The Wedding Party
Staci Baker
Officiant
Staci is Jake's best woman, one of Michelle's ladies of honor and is officiating their wedding. They think she’s pretty cool. Staci is such an invaluable friend to both Michelle and Jake. They've made countless memories together, whether they’re romping around the mountains or playing Catan at the kitchen table. Life wouldn’t be as sweet without Staci.
Pamela and Martin Brenner
Mother and Step-Father of the Bride
Pamela and Martin are the life of any given party. Michelle got her laugh, smile and dance moves from her mom, and Martin is always game for any given adventure. Plus, he has an exceptional hat collection, which Michelle aspires to. They are filled with warmth, love, generosity and kindness, and will undoubtedly be fixtures on the dance floor.
Jordan and Cecily Byk
Father and Mother of the Groom
Jake's parents, Jordan and Cecily, are still the first people he calls when he needs comfort or advice. Whether it's installing flooring in our new home, driving across the U.S. in a very ready-to-die 1998 Camry, or teaching Jake how to read (and drive — shoutout to Cecily for that one), Jake is endlessly proud and appreciative of his parents.
James and Jennifer Trauring
Father and Step-Mother of the Bride
Jim and Jennifer are a dynamic duo who complement each other's senses of humor and love of being on the water. Michelle got to know Jennifer while spending a summer at Saratoga Lake and is delighted to now call her family. These newlyweds will be celebrating their two-year wedding anniversary in November! Michelle's dad is her go-to when she needs a listening ear and advice.
Daniel Moore
Best Man
Daniel is one of Jake's oldest friends. Bonding in college over their love of a good story, they have since (quite literally) traveled the world together, finding themselves in such surreal situations, they coined the term, "Jake and Dan Moments.” Daniel has visited Jake almost every year at least once since college. He's also the only person who has visited Jake everywhere he's lived.
Olivia Prentzel
Lady of Honor
You'll immediately recognize Liv from nearly every adventure Michelle goes on — not to mention her sheepdog, Kevin. Their travels have brought them across Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Hawaii, and in so many of Michelle’s favorite memories of the outdoors, Liv is a constant presence. She is one of the sweetest, silliest, warmest humans that Michelle has ever met. And she introduced her to Jake!
Josh Galemore
Groomsman
Jake met Josh while they both worked as photojournalists for competing newspapers in Wyoming. Though Josh lived over three hours away, they hung out regularly while maintaining a healthy competition (Josh always won!). Jake and Josh have had many adventures across Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.
Laura Cooper
Lady of Honor
Laura and Michelle first crossed paths at Stony Brook University’s journalism school, but their friendship solidified for life when they moved in together while working for The Southampton Press. Laura is a hilarious, compassionate, ride-or-die friend who loves all things spooky and will never pass up an opportunity to break it down to Beyoncé or crack an inside joke about "Twilight."
Clare Nowalk
Groomswoman
Jake and Clare met working for the Colorado Democratic Party in the summer of 2020. A tumultuous time for them both, they bonded over their love of the outdoors (and democracy). Jake and Clare have shared many adventures (and misadventures) over the years, ranging from climbing Colorado fourteeners in winter to Jake teaching her how to drive (and almost dying in the process). Jake knew they'd be friends for life when she butchered a watermelon in the back of his car after climbing a peak.
Rohma Abbas
Lady of Honor
Rohma has been one of Michelle’s closest friends and confidantes for over 15 years, from their days at Stony Brook University to living together in the Hamptons and beyond. She has the most infectious laugh that Michelle has ever heard, embodies the coolest cool-girl energy, gives the greatest advice and has made the bride’s life so much richer simply by being in it.
Jack Wolfe
Groomsman
Jack and Jake's friendship was born out of a mutual love of podcasts and film. They grew close during long drives together, spending tons of time rock climbing, (Jake watching Jack) grilling, board games, and more. They recently traveled to Thailand together for an unforgettable trip of rock climbing, food and adventuring.
Amber Steiger
Lady of Honor
In her senior year of college, Michelle drew the lucky straw of landing a spot in West Apartments — and not only because it was a single room, but also because she lived two doors down from Amber in their suite. They have stuck together ever since. Amber is bold, compassionate and fiercely loyal, and has supported Michelle through every twist and turn.
Mike Andrews
Groomsman
Mike and Jake gravitated toward each other at a party back in 2019 when they realized they both loved rock climbing. Mike is the person Jake has climbed with the most, whether in the gym or outside at a crag. They've spent countless hours in the backcountry and at home laughing, coming up with perfect one-liners, and telling stories well into the night.
Heather Gaumer
Groomswoman
Heather is one of Jake's oldest friends. They went to Kent State together, but reconnected after Jake moved to Wyoming and Heather noticed him spending a whole lot of time in Colorado. Over way-too-spicy hot chicken, the two became fast friends. Her home has always been a second home to Jake through many stages of his life. The two have spent hundreds of hours at concerts, watching movies, talking, camping and enjoying her amazing cooking.
Jennifer Burt
Lady of Honor
Jenn is Michelle’s oldest friend — but don’t ask them when they met, they won’t be able to tell you (somewhere around seventh or eighth grade?). All Michelle knows is that she can’t imagine a time without Jenn in her life, from their teenage years in Saratoga Springs to globetrotting in their 20s to visiting each other’s home states in their 30s. Jenn is the most incredible friend, gives the best hugs and will twirl you around a dance floor until you don’t know which way is up — which is a good thing, Michelle promises.