Wedding Party
Shawn Elliot
Best Man
Shawn has been Cole’s ride or die for over two decades. Meeting in the first grade, they bonded over a shared love of Ohio State athletics and other professional sports. They became friends almost instantly. Cole and Shawn soon discovered they lived just five minutes apart, which led to plenty of late-night hangouts, sleepovers, and 3 a.m. games of catch in the front yard. Over the years, Shawn has proven to be one of Cole’s most loyal friends. He is like a brother to Cole and has always had a dry sense of humor that somehow manages to make everyone laugh. Be sure to listen for his Best Man speech, which is sure to include a few tall tales.
Michaela Thomas
Maid of Honor
“Mk” is Kensi’s cousin, but “cousin” has never felt like enough to describe how close they really are. They grew up together in every way, and those memories are endless. They spent weeks at the lake fishing, tubing, and jumping off the boat to the song “Red Solo Cup,” laughing until their hearts were content. They always dreamed of building a slide between their houses so they could see each other whenever they wanted, a simple idea that perfectly reflects their bond. That closeness has deepened through every stage of life, including three years of living together after college. Michaela is her “bestie queen,” her safe place, and one of the most important people in her life. Kensi feels so lucky to have her standing beside her as her Maid of Honor.
Ryan Bruss
Groomsman
Ryan and Cole have known each other since elementary school, but their friendship really grew during high school volleyball and has only gotten stronger since. No matter how busy life gets, they always seem to find their way back to hanging out, playing games, and picking up right where they left off. A lot of their friendship has been built around sports, competition, and giving each other a hard time. Whether they’re creating sports trivia games together or finding new tournaments to play adult volleyball in, there’s never a shortage of laughs when they’re together. Ryan is someone Cole can call when he needs to talk or just needs a good friend around. One of Cole’s favorite memories with Ryan was getting to give the best man speech at Ryan’s wedding last year, a speech that had Ryan laughing so hard he could barely catch his breath.
Madison Fresenko
Bridesmaid
Madi and Kensi’s friendship goes all the way back to middle school volleyball where they exchanged numbers on their slide phones anxiously hoping their parents would let them hangout. Kensi can hardly remember a life before Madi was her best friend. They’ve made so many memories together including the first time either of them flew on an airplane. They held hands on their way to Orlando with anticipation and laughed knowing they got to experience something so memorable together. Madi is one of the sweetest humans you will ever meet. She radiates joy and light, and her and Kensi’s mutual faith in Jesus deepened their friendship. Madi was the most beautiful bride and Kensi is so excited to have her stand next to her as she becomes a wife.
Aaron Gressel
Groomsman
Aaron and Cole's lives have been intertwined for many years. They first met at church when Cole was a student, and over the years Aaron has played a lot of different roles in his life. He was one of Cole’s youth coaches growing up, and now he’s also his boss at work. More than any title, though, Aaron has been a solid friend and someone Cole has always looked up to. He’s always been there to support and encourage him in his walk with Christ, and Cole really respects the way Aaron lives his life and carries himself as a man of God. Cole is grateful for their friendship over the years and excited to have Aaron standing by his side on the wedding day.
Rebecca Glasgow
Bridesmaid
Becca and Kensi met their freshman year of college at Spring Arbor University in Michigan. Their friendship happened unexpectedly in the best of ways and has only gotten stronger as the years go on. Becca is the type of friend everyone needs. She’s deeply supportive but also honest, and will go to war for you when she knows you deserve better. She has cheered Kensi on through every stage of life and even through the distance, Kensi can always count on her to be there. Becca is beautiful inside out. She’s an amazing wife and incredible mother. Kensi has loved seeing her grow into every new role she’s entered as she’s done it so effortlessly. Kensi had the honor of standing beside Becca on her wedding day, and it is such a blessing to now have her by her side on her own wedding day.
Kaleb Thomas
Groomsman
Kaleb is not only Cole’s future brother-in-law, but also a really good friend. He’s got all kinds of talents that keep Cole on his toes, from being fluent in multiple languages to somehow keeping one of the most impressive collections of thriving plants Cole has ever seen alive and well. There always seems to be something new Kaleb is good at. What stands out most to Cole, though, is how much Kaleb cares about the people around him. Whether you’re immediate family or soon-to-be family, he makes sure you know you’re valued and cared for. Cole really appreciates the way Kaleb shows up for the people he loves and is excited to officially gain him as a brother.
Tessa Riley
Bridesmaid
Tessa Jo and Kensi met just four days after Kensi started dating her brother because he claims he “just knew” she was the one. The night Kensi met the Rileys, her heart felt full in every single way. They welcomed her with open arms, and she just never left. Tessa was the kindest soul the minute Kensi and her met. Any girl would be incredibly lucky to have a sister in law like Tessa. She is genuine, kind, and always up for a fun outing together. The two of them clicked instantly bonding over thrifting, running, and teasing Cole. It will always be nice to know they can gang up on him and laugh together. Tessa has been supportive of Cole and Kensi from the beginning, and Kensi truly admires how much Tessa loves her brother. Their bond is precious and special. Kensi can’t wait to become a Riley and share her last name with Tessa.
Kyle Thomas
Groomsman
Kyle is Cole’s second future brother-in-law, and over the last year and a half, the two have become really close. Kyle feels like the younger brother Cole didn’t know he needed. Between the countless inside jokes and random moments that somehow turn into laughter without either of them saying much, it didn’t take long for their friendship to click. Kyle is thoughtful, easygoing, and always knows how to make people laugh at the right time. He’s also a dang good realtor, and Cole really appreciated all of Kyle’s help and support throughout the house-buying process. More than anything, Cole is grateful for the friendship they’ve built and is excited to officially gain another brother, especially one like Kyle.
Addison Smith
Bridesmaid
Addy is totally Kensi’s mini me. People often ask them if they are sisters or mother and daughter, and they both just nod and say “yes” because there’s really no way to describe their friendship. Kensi started babysitting Addy when she was 5 years old, not knowing how their bond and friendship would grow over the next 10+ years. She’s Kensi’s Starbucks buddy, passenger princess, and biggest cheerleader. If you spent a day with the two of them, you’d never know there’s a 12 year age gap because they really just “get each other.” It’s surreal for Kensi to have Addy standing beside her on her wedding day. Kensi still pictures the little girl running to the door to greet her when she arrives on a summer day to play, eat pineapple, and swim together.