Wedding Party
Tanya Griepentrog
Maid of Honor
· sister of the bride · Leading off our procession of cherished individuals, meet Tanya, the woman who sets the bar high for what it means to be a friend and a sister. Don't let the "big sister" title fool you; she's basically the universal mom to kids, husband, friends, and co-workers. She's got that knack for making everyone feel looked after. Our phone chats and texts are so frequent, the phone company might think we're plotting something, but how else could we keep up with each other's lives? We've both got a lot going on! Tanya loves staying active, from kayaking and paddleboarding to walking her two fur babies and going for runs. She might say running is her way to "get the crazy out," but I've got to say, I still haven't cracked that code myself. But one thing's for sure, she won't be able to run away from standing next to me on the most important day of my life—and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way!
Chad Brown
Best Man
· best friend of the groom (+ bride) · Raise a toast to 'Brownie,' or as he might say, 'I am Brown!' The man, the myth, the party legend, and my best friend since high school... and now, lucky for me, also best friend to my bride. From wild parties to unforgettable concerts, Brownie never says no to a good time. You'll often find him reminiscing over crazy stories or hanging out with us at the races, concerts or just catching up over drinks. Though he loves his wife and kids, he often refers to his friends as his 'rock' family and would do anything for them. Here's to Brownie, a friend who's genuinely one of a kind!
Michelle Hoffman
Bridesmaid
· cousin of the bride · Meet Michelle Hoffman, a shining star in the Fab 4 – a group of girls that are as inseparable as we are unforgettable. With countless shared memories and adventures (some of which only I remember and some of which only she remembers), she's grown to be more than just a cousin; she's a sister and one of my best friends. But there's something else about Michelle... she's got a voice that can stop you in your tracks. As one of my bridesmaids, she's a vital part of my big day. However, she'll also be gracing us with her singing talent during the ceremony. Together, we've laughed, we've cried, and now we'll celebrate a day she's convinced will be more epic than the F*cking Catalina Wine Mixer.
Matt Pyburn
Groomsman
· brother of the groom · Extend a hearty handshake (not a hug – he's not a fan!) to Matt, my younger brother and an adrenaline junkie with a need for speed. Matt's passion for adventure doesn't just take place behind the wheel. When he's not claiming trophies or offering those firm handshakes, he's cruising the world and satisfying his wanderlust. Whether tearing up race tracks or exploring new horizons, Matt's zest for life and love of travel make him an unforgettable part of the family and a welcome guest on our big day.
Natalie Pyburn
Bridesmaid
· oldest daughter of the groom · Meet Natalie, my eldest daughter, who brings her captivating smile, animated storytelling, and so much more to our special day. If you weren't blinded by her dazzling smile in her photo you probably caught a glimpse of her puppy, Noodle, who happens to be Brooks' petite and utterly adorable little sister. When she’s not taking cute pictures with Noodle, you may find her singing along with any Scotty McCreery song, perusing Amazon or supporting a local coffee shop. As the guiding big sister, her presence is indispensable, especially as we gather for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Brandon Abbott
Groomsman
· best friend of the groom · Pour a pint and cheer for Brandon, the West side kid turned local hero! Whether serving and protecting the metropolis of Port Edwards or serving up cold beverages at his town's brewery and taphouse, Brandon is always there with a friendly smile. And it's not just law and beer that he masters; Brandon's garage bar is a favorite hangout spot for us. A friend, protector, and ever the family man, Brandon's multifaceted personality ensures he's cherished by all who know him. Cheers to Brandon, always just "two doors down" when you need him!
Kaitlyn Pyburn
Bridesmaid
·middle daughter of the groom · Now, let's shine the spotlight on Kaitlyn, our resident theater major whose captivating performances on stage are just as memorable as her spontaneous 'scream singing jams' during family car rides. And let's all agree this needs to make an appearance during the reception?! She's a chip off the old block, having inherited some of my finest quirks—including the gift of sarcasm and a well-timed sense of humor. And as we celebrate this monumental day, don't be surprised if she gives you a sneak peek of her beloved Chacos hiding beneath her bridesmaid dress. Who knows, they might even make a special appearance on the dance floor!
Emily Pyburn
Bridesmaid
· youngest daughter of the groom · Closing out the trio of my extraordinary daughters is Emily. This dance major is definitely the one to watch on the dance floor—her moves are sure to ignite the room. Emily's more than just athletic; she's got a creative soul that keeps surprising us all. She's one of the karaoke queens of the family, and get this—she doesn't even have a go-to song. She's up for anything as long as it's not a solo performance. So maybe, just maybe, we'll get a group karaoke session going at the reception. What do you say?
Brooks Pyburn
Ring Bearer
· fur baby of the bride + groom · Paws for applause as we introduce Brooks, the pup who pushed Mike aside *just a little bit* when he came into the picture and quickly became the most spoiled fur baby around. Whether it's enjoying walks, bike rides, kayaking, or floating on the water, Brooks is game for anything, as long as he's with his favorite humans. This adventurous fur baby is more than just a pet; he's a beloved family member with an essential role on the big day. And don't worry; he's fully prepared to accept any pets or kisses that wedding guests are willing to dish out. With lots of cuddles from Ashley and treats from Mike, Brooks is sure to bring his joyful energy to the celebration!
Bryce Griepentrog
Ring Bearer
· youngest nephew of the bride · Introducing Bryce who's about to tackle the all-important job of ring bearer. With a handoff from Brooks, he'll take on this responsibility with the same energy he brings to the field! You might know him as “Tootie”, but he has definitely outgrown that nickname (or so he's been telling us.) Bryce is all about action, whether it's running the field in football, or the court in basketball, or leveling up in video games. He's not just an athlete and gamer, though; he's also taken up babysitting duties for our fur baby, Brooks, so we knew he'd be perfect for this special role!
Aidan Griepentrog
Usher
· oldest nephew of the bride · Loading Aidan, the family's personal IT department and a perfect clone of Tanya in kindness and caring. Whether it's teaching his aunt the ins and outs of the latest technology or dazzling her with his uncanny ability to make her feel special, Aidan's kindness knows no bounds. But don't let the tech talk fool you—this young man's interests extend to the great outdoors too, where he's been hooked on fishing lately. And when he's not troubleshooting computers or casting a line, you'll find him conquering virtual worlds in his favorite video games. Aidan is truly one of a kind (unless you're referring to a Griepentrog nephew – then you have to refer to them by age.)
Carter Griepentrog
Usher
· middle nephew of the bride · Bow in greeting to Carter, King of the 'I love you more' game (though when playing with Ashley, she might dispute that title!). When he's not immersed in 3D printing or playing video games, you'll find Carter on the go, hanging with friends, and exuding confidence with his favorite catchphrase, “Don't worry, I got this.” And trust us, he means it. Always ready to lend a hand, he'll be the go-to guy on the wedding day. If you need anything, just ask Carter; he's got this, and we couldn't agree more!
Erin Walbrun
Officiant
· cousin of the bride · Buckle up to meet my outrageously fun cousin, Erin "Rae" Walbrun. Ever know someone who can turn a dull moment into a grand adventure? That's Rae for you. Through the years, we formed our very own band of 4 Musketeers so it’s no surprise that we're all super excited Mike finally proposed. Now, here's the twist: Rae will be officiating our wedding. If you know Rae, you know she loves a good spotlight, so Mike and I couldn't think of anyone more excited to stand up in front of everyone and lead us through our vows. With her commanding the show, we know it's going to be an event to remember!
Erica Kroening
Personal Attendant
· best friend of the bride · Knocking on destiny's door: Meet Erica, the brave soul who, at just 3 years old, became my lifelong best friend simply by knocking on my dad's apartment door in search of a playmate. For over three decades—that's right, 31 years and counting—Erica has been the daring leader of our adventures, and I've been thrilled to follow her lead. Erica never ceases to amaze me with her vast knowledge and tech-savvy ways. With her at the helm of planning and coordinating, I know the big day will be nothing short of exceptional. Although her catchphrase 'beauty hurts' may have raised some eyebrows, I couldn't think of anyone better to have by my side on the most important day of my life.