Wedding Party
Hope Almgren
Groomswoman
Hope is Jeremiah's little sister, and someone who has brought joy, energy, and a touch of chaos into his life from the very beginning. He can still remember holding her for the first time knowing that he would always be there for her. She grew up with a bright, silly spirit and a competitive streak that kept everyone on their toes, especially her brothers. Whether it was afternoons bullying Jonathan (a sacred sibling duty), movie marathons, or the kind of sibling banter that only makes sense to the people involved, Hope helped shape the rhythm of their home. As she's grown, Hope has become a strong, confident, beautifully grounded woman. She has a warmth that makes people feel instantly welcome and a lightheartedness that turns ordinary moments into memories. Hope and Jeremiah are incredibly close and even when life takes them to different places their bond always stays steady.
Jonathan Almgren
Groomsman
Jonathan is Jeremiah's younger brother, and someone who has been a constant part of his life from the very beginning. He is the kind of person who brings a steady, thoughtful presence into any room, paired with a quiet humor that catches people off guard in the best way. Even as a kid, Jonathan had a spark, competitive and curious. Growing up, he and Jeremiah built the kind of bond only brothers can: long days spent outside, counting Christmas presents, wrestling, and a lifetime of stories they love to reminisce over. Jeremiah has loved watching Jonathan grow into a grounded, mature, and genuinely good man; someone who listens well and thinks deep.
Abigail Chocholaty
Bridesmaid
Abby is the bride's sister, and one of the people who shaped her the most. Growing up together meant long days on the trampoline, quoting movies until the two of them had full conversations made entirely of references (which has happened multiple times), and countless memories. They were competitive about everything, games, jokes, athleticism (that Abby won every time), but underneath all of it was a bond that has always been steady and strong. She brings warmth, humor, and a spark of adventure that makes every moment more fun. Abby has grown into a confident, faithful, and deeply caring woman, and Madeleine believes that it’s been a privilege to grow alongside her and being sisters. Anyone who meets Abby immediately understands why she’s so important to her. Fun fact: Abigail and Jeremiah are birthday twins!!
Molly Cooper
Bridesmaid
Molly has been in Madeleine's life since she was sixteen and Molly was eleven at Kids Musical Theater, and at this point most people genuinely believe they're actual sisters, which is how it should be. Growing up together meant endless inside jokes, tons and tones of choir shows, musicals, plays to go see each other in, and so many laughs. Whether they were laughing at absolutely nothing, playing new board games, going to mediocre aquariums, or just existing in the same space, Molly has always been someone who brings out the most joyful parts of life. She has this incredible energy, goofy, real, warm, and instantly welcoming. Molly lights up every room she walks into, and people naturally gravitate toward her. Watching her grow into the talented, capable, hilarious, and deeply genuine woman she is today has been such a joy. She’s family in every way that matters.
Brianna Graves
Bridesman
Brianna has been one of the most constant and meaningful friendships in Madeleine's life the last 5 years, meeting at Musical Theater Village. She was the very first person Madeleine told when she had a crush on Jeremiah, and Brianna has been cheering for M&J on from the very beginning. Having someone who has witnessed their relationship from day one is something incredibly special. Our favorite sidekick. The Robin to Jeremiah's Batman and Madeleine's Joker (Lego Batman specifically). Growing up together in friendship, they've shaped each other in so many ways. Brianna has a mesmerizing, enthusiastic, and whimsical kind of joy that makes every space feel lighter. She’s the friend who shows up, who listens, who celebrates the small things, and who loves with her whole heart. There's no one better in a million years.
Becca Koenig
Bridesmaid
Becca is one of those friends who quickly became essential in Madeleine's life. From the moment they met at Calvary Church of Santa Ana, Madeleine had a feeling we’d get along with our commonality of Theater, Disney, and a passion for young people. She just didn’t realize how much joy, laughter, and comfort Becca would bring with her. She’s the kind of person who makes hours feel like minutes, and having her in M&J's friend group has become something Madeleine genuinely treasure. Becca brings warmth, humor, sensibility, and a the most beautiful smile that makes every space brighter. She’s thoughtful, supportive, and one of the easiest people to talk to. Anyone who meets her understands immediately why she’s so important to Madeleine.
Nina Laffoon
Bridesmaid
Nina and Madeleine have been friends since fifth grade at Dehesa Charter School, which means she’s been part of Madeleine's life through every awkward phase, every questionable fashion choice, and every major milestone. They've grown up together in the truest sense, shaping each other through epic one liners (mostly Nina), peaceful adventures, and the kind of friendship that somehow survives middle school, high school, COVID, and everything after. She is, without question, the funniest person Madeleine knows. She’s steady, loyal, and the kind of friend who shows up when it matters most. During some of the hardest seasons of Madeleine's life, she was a rock. And when Jeremiah came into the picture, her encouragement and support helped keep Madeleine grounded and brave. There isn’t a version of Madeleine's life, or this wedding, without Nina in it.
Miles Murray
Emcee
Miles is a dear friend of both Madeleine and Jeremiah. Madeleine and Miles met in Old English Literature in college. Miles always had something to say about a reading, and one of his favorite pastimes in lit class was playing devils advocate. After talking a few times after class (after debating each other extensively in class about the literature) they realized that they have A Lot in common. From playing in orchestra, to board games, to both being theater people. Miles quickly became a staple in the friend group and an amazing friend on CSULB campus, often meeting up for lunch to play cards or other games. When it came to picking the Emcee for the wedding, it was a no brainer. You'll see why
James Sooth
Groomsman
James and Jeremiah met through a mutual friend during high school, a friend neither of them talks to anymore, which only makes the story funnier. Despite the chaotic introduction, they hit it off immediately and have stayed close ever since. Their friendship is built on equal parts humor, loyalty, and the kind of shared history that make them closer, and gives them blackmail on each other. Anyone who knows James knows he's a quick-witted, unfiltered in the best way, and always ready with a story that toes the line between "should I be hearing this?" and "please tell me more." He and Jeremiah have been there for each other through some of the hardest seasons of their lives, and even after James moved a few hours away, they still remain a constant rock in each others' lives. James is the kind of friend who shows up, who listens, and who stays. Everyone would be lucky to have someone as steady and loyal as James in their lives.
Josh Teincuff
Groomsman
Josh is one of those people who makes an impression the moment he walks into a room. Madeleine met him at Musical Theater Village, and after working closely with him, he quickly became someone she and Jeremiah both genuinely enjoy being around. He has such a captivating energy on and off stage and has this brilliant way of talking his way through (and occasional out of) trivia questions, he always brings a mix of humor, charm, and confidence that's impossible not to forget. He's one of the most strong-willed and open-hearted people in their circle. Josh is the friend who will talk about anything, who listens fully, and how shows up with sincerity, even if he disguises it under a joke at first. Watching him work toward law school and achieve that goal has been incredible and you should congratulate him.
Michael Wexler
Groomsman/Officiant
Michael has a rare mix of calm wisdom and unexpected goofiness, and it didn't take long for Madeleine and Jeremiah realized he was someone they wanted in their lives for the long run. We met via Josh Teincuff (thanks Josh) and over time he became essential to the friend group. His faith, gentleness, and way he cares for people are at the heart of who he is, and it's impossible not to notice. He has a gift of making everyone feel safe, seen, and at ease that are around him. Whether he's preaching with sincerity, cracking a perfectly timed joke, or diving into deep conversations about life and theology, Michael brings a grounded, thoughtful presence that the couple treasure. Watching him step into his calling as a Youth Pastor has been especially meaningful, his compassion and humility shine in everything he does.