trail together. As an educator and as a conscientious person, Ben inspires me to try harder and think deeper, and I'm eternally grateful for that.

Mary Rosalyn Naylor

Bridesmaid

Mary Rosalyn and I have been close friends for years, and along the way also coworkers, college teammates, cast members, and peers. If you are so privileged to be in a room with Mary Rosalyn and I for any time over 30 minutes, you'll likely hear us discussing any new Disney attractions, merchandise, or snobby castle show critiques in our own happy place of complete Disney obsession. (although I will admit that MR is on another level past me...a complete Disney guru) Roz is such a light to me and an amazing friend, and I am really lucky to have her standing with me on my wedding day!

James Miller

Groomsman

James is my Big in Theta Tau, the Engineering Fraternity. My favorite adjective to describe James is "surprising". Whatever your first impression, James is sure to subvert it. He is fun, ambitious, and always ready for something new. But he is also kind, thoughtful, and one of the most loyal people in my life. No matter how much I thought I knew, he always patiently proved me wrong. He watched over me as I transitioned through college, and guided me to be a person of intention and integrity.

Stacey Poteat

Bridesmaid

They say blood is thicker than water, but what about valve oil? There's a certain kind of bond that happens between two people experiencing the journey of high school band class- one that is not easily broken. Stacey and I quickly became friends as the only girls keeping the brass section in line, and along the way, shared so many memories together. Some of my most treasured moments I have of growing up were alongside her, and I am so thankful for our friendship. Stacey also helped Joey plan out his proposal to me, which was incredibly special!

Kevin Steele

Groomsman

Kevin and I met in middle school, and became good friends through out high school. Kevin's imagination is what allowed us to have hours long conversations about any topic on earth, often over a game of ping pong or while playing video games. Today, Kevin and I create new worlds while playing DnD, and share ideas for stories and projects often. He is another person in my life who found themselves drawn into education, and prides himself on helping others.

Whitley Naylor

Bridesmaid

Can you picture the one person you shouldn't stand with in a serious situation or you'll burst out laughing inappropriately? Whitley is that person I should not sit with if I'm supposed to be quiet. Most of my nights with Whitley are spent within the walls of the dance studio- dancing together, teaching together, all the while whispering sarcastic commentary about it to each other. Any room that she walks into is the room I want to be in. I just really couldn't picture Whit not being there with me on my wedding day, and I can't wait for her to stand with me!

Brian Hegarty

Groomsman

Unlike my other groomsmen, Brian and I's relationship is just beginning. But just like all the others, Brian has already had a big effect on who I am. It helps that we share similar interests, but more importantly, similar values. Brian is studying to be a Physical Therapist, and is already changing peoples lives for the better. He has welcomed me into his family with a warmth I can only hope to match. And he is curious about our connections with each other, and how to cross divides. I consider all of my groomsmen my brothers, in one sense or another. But I will only have one Brother in Law.

Julianna Meyers

Bridesmaid

My personal claim to fame in Julianna's life is that I made up her nickname she goes by when we were little- Nan! Nan is the closest thing to Princess Anna in Frozen that I have ever met...she sings like a princess, and has this contagious bubbly spirit that truly has been the soundtrack in the background of so much of my childhood. All of the memories I have in New York have her in them...so many cousin days playing hide and seek, playing on the old swing set at her house on the top of the hill, and eating ice cream with all of us crammed in grandma's tiny dining room. I was so touched to be one of her bridesmaids in her wedding, and so it makes it even more special that she will be part of mine too!