Wedding Party
Kristin Carlson
Mother of the Bride
Kristin's love, consideration, and generosity continues to deeply bless her family and friends. She is a steady presence that has made the Carlson family function for years. She enjoys volunteering at the historic governor's residence Terrace Hill, reading with elementary schoolers, traveling, and concerts. She is a Des Moines local, having lived in the city since she was four. Leigh and Kristin enjoy shopping together, grabing Mexican food, and going to see plays at the Des Moines Playhouse. Kristin has lovingly welcomed Saylor into the Carlson crew; they have bonded over her touring him around the Iowa State Fair (and going down the Giant Yellow Slide together), their love of cherries, and Saylor's tech support. Kristin has been the unofficial wedding planner, keeping Leigh, Saylor, and Scott on track with regular meetings and printed agendas. Please go see her during the wedding, give her a hug, and congratulate her for a job well done!
Erin Scott
Mother of the Groom
Erin's creativity, passion for baking, and organizational skills are some of the many traits she passed down to Saylor. Saylor's early memories with his mom include laughing at the jokes of his grandfather, Tim, and enjoying the many treats from afternoon holiday baking. Erin and Saylor share special traditions, including trips to the beaches of Florida, “Harry Potter” movie performances at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and annual trips to Edward's Apple Orchard. The two talk on the phone almost every day on Erin's way home from work, and regularly search for the best hot pretzel in restaurants across the country. Erin and Leigh have bonded over a love for travel and jewelry shopping, and Erin is always keeping an eye out for anything cute and pink for Leigh. Erin lives with Saylor's stepdad, Jerry, and stepbrother, Jaden, in South Carolina along with their dogs with larger-than-life personalities, Greyson and Poppy.
Scott Carlson
Father of the Bride
Scott's energy, diligence, and hospitality has left a mark on this wedding, his friends and family, and the city of Des Moines. His catch phrase is "cheers!" Scott's love of hospitality began through his multiple moves as a kid. While in a new city he and his family would experience new hotels and restaurants. His mom, Bobbie, was an incredible cook and his dad, Grant Sr., is a wine enthusiast. He followed his brother, Grant Jr., to Drake University, met Kristin, and the rest is history. He's worked in many restaurant spaces in Des Moines, currently owning the Iowa Craft Beer Tent (wedding venue!) and Gilroy's. Leigh has fond memories of working with her Dad and family at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent during the Iowa State Fair, Saylor even joined one year! He has poured this love for entertainment into thoughtfulness about guest-experience and logistics at the wedding. Outside of hospitality he enjoys following the Bears, participating in his many clubs, concerts, and traveling. Scott and Saylor have bonded over their love for Star Wars, movies, and beer! Find him, give him a hug, and take a picture pointing at the camera!
Stan Schwab
Father of the Groom
Originally from Iowa, Stan's kindness and logic-oriented brain is something he has passed down to Saylor. One of Saylor's earliest memories with his dad is playing with him in their sunroom while he sipped his coffee. Since then, Stan shared his passion for movies, books, music, and so much more with Saylor. The two have spent many hours in the car together off on different adventures, whether that was an unforgettable trip to Greece after Saylor graduated from high school or to Disney World to check out the brand new Star Wars theme park. The two spent a summer together in South Carolina where they got up before the sun to walk for miles up and down the beach making sure baby sea turtles were protected and could make it from the beach into the ocean. Though you won't likely see it at the wedding, Saylor and Stan share matching shoulder tattoos of a sea turtle. Whether visiting in South Carolina or Iowa, the two always enjoy going out for breakfast together. Stan lives with Saylor's stepmom, Yuen, in South Carolina with their outdoor-loving dog, Murphy.
Kathryn Dennigmann
Maid of Honor
Kathryn and Leigh have known each other since 2020, when Kathryn joined the same sorority and they entered the same Greek family! She loves art, the Lake of the Ozarks, and her dog Olive. Kathryn is also known as "Mop Lady," having mopped the courts during the Drake basketball games one season as a student (yeah, Leigh doesn't let her live that down). Leigh and Kathryn have celebrated many milestones together, notably the bachlorette that Kathryn planned at the lake!
Emmett Schwab
Best Man
Emmett is Saylor's younger brother. The two are uniquely different but have followed the same path. Two years after Saylor came to Drake University, Emmett followed. The brothers joined the same fraternity, served as SAE president, work for SAE's national office, and live in downtown Des Moines. Their mutual experiences and shared friends have developed a deep bond. Emmett is celebrating this chapter of Saylor's life as his Best Man, organizing an unforgettable bachelor trip to Nashville!
Garrett Carlson
Bridesman
Garrett, sometimes referred to as "G" or "G Money," is Leigh's younger brother. Leigh and Saylor cherished the one year of overlap they had with Garrett at Drake University. He later transferred to Iowa State University where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice, he now works in that field. While at Drake Garrett joined the same fraternity as Saylor, SAE, leading Garrett, Saylor, and Leigh to share many mutual friends and fun memories!
Lucy Schwab
Groomswoman
Lucy is Saylor's younger sister. The baby and only girl of the family, she's beat to her own drum by diving into her passions for Spanish and baking. She recently completed a semester in Seville, Spain, and is entering her senior year at Wofford College in South Carolina. Saylor bonds with Lucy over their love of reading, and Leigh and Lucy reminisce over their Spanish study abroad experiences! Lucy works at a bakery and is making the bride and groom's wedding cake!
Wyatt Carlson
Bridesman
Wyatt, sometimes referred to as "Urban Cowman" (was Urban Cowboy, but see, he got older), is Leigh's youngest brother. His horseback riding turned into a love for agriculture, where he studies the field at Iowa State University. Wyatt has embraced Leigh and Saylor's friends over the years--an honorary Drake student! Leigh and Saylor have enjoyed witnessing many milestones and events, including Wyatt's horse shows and FFA ceremonies.
Matt Schiltz
Groomsman
Matt, or “Matty Lite,” met Leigh on his first day at Drake University in math class. Later that year, Matt and Saylor both joined the fraternity SAE, and Leigh and Saylor began dating. An always kind and dedicated friend, Matt is the epitome of work-hard play-hard, balancing an insurance management role, the National Air Guard, and keeping up with his friends and family. He and Saylor have become running buddies in recent years. Count on Matt for being the life of the party!
Tricia Wisniewski
Bridesmaid
Tricia, also lovingly referred to as "Terminator Tricia" due to her work in human resources, is a dear friend of Leigh's since the two lived in Pella, Iowa, in 2022. Tricia met Leigh at work orientation, made a point to remember her name, and said hi when they went to the same gym! Saylor met her soon after. Tricia loves cooking, volunteering, and traveling. Tricia, Leigh, Saylor, and groomsman Brian went on a trip to Toronto in 2024--a major highlight!
Brian O'Shaughnessy
Groomsman
Brian, also known as “O’Shag” (thanks Key and Peele) was in the same Drake University welcome week group as Leigh, meeting before classes started. Saylor later joined the same fraternity as Brian, SAE, and they became President and Vice President together. Brian is a gracious host and trivia partner. There's always a smile on his face! Brian shared in an unforgettable trip to Costa Rica with Leigh and Saylor and has been involved in a group called Global Shapers with Leigh!
Caroline Fleming
Bridesmaid
Caroline, you can call (or sing) her "Sweet Caroline," is the girlfriend of Leigh's brother, Garrett. Caroline graduated from Drake University in 2025, where she was a member of the Drake Dance Team. She enjoys shopping, a good pool, and hanging out with the Carlson dogs. Caroline is now at Des Moines University studying physical therapy, we know she'll get some good stretches in before tearing up the dance floor! Leigh and Caroline enjoy shopping and hanging out at family events along with Saylor.
Jacob Williams
Groomsman
Jacob "Kingpin" Williams joined Drake SAE at the same time as Saylor and they became fast friends! He was with Leigh and Saylor on an unforgettable trip to Costa Rica during college. He boasts he can run a 4:30 mile. He's worked his way up as an actuary, in his free time he enjoys tequila, concerts, and exercising his incredible sense of humor. Saylor and Leigh enjoy catching up with him at the Drake Relays and visiting him in the STL metro.
Megan Carlson
In Remembrance - Honorary Bridesmaid
In loving memory of the bride's older sister, Megan Mary, who was stillborn in June 1998. She was the first grandchild on all four sides of Leigh's family and is dearly missed.
Noah Kenoyer
Groomsman
Noah and Saylor met when they joined Drake SAE together and have only become closer friends since. They made many memories together during college, including living together for a semester. Saylor's favorite memories with Noah include getting up early to prepare the fraternity for recruitment and sharing in Noah's special day as a Groomsman. Noah is also a regular face behind the camera at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent during the Iowa State Fair. Count on Noah to live life to the fullest on the dance floor and the golf course!
Reid Carlson
In Remembrance - Honorary Bridesmaid
In loving memory of the bride's younger sister, Reid, who did not make it to term, passing in November 2001. She is dearly missed.
Ben Cederstrom
Usher
Ben and Saylor spent lots of time together in college sharing their love of good (and bad) movies. Also joining Drake SAE, Ben and Saylor quickly bonded over their love for Star Wars and similar senses of humor, and Saylor became Ben's "Greek Dad". Now Captain Ben, he has hosted Saylor and friends at the lake in northern Wisconsin. Always with the great mustache, gin and tonic, and a reference to "The Room," Ben is ready to get the party started!
AJ Grogg
Usher
AJ met Saylor and Leigh when he joined Drake SAE during their senior year. He has grown close to the Carlson family, becaming a regular manager at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent during the Iowa State Fair. AJ is always around to play country music, enjoy a basketball game, and lend a helping hand; he helped move Leigh and Saylor into their apartment! Make sure to get him the bullhorn when we tap kegs on the wedding night!
Rodrigo Gonzalez
Usher
Saylor and Leigh met Rodrigo "Hot Rod," in college when Rodrigo joined Drake SAE during Leigh and Saylor's senior year. Saylor and Rod have since enjoyed time together going for runs and seeing new movies, and Rodrigo has also worked at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent during the Iowa State Fair. Rodrigo has made a regular tradition of playing pickleball at his apartment before he, Saylor, and others get their butts kicked at trivia at the Royal Mile.