Rachel & Ethan
Wedding Party
Jenna Gruter
Maid of Honor
Jenna and Rachel met in 2010 when they became roommates randomly. The connection wasn't instant but once they realized they actually kinda got along, they were inseparable friends who did pretty much everything together in college. From bar crawls and badger games to starting careers and moving, Jenna has been there by Rachel's side.
Phil Bothun
Best Man
Phil and Ethan met initially in high school but didn't connect until college through Ethan's friend/Phil's wife, Alisha. They became fast friends and shared many adventures together including trips to Scotland and New Zealand. Whether they're sharing a Thanksgiving burger in Queenstown, an Arctic Monkeys concert two hours away on a Sunday (we made it home before midnight it was amazing) or simply chit chatting over a beer, the two have enjoyed many things together and remained the best of buds. Phil's huge heart and "up for anything" attitude make him an absolute treasure to be around.
Isha Shrestha
Bridesmaid
Rachel met Isha when they both ended up in Carlene Bechen's sixth-grade class. Isha loves to remind Rachel that she dodged her birthday party invite for a soccer game (how rude!), but despite the initial rejection, they became fast friends and have been ever since.
Aaron Cassel
Officiant / Groomsman
Ethan and Aaron met in Madison, WI through mutual friends and quickly became friends. From spending the summer of 2014 with their friend, Rachel Morgan, frequenting the bars of downtown Madison to their shared love of scotch and James Bond movies, the two have shared a multitude of good times over the years. Aaron is always happy to make time for a friend, whether for lunch when the two worked in Madison or trekking to Minneapolis for a marginally less windy weekend than what Chicago offers. Aaron happily accepted the role of Officiant when asked, and we are ecstatic to have him involved in our special day.
Hannah Lee
Bridesmaid
Hannah and Rachel met in sixth grade but their friendship truly blossomed a few years later when they bonded over their favorite pastime of retreating to their local Borders bookstore for hours or singing Savage Garden on a walk through the beautiful hills of Shorewood. Every once in a while, they'll turn right back into awkward 13-year-olds and belt out "Truly Madly Deeply".
Robi Carozza
Groomsman
Ethan met Robi in Madison, WI after graduating college through Ethan's friend/Robi's wife, Breanna. The two spent far too many nights at the bar Robi worked at, Brocach, enjoying time with friends. Robi masterminded a party where everyone wore shirts with Ethan's face on it (Ethan thinks, boy he sure hopes he isn't giving credit where it isn't due - but he was there at least, Ethan promises). Ethan honestly does not even remember the reason for it. That's just the kind of guy he is. The two became good friends, thanks mostly in part to Robi being almost unbearably kind, funny and generous, and haven't looked back since.
Joseline Nyinawabera
Bridesmaid
Joseline and Rachel also met in the sixth grade. Whether it was a birthday party, school dance or sleepover Rachel and Joseline both had one thing in common - they loved to have FUN! Joseline and Rachel only fought once when they discovered they had a crush on the same guy in 7th grade, becoming the real-life version of Brandy and Monica's "The Boy is Mine." Luckily it only lasted for 5 minutes and they have gotten along ever since.
Peter Grau
Groomsman
Peter (and his wife Rachel) was actually introduced to Ethan by Robi and Breanna in spring of 2014. Robi and Breanna were relocating (read: abandoning Ethan) to DC, and dubbed Peter and Rachel effective "replacement friends." They were not wrong. The three became the best of buds almost immediately. Ethan and Peter would often talk music, Peter was in a rockin' band and is a guitar virtuoso, or share a drink (he was also an A+ bartender). Peter's humor makes him a constant joy to be around and Ethan is glad to call him friend.
Coco Williams
Bridesmaid
Coco and Rachel ALSO met in sixth grade. Rachel thought Coco might be too cool to be friends with her, but a few playground hangs and sleepovers later, it was revealed that Coco was just as weird as her and that they had the same wacky sense of humor leading to some great inside jokes. Though Coco moved away in high school, it doesn't stop them from having an amazing time every time they are reunited (and they're both still kinda weird).
Walker Glasoe
Groomsman
Walker was yet another introduction via the Elliot universe. At first glance, you might only see his glorious hair and hear his infectious laugh. But dig deeper, and you'll find what Ethan did - an incredibly thoughtful and dedicated friend. When he isn't helping Ethan with, well you name it, the two are master copilots on the grill (with Walker typically taking lead) and someday maybe Walker will show Ethan how he cooks his A+ chicken.
Emma Rotilie
Bridesmaid
Emma and Rachel met at work in 2017 when Rachel moved to Minneapolis. Rachel quickly realized that she and Emma could probably have a great relationship outside of the office. In an attempt to bring Emma into Rachel's social circle, Rachel set Emma up on blind date with a friend (Elliot). Elliot and Emma have been together ever since and Rachel has gotten to reap the benefits of having two friends that also date.
Elliot Koch
Groomsman
Elliot was Ethan's first friend in Minneapolis. He and Rachel went to college together, and he was the anchor of Ethan and Rachel's social life when both moved to the city. He showed Ethan around the city and introduced him to some of its best spots including Runyon's (whose buffalo wings remain unmatched) and the best bike routes to the best breweries. Elliot is always ready to host and make you one of the best drinks you've ever had, and his default setting of "yes, of course I'm here to have a good time" led to many great times and all of Ethan's other Minneapolis friends.
Allyson Batis
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Allyson met in 2018 through a mutual friend. Being friends with Allyson came so easy Rachel can't really even remember how it happened, but she's glad it did! Allyson and Rachel have since bonded over their love for food bloggers and trying new recipes, as well as attending their first and only "emo night" at First Ave which unfortunately proved to be even too emo for them.
Aaron Schmaltz
Groomsman
Aaron and Ethan met through Elliot when Ethan moved to Minneapolis. Aaron immediately made Ethan feel at home, as that seems to be his superpower no matter who he meets. His generosity is outshined only by his desire for everyone around him to have a good time. Whether sharing a laugh playing Overcooked (a video game about being chefs in a chaotic kitchen) or fawning over Aaron's new baby, the two are always enjoying themselves.