Katha & Ryan
Wedding Party
Vanessa Schaefer
Matron of Honor
Vanessa met both Katha and Ryan in 2010/2011 in Austin, Tx. One of Katha's best friends and Ryan's closest, she knew well before they did that they were meant to be together. A keystone in Katha's life at the time, Vanessa gently but firmly convinced her to take a chance. When one of your friends proves to be clairvoyant, she's obviously your Matron of Honor.
Robby Gilbertson
Best Man
Robby and Ryan met sometime around the age of 3... well before either of them could pronounce their "r's." They grew up together, made music together, higher learned together, so there just isn't anyone else quite so fitting as Robby by Ryan's side at our ceremony.
Kate Jordal
Bridesmaid
Kate met Ryan when she was 5 and he blew up her world by being born (she's his sister). Fortunately, she is an easy laugh, so Ryan was able to win her over once he survived early dangers of her frenzied sisterhood. She and Katha met in 2011 when she visited Austin, then again "officially" in 2013.
Elin Busk
Groomswoman
Elin was 15 months old when Katha blew up her life (she's her sister). Elin and Ryan met through friends (namely, Katha) shortly after Katha and Ryan met. Like the Tri-force, we three share a special bond through the mutual love of The Legend of Zelda.
Ashley Chavez
Bridesmaid
Katha and Ashley met in Austin, Tx in 2009. Ashley and Ryan became friends through Katha prior to Ryan and Katha dating. Together, we discovered there is no such thing as "Too Much Information". Ashley also knew they were meant to be well before they did.
Barry Costanzi
Groomsman
Barry met both Katha and Ryan through Kristen in 2014, a warm welcome to the north. He and Ryan bonded almost immediately thanks to their mutual appreciation of the nerdiest musical acts known to man (think Steely Dan, Primus, Etc.). ... We couldn't find any pictures of Barry and Ryan, please enjoy this placeholder photo of Barry and Kristen. Taken in secret on Katha's phone when she left it laying around at a party
Andrea Lowe
Bridesmaid
Andrea and Katha met through work at VStar Entertainment in 2014. Life in the trenches fuses fast friendships. Andrea is a never-ending source of positive reinforcement for us both, and a rock of reliability. ... We couldn't find a photo with Andrea and Katha, until we can see each other in person again, please enjoy this placeholder photo. Andrea making Katha's favorite face.
Kim Carney
Groomswoman
Kim and Ryan met at the University of Iowa in 2007 at a party at the Church House (what Ryan's college brood named their house). They both studied film and took a few classes together. They shared in many wholesome adventures and became strong confidants in the perilous college years. Kim also organized our engagement, drove us to the observatory, took photos, and took video!
Kristen Weller
Bridesmaid
Kristen and Katha first met in Austin, Tx, through friends, while Kristen was in grad school at UT. They vaguely kept in touch, mostly following each other's shenanigans on Facebook. In 2014 they both moved to the Twin Cities. Kristen quickly folded Ryan and Katha into her community, even getting Katha a dream job at VStar. ... Apparently we suck at taking pictures with friends nowadays. Please enjoy this placeholder picture of Kristen being a freaking delight.
John Valley
Groomsman
Ryan and John met at Boy's State and speech contests in High School. They became actual friends, instead of rivals, at the University of Iowa, where they studied film, and they both moved into the Church House. John is one of the most important contributors to Ryan's adult life, and together they have collaborated on many film and music projects.