Kelli & Dalton
Wedding Party
Catie Cross
Matron of Honor
Catie is Kelli’s younger sister, built-in bestie, and partner-in-crime since 2003 (aka the year they met-when Kelli was 2 and Catie made her grand entrance). From peanut butter sandwiches to wedding bells, they’ve been inseparable-and after Kelli had the honor of officiating Catie’s big day, it’s finally Catie’s turn to return the love and stand by her sister’s side!
Kayly Hogan
Maid of Honor
Kayly and Kelli met at University of Iowa orientation and instantly became best friends. Their friendship grew through a shared love of coffee, long walks, shopping, naps, and meaningful conversations. Throughout college, they made countless memories-watching The Bachelor, enjoying wine nights, and frequenting their favorite local Mexican restaurant. Though they now live 300 miles apart, they talk almost every day, often for hours-so much so that Dalton just smiles and says, “Hi Kayly” whenever he sees Kelli on the phone. Kayly is also an incredible educator, and together they continue to support and inspire each other in both life and teaching.
Ellerie Van Ness
Bridesmaid
Kelli and Ellerie have been inseparable since they were just 3 and 6 months old-thanks to their moms, Shawna and Brandi, who started the lifelong friendship for them. From graduating high school side by side to countless Nashville nights out and swapping stories from their classrooms, they’ve shared every chapter together. Their moms love to tease them about their infamous 20-minute voice memos, which they lovingly refer to as “their podcasts.”
Grace Gerling
Bridesmaid
Grace was one of the very first people Kelli met when she moved to Mediapolis in 4th grade. Funny enough, they didn’t hit it off right away, but just a few weeks later, something clicked, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. They still text each other all day, every day, and have loved getting to plan their weddings side by side, just like everything else they’ve done together.
Jess Klein
Bridesmaid
Kelli and Jess first met through Care.com in October 2021, and what began as a simple connection quickly grew into a meaningful friendship. Over the years, Jess has welcomed two more little ones and shared countless hours of advice with Kelli-covering everything from life to love (even when Jess didn’t always want to ;) ). Their bond has only deepened, with Kelli becoming a part of family vacations, birthday celebrations, and even the occasional family photo.
Kami Cross
Bridesmaid
Kami is Kelli’s younger sister. The two share a love for all things Taylor Swift, TikTok trends, fashion finds, and their ultimate guilty pleasure-Big Brother. Whether they’re swapping outfits or fan theories, they’re always on the same wavelength.
Emi Cross
Personal Attendant
Emi is Kelli’s amazing sister-in-law and the ultimate go-to when something needs to get done fast and flawlessly! Kelli had the special honor of officiating Emi and Catie’s wedding, and now Emi gets to return the favor by standing by Kelli’s side on her big day.
Cooper Van Etten
Best Man
Cooper is the younger brother of Dalton. The two of them have bonded over previous summers working on mowing, trimming trees, and having their dad be the one that tries to keep them from bothering each other too much. When Dalton finally proposed to Kelli, he knew that Cooper would be the (best) man for the job. For the past few Iowa football seasons, Cooper has been their with Dalton and Kelli cheering on the Hawks through the exciting wins and tough losses.
Dillon Van Etten
Groomsman
Dillon is the older brother of Dalton. After moving over 800 miles away from his family, his connection stays stronger than ever with them. Dalton and Cooper can expect countless memes from Dillon on the daily. Dillon has taken on weight lifting as a passion, participating in strongman competitions annually. Kelli offering him advice for those, while Dillon also pushes Kelli in her races. Dalton sits in between the two constantly laughing at their back and forth. Dalton has looked up to his older brother his whole life. From every sport you can think of, Dillon was always talented enough to crush his younger brothers but still encourages them to do keep at it. Dalton has remained close to his siblings as blood runs deeper than anything.
Isaiahn Powell
Groomsman
Isaiahn "Zay" Powell transferred to Williamsburg their junior year, he became a fan favorite for his interesting comedic relief. He quickly began dating his now wife, Brittni, the three of them headed off to UNI staying very close. From being roommates for three years, bartending together, and fighting off zombies on video games, the two have been through it all. Isaiahn, now a father of two is still a close friend of Dalton's, despite being a Cowboys hater. The two of them can always reconnect when given the opportunity, and it feels like they are back to being in college dressing up in unusual Halloween costumes.
Isaac Knock
Groomsman
Isaac has been a loyal friend from the beginning. If you ask anyone who has met Isaac, they wouldn't have a negative thing to say about the guy. Isaac was known as the best host growing up, thanks to trampolines, pond adventures, and being the best golfer this side of the Mississippi. Although he has moved to the Des Moines area, he would drop anything in a heartbeat to be there for his friends.
Will Flanegin
Groomsman
Dalton had the privilege of living a couple doors down from Will freshman year at UNI. Very quickly, he became a great friend of Dalton and Isaiahn. Four years, including the craziness of covid helped create a strong friendship while in Cedar Falls. The two of them continue to bond over sports, despite living miles apart. Will is also very friend oriented, as he has made himself a member of the Williamsburg grad "crew" despite being from Sigourney.
Sam Buch
Groomsman
Dalton considers Sam his oldest friend, going back to the day Sam was born. The two of them spent countless hours doing anything under the sun, from goofing around outside, playing video games and sports together, and even running away from their older brothers, Dillon and Zach. Sam lives in North Carolina now, but Dalton still thinks of him as a brother for life.
Tanner Hagen
Usher
Tanner may be the kindest and most loyal person Dalton has ever met. The two of them spent a lot of time together at LIS with their friends. Even in college, Tanner would drive two hours over to Cedar Falls if it meant he could hang out with his UNI buddies. While they would also never miss an opportunity to head over to the iconic "Burr House" in Ames. If you need anything, Tanner is the man to call.
Ethan Jacoby
Usher
Ethan and Dalton grew close in high school thanks to their love for the game of golf. Ethan is also known for being one of the nicest people Dalton knows. But maybe the best thing about Jacoby, is his family has the best beef sticks in the state! The two of them share many other things in common from their love of the Hawkeyes and playing pool.
Peter Aczel
Usher
Peter and Kelli first met in October 2021, back before Artie and Louis joined the crew. Since then, Peter and Dalton have bonded over their shared passion for the Texas Longhorns and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kelli and Peter frequently swap stories about running-Kelli with her love for it, and Peter with his classic love/hate relationship with the sport.
Cole Lipper
Usher
Cole is Kelli’s younger cousin, though growing up, they were often mistaken for siblings. Kelli has proudly watched him play football since he was just five years old-back when she still called him “Baby Cole”-and all the way through to his college football days. Through every chapter, they’ve been each other’s biggest cheerleaders, sharing a bond built on love, laughter, and lifelong support.
Evie Aczel
Flower Girl
Evie is Kelli’s mini bestie. They’ve been inseparable since Evie was just six weeks old, sharing special “girls' time” filled with nail painting, giggles, and plenty of pretend gossip. After reading a book on how to be the perfect flower girl, Evie came prepared with lots of ideas-and even more excitement-for the big day!
Brooks Aczel
Ring Bearer
Brooks is SO excited to be a ring bearer. He has been waiting all year for his moment! He is also training his younger brothers to be great just like him!
Louis Aczel
Ring Bearer
Kelli still vividly remembers the day she found out Jess was expecting Louis! She’s loved watching him grow from a sweet baby into a chatty toddler-who now hilariously requests Dalton instead of her.
Artie Aczel
Ring Bearer
Kelli can also remember that day she found out Jess was expecting Artie (it was the same day as Louis). While he also likes Dalton, Kelli is still his favorite...for now.