Amber & Darrin
Wedding Party
Ashley Formanack
Matron of Honor
Ashley will tell you that Amber is the evil twin but we all know better than that. She's an event planner extraordinaire, specializes in generosity and being the fun one in any room. Ashley and Amber are far from identical but as close as can be. They call each other 2-3 times a day and at least once before 7 a.m. Most importantly, she made Amber an AUNT in August!
Aaron Burgoa
Best Man
Better known as Buhg (The 'h' is silent). Darrin and Buhg have been friends since elementary school in North Platte, college roommates and lived together during their early "professional" lives. He's a New Yorker now teaching big city kids the Nebraska way. They make all their big decisions together. When Buhg proposed to his girlfriend, Darrin was just a couple months behind. (Amber thanks you.)
Stephanie Sullivan
Bridesmaid
Amber's favorite Jersey girl. They met when Stephanie moved to Lincoln for a job as a TV producer at 10/11 News. Amber made sure to find Steph a Nebraska guy to lock her in for life. She makes the best cup of tea and Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwiches (a New Jersey staple).
Tim Williams
Groomsman
T. Willy. Watch your back; Tim is the ultimate prankster. If he has your phone number and a sticky note, he'll post your car for sale. He was the ring leader for advertising the Mitch-a-palooza / Dope-a-palooza Lake Mac camping trips. Not sure what was redder, his sunburn or bright red hair. Tim spends his days rehabbing and training some of the top athletes in Idaho. Even though Tim & Darrin are 1,200 miles apart, they often find themselves going down memory lane on the phone.
Brianna Paulsen
Bridesmaid
Brie like the cheese. This tall stunner keeps Amber centered and motivated. Her talents include belting out songs with you in elevators and yellow jeeps. They love to workout together and tackle life's problems over a cup of coffee.
Mike Bevard
Groomsman
The man of many nicknames: Mysterious Mike. Nachos Bevardo. Maverick. Bev. Bevvy. The Wolf. Gym owner and motivator. Bride’s body built by Coach Mike. Darrin's go-to guy in Lincoln. College roommates and fishing buddies. In the summer, Darrin and Bev can often be found in their 10 ft. john boat searching for babes and bass (well at least bass).
Emily Jackson
Bridesmaid
Being engaged is awesome. Being engaged at the same time as one of your best friends is epic! Emily is getting married in September and I'm lucky to go through this planning process with such a loving and caring soul. They met at a college party in Hastings - except Amber was in college and Emily was in HIGH SCHOOL. Emily and Amber were roommates but she traded up for the man of her dreams and her beautiful baby girl.
Aaryn Kearney
Groomsman
AK. Former roommates. Darrin & AK met as student managers for the Nebraska Football team. Darrin tries to re-live that by making annual trips to Notre Dame football games. They once drove all night from the Alamo Bowl Game to Pensacola, FL for a national flag football game. Preferred form of communication on road trips is CB radio.
Shelby Brett
Bridesmaid
Emmy award winning journalist and friend, hostess with the mostess, views champagne as a food group. Shelby and Amber went from co-workers at 10/11 News to fast friends. She's taught Amber everything she knows about good wine and good jewelry. She'll never pass up the opportunity to hit up a piano bar or pet a dog. Most importantly, Shelby has a heart of gold. And for some late BREAKING NEWS, she just became a MOM in November!
Chad Silber
Bridesman
Voted best anchor in North Carolina and also most likely to be seen log rolling down O Street in Lincoln. Chad and Amber met when he worked at 10/11 News. They're separated by several states but Chad is good about making trips back to Nebraska. Their phone calls are rarely less than an hour. He's her confidant, tells it like it is and being the life of the party is an understatement. Don't dare leave the reception before midnight or Chad will never let you live it down.
Bridget DeGrand
Bridesmaid
Bridget and Amber have had almost a decade of friendship as co-workers at 10/11 News. She was born and raised in Wisconsin and a die-hard Badgers and Brewers fan. They tailgated for plenty of Nebraska football games, but Bridget still doesn't own a Husker shirt. She's always hosting and generous as can be. She majors in Kendra Scott and raising one of the cutest kids.
Kyle Doperalski
Groomsman
"Dope". From Husker to Fighting Hawk. Darrin & Dope were college buddies and he's responsible for introducing everyone to Country Stampede. On Sunday nights in college, you could find them country dancing at the Pla-Mor. Even though he lives in North Dakota with his wife & two beautiful kids, they continue to make memories at the Doperalski cabin in Kansas.
Nolan Little
Usher
Darrin's cousin. Chief Nolarama was his CB handle on the big family vacations. During the Labor Day canoe trips, it was always nice to have Nolan as the driver of the canoe as he could maneuver the river without going overboard. While duck hunting, if a duck came within a mile, Nolan would already be on aim.
Rylan Little
Usher
Darrin's cousin. Growing up, Darrin and Rylan put together equaled one of Nolan in height. Their hunting adventures often turn to wild goose chases but they never seem to care as they continue to go back for more.
Dustin Formanack
Usher
BROTHER! (in law). Has great taste (married the MOH). Suit game strong. Could also bench press anyone in the wedding party all while putting together a great investment portfolio for you.
Brandi Ballan
Personal Attendant
Amber’s “Bonus Sister” (Amber’s sister’s sister in law...twins get to share everything!) Brandi, her family and Darrin & Amber have bonded over (one too many) bumble bee shots in the Dominican Republic and holiday shenanigans. She’s a hard working mom with the best style and kindest heart.
Samuel & Emmet Bauer
Ring Bearers
Samuel (5), Emmet (2), sons of Drew & Janelle Bauer. Amber is pretty pumped to become "Aunt Amber" to these two fun boys. Samuel is the most gracious and sweet kid who loves dinosaurs, fire trucks, tractors and any big trucks. Mr. wild man Emmet has a smile that will melt you and the energy that will exhaust you!
Grace Sullivan
Flower Girl
Daughter of Dan and Stephanie Sullivan. 5 going on 15. But like if a 15-year-old was a responsible person with good manners. Grace is a great big sister to Jacob.
Zoey Formanack
Honorary Flower Girl
This little girl made her entrance into the world in August and is the most perfect blessing. She’s the daughter of Ashley (MOH) and Dustin Formanack. Zoey was born with long legs and a lot of dark hair. She loves to stick her tongue out and is great at melting hearts.
Alan & Bonnie Little
Parents of the Groom
Dad & Mom to Darrin (and Janelle). They still live in North Platte where they raised their family. They rock the grandparents game and spend a lot of time in Cozad chasing around the Bauer boys. Alan drives the school bus for the North Platte Bulldogs and Bonnie keeps busy taking care of everyone! They are the MVPs of this wedding for raising such an amazing son!
Robin & Leigh Anne
Host Couple/Family of the Bride
Robin is the sister, Carol Smith (bride's late mother), never had and carries on her legacy by looking and acting just like her! Together, Robin & Leigh Anne, have become much more than family and no title could ever do them justice for the role they play in our lives.
Tim & Lisa Bowen
Host Couple
From Thurston to Omaha, this couple has been a big part of the Smith girls' lives. Best friends of the late Jeff & Carol Smith, they continue to show up + provide always needed comic relief.
George & Dixie Formanack
Host Couple
If you want to get technical, they are the parents of Amber's brother in law. But the Formanacks are the family that treats you like their own. Amber & Darrin have experienced some epic vacations with them in the Dominican Republic and Cancun.