Officiant
Meet our officiant, Emma Kokat—Nick’s sister and someone who means the world to both of us. Nick is officiating Emma’s wedding, so it only felt right (and perfectly full-circle) to have Emma officiate ours. Emma is strong-headed, passionate, and fiercely loyal. She's the kind of person who speaks her mind and stands up for what she believes in. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into such a strong, grounded, and incredible woman. She’s also the only person who can get away with roasting Nick mid-ceremony (so we’re both bracing ourselves). But truly, there’s no one else we’d rather have guiding us through this moment. Plus, we know she’s going to make us laugh, maybe cry, and definitely keep us in line.
Man of Honor
From the Bride: Some people enter your life quietly. Alec Fox entered mine mid-song. Alec and I met at a high school speech meet in Nebraska, but we really bonded when I started singing and he jumped in—both of us somehow knowing the exact same Pentatonix remix. From that moment on, we just got each other. We’ve done a lot together from acting in summer theater stock shows, hanging at Lake Mac, wandering Omaha, people watching in Cheesman Park, and generally just showing up for each other through the mess and magic of life. Alec isn’t just my oldest friend. He’s my brother, my family. There’s no version of this wedding where Alec’s not by my side. It just wouldn’t feel right without him.
Best Man
From the Groom: What more can I ask for from an older brother than Alex. Alex and I haven't always seen eye to eye on everything, but I know when push comes to shove, he will always have my back. Whenever I need a levelheaded voice of reason, Alex is always the guy to give it to you straight. We’ve been through a lot together, from driving cross-country in a car with a broken axle to late-night video game marathons to watching every sports event imaginable (with Alex ready to correct every bad call I claim to see). There’s never a dull moment with him, and I'm lucky to have him by my side.
Bridesmaid
From the Bride: Kitsya and I met in Boulder while working at a youth detention center. We were just starting out in our careers, and what began as coworker small talk turned into a friendship that’s become one of the most important in my life. I’m fully convinced that Kitsya is my platonic soul mate. She’s my sister in every way that counts. When I was first crushing on Nick, she got the full play-by-play and talked me through every single moment. She’s been there for the big stuff, the little stuff, the weird stuff, and the in-between stuff. Having her by my side for this means everything.
Groomsman
From the Groom: I met Webb in high school track, and he’ll never let me forget that he was the one holding my starting blocks when we shattered the 4x400 school record. From there, it was a blur of bad jokes, emo anthems, and whatever ridiculous shenanigans we could cook up. Webb is one of the funniest people I know, always up for an adventure, and armed with enough self-deprecating humor to last a lifetime. But beneath the sarcasm, he’s the kind of friend who shows up—whether he’s across the country or we haven’t talked in a while, we always pick up right where we left off. And if history has any say in it, that’ll probably be in a crappy mall Hot Topic.
Bridesmaid
From the Bride: Carly is one of the most genuine, supportive people I’ve ever met and honestly, I have no idea what I’d do without her. She keeps my life light-hearted in the best way, and has been one of my closest friends since meeting at CU Boulder. Our friendship has been built on Twilight marathons (yes, plural), hunting down the best boba spots, binging Love Island, and navigating life together one chaotic moment at a time. She also happens to be one of the rare people who knew both me and Nick before we were a couple (despite that, she would 100% fight him if he ever broke my heart). Having her standing with me on this day means the world.
Groomsman
From the Groom: Our friendship started with a concert. Marty and I first met at a State Champs show, then again at another, and by the third concert, we finally exchanged numbers, realizing our music taste was too good to ignore. Marty is the definition of ride or die. He's the kind of guy who would help me move right after getting an eight-hour back tattoo if I needed him to. He might argue, but despite my obvious superiority in Super Smash Bros., he’s always up for a match. Beyond the jokes, Marty is one of the kindest people I know, always helping a friend (or a stray animal) without a second thought. His stories blur the line between hilarious and concerning, but life’s never dull with him around. I’m grateful for his friendship, especially one built on such impeccable music taste.
Bridesmaid
From the Bride: I met Rhiannon in 2016, back when I was a freshman at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and still finding my footing. We bonded over late-night dorm desk shifts, wandering the Lincoln Haymarket, frolicking around Paris and Brussels, and just doing our best to survive college life together. Rhiannon is one of the most hard-working and driven people I know, and she’s also the kind of friend who shows up for you, pushes you to grow, and never lets you forget your worth. Even though we haven’t lived in the same city in years, whenever something big happens, you can usually find us on FaceTime—screaming, crying, and grinning like maniacs as we share the highlights and spill the tea. She’s been a constant in my life for nearly a decade, and I couldn’t imagine this day without her.
Groom
From the Bride: If you didn’t know, Nick Kokat is the groom! Nick was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, PA, but (lucky for me) he moved to Colorado to attend CU Boulder. Things really started clicking for us once I got a puppy—Flapjack—who may or may not have been the final push that locked Nick into this relationship (kidding…sort of). Nick is thoughtful, steady, and funny in the most unexpected ways. He’s the kind of person who loves deeply, always knows how to make me laugh, and somehow manages to be both incredibly grounded and endlessly supportive. Getting to marry him is the easiest yes I’ve ever said, and I can’t wait for you all to party with us.
Bride
From the Groom: If you didn't know, Abigail is the bride! Abigail grew up in a military family, but she considers a mix of Virginia and Nebraska home. Also, Flapjack (although amazing) wasn't the final push for the beginning of our relationship, although some may say otherwise... Abigail is always a force to be reckoned with, she is kind, intelligent, and unbelievably witty. She is always thinking about others and wanting to make sure that those around her are cared for and loved. Although cliche, I can honestly say she's made me a better person each and every day and asking her to marry me has and will always be the best decision I have ever made.