Wedding Party
Brianne Clasen
Maid of Honor
My maid of honor is my older sister, Brianne (also known as Aunt Brianne). With an age gap of just 3.5 years, we have had the privilege of sharing countless life experiences—moving to two different cities, embarking on a cross-country road trip, raising two puppies, launching our careers, and so much more. Brianne is the ultimate definition of a Type-B personality—patient, laid-back, and always willing to listen. She has this effortless way of making everyone around her feel seen, heard, and loved. Her big heart, infectious laugh, and warm nature make her the perfect balance to my more Type-A tendencies. After college, we lived together and started the same job, and during that time, I truly realized how lucky I am to have her as not just a sister, but a best friend. Through every life change, big and small, she’s been a constant source of love and support. I’m so grateful to have her standing by my side as I take this next step in my life. I couldn’t imagine having anyone else as my Maid of Honor.
Annie Brandon
Bridesmaid
Annie came into my life during our freshman year of high school. We first met at a neighborhood summer party just before the school year began, and from that moment, I knew we were destined to be best friends. Conveniently, she lived just half a mile from my childhood home, making it easy for us to walk to each other’s houses whenever we wanted. Throughout high school, college, and post-grad, Annie has been a constant presence in my life. She is one of the most outgoing, intelligent, and easygoing people I know, and I truly cannot imagine my life without her. This year, she’s beginning her first year of PA school and I couldn’t be prouder of all she’s accomplished. Soon, we’ll be just a short drive away from one another, and I couldn't be happier.
Ryli Waisanen
Bridesmaid
Ryli is basically my second older sister. Brianne and Ryli met in seventh grade where Ryli instantly became a part of the Clasen family. Ryli has seen me grow up since I was eight years old. Walking into our house unannounced quickly became a new normal in the Clasen household. She was always there for sisterly advice (whenever I was mad at Brianne), drove me to get my donuts and coffee anytime I wanted, picked me up from school when needed in her bright red mini cooper (Marvin), and would buy me anything I wanted. Ryli is the most giving person you will ever meet, she would quite literally give the shirt off her back to a stranger. If you see Ryli at the wedding, be sure to give her a congrats as her wedding is three weeks before mine in Italy! I am so excited to be sharing this chapter of our lives together! Tiamo!
Lilly Cook
Bridesmaid
Lilly and I met during a drive down to Florida my freshman year of high school. Our moms grew up in the same town together where they stayed in touch and realized Lilly and I were two peas in a pod- we are still not sure why they kept us apart for so long. During our drive to Florida we stopped in Atlanta to finally meet each other in person and it was an instant connection. Lilly assumed the meeting would go well and proactively packed a bag. Good thing she did, because she ended up hopping into our car even though we had only known each other for an hour and joined us for our family vacation in Florida. She instantly became one of my best friends even though we lived in seperate states. We visited each other over the years in Virginia and Georgia and also ensured she would come to every family vacation to Florida moving forward. This friendship has shown me that distance should have no impact on a friendship if they are supposed to be in your life. When you meet Lilly expect to be greeted by a cute Georgia accent and lots of enthusiasm. She is a light to everyone she meets and you'll be sure to admire her amazing accessories (Go Dawgs!).
Taylor Stephens
Bridesmaid
Taylor (TayTay) is one of my closest cousins. Taylor moved from California to Virgina to go to college and lived with my family for a few years. I was fortunate enough to have someone spoil me with icecream dates, trips to WaWa, and so much more. She is one of the most fun, out-going, and successful people I know. When you meet her, be sure to talk politics, she is the Senior Staff to Lindsey Graham and has traveled all over the world with him. I am so excited to be living right around the corner from her when we move back to Virgina, where we will have endless wine nights and sleepovers.
Amelia Panek
Bridesmaid
Amelia is Louis's younger sister, and my future sister-in-law! From the moment I met Louis, he talked often about Amelia and her kind-heartedness, artistic gift, and brilliance. Even though Louis is older, I knew this was someone who he looked up to and admired and after meeting her I could understand why. Not only did I learn that she is very good at art, but she also takes after Mr. Panek with amazing cooking/baking skills. When you meet her, you will most likely find a very cute baby in her arms, Joey, who will also be our ring bearer! I am so excited to be gaining another sister and to be living much closer to one another.
Madisyn Pokorny
Bridesmaid
Madi was the cool California Girl with the latest fashion and style when I met her. Madi's parents and my mom grew up together, and for some reason they didn't introduce us until I was 15 and Madi was 18. Madi has one of the most infectious smiles, with a warm and witty personality that you always want to be around. Madi can pull off any hair color, if you don't believe me, check her Instagram @itsdefinitelynotmadi. We often call each other sisters, because that is how our relationship felt from the moment we met each other. She is one of the most loyal people I know- don't mess with the people she loves... seriously. When meeting Madi, expect to be greeted by the best accessorized person in the building with the biggest smile.
Robert Fuentes
Best Man
Robert Carlos Fuentes hails from the great city of Culver City, CA. I knew we would be friends as soon as we discovered our shared appreciate for the life works of Jeffrey Lebowski. As stated from his Lucky Bag, Robert remains a semi-retired gentleman of leisure. I did not know that from I-Day at USNA we would become the real-life version of Lennie and George from "Of Mice and Men." (Still searching for the rabbits George.) There is no doubt that Robert has remained a loyal and selfless friend for over 14 years as we've gone on many great journies together to PCB, Las Vegas, the Bahamas, San Antonio, and even the great and prestigious Norfolk. A planner, an officer, and a gentleman - Bob was an easy pick for being my Best Man.
Wyatt Stone
Groomsman
Wyatt James Stone from Grand Marsh, WI has been one of my closest friends for over 13 years. Our friendship dates back to our time in 13th Company at the Naval Academy. Wyatt is an incredibly loyal friend that cares immensely about his Green Bay Packers, his Raptor, and having a good time. We've had some truly great times from Spring Break trips to Leatherneck and TBS. There is no one I have consumed more Miller Lite with. Wyatt is the toughest and hardest working friend in our friend group that has completed both IOC and MARSOC training. I am honored to call him a friend.
Alex Hoersten
Groomsman
Alexander Douglas Hoersten has been a friend since 2011. I knew that he would be a great friend when I couldn't stop laughing at him carrying his Ships and Aircraft on a bookshelf with NLT 6 shelfpegs. I have not met anyone that loves King Hall more than Alex Hoersten. He was my roommate for 4 years at the Naval Academy and 4 years in San Diego. He is a passionate fan of Chicago sports and is known to speak in drunken incoherencies. There is no one that loves his job as a Surface Warfare Officer (good honest work for good honest pay) than Alex Hoersten. "Red" or "Q" and I have been on many adventures from skiing in Colorado to many many iterations of PB Shore Club, Thrusters, The Local, and Open Bar. Alex has been and remains a great friend.
Nick Seeberger
Groomsman
Nicholas John Seeberger has been a great friend since the Naval Academy and was my roommate with Alex Hoersten for all 4 years at the Naval Academy. Together we've had some great times going to Colorado for the Navy v. Air Force games in Colorado Springs and skiing / snowboarding in Colorado and Lake Tahoe. There is simply no one I have ever met that plays Eruption by Van Halen on Guitar Hero better than Nick Seeberger. Nick and I are also both esteemed members of the 2015 Championship 13th Company Intramural Street Hockey Team. Nick is always down to have a great time followed by eating some Dave's Hot Chicken. He's been an incredible friend since our time in Lucky 13.
Tim Sabean
Groomsman
Timothy Frederick Sabean and I have both sat in the blue seats at Fenway Park; our dream jobs are the same: to be the guy at Red Sox games who yells "Beer here, get your ice cold beer here." We have known each other since Leatherneck (Marine Corps training) at that Naval Academy. Throughout flight school, we were roommates and were roommates again in North Carolina until we became refugees after Hurricane Florence. We have had some great times in our beer lounge in Texas and floating down the lazy river in New Braunfles, TX. He still owes me $100 for jumping into the San Antonio River. He is a tremendous friend and a great dad and husband.
Joe Barrett
Groomsman
Joseph Thomas Barrett is the best brother-in-law I could have ever asked for. Despite being from Boston College High School, he's been a great husband and even better dad to my Godson Joey Barrett V. Joe is the role model Catholic dad in his family and is a great inspiration to me on how to best live the Catholic vocation of marriage. I'm incredibly honored to have him as part of the family and to be the Godfather to his son!