Nicole & Jacob
Wedding Party
Emily Ujkaj
Matron of Honor
Emily is Nicole's twin sister and only sibling. The two grew up playing sports together and hanging out with friends. Now, Nicole is an aunt to Emily's two children, Arjana and Leila. Emily and Nicole may live states apart, but they sure are close (does texting and calling each other every day count?). We are excited to have Emily as the Matron of Honor.
Justin Young
Best Man
Justin is Jacob's younger brother and lives in Indiana. He was the first person in Jacob's family to meet Nicole (and remember it), and lived with the couple in Madison when Nicole moved to Wisconsin. So he shares a special connection! Jacob and Justin grew to have many similar interests and love to play video games together.
Erin Bowman
Bridesmaid
Erin was Nicole's one and only college roommate. The two grew up together in high school and college while running competitively and enjoying every moment. Although they live many states apart, the true connection of friendship is always there.
Jason Young
Groomsman
Jason is Jacob's oldest brother currently living in Arizona. He shares a special connection to Nicole and Jacob from when he went to Sneaky Pete's with them in Minneapolis for the 2019 Final Four! Although he doesn't remember meeting Nicole back then, he and Nicole love playing Pokemon Go together.
Natalie Whise
Bridesmaid
Natalie and Nicole connected at MSU through the running club and became friends quite quickly. Their love for running and fun times brought them together easily. You can find both of them dancing at the bar to Kesha or Mr. Brightside.
Jonathan Young
Groomsman
Jonathan is Jacob's older brother currently living in Minnesota. When they were younger, they were often mistaken as twins for how much they looked alike! They bonded pretty closely growing up participating in many of the same activities activities together and often being called the wrong name.
Krista Magness
Bridesmaid
Krista and Nicole developed a quick bond through the MSU Running Club over music, running and fun. You can find them dancing the night away or enjoying a nice beer! MSU runs through their blood.
Lucas Werner
Groomsman
Lucas is one of the Gunson Boys who lived at 166 Gunson St. with Jacob junior and senior year at MSU. These days, Lucas is a radiology resident in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with Corewell Health. A day may come when Lucas, for his job, must use software that Jacob created...
Rachel Coleman
Bridesmaid
Nicole and Rachel grew up together - basically inseparable throughout high school. From Northville High School running to catching up over margaritas anytime Nicole is back in town, Barrio in Plymouth is their spot to go.
Sean Virden
Groomsman
Sean Virden is also one of the Gunsons boys who lived at 166 Gunson. As one of the few members of the swimming community, Sean enjoys discussing the latest swimming news as seen on swimswam.com with Jacob. Sean currently lives fairly nearby in Chicago and is always a great visit when visiting the city.
Riley VanPelt
Officiant
Riley - also a member of the 166 Gunson crew - was a key matchmaker in bringing Nicole and Jacob together. Without his help, it is unlikely that Nicole and Jacob ever would have made the commitment to get together and share their love. Not only did Riley tell Nicole unprovoked that Jacob had a crush on her, he helped deliver a surprise Christmas gift to Nicole from Jacob that set everything in motion. There could not be a better officiant for our wedding than Riley.