Our Wedding Party
Katelyn Axelson
Bride
Katelyn grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, raised by her amazing parents, Kristine and Dan, alongside her little sister, Josie. She moved to Omaha for college after a gut feeling during a Creighton campus tour at just 16 told her it was the right place — and she fell in love with it all. Roll Jays! She graduated with dual degrees in Marketing and Business Analytics and turned her love of online shopping into a career as a Channel Manager for eBay & Macy’s at the e-commerce company, Spreetail. When she’s not working, Katelyn enjoys Pilates, long walks with Tony, binge-listening to true crime podcasts, exploring new shops, restaurants, and coffee spots, traveling whenever possible, and watching Real Housewives (or any Bravo show, really). She’s happiest surrounded by friends and family — but above all, spending time with her best friend and love of her life, Tyler.
Tyler Houlton
Groom
Tyler was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska — and he loves it. He grew up with his parents, Amy and Rick, and older sister, Kaitlin, surrounded by family, friends, and faith. He attended St. Wenceslaus, Creighton Prep, and Creighton University, where he earned dual degrees in Accounting and Finance. After five years in audit at KPMG, he recently transitioned to a new role in Finance at DMSI. When he’s not working, Tyler can be found watching sports and aggressively cheering on Husker football or Creighton basketball, golfing, trying new restaurants, watching the latest movies, working out, goofing around with their dog Tony, or simply doing anything and everything with his best friend and love of his life, Katelyn.
Josephine Axelson
Maid of Honor
Katelyn's little sister. Katelyn and Josie grew up side by side in Minnesota, just 3.5 years apart, sharing everything from clothes and slumber parties to dance recitals, sporting events, and life’s biggest highs and hardest lows. They’ve truly walked through every stage of life together. There’s something incredibly special about having a built-in best friend, and for Katelyn, that has always been Josie — even in the moments they may have driven each other a little crazy. She can’t imagine this day, or any milestone, without her baby sister standing right beside her. Now an NYC-based actress and NYU Tisch graduate, Josie is chasing her Broadway and film dreams while balancing side hustles and somehow still showing up fully for the people she loves — especially as maid of honor extraordinaire and the most devoted dog auntie to Tony.
Barrett Foley
Best Man
Tyler’s high school best friend of 14 years. Barrett has been by Tyler’s side since their early days at Creighton Prep, where a shared love of sports, Xbox, and countless hours at the Foley household sparked a lifelong friendship. From high school memories to life’s biggest milestones, Barrett has been a steady presence — loyal, caring, and the kind of friend who shows up no matter what. Tyler can’t imagine this day without him standing right beside him. After playing football and kicking at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, Barrett moved back to Omaha to begin his career in sales at Buildertrend and married his high school sweetheart, Claire — with Tyler proudly serving as his best man (fun fact: Claire is also one of Katelyn’s bridesmaids!). Now, they live just minutes from Katelyn and Tyler and are proud pup parents to two springer spaniels, Cookie and Tilly.
Grace Morley
Bridesmaid
Katelyn’s childhood and family best friend — since birth. Grace and Katelyn’s moms met in their late 20s and early 30s while working together in Minneapolis, quickly becoming lifelong friends. When each welcomed baby girls less than a year apart, it was only natural that Grace and Katelyn would grow up side by side. From sweet 16s in NYC to more than 15 years of celebrating the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve together — plus countless nights in the Morley basement watching everything from war movies to reality TV — they’ve shared it all. Grace grew up in Chanhassen, Minnesota, earned her Biology degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and is now studying to become a Physician Assistant at Creighton University’s Phoenix campus. Roll Jays!!
Scott Huber
Groomsman
Tyler’s childhood best friend and neighbor. Scott has been by Tyler’s side since they were three years old, growing up just two houses apart in Omaha. From playing sports together to sharing endless childhood memories, Scott was always there cheering Tyler on. Their friendship has stood the test of time and distance — after graduating from TCU, Scott moved to San Antonio, where he works in regulatory compliance at EY. When he’s not working, Scott enjoys staying active, spending time with friends (especially at his dad’s ranch), and exploring everything Texas has to offer — though he’s always ready to come home for holidays, Husker games, or to catch up with Tyler and the crew.
Halle Cravens
Bridesmaid
Katelyn’s childhood best friend of 16 years. Halle and Katelyn have been best friends since 5th grade, when Katelyn boldly asked outside of band lessons, “Will you be my friend?” — and Halle said yes (LOL - THANK GOD). From middle school awkward phases and high school memories like prom to spring break in Jamaica, to college visits, trips to California and Nashville, and the best of times especially during the summers in Minnesota and at Bay Lake, they’ve done every season of life together and Katelyn wouldn’t be who she is without Halle’s kindness, fun loving self, and everything else that makes her the best!!! Katelyn had the honor of being Halle’s maid of honor when she married the love of her life, Tom, and now they’re both in their “boy dog-mom era,” welcoming Harley and Tony just three months apart (PS: they learned firsthand that puppies are a lottttt of work… OOPS). After growing up together through literally everything we’ve known until now, it only feels right to step into this next chapter with Halle near. QUACK!☺️
Fisher Arbona
Groomsman
Tyler’s childhood best friend of 17 years. Fisher and Tyler met in 4th grade through basketball and baseball and quickly became best pals. From endless practices and backyard games to carpooling all through middle and high school, they grew up side by side. Their friendship was built on teamwork, competition, and a whole lot of laughs along the way. After graduating from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Fisher moved back to Houston (where he was born) to start his next chapter. He’s now married to Karah and works as a Territory Manager for Milwaukee Tool. No matter where life has taken them, Fisher has always been a steady presence in Tyler’s life — and it only feels right to have him standing by his side on this big day.
Avery Voehl
Bridesmaid
Katelyn’s childhood neighbor and best friend of 15 years. Avery and Katelyn grew up as neighbors in Eden Prairie, living on the same street from the time they were about six years old. Their friendship officially began after Katelyn invited her to a fall corn maze when they were around ten. From playing “American Idol” in the basement with Josie (taking turns being Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson and telling each other they “sucked” or were “cool dawg”) to growing up side by side through every big and small life moment, Avery has been there for Katelyn through every stage of life. Avery graduated from Cornell and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Psychiatry. She’s finishing her fourth year at Des Moines University and about to begin residency — and recently even lived with Katelyn and Tyler for a month while completing a rotation in Council Bluffs, which made for the sweetest full-circle moment.
Matt Boulay
Groomsman
Tyler’s childhood best friend of 17 years. Matt and Tyler met in Mrs. Pothoff’s 4th grade class and have been friends ever since. From recess chaos and backyard games to high school sports and weekend plans, they grew up side by side. Matt was known as the troublemaker of the group — which usually meant Tyler wasn’t far behind. Between competitive streaks, dumb ideas, and plenty of stories that probably shouldn’t be repeated, their friendship has always been built on loyalty and a lot of laughs. These days, most of the chaos happens on the golf course. They golf nearly every weekend, talk life, and keep the competition alive. Matt graduated from Creighton University and now works in insurance at Gallagher. Seventeen years later, he’s still one of Tyler’s most loyal and dependable friends — the kind of guy you want in your corner for life.
Kate Linehan
Bridesmaid
Katelyn’s best friend of 10 years. Katelyn met Kate the summer after high school graduation in Halle’s basement — right after Kate attempted to lift a male classmate three times her size. At that moment, Katelyn knew she had to be friends with this girl. What started as a hilarious first impression turned into a friendship that grew stronger with every college visit home and every summer spent together, until they were forever besties. They share a love for filthy dirty martinis, being tan, long walks with their pups, Post Malone, trying to get on boats, and Bay Lake — basically all the essentials in life. Kate graduated from Augsburg University in Minneapolis and is now a kindergarten teacher in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Katelyn couldn’t imagine this big day without Kate (PS: after a few drinks, she may try to lift you like in Dirty Dancing).
Vince Bolamperti
Groomsman
Tyler’s high school best friend of 13 years. Tyler and Vince met their first year at Creighton Prep and have been close ever since. From high school memories to college years and beyond, their friendship has only grown stronger. They even lived together for five years during and after college — which says a lot. A highlight (or lowlight)? Vince once rear-ended Tyler and totaled his car… and somehow they’re still best friends. Vince graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha and is currently working at his family’s dental practice while on the path toward attending dental school to become a dentist himself. Through every stage of life, Vince has been a constant presence and one of the funniest guys to be around — and it only feels right to have him standing by Tyler’s side… just maybe not too close to his car.
Payton Grove
Bridesmaid
Katelyn’s college best friend of 8+ years. Payton, a Denver, Colorado native, met Katelyn at Creighton in 2018 on a “big-lil” sorority date they both almost cancelled during midterms (thankfully they didn’t 😉). They instantly clicked and soon realized they’d be studying abroad together in Ireland that fall — and from the moment they landed at the University of Limerick, they were inseparable. From spontaneous trips across Europe and nights out at Stables and Scholars to slumber parties and cooking every meal together, they did everything side by side — weird, wild, and completely themselves. After graduating from Creighton, they continued “adulting” together in Omaha for three years post-grad, making some of their very best memories. Payton is now a nurse and recently moved back to her hometown in Colorado to be closer to family. She and Zo are proud parents to their sweet pup, Ziggy. Katelyn feels endlessly lucky to have a best friend like Payton and can’t wait to have her by her side on her wedding day. She’ll forever be remembered as the ultimate proposal paparazzi — hiding in the bushes to capture Tyler’s big surprise like a star.
Jackson Hayes
Groomsman
Tyler’s high school best friend of 13 years. Jackson and Tyler met at Creighton Prep and have been close ever since. He’s the one who got Tyler back into golf after he hadn’t played since he was a kid — and now it’s a hobby they both love. From teenage years to college visits and post-grad life, their friendship has stayed strong through it all. Jackson even lived in Tyler and Katelyn’s basement for a year, earning the titles of “Roomie” and “Tony’s Favorite Uncle,” and adding even more memories (and stories) to their history. Jackson graduated from KU with a degree in Engineering and now works in HVAC planning and sales at Mechanical Sales in Nebraska. Through every season of life, he’s remained one of Tyler’s most loyal, kind, and fun best friends.
Sydney Rzonca
Bridesmaid
Katelyn’s college best friend of 8+ years. Sydney is from Chanhassen, Minnesota, and graduated from Creighton University with a nursing degree. After college, she worked as a Trauma ICU nurse at Bergan in Omaha before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be closer to family. She’s now attending Duke to further advance her degree. Katelyn met Sydney in the Newark airport on their connecting flight to Ireland, where they quickly realized they had grown up just 15 minutes apart their entire lives but had somehow never met. It may have taken nearly 20 years, but from that moment on, they were instant besties. Whether getting ready together, going on walk-and-talks, shopping, or recovering on Sundays before the week ahead, Katelyn has always seen Syd as a little sister — and truly can’t imagine this day without her.
Jack Doody
Groomsman
Tyler’s college friend of 8 years. Jack is from Omaha, Nebraska, but he and Tyler didn’t meet until freshman year at Creighton — first crossing paths at dorm parties. Over time, they became incredibly close friends. They lived together junior year up until COVID and have shared countless memories ever since. As huge Creighton and Nebraska fans, they love going to games together, cheering on their teams, being bad influences on each other, and confidently drafting the next Nebraska Cornhusker team that will finally make fans say, “WE’RE BACK!” Proudly Irish and always up for a good time (and an occasional Irish car bomb), Jack now works for Kiewit in accounting and finance and is currently based in Kansas City.
Parker Doughty
Bridesmaid
Katelyn’s best friend of 4 years. Parker, an Omaha girl through and through, has been one of the sweetest and most unexpected gifts in Katelyn’s life. They met within the first few months of Katelyn dating Tyler, and what started as a friendship brought together by their boys quickly became a deep, genuine bond of their own. From Taylor Swift scream-sing sessions and long walks to their shared love for Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc and countless heart-to-hearts, they’ve grown through their 20s side by side. Going from girlfriends to fiancées in 2025 made their friendship even more special. As Parker prepares to marry her Tyler (Tyler Jacobsen) and Katelyn prepares to marry hers, their lives feel forever intertwined. Parker graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a degree in marketing and works at Elkhorn Marketing Group, where she truly loves what she does and the people she works with. Katelyn can’t picture this season — or life ahead — without Parker by her side.
Tyler Jacobsen
Groomsman
Tyler’s best friend of 8 years. Tyler Jacobsen and Tyler met in Omaha in 2018 and quickly formed a friendship that felt natural from the start. Introduced through Jackson, what began as fun times with their friend group quickly became a steady, genuine bond. From long hours on the golf course and road trips to Kansas City and Texas to being able to talk about anything, they’ve walked through a lot of life side by side. Their shared love for country music — especially Zach Bryan — has become part of their story, with the four of them double-dating to multiple concerts over the years. Tyler graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha and is now a golf pro at Miracle Hills. He’s engaged to the love of his life, Parker — one of Katelyn’s bridesmaids — which makes this friendship even more special.
Claire Foley
Bridesmaid
Katelyn’s best friend of 4 years. Claire, an Omaha girl at heart, has become one of the most special and steady friendships in Katelyn’s adult life. They met through Tyler’s best friend and best man, Barrett, and what started as couples hanging out quickly turned into a genuine, inseparable friendship of their own. From weekend plans with their men to laughs and countless memories on their own, they’ve built a bond that feels easy, safe, and forever. Growing through this season of life side by side — both building marriages with their best friends — has made it even sweeter. Katelyn truly can’t imagine today or the rest of adult life without Claire by her side. Claire graduated from Lindenwood University with a degree in psychology and a minor in musical arts and dance. She now works as a therapist in private practice in Omaha and is deeply passionate about helping others.
Danielle Perttula
Bridesmaid
Katelyn's best friend of 6 years. Danielle lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and although she and Katelyn attended the same high school, they didn’t truly grow close until their early twenties through mutual besties, Halle and Kate. Their friendship deepened during COVID when Katelyn moved back home her junior year of college — and from there, they became inseparable. From cabin weekends up north to nights out in the cities and near the lake (COV + Maynards = <3) to special trips and meaningful visits to Omaha, Danielle has been part of so many sweet memories. She graduated from the University of Minnesota and is an incredibly talented interior designer based in the Twin Cities. Though a more recent bestie, Katelyn knows Danielle will always be in her corner.
Kaitlin O'Malley
Bridesmaid
Tyler’s older sister and Katelyn’s soon-to-be sister-in-law. Kaitlin is Tyler’s older sister and lifelong role model. Growing up less than three years apart, they’ve shared every stage of life together — and Tyler has always looked up to her. Katelyn feels so lucky to be gaining not only a sister-in-law, but a big sister for life. Kaitlin spent much of her twenties serving as a FOCUS missionary at Georgia Tech and the University of Tulsa. She now works on the business side of FOCUS at headquarters in Colorado and calls Denver home alongside her husband, Bucky. Most recently, she stepped into her sweetest role yet — becoming a mom to their baby girl, Cecilia.
Bucky O'Malley
Groomsman
Tyler’s brother-in-law. Tyler met Bucky two years ago, but it didn’t take long for him to become family. Bucky attended Clemson and has lived all over the country — and the world — including Hawaii, Romania, Australia, and South Carolina. He met Tyler’s sister while serving with FOCUS at Georgia Tech, and the rest is history. Now married and the proud father of baby Cecilia, Bucky lives in Denver and works as an Account Specialist at Johns Manville. He’s been welcomed with open arms and is the brother Tyler never had growing up.
Lauren Botsford
Honor Attendant
Katelyn’s college best friend of 8+ years. Lauren is from Bismarck, North Dakota, and graduated from Creighton University with a nursing degree. She recently graduated from Vanderbilt and now works as a Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health in Omaha. Katelyn met Lauren while studying abroad and instantly knew she had to be her friend after spotting her stylish airport pantsuit. From cozy wine nights in to wild nights out, they’ve shared countless laughs. Katelyn is so grateful for such a loyal and compassionate friend standing by her side.
Grace Reedy
Honor Attendant
Katelyn’s college best friend of 7+ years. Grace is from St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from Creighton University with a nursing degree. Katelyn met Grace through Payton and Sydney when they were roommates, and they instantly clicked. From being weird and hilarious to showing up for each other in every season of life, their friendship has always felt effortless. After working as an L&D nurse in Omaha, Grace moved back home to St. Louis. Katelyn can’t imagine this day without her. (PS: HECTOR 😉)
Kristine Principe Axelson
Mother of the Bride
Katelyn's mom, Kris, is the best mom, but also the life of the party and the first one on the dance floor. She has been Katelyn’s lifelong role model, road-trip buddy, best worst influence, and best friend. Her fun spirit, compassion, and unwavering support have meant everything to Katelyn in every phase of life — Katelyn truly wouldn’t be the woman she is today without her. And as Kris famously declared the very first night she met Tyler at Little Ricky’s Rooftop in Blackstone (after two Mula Margs), “She won’t be a kept woman!” — a line no one will ever forget, especially Tyler!!
Dan Axelson
Father of the Bride
Katelyn’s dad — lovingly known as “Dan the Man” (a nickname proudly created by Dan Jewell & Jackson Hayes in ‘22) — has always been her protector, the calm in the storm of their three-women-to-one-dad household, and her biggest supporter. His love, humor, and steady guidance have helped shape the strong woman she is today. Whether he was coaching from the sidelines, offering thoughtful advice, or simply leading by example, Dan has always shown up in the ways that matter most. His loyalty and unwavering support have been a constant in her life — and no matter how grown up she becomes, she will always be the baby girl he fell in love with at first sight the day she was born.
Amy Houlton
Mother of the Groom
Tyler’s mom, Amy, is bold, caring, and someone who truly lights up every room she walks into. She has been Tyler’s biggest supporter, steady encourager, and one of the most fun-loving influences in his life. From the very beginning, she raised him with strong values, a deep faith, and the expectation that he would treat women the way they deserve to be treated — something Katelyn is especially grateful for. Amy prepared Tyler well for marriage in more ways than one — including asking him millions of questions growing up, which turns out to be perfect practice for marrying a girl who also happens to ask a million questions. Her constant love, strength, and joyful spirit have shaped Tyler into the man he is today, and both Tyler and Katelyn are endlessly thankful for her.
Richard Houlton
Father of the Groom
Rick has led by example with integrity, hard work, and unwavering loyalty. His steady presence and quiet wisdom have been a foundation in Tyler’s life. He has always been Tyler’s biggest role model and favorite teacher — someone he has long aspired to be like. Following in his dad’s footsteps, Tyler began his career as an accountant at KPMG — the same place where Rick built his own career and where he met the love of his life, Amy, when she worked as a mail girl. While Katelyn didn’t work at KPMG, it’s only fitting that Tyler met his future wife during that same chapter of life. Through every season, Rick’s guidance, example, and steadfast support have shaped the man Tyler is today.