Wedding Party
Tom Bates
Officiant
Caleb, Tom, and Tom’s wife, Peyton, were teammates on the South Dakota State track and field team and have remained close ever since. Sam fit right in from the moment she was introduced to Tom and Peyton. Whether it’s volleyball leagues, pickleball, board games, or cheering on our favorite teams, we make a point to spend time together multiple times a week, year-round. Tom and Peyton are fully integrated into the Augustana friend group at this point, and we are all blessed to have them around! Fun fact: Tom made the 30 under 30 list in Sioux Falls as a graphic designer, and his artwork can be found all around Sioux Falls!
Abby Marts
Maid of Honor
Abby is Sam's first enemy and bestie. It's no secret the two haven't always gotten along, but something changed when Sam went to college and Abby had a car to herself for her last year of high school. They ended up being roommates in college and even past college when Caleb moved in. Abby lived with Sam and Caleb through most of their dating years and is a sister to them both. Sam doesn't know what she would do without Abby now! To everyone who said it would be like this eventually, thank goodness you were right! Fun fact: Abby's boyfriend Evan ran track with Caleb at SDSU, and is the star of our "Setters of Catan" volleyball team.
Blake Chesley
Best Man
Sam and Sophia (Blake's fiancé) became besties their sophomore year of college while going through the dreadful Augustana University Biology program together. The two girls spent most of their time studying together, which led to a much-needed friendship. Blake and Sophia were already together at the time, so Blake was around for much of it. Then Sam met Caleb... Caleb met Blake... and BOOM! The two became inseparable. The quartet spends countless hours together, golfing, playing volleyball and Catan (Blake's favorite), watching our favorite HBO shows, and any other excuse we can think of. Sam and Caleb are both honored to be in Blake and Sophia's wedding on May 22, so the group is sharing a lot of milestones together! Fun fact: Caleb and Blake are undefeated and discouraged to be teammates when our friend group plays beer die.