The Party!
Abby Lerum
Matron of Honor
Abby (Opatz) Lerum and Aubrey graduated high school together! Their friendship grew with all the time spent goofing off on the soccer field, getting into trouble in choir practice and making each other laugh endlessly. Today, they enjoy catching up with Rudytinis, talking Bachelor(ette) with Abby's dad Tom & taking her pup Nala for hikes! Aubrey is also one of Abby's bridesmaids in her wedding in June 2023!
Ryan Connolly
Best Man
Ryan and Matt met in passing while playing in a youth hockey tournament, as their moms knew each other when they were young. Matt and Ryan ended up going to the same high school and even the same college for a few years where they lived together. Matt was Ryan's best man at his wedding last summer. They often go up north to hunt, snowmobile and double date with Aubrey and Ryan's wife, Kayla.
Nicole Selle
Bridesmaid
Nicole (Connolly) Selle and Aubrey met in college at Winona State University. Without knowing each other prior, it turned out they lived only a block away from each other in Vadnais Heights! Aubrey and Nicole lived together in Winona until Aubrey moved home junior year to attend another school. Once they both graduated they lived together again in St. Paul! This is when Aubrey would be introduced to Matt thanks to Nicole and her brother Ryan! Aubrey was also a bridesmaid in Nicole's wedding in August of 2022!
Reed Paavola
Groomsman
Matt has known Reed since he was born. The brothers grew up playing sports, going up north, and driving their parents crazy. Reed has always been the funny one with a quick comeback or a saying for everything. Matt continues to push Reed's buttons to this day as he did on every family vacation or any other day of the year while pretending he did nothing wrong.
Nicolle Kittock
Bridesmaid
Nicolle Kittock and Aubrey, like the bride & groom, met on Bumble (BFF) in July of 2022! They became fast friends and feel like they've known each other for years. Aubrey and Matt often get together with Nicolle and her husband Jordan for double dates including pull tabs, bingo, bowling - you name it! Nicolle & Matt spend most their time keeping Aubrey & Jordan out of trouble. 🤪
Dan Krueser
Groomsman
Matt met Dan in college, soon moving in with him and half his other groomsmen. Matt and Dan spent a summer together working for the college and filling the free time with games of racquetball and spending the earnings on beer.
Theresa Lau
Bridesmaid
Theresa Lau is Aubrey's older cousin. Theresa and Aubrey grew up having sleep overs, talking about boys and having the best heart-to-hearts. Aubrey has looked up to Theresa her whole life, hoping to become half as loving, outspoken and confident. Aubrey has traveled to see Theresa at her home in Arizona, though not nearly as often as she would like! Aubrey & Matt will be attending Theresa and her fiance Lauren's wedding in Banff, Canada this September, 2023!
John Gruna
Groomsman
Matt met John in college where he was John's go-to wing man. Matt and John had the same major in college and had several classes together. John still lives in Superior so Aubrey and Matt are always sure to visit whenever they visit or pass by Duluth.
Renee Lau
Bridesmaid
Renee Lau is Aubrey's aunt (Theresa's mom)! Renee and Aubrey have always been close as they have many similarities! You can still find Aubrey having sleepover at the Lau's, enjoying some Sauv Blanc, puzzles, card games and anything Christmas. Aubrey and Matt spend the night at the Lau's before special holidays to carry out traditions of the Turkey Trot, Bunny Hop and endless consumption of Chex Mix!
Kiefer Kleinschmidt
Groomsman
Matt met Kiefer and lived with him in college. Kiefer decided to not live with the rest of the group in college one of the years, regretted that decision and moved back in (after "taking care" of his new lease thanks to the backyard fire pit). Kiefer is the guy that knows everybody and Matt is fortunate enough to be one of Kiefer's close friends.
Rob Paavola
Officiant
Rob Paavola is Matt's dad! Rob made the mistake of joking to marry us when we announced our engagement. Little did he know, we actually couldn't think of anyone else better for the job! Matt and Rob spend as much time as possible up north or on the lake! They won't be the first to admit, but when Aubrey tags along she tends to outfish them!