Laura & Peter
Wedding Party
Grace Hendricks
Maid of Honor
Grace has known Laura since they were about 7 years old. Their families met each other at church and they bonded over youth group trips, countless sleepovers, and adventures in the woods. Grace also gets the credit for introducing Laura to two very important things: golden retrievers and "The Lord of the Rings" ;). Laura distinctly remembers a moment when they were young where their pastor prayed a blessing over their friendship. And now, as adults, they're closer than ever. Grace's intuition, wisdom and compassion runs deep. She now can also claim the roles of Laura's accountability partner, advice giver, emotional sounding board, and go-to person for pretty much anything. She's also become a close friend of Peter's, and he also agrees that Grace's friendship is a true treasure.
Joe Downey
Best Man
Awesome Joe Downey A large, happy scotch Bubba watching the sports game.
Jennifer VanderPloeg
Bridesmaid
Laura met Jenn a long time ago, but they didn't really become close until Laura's early 20's when she moved into Jenn's newly purchased condo. Laura had always been nuts about horses and Jenn just happened to be a horse trainer who owned several of her own. It wasn't long until Laura was leasing one of Jenn's horses, and a few years after that she ended up purchasing that gorgeous palomino mare! But aside from getting to fulfill one of her greatest dreams, Laura also gained an irreplaceable friend. Jenn is also Laura's dog/cat groomer, cheerleader, travel buddy, ballroom photographer, hair designer, horse trainer, and the list goes on! She's been there for the duration of Laura's entire relationship with Peter, and they are both thrilled that she will be a part of their big day.
Conner Jensen
Groomsman
Nerd Conner Jensen A much, OCD rum fun At bar trivia
Sarah Kamper
Bridesmaid
As Laura's older sister, Sarah has shared a lot with her. Family celebrations and seasons of grief, looong road trips across the country, countless birthday parties and family dinners, holiday parties and everything in between. And though their personalities are quite different, the older they get the more alike they look. In fact, it's becoming more and more common for people to mistake them for twins! Laura has also been excited to discover with age that she and her sister are becoming closer friends. Sarah now lives in Illinois, but Laura loves going to explore Chicago and Sarah's super cool neighborhood with her. Laura is thrilled that Sarah will be there to be a part of her wedding day.
Natalee Raber
Groomswoman
Natalee Raber A sporty, vivacious mom By the marathon
Kat Stahl
Bridesmaid
Laura distinctly remembers the first moment she met Kat. Kat was a "deskie" at Laura's college dorm and she also was the super cool girl who led Calvin College's "Ballroom Dance Club". Laura decided that Kat was one of the coolest people she'd ever seen and was determined to become friends with her! It wasn't long before Laura was going to the dance club every week. And in addition to becoming friends with this super cool person, Laura got totally hooked on ballroom dancing! When Kat graduated college, she handed the club's leadership over to Laura, and they remained very close friends. Since that time, not even living on different continents has stopped Kat from becoming one of the most important friends in Laura's life (or stopped Laura from going to Africa to visit Kat!).
Josh Stein
Groomsman
A driven Josh Stein Shall Colorado dance climb At the perfect pole
Sarah Hoogewerf
Bridesmaid
Sarah first met Laura when she was at her most awkward...freshman year of high school :). They remained close through those years and got even closer in college when they shared a very tiny dorm room at Calvin College. And as upper classmen, they were housemates off campus. Ever since high school, Sarah established herself as a role model for Laura. Sarah was the first in their group of friends to drive, date, and get married. And she set the bar high for the rest of the crew in everything she did. Laura has countless fond memories of good times with Sarah: traveling to France together, making feature length film adaptations and countless other adventures .As adults, Sarah remains an ever supportive important friend who never ceases to encourage or act as the voice of reason for Laura.
Jonathan Welly
Groomsman
Jonathan Welly Fiery fun dungeon dance Under the dragon