Wedding Party
Claire Wilson
Best Woman
When I expressed concern about Chris's first date idea of a canoe ride, Claire had a different take. Her exact response: "I like this human." Claire gives Chris credit for leading me to more outdoorsy pursuits, culminating in a weeklong canoe trip to the Boundary Waters (pictured above). As long-distance sisters, we continue to bond over a shared love of NYT Cooking, preferring winter over summer, and a dedication to Friday pizza night. Claire has an endless and infectious energy that makes her a both a great hostess and a great hiking companion.
Joseph K. Denny
Best Man
Joe is my cousin, former roommate, and most importantly, friend. We grew up only a handful of months and miles apart and shared interests in Boy Scouts, music, camping, theatre, and food. Joe and I attended Villanova together, sang in choirs, and worked as Resident Assistants. Since then, we've enjoyed countless camping trips, road trips, and sailing accidents. Without fail, Joe has been by my side to run the boat out of gas, into the ground, or into the ground again. So, it's obvious that Joe is the kind of guy who keeps me grounded in life.
Sean Wilson
Best Twin
As I was thinking about my wedding party, I couldn't conceive leaving Sean out, considering he was my very first friend. After spending nearly every day of our first eighteen years together, we haven't lived in the same place since 2008. We have survived the miles apart with visits, phone calls, and cherished Christmases at the Indiana homestead. Despite the distance, the twin connection remains strong; more than once, we've found ourselves reading the same book at the same time. Sean is modest, hard working, and a great chef. Also, to Stacie's dismay, he is really great at puns.
Joshua S. Denny
Groomsman
Josh and I met pretty early on and have been brothers since (friends later). Having a brother like Josh meant having a co-conspirator for my various projects--building forts in the house, playing card games, computer games, and eventually building real, outside projects (clubhouse, Mom's barn). Josh, like Joe, has joined me on more than his share of sailing accidents (e.g., turtling a boat, running aground, and running out of fuel (must be a family thing to do)). We enjoy discussing our various ideas for new projects/upgrades for cars, our homes, or other things. As an engineer, Josh takes a practical and measured approach to life. Therefore, I run all of my most important decisions through Josh first. And I know he's always looking out for me.
Stacie Grissom
Bridesmaid
I set up Sean and Stacie over fifteen years ago, and therefore ended up with Stacie as an official sister. My subtle matchmaking line went something like: "Hey, Stacie. Sean likes you, but I know he won't do anything about it." Thankfully, I knew Stacie would. We grew up a few cornfields away from one another and by high school, we were running through the streets of Franklin as members of the same cross country team. After college, we found ourselves exploring the streets of NYC, where Stacie (and Sean) lived for a decade. My Grandma Marjorie described Stacie as a glass of bubbly champagne. She emits a creative force that inspires those around her to try new things, including quirky (delicious) cocktails and endless crafting projects.
Jonathan E. Denny
Groomsman
Not too many people have a brother who is a voice-actor, artist, musician, and playwright. Jonny has invited me to perform in his various plays and bands over the years. He is also a businessman: he has set up an Instagram for his artwork and a YouTube for his acting. Unlike me, Jonny has never been shy. His stage presence is his personality, and he encourages me to act in a goofy manner and not take life too seriously. Here is his YouTube, like and subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@JonnyDenny1816
Lauren Prichard
Bridesmaid
For years, Lauren and I have described one another as platonic soul mates. We lived on the same floor freshman year of college and quickly discovered we were both English majors. We cemented our relationship over runs into town and long study sessions in the reference room. After college, we both moved to South Minneapolis and continued to explore the city's many bookstores, ice cream shops, and lakes. Lauren is infinitely wise and one of my most trusted sources for both life advice and book recommendations.
Randall B. D. Schur
Groomsman
Randy and I started playing basketball against one another in 5th grade. We were a good match. He wore "rec specs" and threw elbows while I scored on my own team's net. In high school, we played in the symphonic orchestra, won the ultimate frisbee state championship, and competed in Science Olympiad. Randy's love for new technology keeps me abreast of the latest automated robots and self-crashing cars. He is forever curious: One morning, we sat on the porch and tried to estimate the inside square footage of a lighthouse across the street. Randy also was a co-counselor at "Huck Finn." Whenever one of the campers was having a tough day, we'd send the boy over to Randy because Randy is the kindest guy you've ever met.
Katherine Grasso
Bridesmaid
Although Katherine and I attended the same college and even lived in the same freshman dorm, we didn't officially meet until studying abroad in England over our junior year. We quickly discovered our shared Midwestern roots and love of adventure. In our post-college years, we've made a point to continue adventuring together, including running several half marathons. Katherine, along with her husband, Sam, are the type of people that volunteer to help you move during a snowstorm in January. Katherine is warm, funny, and loyal to her core.
Paul L. Donnelly
Groomsman
In 2007, Paul and I held our Eagle Scout Ceremony together. Although our subsequent plans for a joint wedding were turned down by our brides, the best we could do was to both get married this October. (Congrats Paul and Chloe!) In 2001, we started camping in Boy Scout Troop 144. Since then, we've co-directed camps, traveled to China, and gone on countless adventures. We co-hosted a community radio show and sang/played in various musical groups. When I need someone to help synthesize my plans, Paul is organized and practical.
Holly Goldstien
Bridesmaid
Holly and I met while working together at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Weeks after we first met, we had to take a Myers-Briggs test. Holly was an ENFP; I was an ISTJ. Holly's idea of planning for a trip around the world? Buy a one-way flight to London. Mine? About 135 more steps. Turns out, sometimes opposites do attract. Soon, we were much more than coworkers, as we attended concerts, traveled to the UK (pictured above), convinced each other a trip to Madewell was a good idea, and walked miles upon miles around the lakes of Minneapolis. Holly is generous, hilarious, and makes the best playlists.
Zachary L DiFonzo
Groomsman
Zach and I rode the bus together in elementary school and became close friends through theatre in Middle School. In high school, we served as co-General Managers for the oldest high school FM radio station in the country, WHHS. Since then, we have masterminded various tech and audio projects. Zach brings a creative and "can-do" attitude to everything we do together. Once, I needed a computer part in-a-pinch, I called Zach. But he was sick. Still, he said he could drive the part downtown to me as soon as he stopped vomiting. He is the most generous guy I know.
Jordan Brockhoff
Bridesmaid
Jordan and I met during our first days of college. We balance each other out in all the best ways and have many shared values, including our love of family, hard work, and bourbon cocktails. For a brief and wonderful year, we lived a mile apart in Minneapolis. We took turns hosting one another for dinner and training for the Chicago Marathon (pictured above). Jordan was a marathon veteran and willingly volunteered to coach me along, as well as raise funds for Misericordia, an organization near and dear to my family. Although we now live far apart, our friendship's foundation lets us pick up wherever we left off. Jordan is a great listener and is always a safe place to land.
Jack P. Welsh
Groomsman
Jack and I met during Middle School orientation. We immediately set up a camping trip at Merry Place for the Great Family Campout. We sang together, played on the ultimate frisbee team, and served as lighting and sound engineers for many theatrical productions in high school. We had a Doo-Wop radio show on WHHS. We lead an outdoors camp called "Huck Finn," which was complete with zip lines, rope swings, and fire building. Jack and I have always enjoyed getting out of town on various water or camping adventures. We have backpacked along the Appalachian Trail and sailed offshore on multi-day yachting trips. Maintaining friendships is a value we both hold close. In high school, Jack used to say, "Hello," to everyone he passed by. Recently, he texted me that he hadn't heard from me in a while. It had been 6 days. Having a friend who checks in on you like that is invaluable.