Wedding Party

Leslie Nelson

Bride

Seamus Jones

Groom

Hilary Gamble

Maid of Honor

Hilary and I met as grad students at the University of Missouri in 2012. Although I am sure we would have become best friends regardless, the inception of our friendship was ridiculous and can be credited to a shared bad reaction to Mizzou's "Tiger Stripe" ice cream. From that point on, Hilary quickly became one of my favorite people. From drinks after quant methods to "Wine and Whine Wednesdays" to attending concerts to publishing together... we were virtually inseparable. Even with many miles between us since that 1st year of grad school (Hilary followed her advisor to the U of A and we landed faculty jobs in different states), Hilary has always been and still is that friend who I know I can lean on during the toughest times and who will be one of my first calls to celebrate the best of times. Hilary is insanely brilliant, goofy, and kind... exceptional in every sense of the word. She also has this amazing ability to really see me and understand me completely. A best friend for life.

Lyndsay Koehn

Bridesmaid

Lyndsay and I have been best friends since 4th grade, despite a brief 1-day hiatus when I was banned from the friend group for liking dogs more than cats. I'd like to take this moment to acknowledge that Lyndsay has exactly 0 cats and 2 dogs now. In all seriousness, Lyndsay is one of the fiercest, most loyal, most competitive, and most honest people you'll ever meet. Everything Lyndsay does, she does with purpose and intensity. We have been through so much together - too many softball games to count, the Britney Spears/boy band era, middle school awkwardness, high school angst and rebellion, our very first relationships, meeting the loves of our life, and now navigating life as 30-something-year-olds separated by hundreds of miles. Friendships that last this long are rare and that is not lost on me. 24 years strong and a lifetime to go!

Rocio Galarza Molina

Bridesmaid

Rocio and I met as Ph.D. colleagues at Mizzou in 2014. Rocio and I became fast friends after discovering our shared love of spicy food. Rocio was the only person in the department brave enough to try the insanely spicy chili I brought into the office, and that sealed the deal. In no time we were sharing recipes, going to trivia at Itap, grabbing pizza and beers at McNally's, BBQing, and playing games with the crew as a way to decompress. Rocio was also my dissertation buddy - dissertation writing dates at Uprise Bakery and sharing hilarious memes and GIFS on the daily was critical to surviving that final year of the Ph.D. Rocio is a friend who is seemingly always in the same season of life as me. Rocio is witty, blunt, intelligent, and beautiful inside and out. We share a commitment to strong morals and social justice and a distaste for superficiality. I am so lucky to call her a friend for life.

Karl Hedlund

Best Man

Karl and I have been best friends since Kindergarten. We lived together in college, where Karl inherited a room once occupied by a pot-belly pig. We also share a strong passion for cycling. Our latest adventure was a 9-day bike-packing trip through the Alaska wilderness. Karl has always been a constant companion and adventure buddy.

Isobel Jones

Groomswoman

As siblings, Iso and I go wayyyyy back. Before Isobel was born, I used to get all the attention from our parents. Then that changed. Truly, Iso is one of my best friends. We share the same sense of humor, passion for cycling (yes, she was also on the Alaska trip), and expertise in chemical engineering. I have a deep appreciation for Iso's wit, chutzpah, and sense of justice.

Oscar Nordness

Groomsman

Oscar and I met as co-workers at UC Santa Barbara. We first became acquainted when Oscar drove me to get my COVID vaccine because the vaccination location wouldn't allow me to ride my bike through. Oscar also often chauffeured me to Captain Fatty’s Brewery, where we would enjoy after-work beers and pizza. Oscar is a truly generous and intelligent person that I admire as both a colleague and friend.

Lisa & Mark McColley

Parents of the Bride

Through every life event - big or small, bad or good - my mom and stepdad have been constants. They have always supported my dreams and goals, and they've loved me unconditionally every step of the way. I have my mom to thank for my compassion, independence, gracefulness, and sense of humor. I have my stepdad to thank for my optimism, respect toward others, and gratitude for the small things. I love them both immensely and am proud to be their daughter.

Dave & Jodi Nelson

Parents of the Bride

I am grateful for the love and support from my dad and stepmom. They have both always encouraged me to do what I love and to pursue those people and experiences that bring me happiness and fulfillment. I have my dad to thank for my quick wit, playfulness, competitiveness, and dance moves. I have my stepmom to thank for my zest for life, kindness toward others, and free-spirited nature. I am proud to be their daughter and love them very much.

Ann & Dave Jones

Parents of the Groom

My parents effortlessly toiled to give me the best opportunity possible to achieve my life goals. I am proud to be their son and believe I get some of my best traits from them both. From Ann, I get my intensity, selflessness, and eyes. From Dave, I get my sense of humor, grounded nature, and hair. Both of my parents have sacrificed and supported me through everything I have been through. I can't thank them enough for their love and kindness.

Sarah Detwiler

Grandmother of the Bride

Grammie is the quintessential grandma - warm, loving, and deeply committed to her family. I was so fortunate to get so much quality time with both my Grammie and Poppy as a child. I have fond memories of stuffing Halloween candy bags for the neighborhood kids with Grammie and "playing poker" with Poppy. Their love was one for the ages and I can only hope to continue to cultivate that kind of love with Seamus.

C. Robert Jones

Grandfather of the Groom

Growing up in Minnesota, I got to spend significant time with my Grandpa Bob and Grandma Merryalice. Although my grandma has passed, I have vivid memories of spending time at the family cabin and catching fish with Grandpa Bob. Grandpa Bob is an impressive craftsman and led a very exciting career working on some of the earliest computers. He is a selfless, goofy, and careful man I am lucky to call my grandpa.

Dekker Nelson

Ring Bearer

Dekker is the youngest among Leslie's niece and four nephews. Dekker loves dogs, legos, coloring inside the lines, and playing with his siblings. He also inherited a great sense of humor from his parents. We are so happy Dekker bravely agreed to be our ring bearer and Piper wrangler on our wedding day! We couldn't think of anyone more perfect for this role.

Piper

Flower Girl

Piper is our dog and probably the only other person you will see "in white" at the wedding. Leslie adopted Piper right as she was beginning her Ph.D. Leslie credits Piper for a lot of her doctoral success. Trips to the dog park, snuggles, and Piper's hilarious antics kept Leslie sane during the most challenging 4 years of her life. As a family, we share a love of cheese, the beach, and camping. Piper brings us immense joy on a daily basis and she is such a sweet old girl. We are so lucky to call her ours.

Eric Nelson

Usher & Magician

As my older brother, Eric has been a role model since day 1. You would be hard-pressed to find a more committed, generous, funny, and selfless person. Growing up we were constants in each other's lives -- as playmates, supporters, and competitors. We had some fierce "stick ball" games in our sideyard, too many moments of uncontrollable laughter over nothing to count, and a shared love of softball/baseball that ran deep. I am so lucky to call Eric my brother and friend. He is also a man of many talents. In addition to serving as an usher, Eric will be our wedding magician. He will be performing fantastic exploits to wow the imagination and expand the mind. In his repertoire, he has 1 card trick and 1 thing he can do with a string. Prepare to be amazed!

Joel Reed

Usher

Joel and I met as colleagues at the University of Missouri. Some of my fondest memories with Joel are BBQing and playing games to celebrate (procrastinate?) completing coursework or submitting manuscripts. Joel is one of the most warm and dependable people you could ever meet. Joel is someone whose warmth can make you feel like you’ve known each other for ages even if you’ve only just met. You could also always count on Joel to bring Buffalo Chicken Dip to social events. Everyone deserves that kind of dedication in a friend and I’m so lucky to call him a lifelong friend. Joel is one of the smartest, most hilarious, and sweetest people in my life.

Scotti Branton II

Usher

Scotti and I also met during graduate school at the University of Missouri. Our friendship was instant and will be everlasting. We share a love of board games, attention to detail, and a personal/scholarly commitment to social justice. Scotti is one of the most powerful forces of light you could ever meet. He radiates joy, kindness, and passion. He is also a fierce supporter and advocate to those lucky enough to be in his circle. The world is a better place because he and his scholarship are in it.

Jnan Blau

Officiant

Jnan is not only a dear friend of ours, but also the person who knows the two of us together best. He was among the first friends that Leslie introduced Seamus to in the beginning stages of their relationship. An outstanding judge of character, his enthusiastic approval of Seamus was certainly a good sign. Dinner parties and concerts attended with Jnan are among some of the most formative experiences of our relationship. Jnan also compiles some of the greatest playlists, makes a mean salad, and has a deep care for the well-being of the people he loves. He is definitely not a bad hang, and we value his friendship immensely. We couldn't think of a better, more ideal person to officiate our wedding.

Ali Bateman

Wedding Coordinator

Ali is our day-of wedding coordinator and a dear friend of Leslie's. From girl's trips to making pottery, "favorite things" parties, and Galentine's bashes - Ali is one of those friends that you can do literally anything with and have a good time. Beyond being an amazing friend, she is an impressive athlete and volleyball coach as well as a devoted and compassionate mom. Ali is simply one of the most fun and hilarious people you could ever meet. We are so thankful for her willingness to ensure our wedding day goes off without a hitch!