Macy & Ryan
Wedding Party
Abigail Meyer
Maid of Honor
Bride's Younger Sister. When Abby (Gail) and Macy were younger, they didn't always get along. Every time they fought, their mom would remind them of how lucky they were to have each other, and what she would give to have her own sister back. She said, "your sister is always going to be there when your friends aren't." They can both admit it took a long time to realize this, but so glad they did, because it's proven true. Even though she's younger, Gail has always taught me more than what I could probably ever teach her. I feel beyond lucky to have my sister as a best friend to also double as my Maid of Honor!
Charlie Betz
Best Man
Groom's Younger Brother. Charlie and Ryan are 5 years apart in age but that has never been an issue for their relationship. Ryan can't remember a time that he and Charlie really argued (more than a usual brotherly spat) and were mad at each other for more than a day. Charlie always has, and always will be Ryan's Best friend. It is Charlie's opinion Ryan values most (besides Macy's) and is who Ryan would always pick to go into battle. They are as much similar as they are different. Ryan and Charlie understand their bond and know there is nothing stronger in this world than a brother's trust. I couldn’t be happier to have a brother like Charlie who was been nothing but supportive and encouraging regarding my relationship with Macy.
Hannah Nelsen
Bridesmaid
Groom's Older Sister. Hannah is married to Aaron Nelsen, and mother of Noah Nelsen. She and Macy met in 2014 when Ryan brought her home to Woodbury for a family dinner, probably. Macy always felt so welcomed by her sincere demeanor while they got to know each other over the years. She knows she can count on Hannah to team up on Ryan in any given argument. I adore Hannah. She is one of the most patient, down-to-earth, and kind people I know. I keep telling myself that one day, our kids will never be as sweet, cute or perfect as Noah is, because I'm simply not Hannah. (WWHD?) Thank you, Hannah, for being such a dedicated, strong-willed older sister to Ryan. You've helped shape him to be more open-minded, understanding, and respectful. I appreciate you more than you will ever know!
Adam Meyer
Groomsman
Bride's Younger Brother. Ryan and Adam first met in 2014 at one of Adam’s hockey tournaments. Adam was generous to accept the “city boy” right away and they have shared a bond ever since. Ryan looks forward to his trips out to South Dakota as he knows he and Adam will be going out with the dogs looking for some birds or have some beers in the man cave and shoot pool. I love the way Adam values family and am ecstatic to become his brother.
Alexa Madden
Chief Bridesmaid
Bride's 1st friend at UofM, engaged to Groomsman, Jack Samuels. Alexa and Macy met during sorority recruitment at U of M, both very unsure of it all. They broke the rules daily, talking about every house in-between. At the end, they hid from their leaders to choose their future together before making the final decision to go DG. Alexa was always there, and very down for hanging out, going for food, doing try-ons or shopping for events - anything but studying. Alexa is one of the most generous people. She's been there for a lot of good news, and a lot of bad news in my life, catching all the tears like a sister. She always makes time for a friend and it's something I truly admire. Through everything, especially 3 years as roommates, she taught me to loosen up and just eat the damn noodles.
Aaron Nelsen
Groomsman
Groom's brother-in-law. Aaron and Ryan have known each other since 2008. Ryan remembers when he was a meager sophomore in High School and learned the varsity Senior All-Conference Middle Linebacker was dating his older sister. Although Ryan does not get intimidated easily, he may have been a little nervous the first time they met. But Ryan quickly realized that Aaron was probably the nicest and most sincere person he had ever met. Ryan has relief in knowing his sister will always be in safe hands with Aaron by her side. I was honored to stand by Aaron’s side when he married my sister and I cant wait for him to return the favor.
Michael Lindbloom
Bridesman
Michael and Macy knew each other growing up, but didn't establish friendship until they were in the same high school club in 2008. They were putting the homecoming dance together and bumped elbows in the supply room. Instantly they were close friends and only got closer over time. Fun fact - he was Macy's one and only prom date in high school! When Michael transferred to U of M in 2013, they were inseparable. From Late Nights at Centen, studying for the worst class - Theories of Learning, all-nighters at Walter Lib, drunk nights at Dinkytown McDonalds (RIP), and banging on frat doors claiming him to be George Banta's descendant for entry...they had a LOT of fun. Michael was my rock and constant throughout college. I can't imagine my life in Mpls without him there for such important years.
Taylor Hawkins
Groomsman
Taylor (T-Hawk) is Ryan’s longest friend. They first met in 2nd grade on the league champion Cardinals baseball team and have been friends ever since. They really started to bond in Elementary and Junior High School when T-Hawk moved up the street. With being one of Ryan’s oldest friends, T-hawks opinions and suggestions hold value in Ryan’s life. After going through so many life events with Taylor at my side I am excited to pass through another milestone with him.
Charles Gageby
Bridesman
Charles and Macy both grew up in Pierre, SD. They didn't become close friends until high school and their beginnings were also in the same after-school club as Michael. Their friendship grew exponentially through all the hours dancing together in high school studio and competition. Through all of the leaps, tears, (and tears in muscles) they were always one of each other's biggest cheerleaders in everything. After-school hair dying sessions, jet skiing all summer, and all the crazy Pier347 work shifts are some of Macy's favorite high school memories. I absolutely treasure Charles. He is one of the most uplifting/inspiring humans. He's also bossy, protective, out-going, supportive and he encouraged me to be the same. I owe most of it to him for cracking my shy shell and being who I am now.
Michael Policano
Groomsman
Michael (Poli) is another one of Ryan’s longest friends. They grew up playing basketball together and really became close friends in Junior High and only got tighter as the years went on. Poli is one of Ryan’s most likeable friends and every time he came to visit Ryan at college, all his college friends would yell “ Poli’s cominggg??!!!” with sheer excitement. Ryan has always leaned on Poli to be the life of the party and will expect him to bring his energy to the wedding dance floor. I appreciate the memories Poli helped me create and I am happy to have him be apart of another at my wedding.
Ana Azevedo
Bridesmaid
Ana and Macy met while lying in Kappa's lawn during sorority recruitment at UofM. It was probably 100 out and their proximity in line was fate. They became friendly in the process, and later - best friends since Bid Day! They moved into DG second semester of freshman year together for Macy's favorite semester of college and then lived together for another 2 years. Dec 2019 they traveled in Israel together for the best vacation. There's so many things I love about Ana and so many incredible stories that I'll remember for the rest of my life. From day 1 she made me cry laughing, was there for me through everything, and would always be down for Chipotle to make things better. I knew we'd be friends forever. I owe a huge part of my MN experience to my out-of-state sister best friend!
Sam Motzko
Groomsman
Sam and Ryan played football together beginning in 7th grade and became close friends due to their bond from the grueling two-a-days. Ryan and Sam have always seemed to remain close due to their similar personalities and their appreciation for a good joke and not taking things too serious. Sam is Ryan’s go-to person when it comes to discussing Minnesota sports and which coach should be fired next. I look forward to the sore abs after the wedding due to all the laughing that will happen on Sam’s behalf.
Bridget Nelson
Bridesmaid
Bridget and Macy met freshman year at UofM shortly after they both joined Delta Gamma. They were both Psychology majors and spent hours and days in study spaces together for exams and midterms. Bridget always did better, which is probably why she is now working towards her Ph.D in psychology! In college, Bridget could be known for her immense love of Gopher Football Gamedays and being the most persuasive friend to rally the crew for the 11am ones. The lifespan of those Gopher-alls was truly surprising. I honor Bridget for her incredible determination and selflessness. She is such a hard worker and is notorious for doing anything and everything for others - always on their time, not hers. She is supportive, courageous, and caring. Love you Bridgey!
Jack Samuels
Groomsman & Officiant
Ryan and Jack met Freshman year of college as they lived 4 doors down from each other in Territorial Hall at the University of Minnesota. They quickly became great friends and liked each other enough to live with each other a few years in college and 3.5 years after college before we moved in with our then girlfriends (now Fiance’s) who happen to be best friends as well. Jack and Ryan now both work at UBS and have so much in common that there is never a dull moment between the two. I have always relied on Jack to come through for me when I need it and I am glad he will be by my side for this important moment.
Danielle Hodenfield
Bridesmaid
Danielle and Macy met at UofM through Delta Gamma. They became especially close junior year when they traveled together for a summer class abroad in Italy. They had the best time, all while dealing with Macy's poor sense of direction, jet lag irritabilities and determination to find that one leather jacket in that one shop (that they never found again). They've only grown closer over time since those adventurous 4 weeks in 2015. I value Danielle as a true rock of a best friend. She is a solid, level-headed and encouraging person. She is the kind of person who can also lift me up in a single text after the worst day and doesn't turn down an opportunity for adventure, female empowerment, or truthful input. I value her generosity, honesty and our friendship so much because of it!
Taylor Hansen
Groomsman
Similar to Matt, Taylor lived next door to Ryan in Territorial Hall. Ryan and Taylor had a lot of similarities and were quickly drawn to each other to talk sports, school, and what we were doing for Thirsty Thursday. They lived together throughout college, 4 months in Australia, and a few years after college. They were always close but grew a stronger bond due to their crazy life experiences as roommates during their semester abroad in Sydney. Taylor has always been Ryan’s “go for it” friend. Pushing him to work harder, play harder, or going for the green on a short par 4. Taylor is arguably one of the most generous friends you can ask for and will never turn you down when you're in need. It’s a privilege to have Taylor as a friend and it was never a doubt that I wanted him by my side.
Macall Biebel
Bridesmaid
Macall transferred to UofM, already a DG from her previous college. We were both hired at Red Bull in Dec 2013 and spent the rest of our college experience sampling Red Bull to the bright hearts and minds of Minnesota. From Ely ice fishing tournaments to WE Fest, to the 4th of July on Big Island, & exploring Toronto, they have been through some of the most insane experiences together. During it all, they quickly realized they draw the bizarre out of people...like when they agreed to being twins in NYC and strangers asked if they grew up in teepees and outhouses being from the midwest. I find myself consulting Macall about anything and everything. She is one of the most dedicated people I know and I admire her work ethic so much. She is also the person I can tell absolutely anything.
Matt Steibner
Groomsman
Ryan and Matt met the beginning of Freshman year as they lived next door to each other in Territorial Hall. Matt and Ryan quickly became great friends because they realized they had grown up playing each other in baseball. Matt played for Eden Praire which was Woodbury’s biggest rivalry growing up as they were consistently the top two teams in the state. Ryan and Matt lived together throughout college and for 2 years after college. Ryan appreciates Matt’s loyalty, family values, and generosity and that's why he knows Matt is a friend for life. I learned a lot from Matt throughout our years of friendship and he really helped me grow up as I went through my life transition from college to professional life. I am happy to have him share this moment with me.
Anna Nicholson
Bridesmaid
Anna and Macy met when Anna transferred to U of M Junior year and gracefully fell into their Lambda DG laps. Through DTF (downtown Friday) club nights in college, always being an hour late together for every girl's night or pregame, to casual wine nights and dinner dates - their friendship is almost a sisterhood in itself. They have been each other's confidantes, cheerleaders and supporters in some of the toughest times. Some of their best times include dancing at day club pool parties in Vegas post-grad. I sincerely adore Anna for her character. She is so true to herself, beyond dedicated in everything, honestly humble and a major no BS kind-of-gal who is also so, so gently kind. She has one of the biggest hearts I know and she makes me a better person by being her friend.
Cole Armitage
Groomsman
Ryan and Cole met Freshman year of College. Although Cole didnt go to the UofM, he frequently visited his best friends from High school (Taylor and Matt) which happened to be Ryan’s new friends and next door neighbors. Throughout the years of living with Matt and Taylor, Ryan got to know Cole better. Ryan saw someone who was loyal, kind, and down for anything. He resemble a lot of the same traits as the friends Ryan grew up with so he quickly became one of Ryan’s trusted friends. After college Ryan and Cole hung out quite often and currently live a few blocks away from each other in the North Loop. I have a lot of nice friends but Macy has dubbed Cole the “nicest.” I would probably agree with that statement. It is no surprise that I want to share this life moment with him.
Noah Nelsen
Ring Bearer
Our sweet sweet nephew, Noah. Serving smiles since January 2020, we can't wait for him to be a special part of our day! Noah is the son of Hannah and Aaron Nelsen.
Banksy Betz
Ring Bearer
You've probably seen him on Instagram if you haven't met him in person, but Banksy is the love of our lives since April 20, 2020. He makes our family complete (for now) and is the best thing (second to getting engaged) to come out of the chaotic year 2020 threw at us. It just wouldn't be our special day without him!