Julie & Nick
Wedding Party
Jordan Spieker
Matron of Honor
I've known Jordan since I was in kindergarten. We grew up just blocks from each other on the north side of Racine, riding bikes to each other’s houses and swimming in my parents' pool. We attended the same schools until we graduated in 2008 and played volleyball & basketball together. For the greater part of my life, Jor and I were pretty much inseparable. From camping trips and choreographed (karate) performances to questionable high school decisions and crazy college nights, Jor and I have been through EVERYTHING together. I consider Jor’s family as my own. I can't think of a major life milestone that I haven't shared with this girl, and she is very special to me. I thank my lucky stars that I have such a selfless, compassionate, hilarious, beautiful best friend.
Lauren Andersen
Bridesmaid
Growing up 7 years apart, I can't imagine how annoying I was to my oldest sister Lauren. As we grew older, I came to find how similar we are and how amazing of a person she is. Lauren understands me and never judges. We laugh together, we cry together, and we talk about cool stuff all the time. Lauren is so smart and has so many interesting things to say that I don't think I could ever be bored around her. I didn't think it was possible, but my life became even more amazing when Lauren and Rob welcomed my nephew Henry into the world. We have so much fun together and I love my sister Lauren so much. We are weird and crazy and I wouldn't have it any other way. I know my sister will always be there for me and I love her more than I can put into words!
Keri Heusdens
Bridesmaid
I can't believe my sister Keri actually chooses to spend time with me after torturing her growing up. I was such an annoying little sister that just wanted to be like her, stealing her clothes and annoying her and her friends. As we grew older, Keri and I decided that we liked each other and could have A LOT of fun together. Keri is always down for a good time and will try anything once. I look up to Keri, not only as a fellow educator but as a female in general. She is strong, independent, intelligent and creative. Keri and Adam brought a ray of sunshine into our world and it has been nothing short of amazing watching her grow. Zinnia is so much like Keri, it is no wonder why she is so loved. I love my sister for many reasons, and I couldn't imagine marrying Nick without her by my side.
Ali Swenson
Bridesmaid
I met my college soulmate, Allison Swenson (McCambridge), at UW - Milwaukee in the school of education teacher training program. Ali and I had an instant connection and haven't skipped a beat since the day we met. Ali and I like to joke that she saved me when I was 'at risk' and we've been at each others' sides through the toughest moments. We've literally been at each others's sides as neighbors in college and then a floor apart as 'fake adults' after graduating college. I've been so lucky to share many special moments in life with Ali. I was by her side as she married the love of her life and I hold her perfect little family near to my heart. Ali is my cheerleader and confidante. Life doesn't suck when you cackle at least once a day reading a hilarious text from Ali. She is my person.
Casey Ford
Bridesmaid
I have known Casey Ford since kindergarten. Casey is a childhood friend, growing up just blocks apart. As kids, we spent our summers at the parks anxiously waiting for Wonder Wagon to come. We let our imaginations run wild playing "Check In - Check Out" in Casey's basement where we pretended to be concierge at resorts in the WI Dells. We made it through the awkward years with only a few bumps and bruises. From front row at high school graduation, tears rolled down my face as I admired the valedectorian, my best friend, address the Class of 2008. I cherish our memories of high school dances & sleepovers fueled by Mountain Dew. Casey and I share a special connection through our passions and values. I can't imagine life without my genuine, fun, loving, and supportive best friend.
Nikki Wiltgen
Bridesmaid
I met Nikki in third grade. Since the day I've met her, Nikki has been a genuine, honest, fun, and dependable best friend. Nikki and I have grown up side by side. Nikki and I were inseparable in middle school and most of my college years. We played sports together and basically lived at each others houses at certain times. We rented our first college place together, got in only a little trouble, and have done nothing but support each other in navigating life's adult challenges. Nikki is an inspiring human to me. I've gotten to witness and support Nikki in some pretty cool life experiences. She's always been there during my experiences, and these type of people are the ones I hold close to my heart. Life with Nikki will always be fun.
Kaycee Hearne
Bridesmaid
I met Kaycee during a major transition in my life. We met when I moved into the upstairs of the flat she lived in on UWM's campus. From that day, life with Kaycee has been nothing short of a wild ride. Living in the 'Thunderdome' with Kaycee and some awesome ladies is a period of my life that I will NEVER forget. WIthout Kaycee & her fiance Matt, Nick and I wouldn't be planning for this special day. I still can't believe how things fell into place with Kaycee, but I'm so grateful that they did this way. It is great to have such an amazing friend living so close to me. Kaycee makes me laugh until it hurts. Kaycee works wonder on my locks and builds me up in every aspect of life. I appreciate Kaycee for several reasons, but to put it simply, I wouldn't be where I am today without Kaycee.
Cori Skaarnes
Bridesmaid
Oh, my Cori Joy. I became close with Cori in high school. Cori has been a partner in crime since day one. We have so many similar, mildly-obsessive, interests and I love how we bond over these. I love that our families are close, shout out to our BFF grandparents! In college I always looked forward to visiting Cori, especially for pub crawls. We have so much fun together, but my favorite thing about spending time with Cori is watching her laugh silently until she cries. I am very excited to be by my dear friend's side as she marries a great guy. Cori is such a genuine person and an easy-going friend. There are few people I chat with on the phone and Cori is one of those people. That's something. Cori is extremely thoughtful, fun to be around, and just an all-around cool person. I love her!
Becca Hebert
Bridesmaid
Becca has been a great friend since middle school. Becca understands me and is always there with zero judgment. She has served as my doctor for many years of my life and I'm still on consult (lol). Becca has driven to my apartment to take care of me when I had the flu and that is just one example of how caring she is. We lived together in college and learned that we probably couldn't live without each other. Seeing Becca happy with the life she's making makes me happy. She is the friend that checks up on me when I need it the most and is by my side no matter what. Our effortless friendship means so much to me. Becca makes me laugh and I love that a call from Easton can brighten my day. A friendship like this is not one I take for granted. I love this girl!
Emily Chmielewski
Bridesmaid
I met sweet Emily in high school. Emily has always been such a wonderful friend. In high school we got into many shenanigans and it did not slow down in our college years. Emily and I have a great connection and she is always there for me. We have been there for life's major milestones and it has been so fun to grow with your little family. From kickball to car rides and rap songs, I can always depend on Emily for a good time. Emily is so sweet, caring, and accepting. I know that Emily will be by my side on my wedding day and for the rest of our lives.
Kenzie McCabe
Bridesmaid
Kenzie has been a close friend, and now sister, since 6th grade. If Kenzie and I were to write a book about our lives and experiences together, I think we would be the only ones to laugh at it. Kenzie and I played club and high school volleyball together. Our families traveled together to weekend-long tournaments where we've made some great memories and tortured Kenzie's mom with our terrible music and humor. I don't think Kenzie and I could get bored together. She is always down to do a craft with me or ramble off hypothetical situations where we laugh at how dumb we sound. Our friendship has been a wild and awesome ride. Watching Theo grow is one of my favorite things and this unexpected adventure has been so much fun.
Christopher McCabe
Best Man
My older brother and best friend. Being only two years apart in age, we became instant wrestling buddies, like two HULK HOGANS, except he was actually “my brother.” I still remember my parents’ story on how I learned to run before I could walk because Chris would be hiding around corners waiting to terrorize me. As rough as things started, we began to grow closer as the years went on, mostly because my parents forced Chris to take me with him everywhere he went. Eventually we started playing the same sports, taking interest in the same activities, and even working together at a beer distributor. We use to joke that we did not actually like each other, we just had common interests, but we knew that we were besties for life!
Chris cont.
Best Man
When it was time for college and Chris got accepted to Madison, I knew I had to follow him there, which I did. This was when Chris and I really became close. There are too many stories from this time that we do not remember, but from what I do recall, we had a lot of fun and spent almost every day together. I love this man, I admire him, and I am very grateful to have him in my life. Can’t wait to start terrorizing and telling Theo all the stories I could not here.
Matthew Blonski
Groomsman
My adopted brother and former landlord. Blonski was one of my brother’s best friends in high school and since my parents’ made Chris take me with him everywhere he went, Blonski and I became close. I still remember my first time drinking was with Blonski and Chris, and it is one of the funniest stories about him that I can actually share. We were in my parents basement, had 5-6 shots lined up on the table ready to take, when my dad walks down the stairs. Everyone backs away from the table/shots with hands in the air like we were being arrested, but not Blonski, he quickly took down the 5-6 shots in front of my dad because he didn’t want to the alcohol to go to waste…my hero!
Blonski cont.
Groomsman
And while Blonski can be reckless (see above), he also has a huge heart. He took me in for about a year when I was looking for a new place to stay, and during that time we not only grew a lot closer as friends, but he also introduced me (along with his future wife) to my Julie! I love you big man and appreciate everything you have done for my family and me.
Devin Andersen
Groomsman
My brother from my other mother (I love you Cindy!). Devin is one of my oldest and longest friendships and one that I cherish. Devin has always been there for me, he has never asked anything of me and has always went out of his way to make sure that my life was good, sometimes too far out of his way, like in the All Sports parking lot or Summerfest… I especially miss our time in Madison together, as Devin can turn any activity, like playing catch, into a special memory that I will never forget. He is a ride or die friend, a great drinking buddy, and an amazing man. I respect Devin immensely, I look up to him as a person, and would not have nearly as many tickets…cough, cough…I mean stories, without him. I love you brother and look forward to everything the future holds for us!
Josh McGaughey
Groomsman
My brother from my other other mother (I love you also Vicki!). Josh and I met way back in youth baseball/basketball when we played for the Yankees/Mavericks and our dad’s coached us. Fast forward 20+ years later and we are still competing together in darts, bowling, and anything else someone wants to lose in. Josh and I have spent way too many nights together that we don’t remember and I completely blame him for it. From crazy high school nights at George Webbs to drunken afternoons bowling 100’s, I will always appreciate our friendship and love him like a brother. My homie Mr. Magoo!
Kyle Mcgaughey
Groomsman
My golfing buddy, lefties do it better. Kyle and I have known each other as long as Josh and I, since he was always around during our practices trying to show up kids 4+ years younger than him (which by the way, he was not successful at). Over the past 10 years or so we have been connected at the hip when it comes to drinking and playing sports. We are the book ends of our Kankakee team and the dynamic lefty duo in our golf league. Kyle is one of those friends you just love being around as he makes everything that much more fun and his kindness and generosity are contagious. I love this man like a brother and am so thankful that our friendship has grown into what it is today.