Matron of Honor
Becca, queen B, the smart and perfect one. The older sister who always sets the bar high. Although I envied that growing up, I could not be more thankful to have Becca to look up to for so many things. The best mama and the one who made me an aunt–we love you so much, Hadden Francis! She is the best advice giver and although I am not always the best advice receiver, I am grateful for her humble personality! So excited to switch roles and have her stand next to me as my MOH! If only Kennedy could always be our last name:/
Best Man
I officially met Derek during our years in the UNI Accounting Program, but really we have been playing against each other since we were Little Leaguers. It is hard to believe a Cascade Cougar became my best friend. Derek and I have been through some tough times at UNI, but we battled it out together and I could not have done it without him. If you get the chance to talk to Derek, I guarantee you he is going to make you laugh, and he will definitely make you think deeper than you ever have before. There were many nights in our college house when a simple 10 p.m. conversation turned into a 2 a.m. life chat. If you do have the pleasure of talking to him, be sure to ask about his Irish accent. The dude can also shred on Guitar Hero. If you have not noticed, Derek is good at everything he does, and I have no doubt he will be a stellar best man.
Maid of Honor
Brianna, the funny and blonde (literally and figuratively) one. The Kennedy laugh may be a real thing, however, Brianna takes this to a whole new level. She’s the most witty and outgoing person you will ever meet! She will try to tell you Alaska and Hawaii are next to each other, but perhaps she should look at a globe instead of a map. She cannot make a decision to save her life, but she makes a pretty good maid! Thanks for the endless amount of times you have picked up after me, Bri (: She should be a pro at this MOH thing by now and I cannot wait to have her by my side!
Bridesmaid
Meredith, the most selfless friend I could ask for! Meredith and I met during college and I could not be more thankful God placed her in my life. Whether it be baking Christmas cookies (our favorite holiday tradition) or double dates, every moment spent with her is one I will cherish. It has been so fun to plan a wedding alongside Meredith and I cannot wait to stand next to her in September. Nate and I are so excited to enter this next chapter of life with Meredith and Spencer!
Groomsman
Adam, my older brother who taught me a lot in life, including a few do’s and don'ts. Do–have fun with your high school friends. Don’t–throw apples at cars on the highway. Do–enjoy messing around with BB guns. Don’t–use your little brother as target practice. We have a lot of memories together that I will forever remember, but these are just a few of my favorites.
Bridesmaid
Aly, the 4th Kennedy sister! I can only imagine how scary it was to enter a family with three sisters, but we could not be more thankful for Aly–she is the perfect calm to our storm. Nate is so thankful to have another Packer fan in the family. Maple is also very thankful Aly is the mom to her friend (if that’s what you call it), Ziggy and we love visits from them! Unlike Nate, Aly and Nolan understand and appreciate my obsession with plants and for that, I am eternally grateful. Wish we could bring Aly and Nolan’s Chiropractic Clinic with us to Texas:(
Groomsman
Ahhhh the girlfriend's scary, older brother they tell you to worry about…turns out, this is not at all the case with Nolan as he is the nicest guy I have ever met and I could talk sports with him all day. 10/10 would take his sports betting advice. Being in Texas I have missed several things, but Nolan’s Chiropractic care stands out at the top of the list for sure. If you get too crazy on the dance floor, you know where to go.
Bridesmaid
Anna, the girl that can do it all! She’s incredibly kind, crafty, athletic (I am still too scared to face this tennis state champ in pickleball), she makes the best gluten-free recipes, and dominates in board and card games. Anna and I were college roommates and have since enjoyed both of us living back in Dubuque. Nate and I will certainly miss making homemade pizzas and game nights with Anna and her husband, Ean, but perhaps all their traveling adventures will someday bring them to Texas. Do not worry, Anna, we will have gluten-free cupcakes at the wedding!
Groomsman
Gus is the literal definition of, “Life of the Party.” To give an example, every Thursday during college, and now every Friday during our work weeks, Gus sends out a mass text that is filled with sarcastic words of encouragement, as well as where the party is that weekend. We grew very close during our years at UNI, especially Chads (on the hill, not Dyersville). We have celebrated a lot over the years, and I could not imagine my biggest celebration yet without him by my side. I cannot wait to reverse roles and stand next to Gus at his wedding just a few weeks after ours, as we enter this next chapter of life together.
Bridesmaid
Kayla, the sister I am gaining! It seems like I have known Kayla since she was a little girl and that is probably because she was 12 when Nate and I started dating. Similar to Nate, Kayla is very outgoing and extroverted (; I am thankful to have someone in the Funke family who understands what it’s like to work nights, weekends, and holidays! So excited to be gaining Kayla as a bonus sister!
Groomsman
I got to know Devon through the Kennedys as he married Caitlin’s sister, Becca. What I have learned about Devon is that unless you have a video game counsel or Country Club membership, you might not see him that often. Devon and Becca have truly been the best role models to Caitlin and I and they continue to amaze us as they begin their journey of parenthood.
Usher
I became friends with Spencer through, at the time, our girlfriends. I love talking with Spencer about anything from faith to how bad the Cowboys are doing ;) Spencer and Meredith have been amazing friends to Caitlin and I, and I am so thankful we have another couple like them to go through life with.
Usher
Without any warning, Joe has silently taken the role of a nemesis in my life. Not only is he a rival Vikings fan, but he also plays a mean game of pickleball that I have yet to defeat. I have learned that Brianna and Joe are complete opposites when it comes to their competitive nature. With that being said, Joe is one of the nicest guys, and he would not hurt a fly…except at the Kennedy household. IYKYK.
Ring Bearer
Hadden Francis--oh how much we love you! You are the sweetest little boy and although Nate may not recognize you the next time he sees you, we sure do love the many FaceTime calls with you! You bring so much joy to our lives and we have a love/hate relationship with watching you grow--please stay little enough for us to sneak you in our suitcases to Texas forever!