Carolyn+Scott
Wedding Party
Amanda Dolen
Matron of Honor
As Carolyn’s only female cousin, ‘Mandy’ and Carolyn have always been more like sisters than cousins. From forcing their poor families to sit through endless impromptu plays and piano performances to playing hours of school, many of Carolyn’s fondest childhood memories include Amanda. She’s lucky to have a great friend in her, and it’s been the best to grow up together.
Jared Nelson
Co-Best Man
From the beginning, Big Brother was there to take care of Little Brother. Thankfully Little Brother wasn’t the pugilistic sort, so Big Brother could stick to teaching him the finer things in life: catching a baseball & driving a stick-shift. Central Nebraska won’t soon forget the mark they made, whether it was bowling a 200 at The Big Apple or floating for hours down the Platte on a summer’s day.
Hilary Coufal
Bridesmaid
Carolyn and Hilary’s friendship was born after a piano recital at the mall in fourth grade. Hilary asked Carolyn if she wanted to come to her house, and gave her a lip gloss ring from Bath & Body Works. How could she say no to that? From being neighbors in Scottsbluff to recently attending the best Backstreet Boys concert of all time, she’s been there for it all.
Matthew Dreher
Groomsman
“The Dreher” was the first of Scott’s friends met during their freshman year at the college. The two had a mutual appreciation of Husker football, soccer, and video game football leagues. They later dedicated themselves to winning university intramural soccer championships. It's probably for the best that we leave their story there—just know that they’re presumably more mature than this lets on.
Megan Lehl
Bridesmaid
Megan and Carolyn have been friends since they bonded at five years old during Bitty Basketball at the YMCA. Realizing they both sucked at sports, they spent the rest of their childhood years doing more fun things like running around Target and drinking frappes in the mall. Even though she now lives across the world in New Zealand, Megan’s making the trek back for the big day.
Tim Ostdiek
Groomsman
Scott’s first friend from Scottsbluff, the two were inseparable for years, especially after Scott moved in two houses down. Whether it was climbing dining restaurants or juggling soccer balls up and down the stairs, the two boys made the most of Western Nebraska. The distance from New York is the direct antithesis of how they grew up, which is why the bond endures through all time and space.
Shelby Hinze
Bridesmaid
Shelby and Carolyn met when they were both five years old. They became fast friends at several play dates, despite Shelby being scared of Carolyn’s big brother and needing to color with her dad to feel better. They’ve had lots of adventures together, including sleeping through long tour bus rides through Germany and driving around the streets of Scottsbluff at midnight listening to Teddy Geiger.
Spencer McCoy
Groomsman
One time, Real McCoy and Scott starred on Bluffs Middle School Basketball’s C Team. By starred, we of course mean they showed up to practice and dressed up like pretend basketball players. This is where friendships are built that last a lifetime: with only a slim glimmer of happiness on the horizon. After experiences like that, it’s no wonder that Spencer will stand beside Scott on the big day.
Lillie Strudthoff
Bridesmaid
Lillie and Carolyn bonded sophomore year in college as they attempted to do Flirty Girl Fitness in the basement of Chi Omega. About 10 minutes in, they realized how ridiculous it was, and switched to more tasteful workout, Tracy Anderson, instead. Workouts turned into bowling and margarita hangouts, which turned into a lifelong friendship.
Andrew McClure
Groomsman
Scott’s got an eye for soccer talent. One bright and beautiful day in Lincoln, he saw a ball rolling softly along the grass. Suddenly, all time and space was ruptured when a thunderous left boot contacted and sent the ball into warp space. “McClearance” was born, and Scott was smitten. The two now pursue other ventures together, including co-authoring a novel together about office jargon.
Haley Jones
Bridesmaid
The closest Carolyn has ever been to online dating was asking Haley to be her college roommate freshman year on Club Red. She said yes, and the rest is history. Haley made Carolyn’s first year of college unforgettable; Haley even made Carolyn’s bed that year and drove her around in Carolyn’s car. Their friendship has remained long past college, and Carolyn loves Haley’s visits to NYC!
Jon Love
Groomsman
Jon was The Dreher’s roommate in The Ocho, so it was only a matter of time before Scott and Jon gained a mutual respect for observation of Matt's sleeping habits. Think of it as a neo-post-modernist version of bird watching, only it’s 3 PM and the bird is still asleep. The two enjoy being Americans, founding t-shirt companies, and managing virtual Borussia Monchengladbach to virtual championships.
Darci Deaver
Bridesmaid
Darci and Carolyn met in kindergarten. One of the first memories that Carolyn has of Darci is her telling her how much she loved pesto. Carolyn didn’t know what pesto was, so she immediately thought Darci was very cool and intriguing. After 20+ years of friendship including numerous dress-up play dates, Darci is a long time friend and Carolyn feels grateful to have her as part of her wedding day.
James "Heem" Tobey
Groomsman
On August 5, 1777, Marquis de Lafayette met George Washington in a fateful day that would forever change the course of our nation. Centuries later, an equally momentous occasion gave us Heem and Scott: two of F.C. Bel Air’s and America’s finest. You’ll find them bagging goals and Bel Air Saluting, wherever such things can be found.
Bethany Clark
Bridesmaid
Beth is Carolyn’s sister-in-law and a true gem. Carolyn couldn’t have picked a better wife for her brother – or a better friend. From board game playing to gin drinking to Backstreet Boys dancing, she’s the sister Carolyn never had and Carolyn is so glad to have a sister in Beth. And, of course, being the aunt to Drew and Beth’s sweet 100-pound Bernese, Kevin, is an added bonus.
Drew Clark
Groomsman
Contrary to popular belief, Scott and Drew go back farther than Scott and Carolyn (Drew’s sister). High school teacher Sharon Mensing, for example, would be well aware of the two. Today, Drew and Scott enjoy a mutual love-hate of Husker football and basketball, prop bets, most people’s opinions, and the statute of limitations.
Amber Olson
Bridesmaid
Amber is Scott’s older sister and one of Carolyn’s great friends. They’ve gotten to spend a lot of time together over the past decade, including trips to Disney and drinking raspberry rickies in Scottsdale. Carolyn talks to Amber just as much, if not more, than she talks to Scott and is thrilled to continue their conversations of fashion, deodorant choices, and more as official sisters.
Bill Olson
Co-Best Man
Bill started out as Scott’s brother-in-law, but he’s grown to become his jack-of-all-trades: manager, occasional roommate, and right-hand man. They’ve achieved some remarkable accomplishments: coining the term “redonkulous” and setting the world record for most hours spent on a single couch. Speaking of that couch: the Red Room may be gone, but it lives forever in the hearts of those who loved it.
Joe Kozal
Usher
Joe learned the brutality of politics early on. Counting on Scott's support to run for president of the Bluffs Middle School Student Council (this is a real thing), he was instead double-crossed. Scott entered himself as a last-minute candidate, emerging victorious. Like all good politicians, they flip-flopped later and became close friends. The highlight: approximately four "prog rock" (this is also a real thing) shows attended together.
Anthony Watson
Usher
Anthony is one of Scott's closest cousins (there are more than 50, so that's pretty impressive!). As the most intimidating person attending this wedding, he was the first choice to bring law and order to the ushering process. Expect to be seated efficiently, firmly, and with no funny business (read: he's the kindest person you'll ever meet).
Thomas Wright
Usher
As one of Carolyn's closest male cousins (read: there are only two), Thomas was always in the running for a coveted usher spot. As the only person in the wedding party not over some ridiculous age, we knew he was badly needed to spice up the place a bit.
John Clark
Usher
As one of Carolyn's closest male cousins (read: there are only two), J-Boy was always in the running for a coveted usher spot. One summer, Scott stayed with the Lincoln Clarks for the summer. The manufacturer of Jack's Frozen Pizzas had stocks hit all-time highs. There was also a lot of NHL 14 video games involved. It wasn't the most impressive look for either.
Lauren Albin
Honor Attendant
Lauren and Carolyn met in college the day they joined Chi Omega. Carolyn quickly realized that Lauren is the type of kind soul you want to be friends with. Lauren filled Carolyn's college days with happiness and Razzles, and an epic semester of living in "Hell" (Chi Omega's basement) together.
Allie Casavant
Honor Attendant
Allie and Carolyn also met on the first day they joined Chi Omega. Despite being an intense and overwhelming day, Carolyn will never forget Allie's kind demeanor and knew they would be fast friends. Through several semesters of living together, Carolyn still remains grateful for Allie's numerous baked goods.
Sam & Henry Olson
Co-Ring Bearers
Amber and Bill's twin toddlers are here to really bring the house down. As the date draws closer, we'll be taking bets on the actual results of their ring-bearing performance! The two native Arizonans are diehard Huskers who are more than happy to give you a "Go Big Red!" if you ask.
Annabelle Olson
Flower Girl
Amber and Bill's daughter is at the peak of her craft. It's rare to find an 8-year-old who is already able to retire. After her fourth run as a flower girl, you're looking at a kid at the absolute pinnacle of the profession. Be sure to catch this little one walking down the aisle—it might be something you tell your grandchildren about one day.