Wedding Party
Adam Knopp
Best Man
Adam and I have been good friends since our freshman year of college. Adam was the creator of “Sunday Morning pics” (ask him about it) and I could tell right away we’d be good friends. From living together in Minneapolis to now living halfway across the United States from him, I can always count on Adam for good advice and an even better movie recommendation.
Emily Conklin
Matron of Honor
Our lifelong friendship began as young girls at Ursula's School of Dance. From homemade hair glitter at dance recitals, sleepovers with DQ Blizzards on her couch, high school proms, road trips to visit each other in college, swapping stories as we both worked as bedside RNs, and all the countless texts and calls in between she is my longest and best friend. Our spots as MOH in each others weddings has been locked in since childhood (with screenshots of the text thread to prove it!)
Dan Branstad
Groomsman
Dano and I both grew up in Rochester in the same friend groups, but became good buds in College at U of MN. I think out of any of my friends Dan and I have taken the most trips together...just don’t ask me to go to San Diego with you again, Dan. Dan's loyalty as a friend makes him an easy choice for a groomsman!
Abby Purmal
Bridesmaid
I met Abby through her husband Norman who was a RN co-worker of mine in the CVICU at Mayo Clinic....and not long after we became close friends and the Rochester Friend Family began! We bonded quickly over our love of DIY & craft projects, Trader Joes, plants/flowers, and running errands in Rochester together. The Purmal house became our go to spot for Friday night dinner & game night, drinking red wine while waiting for Patrick & Norm to get home from goose hunting, and the best summer patio nights! Abby is the easy going, no effort required, come as you are best friend everyone needs in their life!
Brian Wasz
Groomsman
Brian and I became good friends in freshman year of high school, lived together for two years of college, and still are good friends to this day! Brian is the levelheaded one of the friend group oftentimes challenging you to think about things in a different way. You might recognize him from the front page of the sports section in the Post Bulletin circa 2011 titled “Wasz up?!”
Lindsey Culver
Bridesmaid
Lindsey and I became fast friends shortly after becoming co-workers in the Mayo Clinic CVICU. Not long after we both embarked on the wild ride that is grad school and shared the ups, downs, and challenges it brings together. We bonded quickly over our shared love of travel, drive for perfectionism, our close bonds with our families, brewery hopping, and all things planning/organizing. Lindsey is my soul sister, fellow cat mom, red-wine loving, Type-A personality who's fierce passion for all things in life is contagious!
Zach Muehlenbein
Groomsman
Zach and I go back to kindergarten when we became great friends. From playing Chad Ocho Cinco (football in his parents' backyard) in grade school, to visiting each other in college “sup bennies,” to now watching his family grow. Zach is wise beyond his years and always a good friend to look up to.
Allie Kraybill
Bridesmaid
Allie and I also met as co-workers in the Mayo Clinic CVICU (sensing a theme here?!). Shortly after we both started grad school to become Nurse Practitioners and nothing forms a stronger bond than the shared challenges of bedside nursing and graduate school! She is my go-to gal for trying new restaurants, travel, wine night on the couch, spontaneous plans, Dancing With The Starts watch buddy, and advice as we tackle our new NP jobs! I couldn't imagine life in Rochester without her...and I can confidently say Allie is the funniest person I have ever met who never fails to light up a room!
Eric Guevremont
Groomsman
Eric and I went to grade school together as well, but Eric was one year younger than me. Eric and I first started hanging out in high school where we “cruised Broadway” in his dad’s Camaro and got chased around town by a guy named “monkey.” Now, Eric and I still hang out on Broadway, just at the 63 Club. Through thick and thin you can count on Eric being a good friend.
Natalie Ehman
Bridesmaid
I have to thank the Mayo Clinic Summer III Externship (#S314) for bringing Natalie into my life...and to this day she is one of my best friends! Our friendship continued as we worked together in the Mayo Clinic CVICU as new grad nurses. Some of my best work memories are taking care of pediatric ECMO patients with Natalie as my ECMO specialist. Natalie is my spontaneous, adventure, fly by the seat of your pants best friend who never fails to live life to the fullest!
Jeremy Wikoff
Groomsman
Jeremy and I met in college as well, we became good friends through our mutual respect for the music of Akon. Jeremy is the easy going friend who’s always up for anything!
Casey Weimer
Bridesmaid
Once again, the Mayo Clinic CVICU brought me a lifelong friendship in Casey! I can always count on Casey to understand my crazy cat lady antics, meet for a coffee date, share a glass of vino, and get the friend family together for a group trip! Casey never fails to offer unconditional love, support, and will be your biggest hype-girl in whatever life may throw your way!
Nathan Blocker
Groomsman
Nathan is Emily’s younger brother who I’ve had the honor of seeing turn into a great young man. Nathan is analytical and observant, and if you need help with your golf game he’s the guy to ask!
Caitlin Walz
Bridesmaid
I first met Caitlin at her 30th birthday party here in Rochester! We quickly bonded over our shared careers as cardiac nurses. Whether we are playing games together, spending a long weekend in AZ visiting the Walz fam, or riding jet skis on Crosslake Cait is always ready for an adventure and shares my love of being on the go! She instantly welcomed me into the family and I can't wait to gain a sister-in-law!
Aaron Blocker
Groomsman
Aaron is Emily’s twin brother! Aaron is as passionate about the ones he loves as he is bourbon, and a great guy to have on my side!
Chase Anderson
Usher
I met Chase through work while we were both apprentices and we grew to be good friends. Chase has always been a helpful person to bounce ideas off of or just vent to about work. If you see Chase at the wedding make sure to tell him The Departed is better than Shooter.
Aaron Mehus
Usher
Aaron “Moose” and I became good friends in college. Between racing mopeds home from ski and snowboard club meetings and comparing each others self made “jorts” at WE fest, Moose and I have always naturally been good friends. Make sure to ask him about his off brand crocs.
Sam Gaul
Usher
Sam and I first met when we played football together in 5th grade, but didn’t really become friends until we started the electrical apprenticeship together. Sam is always a positive, friendly guy to be around and can “churn” a bad job at work into an…ok one.
Max Coffey
Usher
Max and I also met in college and became good friends when we lived together junior/senior year. We liked to say we bonded over the show Peaky Blinders, but I think we both just liked drinking Irish whiskey. Max is always up for anything and is one of the friendliest people I know! Now, though he lives in Dallas, we remain good friends.
Westin Walz
Ring Bearer
Our Magna-Tile building, swims like a fish, art project loving nephew!
William Walz
Ring Bearer
The littlest dude in our wedding party with the biggest smile, lover of all things water/swimming, and best snuggle giving nephew!
Madelyn Blocker
Flower Girl
This sweet girl joined the wedding party in April 2024! Aunt Emily & Uncle Patrick can’t wait to have you as part of our big day!
