Wedding Party
Heather Kullgren
Maid of Honor
Also known as Heeks or Heekyaya. The first time Karly heard of Heather was when she used her ID to get into the Izzone and they have been called sisters (mostly by Mom Aldridge) since. Their friendship has been full of laughs and road trips across the US, including many of Karly's "firsts,” like her first trip to Harry Potter World, Disney World, EUROPE, and more. As Bill Murray once said, "if you can travel around the world together, keep them for life” (I paraphrased, but you get the gist). There's a million good memories to count with Heeks, but one of Karly's favorites is when Heather brought an oversized vintage fur jacket to Macklemore (height of Thriftshop) and it made Karly hysterically laugh/cry. Some things just hit you right. ♡
Mitchell Wandell
Best Man
Jenny, Mitch’s mom, and Deb, John’s mom, were both school teachers. Every morning before Mitch and John were old enough to attend school, they’d get dropped off at the teacher’s daycare. With their love of anything and everything motorized, they quickly became friends, aka “best friends since diapers.” Every weekend was spent at Mitch’s house, or John’s house, playing with toy cars, quads, bikes, snowmobiles, boats, and spraying Wes (Mitch’s dad) with the hose until he popped a gasket. Mitch became part of John’s family, and John of Mitch’s. To this day, they are the type of friends that can sit and talk for hours, laugh until they cry, or just sit in silence watching TV together. If you need him, Mitch is the type of man to put everything aside to take care of the ones he loves, without hesitation. Mitch and John aren’t just friends, they are brothers.
Lacey Crumback
Matron of Honor
From the days of Karly being the annoying little sister who stole her clothes to now, Lacey and Karly have been together for Karly's whole life. Karly idolized her early on (hence the stolen clothes), even going so far as copying her and going to Michigan State for undergrad. Thanks to Lacey for helping Karly with so many firsts in life, like watching her first scary movie (Karly still dreams about it), her first solo (non-parental supervision) California trip, and teaching her to use a hair diffuser. Karly is very thankful to have such an amazing sister to look up to. ♡
Zack Simon
Groomsman
Zack and John met in high school, when Zack was a freshman, and John a junior. John was the section leader of the drumline, and Zack started off as the pesky underclassman. Zack was “better at playing drums” than John, and “all his stuff was better” than John’s. What a brat. Once John whipped that young whipper snapper into shape, and John and Zack spent more time together, it became apparent that they were destined to be great friends. Whether they were blowing something up, or sitting and watching car exhaust videos, their moments together were always full of laughs. To this day, there’s never a shortage of shenanigans when they are together 🤪. Zack may be fashionably late to the party sometimes, but you know that he will always be there, that he can turn the saddest frown around, and that he will never let you down.
Hannah Bowles
Maid of Honor
Hannah and Karly met the fall of 2017 in a small construction office's closet in the depths of SODO Seattle. Brought together by a chaotic work environment, the years that followed their meeting included a lot of tears, a pandemic, job layoffs, civil unrest, Trader Joe's visits, fun weekend trips throughout the US, a lot of wine, and a friendship that is incredibly important to them both. Karly AND HAN-Uh's favorite memory is bonding with the flight attendants on the way to San Antonio for a quick weekend trip and the flight attendants giving them a free bottle of champagne to kick off their girls weekend. ♡
DJ Weirich
Groomsman
John and his roommates hosted a Halloween party in 2017, and one of his roommates invited DJ. That’s where DJ and John met for the first time, but John forgot because he had a few too many “sodas” from the keg. Fast forward to the next summer, and they all invited DJ over more and more to hang out, golf, boat, and dirt bike. DJ and John bonded on similar interests and family upbringings, quickly becoming friends. Because of their similarities, being friends is just natural and “easy” for them. DJ is a friend you can always count on. It’s often an overused phrase, but “he’d give you the shirt off his back” couldn’t be a more accurate description of DJ’s character. When DJ and John are together, there’s absolutely no lack of laughs, tons of crude movie quotes, and always a great time!
Allison Raymond
Bridesmaid
Al is the very first friend Karly made freshman year at Michigan State. Somehow they went their whole lives missing each other even though they went to neighboring high schools and knew a lot of each other's friends. When they did meet, they knew right away they were going to be friends! Karly, in some ways, has looked up to Al for a long time, for being such a loyal and good friend with an impeccable memory. Writing this even stresses Karly out because there's so many good memories with Al that she probably doesn't remember that Al does. There are a few things, though, that will ALWAYS remind Karly of Al including Justin Bieber, Jonas Brothers, Facebook posts on each other's walls, fist fights on the r trail, Kirk Cousin's calves, and many more. ♡
Bradley Hopkins
Groomsman
Brad and John met while interviewing for different positions at a company in 2015, and didn’t meet again until 2017. Brad started at Gentex, working on John’s team. Every day was filled with laughs and shit talking, but also making each other better men. Back when life had less responsibilities, John would spend just about every weekend at Brad and Abby’s house (Abby and Brad are married), so much so that he had his own bedroom there. Brad is the type of friend that will have your back, who will be there for you in the tough times and in the fun times, and will tell you the honest advice you really need to hear (even though sometimes you deny you need to hear it!). Their friendship has never lacked good humor, great times, a “few” beers, and everlasting memories!
Diana Baylor
Bridesmaid
Diana and Karly literally met on Craiglist (when Karly was in search of a roommate in Seattle). Immediately, Karly thought, how could this really friendly and cool girl "not really like music"? Thankfully, Diana continued being friendly after their initial meeting and invited Karly out to meet her friends (while letting Karly pick the playlists of their apartment parties - red flag turned to green flag). They bonded pretty quickly soon after, by attending Lim family events, helping Diana plan wedding things and even getting reprimanded about her toilet paper placement by Mr. Lim, Diana's dad (apparently there's a right and wrong way). Being included in Diana's big life events with family was so incredibly special to Karly, especially as Karly’s own family was on the opposite side of the country. Diana is so strong, a math wizard and especially caring for her loved ones. Karly has almost never seen her cry EXCEPT when she asked her to be a part of this wedding! Karly credits her love of her time in Seattle to making friends like Diana there. ♡
Ryan Watts
Groomsman
Ryan and John met while working together at a machine shop in 2014. John started off as the annoying intern that bounced around helping grumpy old men in different areas of the workplace. John finally stumbled across Ryan, who was one of the few friendly guys around. Ryan helped John figure out how to approach some of the disgruntled workers to help more around the shop, along with teaching John how to run equipment. As they spent more time together, their similar interests were apparent, and they quickly bonded. John began hanging out with Ryan, his wife Tiffany, their daughter Peyton, and their wonderful growing family of pets! They have all become friends, and great ones at that. John looks up to Ryan, specifically for how much he has taught John about various “how-to-dos,” and how he always puts those he cares about first. Ryan and John are typically found plotting their next adventure, whether it’s dirt biking, mountain biking, fixing something that’s broken (usually John’s stuff 😂), or just laughing and talking about life.
Mary Kate Miller
Bridesmaid
MK and Karly met indirectly through Craigslist (thanks Diana + internet). Karly can't even remember the exact moment they met because it feels like she's known MK forever. Since the undetermined day they met, MK has always been Karly’s go-to for weekend trips, political discussions and general adventures. While there’s a million memories Karly looks back on joyfully, one of her favorites is their trip to Whistler with Marissa. On this trip, they made it almost the full 5 hours from Seattle, just for Marissa’s car to break down outside the city - smoking + the whole shabang. Thankfully, a waiter at the bar they went to (you know they needed a drink after that) advised them to join the local Facebook group where Canadians help each other and they found someone that helped them that same day (very Canadian). Karly is still obsessed with that Facebook group and Canada. Karly’s advice, in case you want to bond with MK at the wedding, is to ask her about her family vacations growing up and keep red sauce as far away from her as possible. ♡
Robbie Wandell
Groomsman
Robbie’s mom, Jenny, and John’s mom, Deb, taught together. So Robbie and John were dropped off at daycare every morning before they were old enough to go to school. John is an only child, so Robbie was always the cool older brother John never had. Sure he chased John around, giving him some abuse from time-to-time, but it helped give John thick skin (literally, Robbie had a wicked finger flick! 🤌). Robbie introduced John to “Independent” by Webbie, blasting it on the subs in the murdered-out Ram on the way to golf practice, and he also showed John the latest and greatest in shoe fashion. John will never forget camping and ripping around Silver Lake with Robbie, and how much fun they had! John looked up to Robbie growing up, and continues to do so, seeing him for the great man, husband, and father he has become. John and Robbie have a brotherly bond that cannot be broken!
Sophie Crumback
Junior Bridesmaid
Sweet Sophie is Karly's only human niece (shoutout to Brinley the pup) and is the kid that made Karly an aunt. Karly and John love hanging out with Sophie. She affectionately refers to John as "Aunt John" which is a step up from "Frog Friend" that he was previously. The proudest Karly has ever been was when Sophie requested a Taylor Swift themed birthday party in 2025. Karly wants to end this with some lyrics from T Swift's "The Best Day": "I didn't know if you knew, so I'm taking this chance to say that I had the best day with you today.” ♡
Ella Goodier
Junior Groomswoman
Ella is John’s first cousin once removed, but Ella calls him “Johnny!” Ella and John are best buds, always doing summersaults and handstands in the pool, jumping on the trampoline, and spinning around dancing like there’s no tomorrow! Ella is so sweet, thoughtful, and talented! John is thrilled to be part of her life, and to watch her grow up (but don’t grow up too fast!!). Stay tuned for Ella on the US Olympic Gymnastics team someday!
Jaxon Crumback
Ring Bearer
Jax is the first kid Karly changed diapers for, and also the first kid that Karly put diapers on backwards for. When asked to be a part of the wedding, Jaxon answered "I don't know.” After showing him what being a ring bearer meant, Karly asked if that sounded fun, and he said "no.” To this day, Karly & John are not sure if he'll show up to the wedding, but just in case… Jaxon is Karly's only human nephew (shoutout Winston the pup) who Karly and John love very much. ♡
Owen Wandell
Ring Bearer
Owen is the son of Mitchell and Kyly. My oh my did they raise a great kid! Owen calls John, “Uncle John!” John is an only child, and therefore doesn’t have a nephew from a sibling. So the fact that Owen calls him Uncle John means the world to him. Like Mitch and John, Owen LOVES cars and trucks, so Owen and John always build garages for Owen’s cars and trucks when they are together, and go watch car races with the whole family! We have a future race car driver on our hands! When you see Owen at the wedding, ask him to tell you about his favorite cars, or his awesome new dirt bike skills!
Ava Goodier
Flower Girl
Ava is John’s first cousin once removed, but as Ava calls him, “Unc-in (uncle/cousin) Johnny!” Ava and John are both adrenaline seeking, so most of their time together is spent spinning around on the swings, riding hoverboards and scooters, and climbing all over everything! Ava is the bravest kid John knows, and he’s so happy to see her living life to the fullest! Also, Ava’s got a strong arm, so be prepared for flower showers at the wedding!
Amara Crowley
Flower Girl
Amara is John’s first cousin once removed, but she calls him “John-John!” Amara and John are the best of friends. They love to color, swim, and dress up (and the occasional belly laugh after a surprise fart!). Amara is so caring, witty, and creative, and John is waiting to see her painting on exhibit at the Louvre someday! At the wedding, you’ll most likely find Amara and John acting goofy and silly on the dance floor, but plug your nose, just in case 💨😉.
Christopher Aldridge
Mister of Ceremony
Most known as Bud; sometimes known as Christopher; rarely known as Chris (weird). When Karly thinks about her first memories of becoming actual friends with her brother, it was sometime around her freshman year of high school. Prior to that, it was a lot of noogies, bear hugs and snake bites with a hint of Super Nintendo thrown in there. Karly vividly remembers going to a high school party as a freshman, and Bud, being a senior, decided to take her under his wing that night and give her the run down of what the cool kids did and didn’t do. Beyond that, Karly owes her first car, her first shot of Absinthe, and her love of emo/2000s rap music to Bud. Bud also was always Karly’s number one fan during her soccer career; him even being responsible for carrying her off the field after a concussion! “Thanks Bud” - Karly ♡
Kyly Wandell
Usher
Kyly and John met when Mitch and Kyly started dating many years ago. Now Mitch and Kyly are married with two beautiful children! Kyly has always been a great influence to John, helping to keep his head on straight, and keep him patient in waiting for a great woman to walk into his life, and low-and-behold, here’s Karly! Kyly not only cares for those close to her, but also those around her. She shows love and grace, and genuinely wants to help, listen, and be there. John will never forget the time Kyly and Mitch came to visit him during his internship in Wisconsin for a camping and river tubing trip. Oh the adventure that was! Kyly and John can talk about anything, anywhere, anytime, but not without a laugh, or two, or seven!
Samantha Aldridge
Mistress of Ceremony
Samantha (aka Sam) was literally brought to the family by dogs (thank you forever Reggie and Brinley). Karly was bummed that Bud found a girl he was interested in around the time she left Atlanta to move to Seattle (she couldn't make sure she was cool), but nonetheless was happy Christopher met someone. Looking back, Karly can’t even pinpoint the exact time she met Sam because it feels like she’s been a part of the family forever and is in fact, cool. Sam is strong, decisive and passionate when it comes to those she loves. When thinking about Sam, Karly envies Sam’s ability to communicate and her ability to make everyone around her feel comfortable and heard. ♡
Abby Hopkins
Usher
Abby and John met through Brad, when Abby and Brad were dating (now married!). Abby and John act and think so similarly, it’s scary. It sure scares Brad when he gets stuck listening to them talk for hours! Because they are so similar, they give each other great advice, and life lessons; ones that will be carried with them forever. Abby is such a great friend, because she cares so much. Everyone needs an Abby in their life! Abby and John, through a long story, were named spirit animals, penguins to be specific, based on their same personality and groovy dance skills. So, they coined the nickname, “peng” for each other. There’s never a dull (or quiet) moment with Abby and John around!
Kristi Aldridge
Mother of the Bride
Kristi, Karly’s bffl and John’s twin, is the luckiest person in the family (probably something to do with her birthday being on St. Patrick’s Day). Literally, Karly has gotten calls from Kristi in the past, asking if she wanted her to win concert tickets… and Kristi has won them. She is notorious. While Karly didn’t inherit Kristi’s luck, Karly did inherit her outgoing personality, her passion and her empathy from her mom. Catch them both crying at multiple points through the wedding day, I’m sure! Kristi has always been the loudest at sporting events (Indian call - IYKYK), the first to post a gushy Facebook status and support the kids in the ways the kids needed. Thankfully, Karly is incredibly lucky in the mom department. ♡
Debra Butterfield
Mother of the Groom
Deb is a world-class mom, an incredible person, and a wealth of life advice. John inherited Deb’s strength, perseverance, heart, and a bit of her stubbornness 😉. Anytime you need her, whether to listen, talk, or help out with a house project, she’s there, no matter what. But when there’s a house project going on, there’s no shortage of jokes and laughs, and a bit of frustration with Deb pushing John’s buttons for her entertainment pleasure 😂. John is so thankful to have such a wonderful influence and inspiration in his life. Deb is an incredible artist who contributed many beautiful works of art throughout John and Karly’s new home! Ask her to show you some pictures of her latest work at the wedding! Pictured above you’ll see John and Deb in Paris, where Karly and John will be honeymooning!
Basil Aldridge
Father of the Bride
Cool, like his name, Basil has always been known to Karly as "silent but deadly.” While Kristi might be the more naturally outgoing one in the relationship, Papa Basil is known to drop some deadly and hilarious one-liners when the time calls for it. One of Karly’s favorites is “TURN THAT DOWN, I CANT SEE.” This was a quote from Basil when Karly was in middle school and trying to jam some tunes (Nelly Da Dirty Versions probably) in Basil’s car. Karly didn’t understand how noise could impact eye sight then but well into her 30s, she now gets it. Sorry Dad! Karly credits many loves of hers to her dad, including history, reading, movies, music and traveling! The last time Karly saw Basil cry was when Karly was on homecoming court (“she looks so pretty 😭”). Taking bets now if we see tears on the big day!? ♡
David Synwolt
Father of the Groom
Dave is a great and loving dad, coach, and protector (and sometimes overprotector 😉). Dave is so proud of John, and John’s biggest fan. He is there, always, and no matter what. John and Dave have a lot of laughs together, especially poking fun at each other. Dave passed his outgoingness, persistence and inquisitiveness to John, although Dave holds the record for most inquisitive with all the questions he asks (John calls him Curious George). John and Dave have taken some great trips together! Recently they went to Switzerland (pictured above), France, and Italy for a father and son 30th and 70th birthday celebration! Dave and John share a love of movies, cars, and music (especially the drums). Ask Dave to tell you some rock ‘n roll stories at the wedding!
Norina Cadili
Officiant
For those who don’t know, Norina is one of Karly’s bosses at her hotel company. They first met over Zoom—pre-GR, pre-JW—when Norina asked Karly about the last book she read during her interview for said company. From that moment, Karly knew she was in good hands. Since then, there’ve been tears (Karly), pep talks (Norina), laughs, cocktails, and yes—an eye patch. Don’t ask. Norina’s also a killer public speaker, which is why Karly and John are pumped she said yes to being their officiant. At the wedding, ask her about her past speeches—Karly’s favorite left an entire room crying at a work conference. Do ask.
