Samantha & Ben
Wedding Party
Brad Hogan
Best Man
Bradley has been my pseudo-brother ever since he tricked me into thinking he was sick by using a whoopie cushion when we were in elementary school. From wrestling together (both on the mat and in the Hogan's basement), to days spent swimming, and night games tramping through the fabled Mallard Ponds neighborhood in Eagan, I couldn't have asked for a better friend to share the golden years of childhood and adolescence with. Ahead of us are more Denver adventures, concerts, and time spent cheering against the Badgers. Sam and I are also so excited to get to know Baby Hogan as the years go by. Love you man.
Anna Alleven
Maid of Honor
In addition to being a full time sister, I rely on Anna to pick up on just about every movie reference thrown her way. She was the original roommate for 10 years, and on a good day, we can get each other laughing so hard she cries (but let's be honest, our mom says that's every time we're together). In more recent years, Anna is adventurer extraordinaire. She continues to inspire me with her fearlessness; living in Singapore fall semester 2019. Spend just about any amount of time with her and you'll get a glimpse of her quick wit, big heart, and, despite being the youngest, a great deal of sage wisdom. From having to beg her to put on one of my many Cinderella dresses growing up, its only fitting she plays a pivotal role in a much more important day for dress up.
Scott Hogan
Best Man
Doctor Scott represents my second brother via growing up in Eagan. To this day, Scott still has my number on the tennis court but I maintain that I am the superior ping pong player in the rich history of Mallard Ponds. I will never forget being able to play varsity soccer with my best friend in the fall of 2008, then follow that up with a grueling wrestling season by his side as he set school records. Scott, you truly live life for all its worth and I so admire the enthusiasm and joy that you bring to every day. You have been a role model for me since day one, and someone who I know will always be there. Here's to future times on the lake and nights spent singing "Tennessee Whiskey" off key.
Betsy Ottman
Bridesmaid
Where do I start? Betsy lived across the hall from me my first year at the University of Minnesota. My first impression of her was after an orientation ice breaker, and Betsy asks if I would like to join her "Fanny Pack Club" she was starting. Needless to say it took me a few weeks to understand her sense of humor and recover from my initial skepticism, but we've been friends ever since. Betsy is one of the most loyal people I know, and I can always count on her for complete and total honesty. I should also mention that she was the person I reached out to when I was "vetting" Ben for our first date, since she studied abroad with him back in college. Thanks Betsy for not talking me out of it!
Jack Yakowicz
Groomsman
I have known Jack since...well he can tell you that story individually! Let's just say that since sixth grade I have been fortunate enough to have a best friend in my grade by my side. Summer days as youths were spent playing backyard football and getting too sun burnt in the pool swimming, while the present sees us enjoying craft beers by crackling fires. Jack is one of the most personable people I have ever met in my life and shares my nostalgic remembrance of what once was. If only I could get him to travel outside of the greater Fargo/Moorhead area and do a California road trip with me. I'm lucky to have you by my side man.
Julia Carlson
Bridesmaid
Julia and I have done quite a lot together over the years. We were on the executive board of our sorority together, we started our full time jobs at Accenture together, traveled internationally for business together (I highly recommend a trip to Argentina with your work bestie), and lived together twice. Julia is one of those friends who motivates you to do better because they're so on top of things. She has been my sounding board on many occasions and so, it only makes sense that she stands by my side on the big day.... together? Regardless, Jules I'm so grateful for you, and look forward to many more roomie counter talks for years to come.
Quincy Gottwig
Groomsman
There are few people in this world who have the joy and energy that Quincy brings to every day. I liken Quincy to the "Dos Equis man", as someone with countless stories and adventures, all while saying "bleibt durstig, meine freunde". Ever since learning about "that kid who speaks fluent German" in sixth grade, Quincy has provided countless moments of laughter and loyalty. From playing in band together, to high school wrestling, and trips out to Boston and Madison, I've been lucky enough to be great friends with one of the coolest, most humble dudes around for many, many years. Here's hoping my darts game can step up a notch!
Lauren Hiscock
Bridesmaid
I met Lauren through Chi Omega on campus. As my "big sister" she looked out for me for the remaining 3 years of college (and lets be honest to this day). Everyone who knows Lauren knows that she loves to entertain. Weekend waffles at her place was always a staple, and she made sure that anyone was welcome. Her inclusive and warm personality is the first thing you notice when you talk to her. I look up to her in so many ways, and even joined the same consulting firm after graduation. She is loyal, supportive, and spontaneous, which comes in handy if you ever feel the need to follow a whim on any given day! I also should mention that she also knew Ben even before I did, since she interned with him at Carlson Companies. Don't worry Ben, she had good things to say!
Jack Frederickson
Groomsman
Why is Freddy a great friend? Is it the fact that we enjoy discussing any number of subjects, from classic film, to politics, to literature? Is it that he looks forward to lending his insight towards the cinema of Orson Welles, the documentaries of Ken Burns, or the current affairs in the sports world? The answer to all of these is yes, but mostly the answer lies within the convictions which Freddy brings to his life everyday and his passion for helping his fellow man and making the world a better place. With you in it brother it already is one. I can't wait for what's ahead.
Megan Bredehorst
Bridesmaid
Megan and I studied abroad together in Toledo, Spain. We got paired up on the first day to be roommates in the dorm... we had no idea what we were getting into. We've traveled across Europe, enjoyed plenty of gelato, and took turns napping in various beautiful parks (Milan you were great!). She's the one you want by your side if you're ever trapped in an airport or in unfamiliar territory, because she will turn it into your favorite memory of the trip. Megan is hilarious, and I usually find myself laughing until my sides hurt when we get together. She is clever, sharp, and light-hearted. Not to brag, but she also has killer dance moves, which we can only hope that she will bring to the dance floor at the wedding!
Tom Alleven
Groomsman
From one meeting with Tom, you can tell he is wise beyond his years. Tom has a heart of gold and loves time spent with his family, of which I have been so fortunate to be welcomed into by him. You can find the two of us living our best life together shooting pool and singing "Dixieland Delight" at Rookies Bar in Clear Lake Iowa, or hitting the ping pong table in the Alleven basement. Tommy, you are truly a friend of mine and I consider myself so lucky to have you and your sense of humor in my life. P.s., to this day I still attest that you would have been a great wrestler.
Jessica Schmitz
Bridesmaid
Jess was one of the first family members Ben ever introduced me to. I remember double checking with Ben every family function after that whether his sister was going to be there. She was amazing at being a friendly face as I got more acquainted with the family. Jess is one of those people that has a witty response to anything, can quote any relevant movie in any situation, and knows the perfect meme to add in a text chain. She's sarcastic (in the most perfect way), funny, and ambitious. She accomplishes pretty much everything she sets her mind to, and I'm so, so excited to have her as a sister-in-law!
Tony Alleven
Groomsman
Tony, and his wife Katie, have been nothing but generous and warm in welcoming me into the family. Sam and I have been fortunate to visit them a number of times in Seattle, each of which has been a treat. Tony is incredibly bright and loves nothing more than seeing what this world has to offer. Tony, your adventurous spirit and search for bettering yourself in life is infectious. As with your brother, I truly consider you to be a friend for life and one whom I look forward to many years of laughs and explorations with. Now that you're back in the Midwest, we'll have to keep hitting the tennis court!
Katie Alleven
Bridesmaid
Katie has been a welcome addition to our family over the past couple of years. You could say she's uniquely qualified to let Ben know just what he's getting in to. Lucky for all of us, Katie is a world traveler, board game enthusiast, and hiking machine. She is always up to explore some park (whether here or in Seattle when we came to visit), or recommend the next good book I need to read. She is curious, kind, and incredibly generous. She's such a happy light to any family dinner, and I look forward to so many Sunday night dinners with her to come. Love you Katie!