Wedding Party
Dana Krueger
Bridesmaid
Dana and I have been best friends since 7th grade. We have been through some of the toughest and best times of our lives together. Dana has been one of the biggest supporters of TJ and I, and had been impatiently waiting for the day I could finally tell her "he proposed!" Although I moved away from home 9 years ago and we do not see each other nearly enough/as frequent as we'd like, we can always pick up as if nothing has changed.
Brad Whetstine
Groomsman
“Ba ba ba ba ba ba B-Rad” Where do I start? Brad and I have known each other since we were kids. Brad and Timmy were my first bosses at the Brown Bottle–where I started developing a passion for culinary arts. Long days and long shifts always meant we had a blast cooking together. While in college we lived in the same house for a couple years with Chris. What a time that was! Our stories from our friendship are legendary and included a lot of cribbage, hammerschlagen, soul/ funk music and whiskey. Never a dull moment when we kick it.
Nikki Titus
Bridesmaid
Nikki and I first met while working at Gus' in Coralville, IA. When she first started working there I was determined to get her drunk and to try new drinks (great friend I know) We started working every Monday night together, and created some great memories during those slow shifts. We have both moved on from the restaurant industry but have stayed close friends. An added bonus she will soon be my sister-in-law as she is marrying TJ's brother Steven in 2020!
Steven Lytle
Groomsman
“The Franchise,” “Stevie Thumbs,” “J.J. Gutta Butt,” “Sausage Steve,” “Fainting Goat,” “Mr. Uber” These are just a few of the many nicknames Steve has acquired over the years. I could tell you about each one but I’ll leave the explaining to him. Growing up as the little bro was not the easiest for him as I would prank him almost everyday. Now, we have put in seven years of working together and have some hilarious memories from those times.
Sam Wettstein
Bridesmaid
Sam and I are cousins and we always joke that we are Grama's favorites (b/c we are). Sam has the biggest heart and just as big of personality which I love. The Wettstein family is a little different than most families in many ways but, most importantly we are more than just family we are all truly friends. TJ and Sam's personalities are very similar and they have created a great relationship around that. We are grateful for Sam for many different things, including allowing us to crash at her place any time we are in Milwaukee. Even though she has inappropriate pillow cases.
Timmy Van Dee
Groomsman
“The Diesel” The buffalo who weighs an 1/8th of a ton. Timmy and I grew up 3 houses apart. We used to play video games, street hockey and cause havoc in our neighborhood. I knocked his last tooth out while we were playing hockey and I’ve never seen a big man cry so much. We still hang out a lot to this day—play basketball, cribbage, and dance. If you haven’t had a conversation with Timmy, please do so. It will explain why we have been so close for all these years.
Katie Schommer
Bridesmaid
Katie is my older sister. She has always been a role model to me and someone that I have looked up to. I admire her successful career, loving marriage, and happy family. She has given me two nephews that I absolutely adore, and those boys completely adore TJ. I consider Katie my own personal WebMD, and I trust her with my life - seriously she prediagnosed my appendicitis and made me go to the doctor who discovered my thyroid cancer. I cannot wait to have my sister by my side on the big day!
Nefti Lopez
Groomsman
“The Freakin’ Puerto Rican” - Nefti and I met in high school when he came from Puerto Rico to play basketball. Our friendship was instantaneous. This man’s English was so broken it was hard for him to understand all the things we would say. He was equally confused on why we would do things a certain way but man, could this kid ball! We grew up and stayed close friends and keep in touch daily. Beware, he is the king of the Cha-Cha and is a dance floor legend. #StayFreaky
Renee Sieth
Bridesmaid
Renee is my oldest sister. Being nearly 10 years apart we were not always the closest growing up. As I got older we become much closer - I was becoming less and less of the annoying little sister. We have created many great memories together and will continue to do so for a long time to come. Renee is one the most caring individuals I know with such a big heart. I know she would drop everything to be by my side if I needed her.
Chris Artman
Groomsman
“Hot Sizzle” – This man’s only dream was to jump rope; during basketball practice, Chris had to run all the time while we jump roped because he claimed he couldn’t (that’s behind him now). I met Chris in high school when he moved here from New York. We have a lot of awesome memories ballin’ at the rec and still one of my top 3 plays from playing was when he threw me an alley-oop. The whole gym was going crazy. I will never forget it. I get to see Chris at all our family events since he is married to my cousin and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Jessie Trepanier
Bridesmaid
Jessie is a dear friend to both TJ and myself. We first met her at Big Grove, but our friendship extends far past work. She has a huge heart and personality to match. She keeps TJ on his toes in the kitchen and always open to listening to me vent. Her laugh is contagious, and don't worry you will always hear it. Jessie is a friend that has become family to us, and we are so lucky to have her in our lives.
Jake Lytle
Groomsman
“Jake the Snake” - The amount of cool things we’ve done that we haven’t caught on film is devastating. From stunts to songs to trick shots, we’ve done a lot of cool things together. Jake and I have always been close as we are only a few months apart in age. I’ve learned a lot from him as I’m sure he has of me. Cheers to all the dumb stuff we’ve done together and never got in trouble. I consider you as my lucky charm. PS. don’t challenge him to a dance contest as you will lose by a long shot.
Eddie Franklin
Usher
“Big Ed” – Eddie has been a Koala bear his whole life who is indeed afraid of bears. Ed and I have been close since high school. From classes to sports, we have had a lot of fun. Ed’s glory days includes when he used to work with Corey at one of our favorite bars. Because of these guys we would be allowed to get in without paying a cover and they would sneak us into shows through the back door. That saved us a ton of money! There’s never a dull moment when Eddie is around as he knows how to have a good time!
Corey Cannon
Usher
“The Cannon” - Corey is the Muscle before he even had muscles. Whenever we go anywhere with Corey, he is our bodyguard. This man knows everybody and the people he doesn’t, he becomes their friend. Being the biggest Ravens fan, this man will tell you all the facts you need to know, including “Joe Flacco is an Elite QB”. All jokes aside, Corey has been there for me whenever I needed him and I’m glad he is a part of this big day.
Leo & Oliver
Ring Bearer
Leo and Oliver are my nephews. Ever since I began dating TJ they have loved him like they have known him their entire lives. Sometimes I feel a little jealous that they like him more than me, but seeing TJ and those boys play, laugh, and run around together warms my heart. They are so excited to finally have an uncle, and be part of our big day!