Katie & Travis
Wedding Party
Amy Lysne
Maid of Honor
Amy and Katie have been friends for over 30 years! From painting our nails, making homemade pizzas, summer vacations at Lake Minnewaska, to similar friend groups & becoming fitness partners we have essentially been inseparable from day 1! Katie is excited to have Amy at my side for this event, as she has been a great inspiration to Katie over the years and will also keep her in line when needed!
Shane Pedersen
Best Man
Travis's brother for 28 years and counting. The Pedersen boys can probably be best described as athletic nerds. Shane is an avid runner who ran 12 marathons, 1 each month, in 2020. He also enjoys tennis, skiing, slack-lining, mountain biking, and just about any sport with a ball. But don't let all the sports fool you, he also big into 3-D printing, reading, traveling, and his one true passion, making spreadsheets (he once made a spreadsheet to simulate water heaters). Shane works in the Twin Cities, MN as a Mechanical Engineer for 3M.
Dani Korthals
Bridesmaid
Dani and Katie met at church camp when they were 13! Since that camp, we stayed in touch and quickly became the best of friends! Dani & Katie have experienced plenty of shenanigans throughout their high school and college years, and learned that although distance keeps them physically apart, that only makes their friendship stronger! Dani is super creative and brings a fun personality to the group! We are so thankful you are able to share this special day with us!
Dillon Pedersen
Groomsman
Travis's brother for 26 years and counting. The Pedersen boys can probably be best described as athletic nerds. Dillon has also completed a marathon and is currently training for a half Iron Man Triathlon ( 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run). Dillon is also big into tennis, soccer, and trying to beat Travis in fantasy football. He also has his nerdier side, he enjoys building computers, reading, and playing board games. Dillon works in the Twin Cities, MN as a Mechanical Engineer for Sleep Number.
Rachel Horsman
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Katie were first bonded through being cousins, but as we aged we realized that we are friends for life! Rachel and Katie have grown close throughout the years- sharing mutual friend circles, interests and MANY laughs together! Rachel is one of Katie & Travis's biggest supporters, even taking their early engagement photos- didn't she do great!?! Can't wait to create even more memories together at the Wedding!
Landon Balster
Groomsman
High school friends turned into college roommates and beyond. Good friends for over 15 years, Travis and Landon gone through the trials of school to adventurers of being functioning adults at the same time has strengthened their bond. Landon and Travis enjoy talking and discussing everything from the up and down politics of today, to the up and down emotions of being a Vikings fan. Landon works in the Twin Cities, MN as a Business Analyst for Thompson Reuters.
Abby Reisch
Bridesmaid
Abby & Katie have been best friends since pre-school! Throughout the years they have been through lots of different life experiences: playing basketball in the circle, working at the Salebarn, college, living together, and now teaching together! I am sure glad Abby is still willing to be a part of our bridal party after all the years putting up with Katie! :)
Casey Klosterbuer
Groomsman
Katie's brother for 24 years and counting. Travis's local sports expert and Emcee of Helle cousin get togethers, Casey is nice reserved guy who isn't afraid to take control when the situation calls for it. Casey and Travis once saved 7 orphan puppies from a burning building, ok maybe that didn't happen yet, but surely Casey and Travis are destined to making more great ventures together. Casey has just landed his first post college job and will be teaching science at Ellsworth High School.
Melissa Helle
Personal Attendant
Melissa and Katie were introduced when Melissa started dating Katie's cousin Greg. They found out soon after they met, that they had similar styles, personalities and sense of humor! Melissa grew to be close with Katie throughout the years, and Katie knows that Melissa will keep her in line, and be a great "mom" to her throughout the day, keeping her on track with the details! Thanks for all you do Melissa! :)
Sara Balster
Officiant
Travis met Sara through Landon when they started dating 8 years ago and have been great friends ever since. When Katie came into the picture Sara was thrilled to have another girl to hang out with when all the Minnesota State Alum guys get together. Fun fact: Travis was the officiant in Sara and Landon's Wedding this May so it was perfectly fitting to have Sara officiate for ours. Sara works in the Twin Cities as a hand therapist at Summit Orthopedics.
Alex Ling
Usher
Travis and Alex have been good friends since 6th grade. Through the years they have enjoyed playing tennis, computer, and board games with one another. They have also been on many big adventures together including but not limited to Chicago, Boundary Waters Canoe area, Grand Canyon, and Singapore. Travis hopes to add Boston to that list as that is where Alex currently resides as a postdoctoral fellow studying viral therapies for glioblastoma.
Erik Fagerstrom
Usher
Travis and Erik met freshman year of college at a ping-pong tournament. After playing more together they realized they had a lot more in common including running, general athletics, and world views. After college Erik and Travis continue to compete in the occasional race (2-time medley triathlon winners here) and stay up late talking about life and other big issues of the day. Erik is a software engineer for FPX in the Twins Cities, MN.