Wedding Party
Jacob Phillips
Man of Honor
Laura and Jacob have been best friends since 2006, when they met in the car rider pickup line at New Century Middle School. There have been so many developments within their friendship since that time, and they have experienced so much life together. Laura admires Jacob's tenacity, and his strong commitment to the people he loves. Jacob is a frequent beloved guest of Laura and Connor in DC. Laura is so lucky to have such a longstanding loyal friend to be by her side as her Man of Honor.
Ryan Molinaro
Best Man
Connor and Ryan have known each other since 2006. From the awkward phase of middle school, sports trips across Europe, and beginning to navigate Vienna's nightlife in high school the became the closest of friends. Through college and now as adults starting families, they have maintained that strong bond. It has never mattered how far away from each other they lived or how long they went between seeing each other. Connor was honored to stand with Ryan at his wedding and cannot wait to have Ryan by his side on the best day of Connor's life.
Angel Jones
Matron of Honor
Laura and Angel trauma bonded through Nurse Anesthesia school, and were fortunate to discover that their personalities and senses of humor were immensely compatible. Laura credits Angel with helping maintain her sanity throughout their time at UNCG. Angel and her husband, Bradley, generously opened their home in Burlington to Laura during key stretches of clinical rotations. Angel also became a fixture at the Haulsee house, one who Laura's parents still miss coming around. Angel is so dedicated to her profession, and is one of the smartest CRNA's that Laura has ever met. Angel truly is an angel, with such compassion and empathy that she'd do anything to help those who she loves.
Will Mesinger
Groomsman
Will and Connor have also known each other since 2016 (see image of them as "youths"). They lived together for three years in Petworth where they sampled the local dive bars, enjoyed neighborhood highlights such as the cacophony of Metro preachers, and bonded during the most intense part of the COVID-19 pandemic. Will has always been ready to try something new which brought him to multiple jobs in DC as well as stints in New Zealand, Idaho, and now to his life with Maddie. Connor is thrilled to call him a close friend and a fellow member of the DC Only Child Club.
Maddie Mullinax
Bridesmaid
Laura and Maddie's friendship was brought together by their mothers in sixth grade, and memorialized with a humiliating photo displayed in the halls of their middle school for years. Maddie has been one of Laura's best friends since then, having tons of sleepovers and goofy inside jokes and happy memories. Laura was honored to be a bridesmaid last October when Maddie married her husband, Daniel, and can't wait for Maddie to be by her side this coming April in their hometown as Laura gets married.
Tom Mathiasen
Groomsman
Tom was Connor's first guy friend in DC. In the almost nine years they've known each other, they shared countless memories in our nation's capital and around the country. Together, they grew from 22-year old boys into adults navigating DC careers. This hasn't stopped them from finding time to get together regularly at some of their favorite spots (see image at Ivy and Coney). Tom and Connor are proud members of the DC Only Child Club.
Victoria Wendell
Bridesmaid
Not many people can share a 10' x 12' space for two consecutive years and remain great friends. Laura and Victoria can proudly say that they survived Craige and Morrison dorms at UNC together and came out stronger. Victoria is probably the coolest person that Laura knows, in both her demeanor and her personal style. Victoria and Laura have looked after one another many times, both physically and emotionally. Laura couldn't imagine a better college roommate, and is so thankful to have matched with Victoria on Roomsurf back in 2013.
Dan "Kinger" King
Groomsman
Dan is yet another proud member of the DC Only Child Club. A childhood friend of Will's, Kinger, as he is known to many of is friends, integrated seamlessly into Connor's DC friend group. The two have enjoyed many a laugh over a beer or two (see image at Ivy and Coney) and share a passion for sports which gives them plenty to discuss. Kinger is a loyal friend who is always ready to help out or meet up, an important trait for Connor who always seeks social interaction. It's also always easy to spot Kinger in a room because he draws people to him with his personality as well as his impeccable style.
Arina Edmundson
Bridesmaid
Arina and Laura met during their first week of college at UNC. Laura, Victoria, and Arina were suitemates who lived across the hall from each other in Craige dorm. The three became extremely close during their freshman year, creating many inside jokes and writing inappropriate messages on each other's whiteboards. Laura and Arina have continued their close friendship since that time, through each other's time in graduate school. Laura feels so fortunate to have a constant, level-headed, professional advice giver in Arina. Last year, Laura and Victoria had the honor of being co-Maids of Honor in Arina's wedding to her husband, Thomas. Laura can't wait for Arina to help celebrate her marriage to Connor this upcoming April.
Taylor Haulsee
Groomsman
Taylor is Laura's eldest brother. Connor feels fortunate to have had Taylor in Washington, DC, especially when Connor and Laura were apart for three years during Laura's graduate studies. Bonding over politics, sports, and the occasional tasty beverage has built a friendship that Connor values greatly. Taylor is driven and fiercely loyal to the people in his life as well as his sports teams. These are qualities Connor hopes to carry into his future life with Laura.
Jen Haulsee
Bridesmaid
Jen is Laura's amazing sister-in-law, married to Laura's brother Graham. Jen and Laura first met at Graham's Superbowl party back in 2018, when Graham and Jen were "just friends." Laura loves Jen's goofy sense of humor and their shared love of memes. Laura admires Jen's strength in the face of huge emotional challenges, especially over the past two years. Laura is so thankful that Graham has found a partner in Jen, and that they will all be able to continue their friendship for a long time to come.
Graham Haulsee
Groomsman
Graham is the middle Haulsee. This is an apt description because Graham often finds himself in the middle of the action no matter what he is doing. Connor has experienced this on the golf course, at local haunts in Baltimore, and standing with Graham at his wedding. Graham's passion for others is something Connor seeks to emulate and Connor is excited to be gaining Graham as a family member.
Emily Kenny
Bridesmaid
Emily and Laura were destined to be lifelong besties literally since before birth. Emily is Laura's oldest friend, and they share so many memories from growing up together in Pinehurst. Although they didn't go to the same school, they were able to maintain their close friendship which continues to this day. Laura was a bridesmaid when Emily married her husband, Tim, and couldn't be happier to have Emily hype her up for her own wedding. In fact, Laura and Connor have used many of the same local vendors as Emily, because of her impeccable taste.
Jacob Greer
Groomsman
Jacob and Connor share a familial bond as cousins. As they have entered adulthood, they've also forged a tight connection as close friends. Connor has greatly enjoyed watching Jacob become the young man he is and cherishes all of the memories made together. At family gatherings, the two are often inseparable as the life of the party.