Wedding Party

Krista & Olivia

Maid of Honor

The three of us met 17 years ago during a snowman-building adventure. Someone needed carrots for the nose & the rest is history. Since then, we've shared life’s highs and lows—whether we were bombing hills on RipStiks or making memories at house parties (...my bad - Olivia). No matter where life took us, whether as long-distance confidants or spending every chance we had together, our friendship & sisterhood has only grown stronger to form an unbreakable bond. Cora has always been a force— she is graceful, generous, bold, yet kind, and fiercely passionate about the people she loves. She somehow ALWAYS finds the time to give the best advice, and supports those around her without hesitation. 17 years (and counting) of sleepovers & endless conversations later, we both feel proud to be part of her journey. The first time we met John, we immediately knew that Cora had found someone who complements her perfectly. We had never seen her so at ease, so fully herself, and so incredibly happy. John not only matches her kindness and passion but brings out this wonderfully goofy, lighthearted side of her that makes them an absolute joy to be around. Together, they are a perfect team, and it’s impossible not to smile and laugh when you’re with them. We’re beyond grateful that Cora has found someone who matches her heart of gold, and while we'll always be there for each other, we’re thrilled to celebrate the beginning of this next chapter in Cora's life with John by her side.

Andrew Rose

Best Man

John and I met in 2005 on the lacrosse field. We were ended up on the same team where John was on the first line-up and scored nearly all our team's goals whiIe I was last line-up and scored 0. Despite the clear skill gap, we became best friends. We spent the better part of the next 10 years figuring out new ways to stress our parents out through watersports, snow-sports and general ill-advised teenage shenanigans. We had done everything together from sports, music, pulling all-nighters playing video games (zombies), getting yelled at by our parents for playing video games all night, driving every summer across Wisconsin to Door County, shooting fireworks at each other (that we bought in Door County), sneaking out in the summer and wakesurfing anytime Lake Minnetonka was not frozen. It is fair to say there was never a dull moment. John has been my best friend my whole life - he has always been dependable, loyal and someone you can count on. I am excited to see him and Cora taking the next step in their relationship towards marriage. I wish them both a happy and life-long marriage together!

Charissa

Bridesmaid

Cora and I met on the very first day of college in August of 2014 - we were random roommates if you can believe it. Her opening line putting together cubes from Target was, "My first name is Cora, and my middle name is Allene." I quickly decided, "Okay, I’m going to call you Callie" (or Caliber, Calbington, or Caliballsohard) and Callie quickly decided "Okay, I'm going to call you Cherisse" (or Chari or Charizard). From that moment, we were inseparable, truly, in every sense of the word— from 8am classes (where we may or may not have gotten kicked out a time or two from laughing with one another), surprise birthday trips across the USA, pranks on our friends, and so much more in between that it couldn't possibly fit here - Callie isn’t just a friend; she’s my sister. She has a way of making you laugh until your cheeks and belly ache. One moment we can be having the deepest conversations, and the next, we’re in absolute stitches, tears rolling down our cheeks, full ab workout, over nothing. Her love is fierce and unapologetic. Read that again. She’ll go to the ends of the earth for those lucky enough to call her a friend, and I am lucky enough to call her a sister from another mister. I am so proud to be part of your life’s most important journey, my now long-distance bestie!

David Burkhardt

Groomsman - Brother

Loyalty is John’s defining trait, and it’s something that’s shone through in the countless adventures we’ve had together. One memory, in particular, stands out—a story we’ve never shared with anyone, not even our parents. It was a typical day at music school, with our younger brother, Richard, engrossed in his lesson. John and I, ever the mischievous pair, decided to venture down to the basement to grab a microwave pizza. As we sat playing cards, John suddenly sniffed the air and asked if I smelled smoke. We both turned to the microwave, and there it was—our pizza, engulfed in flames. Turns out, I had set it for oven time instead of microwave time. In a panic, we rushed upstairs, but just as we arrived, the fire alarm blared through the building. I quickly whispered to John, “Don’t say a word. We were just coming back from the bathroom.” As everyone evacuated, we stood among them, trying to look as innocent as possible. The fire department soon arrived and swiftly extinguished the charred remains of our pizza. And then, in classic John fashion, he walked up to a fireman and asked with all the innocence in the world, “What happened?” The fireman, shaking his head, replied, “Some dipshit nuked their bagel.” To this day, John and I have never breathed a word of that incident to our parents. It’s our little secret—a testament to the bond we share and the adventures we’ve lived through together.

Dara

Bridesmaid

Cora and I first met in 2017 while waitressing together at 717 South, but it wasn’t until we joined the Junior League of Tampa in 2020, and ended up in the same provisional mentor group, that we became best friends. I have so many unforgettable memories with Cora—like trying my first glass of red wine with her, which turned me into a red wine enthusiast from that day forward, and our trip to NYC for wedding dress shopping, where we indulged in the most delicious dumplings. Even when I ended up with a kidney stone in NYC, Cora took the subway with me to the hospital and made SURE I was okay (IYKYK). It’s rare to find someone as authentic as Cora—she gives the best advice, stays true to herself and her friends, and is always there, whether to support in tough times or to celebrate the good ones. It’s been an honor to watch her and John’s love blossom over the years.

Richard Burkhardt

Groomsman - Brother

Growing up, John was the best younger brother a boy could have. Not only was he always on board for whatever I wanted to do, he was always all in. Ping pong after school? He was your guy. Want to jam with someone on guitar? Not only was he always down, he’d ask ME what song I wanted to play! Practice lacrosse on the SportCourt? He’d play until I quit or dinner was ready. Want to make a silly song on Garage Band? He’d pull up a catalogue of beats and melodies he’d created in his free time for us to use. Touch football in the backyard? He would run up to his room and come back with his toy shoulder pads and football helmet on. Need a few extra bucks to buy a video game? He’d pull out his little piggy bank, stuffed to the brim with every quarter, dime, and nickel he’d found in a 3-mile radius of our home, and spot me the difference (he also bailed out our parents with several pizza delivery guys) Although John has now grown up and we no longer live under the same roof where I can share all of my ideas and whims with him, it’s clear that he has not changed one bit. He’s always game for a good time, and if you ask him to do something he’s all in. Something Cora probably understands way better than I do! I don’t know exactly what this next chapter has in store for him, but can’t wait to see him 100% all-in on being a husband!

Brittany

Bridesmaid

Cora was one of my first girlfriends who truly brought out my girly side. My friends from home know me as "tomboy Brit" but with Cora, I found a new side of myself. From dyeing our hair together with box dye over her newest spotify playlist obsession, getting ready for girls nights out, studying and crashing, to spontaneous trips when we had no business going anywhere (flat tires in the middle of nowhere included), Cora & I have been through just about every high and low life can throw at you in your 20s, and we've tackled them together thick as thieves. Even though we met in college, we’ve grown into the women we are today side by side, always picking each other up when we’re down. I’m over the moon that she’s found someone like John, who treasures her heart of gold and spontaneous yet grounded tendencies. I couldn’t be prouder to stand by Cora’s side and celebrate this next chapter of her life!

Peter Obletz

Groomsman

I first met John (aka Sunshine) in Jan of 2015, when we became pledge brothers in the same fraternity. I had seen him around campus before - and let me tell you, I wasn’t the biggest fan. Without speaking a word to him, I thought he was a douchebag with his Ken-doll features and lax bro mannerisms.  The night Sunny and I truly became boys is a night I'll never forget: the infamous 99 Bananas Night. We were summoned to an off-campus house and tasked with reciting the Greek alphabet while doing pushups. If one of us messed up, we all had to take a shot of 99 Bananas. With my dyslexia and struggles with comprehension, I was quite literally the worst person to help John and Zach in this situation. It was over for us before it even began. We don’t remember much from that night, but it’s a memory we’ll always look back on and laugh. Over the next three years, John and I lived together in the fraternity house, creating countless memories. From Mountain Weekends to Beach Weekends, to him booking a flight to Chicago for St. Patty’s Day the morning the world shut down because “flights were crazy cheap,” we experienced it all together. Despite still looking like Ken and a lax bro cocktail, I quickly realized I had judged a book by its cover. Nearly 10 years later, it’s an honor to stand by John’s side on his wedding day with Cora. Our wild adventures may be behind us, but I'm excited for him to start the next chapter of his life with an absolute baddy.

Brandy

Bridesmaid

Cora and I first met during our provisional year in the Junior League of Tampa. Our mentor group (which we all still agree was the best in the league) became close quickly, even in the post-COVID world. Monthly events, girl dinners, and wine nights that should never be counted helped us build a strong relationship fast. I’ll never forget the first time I invited Cora and John to a party at my house. For weeks afterward, my friends kept saying, “They were so fun” and “Our kind of people.” Everyone wanted them around more! Of course, they had to spoil it all by moving to California—but I’m so excited for their next adventure of marriage and life in Cali!

Will Hoverman

Groomsman

JB and I have been friends since our high school days in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where our friendship was forged through a shared love of music. As freshmen, we both sported the signature Justin Bieber swoop haircut. The whiplash flow was definitely a nod to the times, but it was John’s guitar chops that truly set him apart, helping us win a local Battle of the Bands, even managing to eat his older brother’s group—sorry, Rich! For the next 4 years, we were bandmates, creating music and memories that would last a lifetime. RIP Swedish Revival. We survived the trials and tribulations of AP Calc together, which only strengthened our bond. Over the years, we've stayed close through college and beyond. As he steps into this new chapter, I’m honored to stand by JB on his big day!

Sienna

Bridesmaid

I first met Cora in January 2019 during our first day at Raymond James. Though we instantly clicked, our roles kept us apart. A few months later, we reconnected during a Junior League new member orientation on Zoom, realizing we were both in the same mentor group—something I believe was fate. Speaking of fate, I like to think I played a small part in Cora and John’s love story ;) When they met through mutual friends, it was clear they were meant for each other. I vividly remember John calling Cora during a Galentine’s event early in their relationship—I’d never seen her so giddy. The happiness and goofiness John brings out in Cora is something truly special. Cora and I have shared countless experiences—trips, moves, new jobs, and both tough and amazing times. To know Cora is to love her; she’s the most genuine and supportive friend. I couldn’t be more grateful to stand by her side as we celebrate her and John’s love story!

Richard Horn

Groomsman

My friendship with JB dates back to the good old days at Minnetonka High, where we connected through mutual friends freshmen year. While I can't say I shared the lacrosse field with him (my talents lie elsewhere), some of my best high school memories involved late nights cruising around town, blasting music, and endless summer afternoons spent wakesurfing on Lake Minnetonka with the crew. John has always been the guy who’s down for anything, bringing a laid-back energy that puts everyone at ease. He’s never one to sweat the small stuff, and he’s the friend you can rely on no matter what. I’ll never forget the last 4th of July we spent together, boating out to the notorious “Big Island” on Lake Minnetonka. At the last minute, I may or may not have invited 8 lady friends to join us on his boat. But somehow, John kept everyone safe and happy, deftly steering clear of a few close calls on our excursion, and even charming the coastguard on our way back to shore... It’s amazing how he’s always so cool, calm, and collected out on the water, yet somehow Progressive’s biggest auto-insurance client on land. I’m beyond excited to celebrate this next chapter with JB and Cora. Being a part of their wedding is an absolute honor, and it's been incredible to see how far he's come since our high school days. Cheers to the happy couple!

Andrew Croonquist

Groomsman

I first met Sunny during rush week of our junior year at High Point University, when I was pledging Pi Kappa Phi. I’d already heard plenty about “Sunshine,” but actually meeting him was a whole different experience. We instantly hit it off, speaking our own, gross lax-bro language. One of my favorite stories from pledging is that during the final round of voting, Sunny stood up and shouted, “THAT’S MY NEXT LITTLE!”—making sure I ended up as his. From that moment, I knew I had a brother who had my back. By senior year, we were living together in the PKP house, where his reputation as the “musical guru” showed, whether DJ’ing bangers or playing guitar at 2:30 a.m. We got into plenty of “shenanigans,” like riding the HPU Panther statue, and made memories to last a lifetime. Since college, Sunny has made a consistent effort to keep in touch, and we’ve stayed close. We’ve celebrated New Year’s in Tampa with a whole crew, partied in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day just as COVID hit, and even pulled off a last-minute reunion in Aruba with our old fraternity brothers. No matter where we are, Sunny’s the guy who’ll drop everything to make sure everyone’s taken care of and having a blast. It’s an honor to stand by him as he and Cora start this next chapter together. Sunny has been one of the most loyal friends I could ask for, and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate this new adventure with him. Here’s to the happy couple—cheers to many more memories ahead!

Teddy Goodyear

Groomsman