Wedding Party
Jacki
Mother of the Bride
Melissa's life-long biggest cheerleader, Jacki and Melissa have been giggling together for decades. Melissa will attribute any sweetness she can claim to her mom who will turn around and attribute it to her mom. One thing is for sure, these two were both spicy basketball players back in the day.
Marlies
Mother of the Groom
Even as a little boy, our Björn wanted to see and travel the big wide world. He's managed to do that quite well so far. Björn is a very cheerful and helpful guy. You can steal horses with him. We wish him and his Melissa a continued and successful life.
Merle
Father of the Bride
Merle is a man to be blessed with three sisters (and no brothers) and four daughters (and no sons). From her earliest memories, Merle taught Melissa how to think for herself and listen to fast music. While Melissa will always envy her dad’s flexibility (like when he won a limbo competition vs a bunch of first graders), the two love to debate, drum, and scooter all around town.
Detlef
Father of the Groom
Detlef and Björn have shared many adventures together from skiing to windsurfing to riding motorcycles and fixing them. The two are constantly tinkering around with things.
Casey
Maid of Honor
Through every major life change of Melissa's adult life, Casey has been there to virtually hold her hand. For over a decade, the two have been laughing, crying, chatting, and dancing endlessly. It is rumored (and true) that the strawberry in cowboy boots on Melissa's arm is an ohmage to Casey. We're waiting to see if Casey will return the sentiment with a sock tattoo to honor all the erroneous socks Melissa has left through the years. Maybe Casey will just build a collage instead.
Viola
Best Woman
Viola did not like Björn when they first met in school. However after a few (or perhaps many) years, the two have become great friends and can be seen talking politics and life over a bottle or two.
Juli
Bridesmaid
Juli and Melissa are exactly the same and also nothing alike. It’s only natural that these two would have started a podcast together when they’re constantly discussing corporate culture, the generations, and sharing memes. Whenever they’re together again, it’s sure to be filled with laughter, philosophy and margaritas.
Alex
Groomsman
Björn did his best to be a good example to his younger brother, Alex, as they grew up. They might not agree on whether skiing or snowboarding is a better way to go down the mountain but they love to learn about new technology and enjoy the outdoors
Virginia
Bridesmaid
Melissa always knew Virginia would come around to liking her, given enough time. And boy has she! The two have traveled across countries, boroughs, and coasts together. Now, Melissa actually doesn’t remember how she functioned before having Virginia in her life. And she will forever be trying to live down the time she drove Virginia into a ditch.
Aubrea
Bridesmaid
Aubrea and Melissa met almost 15 years ago and had their first friend date at a pinball arcade in Lyons! Aubrea is the one who coined the nickname "Melly" and Taylor Swift's reputation album will always make Melissa think of Aubrea and their countless hours singing along together in Aubrea's jeep (may he rest in peace).
Jenna
Bridesmaid
When Melissa rode the elevator down with Jenna on her first day at her first job in New York, she told herself they would be friends. Fast forward, six years later and the two have been on countless adventures—including the time they hiked Mt Washington and Melissa ate the best banana of her life.
Kelli
Flower Girl
The eldest of the sisters, Kelli has been watching over Melissa for many moons (some of them stressful, especially the teenage moons). Always ready to explore a new city or a topic of conversation, these two have covered many literal and metaphorical miles together. Be sure to ask Kelli to recount the tale of when Melissa fell asleep at Billy Joel (oops).
Lora
Flower Girl
While Lora has only recently accepted that Melissa is also a middle sister, these two have been a dangerous(ly fun) duo for over thirty years. For any problem Melissa has had, Lora is always there an knows a guy who can fix it. Lora also has a special talent for knowing someone everywhere she goes so we're all waiting to see who she'll know in Germany.
Andi
Officiant
Andi and Melissa started out their lives on rough footing, with Melissa feeling like Andi stole her title as "the baby" but now Melissa couldn't imagine life without her 5'2" sister's 6'10" personality! Björn loves it too and the couple agreed Andi was the best one to officiate this matrimony.