Rita & Jason
Wedding Party
Al Stomberg
Best Man
Most won't guess it, but Al is Jason's twin. They didn't always get along growing up, but as adulthood set in the bond of family only grows stronger. There is no one else in the world like a big brother.
Keisha Frauendienst
Bridesmaid
Keisha and Rita grew-up down the street from each other from 6th grade through leaving for college. From shared swimming lessons, to writing fan letters to Lisa Frank, and riding Rita’s banana bike around town to chase the cute older boys in their cars, we go way back. And as if friendship isn’t enough, she nudged Jason to ask Rita out after a Maynard 4th of July street dance in 2003 - the rest is history...Keisha Grace, we owe you one!
Nick Kellen
Groomsman
Nick is Rita's brother. Nick felt bad for Rita and Jason for being so far away from family. So when the opportunity came, he moved to Colorado Springs to keep them company. Jason and Rita are very thankful to have another family member in the state. It has been great sharing experiences with him and hearing about his own adventures he is taking on in his new home. Nick is also a great road trip companion during the holiday treks back north.
Bethany Stevermer
Bridesmaid
Beth is married to Rita’s brother, Eric. She is a perfect fit for our family and an outstanding sister-in-law. She’s smart, kind, easy to get along with, a puzzle and game enthusiast, and a Harry Potter nerd. Our family is better with her in it!
Eric Stevermer
Groomsman
Eric is Rita’s brother, Eric is a lot like Jason. Quiet, reserved, thoughtful, with an eye for detail. That eye for detail is why Eric would enlist Jason over his own sister to wrap Bethany’s Christmas presents when they were dating in high school.
Sara Olson
Bridesmaid
Rita and Sara met while at Gustavus when Sara randomly introduced herself as we passed by in the dorm hallway, not unusual behavior for her! Sara is one of the friendliest, kindest, most loving humans that graces this Earth, and she has a way of always making you feel seen and cared for.
Aric Koenen
Groomsman
Aric arrived in Jason's life when he married Aftan. At the time, Jason and Aric were tag-a-longs in Aftan and Rita's friendship. After years of bonding through WeFest '08, lazy days at the lake, Colorado adventures, and copious amounts of wine drank, Jason and Aric now have a friendship to rival that of the ladies.
Aftan Koenen
Bridesmaid
Aftan brings so much fun, spontaneity, and mischief to life - Rita and Aftan got into tear-inducing giggle fits in high school and have since enjoyed many travel adventures, elaborate dinners with countless bottles of wine, and heart-to-hearts. Her ambition is contagious, her carpe-diem attitude magnetic and life-giving, and her friendship unwavering. She and her husband Aric are dear friends of ours and we are so glad they are standing up with us on our special day.
Armando Baez
Groomsman
Armando is the reason Jason has anything good to say about his tech school career. A relationship kindled from Armando's first question to Jason: “Where the hell are you from?” in response to Jason's fresh from the farm MN accent. However blunt of an introduction it may have been it was light hearted and honest. Armando showed Jason the good side of the greater Chicagoland area and invited him into his family like he was a brother. Armando made an impact on Jason's life that he'll never forget during a time that would have otherwise been forgettable.
Sarah Salky
Bridesmaid
Having met in grad school in 2010, Sarah and Rita instantly clicked and have since shared many memories including a summer internship in Panama and Rita being a bridesmaid for her wedding in 2018. Smart as a whip and classy as hell, Rita feels so lucky to have this girl by her side on wedding day.
Ronnie Kenfield
Groomsman
Ronnie (and Melissa) were Jason and Rita's neighbors. Jason thought Ronnie was the best neighbor anyone could ever ask for. That's why he's still a little sour about them moving away... Regardless, Jason hopes everyone in the world has a friend like Ronnie. Someone who will tell it like it is, stand up for you without knowing (or even caring) what the situation may be, and is always willing to lend a hand. Ronnie is as good as it gets.
Sarah Plybon
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Rita are cut from the same cloth. They met as green therapists at the community mental health center where they had offices across the hall from each other. They pretty quickly found out they could rely on each other for sound clinical advice, great conversation, and plenty of Starbucks breaks - it soon became clear their relationship was to go well beyond a professional one. Now, 7 years, several jobs, too many Bachelor Nation viewing parties, and many highs and lows later, it seems they were right. We are honored Sarah will be an integral part to our wedding day.
Jeff Odenbrett
Groomsman
Jeff is Jason's boss turned Friend. They both worked at Nelson International in Fargo ND, just a decade or so apart. So when they met at the International dealer in Colorado, there was an instant connection, appreciation, and respect for one another, along with endless stories of the past. Jeff also turned Jason to aviation. Jeff is a pilot, just for fun. After the first fly-in breakfast in Jeff's '57 Skylane, Jason knew he just hooked a new bad habit. With Jeff's inspiration, encouragement, support, and his lead by example “this is not how you should do this” Jason is now too a pilot – just for fun.
Alli Delheimer
Bridesmaid
Those who have lived together, traveled together, and survived the weather of Fargo, ND, stay together! Alli and Rita met while at Gustavus and have enjoyed a close friendship ever since. Fun fact: Rita, Jason, Alli, and Sarah Salky hiked the 4-day/3-night Inca trail to Machu Picchu in 2011.
Vaughn and Owen Stomberg
Ring Bearer
Vaughn (7) and Owen (4) are Jason and Rita's nephews. They love seeing Grandpa and Grandma at the farm, riding around on 4-wheelers and the gator, and playing with their pet bunny Snowflake.
Madysen Stomberg
Ceremony Reader
Madysen is Jason and Rita's niece who will be going into 8th grade this fall. She swims like a fish, is a killer softball player, enjoys singing, and loves to spend time at the lake.
Brittni Hurtig
Personal Attendant
Rita and Brittni went to high school together, but really became close in the years after. While Brittni works in Communications, she is a therapist at heart which has brought ease and depth to their relationship. A mutual love for roller coasters never hurts either! They will always remember 2021 as the year they both married and supported each other as personal attendants.
Emily Stomberg
Personal Attendant
Although Rita and Emily have really been sisters-in-law for many years now, Nov 14 will make it official! When Emily and Al married in 2012, Emily asked Rita to be her personal attendant, and now Rita is excited Emily will be returning the favor.
Karby Allington-Goldfain
Officiant
Karby and Rita met in 2016 when Rita sought her out for her expertise in running a counseling practice for children. Karby quickly became one of the most influential mentors in Rita's life - Jason couldn't help but notice the mark Karby was leaving on Rita and was always very vocal about being on Team Karby! Upon engagement, we knew she was the perfect person to walk us through the creation of a meaningful ceremony that represents us as a couple. Since she agreed to marry us, we have enjoyed getting to know her and her husband Gary in a different light and are looking forward to the wisdom, authenticity, depth, and groundedness she will bring to our wedding day.