Megan & Sam
Wedding Party
Mikaela Wittnebel
Maid of Honor
Megan met Mikaela in preschool, where their shared love for Blues Clues sparked a life-long friendship. They continued to go to school together, with both girls attending Luther Prep and Wisconsin Lutheran College. Megan and Mikaela were roommates for four years in college, where they embarked on several memorable adventures, including two wild Halloween celebrations, several crazy country concerts, and one exhausting road trip to Nashville. There are few memories that do not include Mikaela in Megan's mind. Whether it has been crying over a breakup or celebrating over a new job, Mikaela has been there for every big moment, and Megan cannot wait to have her forever best friend by her side on her wedding day!
Jacob Loken
Best Man
Sam met Jacob while playing baseball for Western Technical College his freshman year. The guys then both transferred to Platteville, where the two became roommates. While Sam and Jacob have many similarities, he learned almost instantly that Jacob did not share his neat bookkeeping skills. Once, during their freshman year, Sam asked Jacob to keep the book while he completed an errand for their coach. When Sam returned, the team was down 22-0 in the first inning, and the book had been completely destroyed with Jacob's scribbles.
Bianca Cook
Bridesmaid
Megan became friends with Bianca her freshman year at Wisconsin Lutheran College. While Megan first thought that Bianca was quiet and shy, her first impression was quickly altered. Bianca's vibrant personality helped Megan survive her first year of college, and the constant laughter sustained the friendship beyond the college years. Bianca's spontaneous attitude brings out Megan's adventurous side and the girls have endless stories together. Bianca is often the life of the party, and Megan is excited for her to add an extra dose of fun to her big day!
Nick Gillitzer
Groomsman
Nick and Sam became friends in middle school. One of Sam's more lively friends, Nick has always had a way of adding adventure to the mix. Once, while the guys were at a concert, Sam decided to play matchmaker. Taking his cue from Barney Stinson, Sam engaged in a game of "haveeeee you met Nick?" Unfortunately for Sam, his target was married, and Nick never trusted him as his wingman again.
Summer Landsverk
Bridesmaid
Summer and Megan became friends while attending high school together at Luther Prep. The girls quickly bonded over their blonde tendencies, laughing with each other at every silly comment. Some of Megan's favorite high school memories involve cookie dough runs and spring tanning sessions with Summer. While the girls selected different college paths, they have remained close and Megan now trusts Summer as her designated hair stylist. Summer finds the fun in every situation, and she cannot wait for Summer to infuse her big day with lots of laughter!
Justin Redman
Groomsman
The baseball diamond at Western Technical College is where the friendship between Sam and Justin first started. With a "life of the party" personality, Justin keeps Sam laughing. During their freshman year, the guys often got together to play cards. One night (where alcohol may have been involved), Justin decided to run across the parking lot in the dark. He managed to trip over a concrete parking block and insisted that he broke his leg. When his friends refused to save him, he got up like nothing ever happened. The guys watching laughed hysterically and the alcohol continued to flow freely.
Lana Manke
Bridesmaid
Lana is Megan's sweet, down-to-earth cousin. While the girls were not as close when they were younger, the two formed a strong bond when they were college freshman together. Bonding over the improbability of finding balance in college, the girls formed a strong friendship. Lana's sensibility and excellent advice have guided Megan through many difficult situations. Megan is thrilled that Lana will be there on her wedding day, calming her nerves and giving her support!
Zach Neisius
Groomsman
Zach is Sam's brother. While the two have many memories together, Sam's favorite was cheering his brother on his senior year of high school. Zach played basketball and baseball that year. Both of his teams made it to State, and Sam was there to support his brother the whole time. Not everyone gets the opportunity to experience State athletics, and Sam was so proud of his brother for making it there twice.
Bridget Manke
Bridesmaid
Bridget is Megan's ever adorable cousin. Megan and Bridget became close throughout their high school years and into college. Their undying love for coffee and passion for Black Friday shopping allowed them to form a unique bond. Bridget's bubbly personality, huge heart, and outward love for her Savior have inspired Megan in many ways. Megan is happy to have Bridget by her side on her wedding day, with her sweet demeanor and big hugs!
Aaron Neisius
Groomsman
Aaron is Sam's youngest brother. Growing up together, the boys have come to share many of the same interests. One of these interests is hunting. For the brothers, Opening Day for gun season was one to remember in 2016. Sam heard Aaron shoot in the morning, and Aaron knew immediately that it was worth mounting. While he was happy for his brother, Sam was slightly annoyed that his two younger brothers had trophy bucks and he was still searching. As luck would have it though, Sam got his later that afternoon, giving both brothers their first wall mounters together. Opening Day is always incredible, but that was definitely one to remember.
Hannah Koepp
Bridesmaid
Megan met Hannah when she began dating her brother, Ben. Megan has always been close to her brother, so it is no surprise that she quickly formed a friendship with his girlfriend. While the two have not known each other for very long, their friendship (built on their love for Vera Bradley and Moscow Mules) has a solid foundation. Hannah's fun loving personality stops Megan from taking herself too seriously, and she knows Hannah will be there to make her smile on her big day!
Ben Landvatter
Groomsman
Ben is Megan's younger brother. While the two do not have many memories together yet, Sam does appreciate Ben's passion for the outdoors. The two both love hunting, fishing, and most sports. Sam particularly enjoyed fishing with Ben while on vacation to Gordon, Wisconsin this past summer, and he is looking forward to more trips in the future with his brother-in-law.
Morgan Marinin
Bridesmaid
Morgan is Sam's energetic, adventurous cousin. When Sam and Megan first started dating, Morgan was the first family member that Megan met (even before his parents)! Morgan has been there since the beginning of our relationship, and she has been a wonderful support system. Morgan's outgoing personality makes her an ideal fit for Megan's bridal party. Megan is excited to have Morgan by her side because she knows Morgan is bound to infuse energy and adventure on her wedding day!
Evan Friesen
Groomsman
Sam met Evan while playing baseball for Western Technical College. The guys became close, and Sam was a groomsman in Evan's wedding. During one night with the wedding party, the guys decided to prank Sam. After having some alcohol (okay, a lot of alcohol), Sam decided to go to bed. When he woke up, he found himself covered in Legos, playing cards, and pool balls. He dug himself out of the mess, only to realize they had covered his face in highlighter. While Sam took the joke well, he has full plans for revenge now that Evan is in his wedding party!
Ben Marinin
Usher
Ben is Sam's cousin. When thinking through his memories with Ben, Sam stumbled across one from their early hunting days. The boys decided to go hunting on their own, and Sam was fortunate enough to get a doe (though it was so small, Sam said it barely qualified as a deer). Anyway, after the adrenaline wore off, the guys realized they had to gut a deer. The only problem was that neither of them had gutted a deer. So, they turned to YouTube. Ben held the phone, and Sam made the cuts. The procedure was successful and both guys went on to become experts on the subject!
Joey Linder
Usher
Joey and Sam met in first grade. Their friendship has continued for nearly two decades, despite the fact that Joey nearly killed Sam. When they were younger, the boys rode their bikes all over town. One afternoon, Sam wanted to go over a jump and into the road. He asked Joey to check for traffic and give him the all clear. Joey gave the signal, Sam made the jump, and narrowly missed the truck that was headed straight for him. Thankfully, both boys survived as did the friendship.