Wedding Party
Mitchell Bull
Best Man
Jim's son and friend. From Mason City, Iowa. Mitchell shared with his dad, "You can tell she's a mom!" When we shared about our engagement, his first response was "get over here!" as he pulled us in for a group hug. Pam heard right from the start that Mitchell was the best hugger.
Tess Drotts
Matron of Honor
Pam's sister and friend. From Deer River, Minnesota. Tess & her husband were who Pam called to tell that Iowa Jim invited her to breakfast to meet for the first time. "Oh boy!"
Dave Bull
Groomsman
Jim's brother, friend, and Smite teammate. From Springfield, Missouri. Dave was the first person Jim told about Pam. He said it was a miracle that the two of us found one another. Dave and his wife Ann met Pam on Thanksgiving. Most memorable event of the evening...waiting for the train that made our 2 mile drive to Jim's take nearly an hour!
Becky Johnson
Bridesmaid
Pam's friend for over 20 years & sister-of-the-heart. From Minneapolis, Minnesota. Pam told Jim, "There's one person I need you to meet sooner rather than later..." And when Becky reflected on meeting Jim for the first time she said, "you two just felt right." She was the first to say, "it sounds like love" after one of the many, many, many times Pam talked about Jim.
Zac Zaffke
Groomsman
From Minneapolis, Minnesota. Pam's son and monthly lunch date. Zac has always been an encourager and said, "Just have fun mom and be safe. Be happy." He and his wife Stacie met Jim for the first time at Minnehaha Falls. They introduced Jim to UofM hockey and the light rail!
Stacie Zaffke
Bridesmaid
Pam's daughter-in-law and friend. From Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stacie broke the ice and made the introduction of Jim and Zac go so smoothly with her kindness and witt. She did the same when Jim and Mitch came to town for a Vikings game. We can't wait to find more fun things to do together in the future. Iowa Hawkeye's basketball?
Tim Zaffke
Groomsman
Pam's son and housemate. Lives in Circle Pines, Minnesota. It was an anxious moment for everyone when Tim walked into RJ Riches to meet Jim for the first time. Months later, he gave his glowing report to a friend and said, "he's alright." High praise from Tim. He's the designer of Jim's now-favorite workout t-shirt, The Townsman.
Gia Nelson
Bridesmaid
Pam's friend for well over a decade. Lives in Blaine, Minnesota. Pam described Gia as the kindest person on the planet, and Jim's learned it's true! Gia and Skip helped Pam introduce Jim to kayaking. Gia would say, "how could he not love you?" because that is the kind of thing Gia would say. It was so fun to be able to share the news of our engagement with them!
Russ Bull
Groomsman
Jim's oldest brother and friend. From Plymouth, Iowa. Russ was quick to tell Jim that he was happy for him after he first met Pam in their parent's back yard, clearing up a downed tree branch. He joined us in enjoying our summer picnic poke cakes whenever we could talk him into giving one a try. Jim's hard to say no to when he is motivated, isn't he Russ?
Linda Dalum
Bridesmaid
Pam's prayer warrior and friend. From Centerville, Minnesota. Linda taught Pam how to properly Facebook stalk Jim to make sure he was a real person. If you see any muscles on Pam's arms on the day of the wedding, it's because Linda has kept her motivated to go to the gym. Linda text-planked with Jim and Pam before she met him in person! Pam asked her to be a bridesmaid while walking on the treadmills.
Will and Pat Bull
Parents of the Groom
Jim's parents and biggest fans. From Mason City, Iowa. Jim's mom would say to Pam that "Jim was perfect, except for that one time..." It was a significant moment when Pam was introduced to Jim's parents. We go to lunch or a picnic in the park whenever Pam is in Mason City. You learn a lot about a man in how he cares for his family. Jim says one of the first things he loved about Pam was seeing her with his parents. These two people did a wonderful job raising their sons to be men who have loved the women in their lives well.
Irma Sue Stangler
Mother of the Bride
Pam's mom and first picnic partner. From Deer River, Minnesota. It's one of Pam's favorite memories of her mom, asking her to join her for a picnic in the perfect spot she found. That spot is still there on the farm. Mom has enjoyed hearing Pam's weekly stories about Iowa Jim. She has kept Pam company on many of her drives south.
Nick Stangler
Walking Bride Down the Aisle
Brother and friend. From Deer River, Minnesota. When Pam asked Nick if he would walk her down the aisle, he said "all I have to do is walk with you and trip you at the end, right? I can do that." She knew instantly that she picked the best man for the job.
Will Hunsaker
Officiant
Pastor and friend. From Clear Lake, Iowa. Will led the Grief Share group Jim participated in and later encouraged him to facilitate the group in Mason City. He told Jim that he would someday find joy again, and Jim strongly disagreed. Years later, it was with a great deal of excitement that Jim told Will about us. Will says he is excited to officiate this wedding and has said, "out of tragedy, God can restore!"
Kathi Graffam
Wedding Coordinator & Decor Expert
Pam's friend and colleague at UNW. From Shoreview, Minnesota. Kathi and Pam became friends sitting side-by-side at work. They began meeting for dinner when they discovered that time together was an inspiration in faith and friendship. Pam knew Kathi would be the perfect coordinator! Kathi was with Pam when she said "yes to the dress!"
Mindy Rennemo
Honor Attendant
Pam's niece and friend. From Deer River, Minnesota. The Drotts family as a whole has wrapped Pam into their family as more than a sister/aunt and one of the perks has been getting to know Mindy as a friend. Wish Mindy luck on making this bride's hair look presentable if there is any degree of humidity on our big July day!
Mark Drotts
Usher
Pam's brother-in-law and friend. From Deer River, Minnesota. Mark is the one that thought it was a good idea to reach out to "Jim from Iowa" on Christian Mingle. He was quick to map it out and let Pam know that Owatonna was half way and "only an hour and 15 minute drive." Tess and Mark have gone out of their way to welcome Jim into the family.
Skip Nelson
Usher
Friend. From Blaine, Minnesota. Skip and Gia have known Pam for years, and have expanded their friendship to include Jim. It didn't take long to discover that group texting with Skip and Jim can take interesting turns!
Bella - Rachel - Sarah
Wedding Assistants
Nieces from Pam's side of the family From northern Minnesota It's fun to include family in our special day and these young ladies have agreed to help. You'll see them when you arrive to sign the guest book!