Matron of Honor
Kels is obviously my day one, my older sister, the one who had to share a bathroom and all her clothes with me. I used to sneak into her room after mom and dad thought we were in bed and we would stay up talking and giggling for a few more hours. We would also fight so bad, dad would make us sit on the couch next to each other and hold hands until we were over it. Dad always said, "you will always have each other." Turns out we got each others initials tattooed on the wrists of those hands he made us hold when we were fighting. Speaking of... she was the worst and best influence on me. Tattoos, nose piercings... mom always had to ask when I came home from her house what we did this time. Kelsie grew up a little faster than me, but it didn't mean we grew apart. I still spent as much time (if not a little more, maybe much to Jared's dismay) with her (well.. with Deano to start). I was blessed to spend the first 9 months of my college career living in the same town as Kelsie and Jared (and Dean starting in September). Had to spend a few nights there, bring her food from Weary Wills, and also paint her toes at 9 months pregnant, but I wouldn't have done it for anyone else. She is the best mom to my two favorite boys and a role model for being a mom, wife, and the best older sister.
Bridesmaid
Emily is the day one bestie - the one who sat down and invited herself to play with the red blocks on the first day of kindergarten in Mrs. Crowley's class. We went through the bowl cut phases, the "I'm allergic to chicken nuggets" phase, the awkward middle school phase, the boy crazy phase, the teaching to flirt phase, the Sophie transferring schools phase... All the way to going to SDSU together in 2016, finally living in the same town and many library/study dates. Fast forward to 2023ish, both of us being single and in Sioux Falls together (for about 4 months.. thanks for breaking that Em), too much partying (sorry mom), going to Disney World together, and finally finding our forever men, being engaged, planning our weddings, and getting married 3 weeks apart. Just the things we've planned and dreamt about since the early days in Mrs. Crowley's class and now we're here! <3
Bridesmaid
The girl I actually didn't like at first ;) Emily R ^ and Em (formerly Johnson) Stevermer, knew each other Emily R's sophomore year of college and Em Stevermer's freshman year. It wasn't until mine and Emily R's junior year Emily R invited me out for drinks and I thought, "alright, this girl is actually very cool." We actually had class in Rotunda at the same time on Monday/Wednesday so we started walking to class together (Em would say I "stalked" her but I would wait for her so we could walk together!). I'm not sure how I would have gotten through our COVID year and my first year of grad school without her. Some of my favorite memories include: George's pizza, teaching Em to make brownies, forcing her to watch The Bachelor, anything involving downtown Brookings, "I got a jar of dirt", kicking light poles, Subway deliveries, Vikings football, any deer camp, talks with Em, Shirley and Donna, blasting "Forever" by Chris Brown the morning of her wedding, Stevermer wedding, seeing Em as a mom. She was definitely one of my fastest friends and I owe it all to Emily R for inviting me out that night. She's been there for me at my absolute worst and has the most caring and loving soul and I'm so glad I've found a forever friend in her.
Bridesmaid
Nikki is Ryan's older sister and the sweetest girl. The first time I met her, within a day, she was letting me sit by her, holding my hand, and laying her head on me. We love to look at funny pictures of her stinky brother! My favorite memory with Nikki was curling her hair for Christmas and always watching her with Ryan. I am blessed to call her my sister-in-law. ❤️
Best Man
Man, where can I start. I think my first memory of Dominick was in my freshman year dorms at Dakota State University, and I think he remembers seeing me slightly intoxicated! From that moment on, we were connected as best friends. From countless nights in the dorms, laying on his floor stressed with classes while listening to mystery underground rap (how he finds some things I have no idea), or to living together for the rest of our colleges careers, he has always been by my side. Thanks for being so welcoming to this Arizona guy to living the South Dakota way!
Groomsman
Duncan. I think that is the only way to describe this guy as he is that unique. If you ask any of my coworkers, you would probably be shocked that he is not wearing the dress for this event. I have known of Duncan all the way back into college, but never got extremely close until my work career began. He has since made work days go by quicker, always willing to help in anyway he can, and be one of the most reliable individuals that I know. I am forever thankful that work brought me a brother.
Groomsman
I think Noah is one of the folks that is, safe to say, the reason I am still in South Dakota (besides Sophie ;)). We met our freshman year, and for a while, I thought Noah hated me as he was direct competition for me in baseball position-wise, but turned out we would become brothers. From being my sophomore year roommate, to spending holidays with his amazing family, he is one of the reasons I am taking this stage of life soon. I am so thankful for the crazy nights, fun calls, and subpar golf outings we have together. Thank you for always being a phone call away and taking me in like your own blood.
Groomsman
My first memory of Jackson came in middle school, when he was the new kid from Yuma. From that moment, our bond grew and found ourselves in circles of friends together. We went to high school together, and eventually both transferred to another school to play baseball together. That school was a half hour drive away from where we lived, so we spent many times in our beater first cars driving to Maricopa. From the trips in the car, to the basketball season where we were the team, and everything in between, Jackson has always been there and ready to have a good time. I am so proud of the man you have become, and can't wait to share this stage with a great brother of mine. Thank you!
Junior Groomsman
Deano is my (Sophie) oldest nephew, her little man, my not-so-little bestie. I've pretty much been with Dean straight out of my sister's womb. I was lucky to live in Brookings with Kels, Jared and Dean for the first 6ish months of Dean's life, so I was over there quite a bit. Being his aunt and watching him grow into the incredibly smart, tenderhearted, people-loving dude has been the best <3
Usher
From Sophie - Jared is my brother-in-law. I've known Jared for about 11 years now and as you can imagine, the first few times I met him, I despised him. He was stealing my sister away from me!! Eventually, I realized him and his rugby-loving, chin-strap wearing self wasn't going anywhere. Not to inflate his ego, but he is definitely the best brother, best dad to my nephews, and best husband to my sister, I could have asked for. From Ryan - Jared, the other man of the house hold I always strived to impress. He is one of the greatest dads I have ever met to his 2 boys. He is also one of the most genuine souls I have met, whether we are talking about how the Vikings have their franchise QB (wrong), or if the Cowboys are winning it all (always the right answer), he is always there to chat and give his advice to help guide me. Thank you for being you, and allowing me to also be an outsider in the Leikvold family!
Usher
Oh Nate. Where do I start. Usually one of the lives of the party, always ready to crack a joke and have a good time. If you asked me in college, I would not have thought Nate and I would have been as close as we are now. We were always friends, and hung out in similar friend groups, but never were extremely close. I am glad that has changed, and glad I can spend many week nights hanging with you wether it is softball, our sand volleyball nights, or anything in between. Thank you for being you!
Ring Bearer
Krew is Sophie's youngest nephew. He is young Sophie reincarnated - ask my sister. He is all things sassy, angry-eyes, Mr. Independent, and mini-terror, but also funny, matter-of-fact, and pretty darn cute. His FAVORITE person is Uncle Ryan over everyone. He always wants to watch tractors on Ryan's phone or climb all over the human jungle gym. We love that little man!