Tess & Matt
Wedding Party
Penelope Langerak
Mini Bride
Penelope is our oldest and definitely the rule follower. She loves school, loves to learn and catches on so fast to any and all new lessons thrown at her. She is a great big sister to Delilah and what I like to call my velcro child. I will always cherish her snuggles and hugs! She loves being a "big girl" now that she has lost 2 teeth, is in kindergarten and no longer in the toddler shoe section. Safety is a big concern to her, which I can appreciate as her mama. She is becoming more adventurous as she gets older but does lean toward the more cautious side of things. Penelope likes to be in the know and have an explanation for everything as her knowledge grows. She is so social, loves her friends and adores the Gayken girls so much! We love her more than she'll ever know!
Delilah Langerak
Mini Bride
Delilah is our youngest daughter. She is creative at heart and beyond goofy. She keeps us belly laughing constantly with her theatric personality. Delilah definitely lives in her own world and we wouldn't have it any other way. Her imagination is unbelievable! With her adventurous spirit and lack of fear, Delilah keeps us on our toes. She has mastered the art of cuteness when she's in trouble and doesn't let anyone boss her around. Most of the time she can be found in princess attire with multiple outfit changes in a day. She loves her dolls, ponies and mermaids. I hope Delilah never loses the free spirit she has and although little, she makes her voice heard. She will most likely be on the dance floor all night as she loves to sing and dance. We love her more than she will ever know!
Nicole Quilty
Celebrating from Syracuse
My sister and best friend. Although Syracuse, NY is super far away, that doesn't stop us from talking every day, sharing everything and laughing hysterically together. She is a Nurse Practitioner, Peloton lover and amazing mama to my adorable nephew, Elliott (one of our ring bearers). The big sister I've always looked up to and followed around when I was younger. We guide each other through any and all changes and challenges in life and I'm so fortunate to have a built in best friend like her.
Maria Gayken
Matron of Honor
Not only a sister to the groom, but a best friend of the bride as well! Maria has been my mommy guide and role model since I had Penelope and Delilah and someone I can continually count on for a dose of mama reality, a good laugh or needed tears. We share a love of Target, Amazon Prime and a good deal to name a few. She is an amazing mama of 4 beautiful kids who are all in our wedding as well and best friends to Delilah and Penelope.
Lynsi Waldvogel
Bridesmaid
We met in college and clicked instantly! Lynsi is always up for a good time, a lot of laughs and has endless amounts of energy. Known as my bopsy twin when we bartended together in Northern Wisconsin during a summer of college, we can find fun in almost any place we go. Since she lives Oshkosh, WI, we don't get to see each other as much as we'd like, but when we do get together, it's as if we haven't missed a beat! She is a mama to a cute little boy an RN as well.
Sam Low
Bridesmaid
We went to college together, nursing school together and lived together in Marshfield, WI while making every attempt we could to bring the college atmosphere from Eau Claire to small town Marshfield. Our ideas were always big and if anyone mentioned a theme party, we're in! We traveled to and almost moved to Denver together, have had more belly laughs than I could count and can always be honest with each other. Sam is an RN as well and mama to two sweet boys.
Randi Werner
Bridesmaid
Randi and I go way back! From middle school band days, to volleyball adventures and everything in between, she knows my true heart and we share a love for small town feel and simple things. I like to think I helped her and her husband finally date in high school, who is also such a good person. We also lived together in college and no matter how long it's been, we can always pick up where we left off. She has such a great heart and a contagious smile and is a mama to two adorable kids as well.
Jen Miley
Bridesmaid
A sister of the groom and friend of the bride, Jen has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met. From day one, she has been so accepting and stepped right into being an amazing auntie of Penelope and Delilah and it shows through today with Delilah's complete adoration of Jen. She has two amazing kids as well who are also in our wedding. Her athleticism and laid back attitude are things to admire. I just hope no toenails are lost at this wedding!
Megan Martin
Personal Attendant
Married to the best man, Megan is a sister-in-law of the groom and friend of the bride. She is fun and decorates better than anything you see on HGTV so any beautiful decoration combo you see can most likely be credited to her. She is incredibly athletic and will probably win any game you can bring to the table. She is so welcoming and a wonderful mama to the beautiful little Molly who is also our flower girl.
Paul Martin
Best Man
Paul and I met in the 80s when our parents completed our family of six by having two boys within 17 months. As the younger brother I looked up to Paul as a mentor and someone who would teach me about life. Now that I’m the taller brother I’m able to look down on his height but will always appreciate our friendship, the memories we’ve created together and his work ethic. When not spending time in the office or with his wife and daughter you will most likely find him at a local golf course or Buffalo Wild Wings.
Andy Spofford
Groomsman
Andy or “Spoff” as most people call him has been in my life since we were able to crawl. He is not only a talented musician and a great teacher but a friend to anyone he comes in contact with. Outside of sports a lot of my high school years were spent in Spoff’s basement where he, Justin, Mitch and I formed a rock and roll band. Andy was the lead singer and guitarist and wrote most of the songs for the two CDs we produced. Today you are likely to find those CDs in the landfill or the $.99 section at local thrift shops.
Jamie Gaffke
Groomsman
Jamie and I met in elementary school and have been friends ever since. We played sports together throughout school and even though we went to separate colleges found ourselves working together post-graduation. If you find yourself with some down time at the wedding find Jamie, ask him to buy you a beer, and have him tell you one of the many pranks he’s pulled on people. The one about him making his brother-in-law think he was in legal trouble over stealing his own dog back from a dog kennel is at the top of my list.
Nate Miller
Groomsman
Nate and I met in second grade. Outside of school sports we were often together playing pick-up games of wiffle ball, basketball, light up football, and any other sport we could get enough people together to play. We lived together while attending SCSU where Nate was on the basketball team which took up all of his free time or at least that’s why I assume he never made time to clean our apartment. In recent years we’ve had a lot of fun on bow hunting trips and getting together whenever our schedules allow.
Justin Kofoed
Groomsman
Justin has been by my side since early elementary school. Growing up we spent a lot of time together jamming in Spoff’s basement and playing sports. As an engineer in his adult life I’ve often relied on him to help me figure out some of life’s challenges. We’ve also made great memories camping, fishing, hunting, and taking 4-wheeling trips. He is the most recent of our high school friends to get married and I’m hoping our reception can live up to the fun we had at theirs.
Chris Bell
Groomsman
Chris and I met in elementary school and even though he moved away for a few years while his mom was finishing medical school we picked up right where we left off when he moved back to Little Falls in seventh grade. With his family living in the country we would spend hours and hours playing ping pong in our basement before basketball practice and even though his game couldn’t keep us with Nate’s or mine he was able to provide a good match now and then.
Josh Burgardt
Groomsman
Josh and I became good friends on the baseball field and even better friends while living together at SCSU where we spent many hours playing Major League Baseball on PlayStation when we weren’t in the library... We continued playing town baseball after college and go on an ice fishing trip to Red Lake or Mille Lacs every winter. As a married man with three kids and the job of a police officer we don’t get together as often as we’d like but when we do we quickly fall back into our old days of talking trash and drinking Busch Light.
Grant Miley
Usher
Grant is my oldest nephew and one of the best trash talkers you’ll ever meet. Fortunately his athletic ability can back it up but unfortunately for him he has a few uncles who make sure to keep him in his place. I had the pleasure of living with Grant and his family for few months after I graduated college and I’m proud to say our relationship has been strong ever since. His potential is endless and I’m excited to watch how his life plays out on and off the field.
Chris Dobis
Usher
Chris, or Stiffler (American Pie) as some refer to him, recently became the Assistant Vice Principal at our alma mater. Even though he was a hockey and tennis player in high school we still let him hang out with the rest of us and had fun visiting him and Jamie at Mankato State University and having them join us for weekends at SCSU. He’s a skilled golfer, avid fantasy football player, and keeper of one of the best lawns in Morrison County.
Mitch Johnson
Musician
Mitch and I met in elementary school and he was a frequent participant in our city vs country backyard sports events. He was a guitarist and singer in our rock and roll band and his parents allowed us to have our first ever concert in their basement on New Years Eve. In recent years we’ve been able to spend time together at our hunting land when his job as an electrician lets him sneak away. He will be performing all the songs you hear at our wedding ceremony.
Hannah Miley
Mini Bridesmaid/Personal attendant
Hannah is the oldest of the nieces and nephews on Matt’s side and a sister to Grant. She’s an excellent student and like many high schoolers enjoys her phone, sleeping in, and going for a drive in her convertible. She is shy yet witty and a great older cousin to everyone. We are excited to find out where she decides to go to college but know wherever life takes her she will be successful.
Kenna Gayken
Mini Bridesmaid
Kenna, twin to Riah is one of our mini bridesmaids. She is the eldest of her siblings and the most responsible young girl I know. Kenna will keep everyone in line, make sure the rules are known and keep everyone laughing with her many jokes. You may see her behind the camera at our wedding and events leading up, as she is doing a great job perfecting her photography skills. Kenna is a skilled soccer player and great student as well.
Riah Gayken
Mini Bridesmaid
Riah, twin to Kenna and also big sister to Ayla and Colton is one of the sweetest girls you'll ever meet. She has a heart of gold and loves to teach her siblings, even having her own classroom at their house. Riah is also a great student and skilled soccer player. Always smiling, she will be the first one to help anyone with anything and is definitely a second mama, taking care of and watching over all the littles. She is so humble and will never ask for a thank you and has the most contagious giggle.
Ayla Gayken
Mini Bridesmaid
Where to begin with Ayla? She is one of the silliest, most creative, loving girls we know. Penelope absolutely adores her as does anyone who is around her and sees her goofy carefree personality. She is always smiling and laughing and is best known for her creations and potions. Her imagination is unmatched. Ayla brings fun and laughter with her wherever she goes. She is also making her way onto the soccer field and might outgrow her sisters any day!
Colton Gayken
Ring Bearer
Colton is the brother to Kenna, Riah, and Ayla and the apple of his mother’s eye. His best days are spent playing at their cabin, helping his dad on their skid steer, and tracking down as many frogs as the forest has to offer. He’s shy at first but if we can get him on the dance floor he’ll be the cutest cowboy you ever did see.
Molly Martin
Flower Girl
Molly is the youngest of Matt’s nieces and quite possibly the next Gerber Baby. She is the daughter of Paul and Megan and has already grown fond of cheering on the purple and gold. Her infectious giggle is sure to make you smile and now that she’s on the move she will be fun to watch on the dance floor or wherever she decides to go throughout the ceremony and reception.