Matron of Honor
"Sisters, sisters. There were never such devoted sisters." Abby and Amanda were roommates for the first 14 years of Abby's life. While they did not always enjoy this situation that was forced upon them, they would not trade the memories and life lessons for anything. Their bond as sisters has grown over the years and they are now friends as well as sisters. Amanda would stop anything at the drop of a hat if her sister needed her and lives in comfort knowing that Abby would do the same. Abby is a kind, intelligent, caring person and is an incredible mom. Amanda could not ask for a better sister and is so grateful to have this beautiful person in her life.
Best Man
CJ met Adam shortly after starting to date Amanda. A weekend at Country Fest, a trip to Men's Warehouse for Adam's wedding, and countless weekends at the Lake House (including the Hunting Shack) have provided ample opportunities for bonding. With Adam, CJ quickly learned that sometimes you have to let loose, have fun, and not take yourself too seriously! Adam may be Amanda's brother, but he has supported CJ 100% since the beginning and CJ cannot imagine anyone else as his best man.
Bridesmaid
Amanda Putzer met Amanda Matthews at St. Joseph Parish School when Amanda M was the 4th-grade teacher and Amanda P was the K5 Classroom Aide. They discovered that they have a similar sense of humor and an almost identical teaching philosophy. Amanda M is now the Principal of SJPS and Amanda P is the K3 Teacher, but they continue to learn from each other and try to change the world one student at a time.
Groomsman
CJ and Cory went to grad school together at UW-Madison and graduated Class of 2019 from the Genetic Counseling program. Through the stressful 2 years they grew close and found ways to make the time enjoyable through kindred interests and opportunities to unwind in the Madison area. Since then, they have remained close friends and CJ wanted Cory by his side for his big day.
Bridesmaid
Maggie and Amanda have been brothers since Freshman year at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. They met in Pioneer Hall through a common friend, shoutout to Ruby Frink, and ended up living together in a super classy college apartment. From Ladies Night and Packer games at Sally's to The Library, not actually a library, in Dinkytown on the weekends, these two always found the fun.
Groomsman
CJ and Ian became acquainted shortly after CJ met Amanda. After varying work together on family projects it became apparent that once Ian establishes a backstory for you (however false), it sticks. Now, whenever CJ takes a smoke break, he cannot partake without his friend Ian lighting up as well.
Bridesmaid
Amanda met Mandy through her brother Adam. Watching Adam water ski in a sparkly blue shirt, tearing up various cities like Whitewater, Chicago, P Dub, Door County, and Nashville, participating in various Lake House shenanigans, and listening to "Call Me Maybe" on repeat, are just a few of the fond memories that they share. When Mandy married Adam in Oct. of 2017, Amanda "Mandy" Shepherd became the second Amanda Putzer. As the original Amanda Putzer becomes Amanda Christian, she can't think of anyone better to carry on the name and hopes the name change will make it easier for UPS and the local car dealerships to decipher who is who!
Groomsman
CJ met Ian through Amanda's sister, Abby. Though they haven't had a ton of opportunities to interact much due to geographical distance and a highly inconvenient pandemic, they are making up for lost time and have still been able to find plenty of things to bond over. It goes without saying that they never miss out on a shared whiskey during family visits either! These two only met because they fell in love with two sisters, but along the way, they each found an unexpected friend.
Bridesmaid
Brenda Cline became part of Amanda's life over 20 years ago when she was the Youth and Young Adult Minister at St. Joseph's Parish. In the beginning, Brenda spent her time introducing Amanda to life-changing events like Workcamp and CLI (Christian Leadership Institute). These experiences, along with many additional leadership opportunities at St. Joe's, significantly affected the person Amanda would grow to be. Now, Brenda continues to be Amanda's spiritual guide but is also family. These two travel, play games, attend Broadway shows, and walk up and down every single aisle at Meijer when they shop together. Unless CJ is with them. Then they get in and get out for fear of being left at the store!
Groomswoman
CJ met Amber through Amanda's family. Though they haven't known each other long, regular gatherings at the Putzer household, Broadway outings, and an interest in reading have led them to become close friends. Their bond as kindred fans of Harry Potter and other fandom universes kindled the friendship. In fact, Amber is the reason CJ even finished reading the Harry Potter books. She was unrelenting at every gathering until CJ finally finished the last book. Their similar sense of humor and worldviews make for good friendship and CJ wanted Amber to share in his big day.
Junior Bridesmaid
Amanda and Merrigan are the bookends when it comes to cousins on the Hansen side of the family. The oldest and the youngest. Amanda was the Cook's nanny when the kids were little. Perhaps it is because of this that as Merrigan got older, she has a lot of things in common with Amanda. First, they both enjoy the Harry Potter books and movies immensely. Unsurprisingly, they were both sorted and placed into Hufflepuff. They also enjoy the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Even though Merrigan is pretty cool and has friends of her own, she still goes to movies, in public, with Amanda and CJ and isn't too embarrassed! Additionally, it turns out that they have a similar sense of humor. Merrigan is beautiful, smart, and kind and Amanda and CJ are excited to have her in their wedding!
Flower Girl
It is no surprise that Evelyn is Amanda's favorite person. It's ok, CJ is well aware of this. She is incredibly funny, especially for an almost 1-year-old, and is extremely smart. Both Amanda and CJ find so much joy in her and are completely entertained every time they are in the presence of this little lady.