Wedding Party

Peter Frank Swanson

Groom

Penny Linnaye Heikkila

Bride

Andrew

Best Man

Andrew has literally been there Peter's whole life from sharing a womb to a room. Not only is he Peter's twin brother, but best friend. He has gone through every step in life with Peter from playing in the backyard, going from kindergarten through high school together, to both studying civil engineering at MSU. He always encourages Peter in his faith and has been an unwavering support. Peter feels very blessed to have always had him by his side, which makes it natural for Andrew to be by his side again as best man.

Tara

Maid of Honor

She’s the sister Penny got to choose, the middle school friend that never left. The one who has laughed with her until they cried, prayed with her, supported her biggest dreams, and loved her so faithfully through it all. She could not imagine this day without Tara by her side, just like she’s been since the very beginning.

Joseph

Groomsman

Joseph is Peter's younger brother. He followed Peter's footsteps playing football in high school which is a bond they will always share. He started attending MSU last fall and it has been a blessing for Peter to have him in the same college ministry group. He is a man of few words but a kind man of principle and good morals. Peter enjoys spending time with him and listening to his witty facts and stories. Peter is very happy to have Joseph's support by being a groomsman.

Marah

Bridesmaid

Marah is Penny’s big sister and built-in best friend. She has been loving, protective, and endlessly selfless her whole life, always taking care of Penny long before Penny even knew she needed it. And while they absolutely have their classic sister moments where they can’t stand each other for five minutes, they wouldn’t trade that bond for anything. Marah has been by Penny’s side since day one, and Penny couldn’t imagine this day without her.

Tyler

Groomsman

Tyler is Peter’s cousin and one of those people who makes everyone feel instantly comfortable. He leads with kindness, shows up without being asked, and somehow always has the perfect witty comment when you least expect it. Whether it’s making people laugh or quietly being there when it matters, Tyler has a way of doing both effortlessly. Peter is grateful to have someone with such a good heart—and such great humor—standing by his side on this day.

Jelsey

Bridesmaid

Jelsey is Penny’s oldest sister and the original big-sister-boss of the family. From childhood chaos to adult life pep talks, she’s been there all the way, teaching Penny everything from how to survive siblings to how to deal with hard times. She’s loving, loyal, protective, and always ready to step in when life gets wild. Penny couldn’t imagine this day without the sister who’s been in her corner since the very beginning.

Nick

Groomsman

Nick is Penny’s older brother and someone Peter has grown to respect and appreciate. Nick brings energy, confidence, and a love for having a good time into every room he’s in, and life is simply more fun when he’s around. His aggressive humor might catch you off guard at first, but he never fails to get the whole room laughing. Peter couldn’t be more excited—or more thankful—to officially gain Nick as a brother.

Caleb

Groomsman

Caleb has been one of Peter’s closest friends since first grade, back when being neighbors meant hanging out nearly every day. They really bonded over sports, games, and endless laughs. As life went on, especially through college, their bond deepened through shared faith and a mutual love for Jesus. Caleb has been a steady presence through every season of life, and Peter is honored to have him standing beside him.

Jason

Groomsman

Jason is Peter’s cousin and lifelong friend, someone who has been part of countless memories growing up. From football and video games to time spent in the gym, their bond was built through shared interests and constant time together. Jason’s kind and reliable, and he's never afraid to have a good time. Having Jason by his side on this day just feels right.

Anna

Bridesmaid

Anna, Peter’s little sister, holds a special place in Penny’s heart. She has quickly become like a little sister to Penny as well. Penny is overjoyed to embrace this new sisterly role and share all the love, laughter, and special moments with Anna. It’s a joy for Penny to welcome her into this new chapter of life.

Hari

Groomsman

Peter first met Hari in high school, but their friendship truly took off when they became roommates at MSU. Since then, Hari has been a constant source of laughter, encouragement, and unforgettable memories. With his big smile and contagious laugh, Hari has a way of lighting up any room and making everyone feel at ease. Peter is incredibly thankful for their friendship and couldn’t imagine celebrating this day without him.

Mckenzie

Bridesmaid

McKenzie is one of Penny’s closest friends and her steady, loyal gym buddy. If Penny is the sunshine, McKenzie is the moon, the balance to Penny’s golden-retriever heart. From early-morning workouts to deep life talks between sets, she has become one of the most grounded and consistent people in Penny’s life. Their friendship has grown through shared discipline, faith, laughter, and showing up for each other in every season. Penny is so grateful to have McKenzie by her side in the gym, in life, and now on this special day.

John

Father of the Groom

John is Peter's dad and has always been a steadfast, positive influence in Peter's life. He never missed any of Peter's sporting events such as little league soccer, parks and rec basketball, travel baseball and high school football, discus and shot put. Peter cherishes knowing he is always available to discuss problems and give trustworthy advice. He has been a shoulder for Peter to lean on at any time. Peter has relied so heavily on his guidance throughout life especially by emulating the great example he has shown. Peter feels so blessed to have his Dad be such a wonderful Christian influence in his life which helped make Peter the loyal and committed man he is today.

Ruthann

Mother of the Groom

Ruthann is Peter's mom and has loved him since he was conceived. She has always seen the potential for greatness in Peter. Planning and facilitating experiences throughout Peter's life allowed him to grow into the man he is today. From getting Peter into piano lessons or signing him up for sports, she has been one of Peter's biggest supporters. She has taught Peter the value of hard work and good education and has modelled what success looks like in the workplace. Peter knows that he wouldn't be where he is today without the love and encouragement that he continues to get from his mom.

Joe

Father of the Bride

Joe is Penny’s dad and the steady, loving presence who has supported her through every season of life. He is always ready with a dad joke and a big heart. From embarrassing her at school events to offering sage advice, he’s been the rock of her life. From cheering her on in every dream to offering wisdom, protection, and quiet strength when she needed it most, he has been a constant example of resilience in her life. Walking down the aisle with him will be one of the sweetest moments of her life, a celebration of the bond they’ve always shared and the foundation he has helped build for her future.

Linda

Grandma of the Bride

After the passing of her mother in 2021, Penny’s grandmother, “Mammie” became a steady source of love and strength in her life. She has offered constant support, guidance, and care during some of Penny’s most challenging seasons. Her presence has been a reminder that family love endures through every chapter, and Penny is deeply grateful to have her standing beside her on such a meaningful day.

Jaxzyn

Ring Bearer

Jaxzyn, Penny’s epic nephew and Peter’s best buddy, and the ultimate ring bearer at just nine years old. With his unmatched energy and a vibe that’s all about fun, Jax’s going to slay the aisle and have everyone talking. The Couple is beyond stoked to have this little legend bring all the hype and good vibes to their big day.

Matilda

Flower Girl

Matilda is the 4 year old daughter of Tina, Peter's au pair (live-in nanny) from when Peter was 5 years old. She and her family are from Germany and have visited Peter's family almost every year since her mom was their au pair. Peter was scheduled to be part of her parents' wedding, but his trip was cancelled because of Covid. Matilda is a very sweet girl who has such a gentle nature. She had such a big smile when she was asked to be a flower girl. It is an honor for Peter and Penny to have her participate in their wedding.

Emilia

Flower Girl

Emilia is the 3 year old daughter of Luci, Peter's au pair (live-in nanny) from when Peter was 4 years old. She is from Germany and the younger sister of Carolina, also a flower girl. She was in her mom's belly when they came to visit Peter to celebrate his graduation from high school. She is exuberant and full of joy with a twinkle in her eyes. Her mom barely read the note asking her to be a flower girl when she exclaimed with a big smile and thumbs up..."Ja" (Yes). Peter and Penny are excited for her to be part of their wedding.

Carolina

Flower Girl

Carolina is the 6 year old daughter of Luci, Peter's au pair (live-in nanny) from when Peter was 4 years old. She lives in Germany but their family remains very close with Peter and his family and now Penny. She has visited many times and pretends to play trips to the US with her younger sister, Emilia. Peter was fortunate to be a part of her parents' wedding in Germany and having her a part of the wedding makes Peter and Penny so happy. She has a beautiful smile and is shy but so observant and cheerfully recalls everything about her visits to the US. She is so excited to be a flower girl and happy her sister will be a flower girl with her.