Maid of Honor
Laura is the bride's sister, built-in best friend, and biggest hype woman! She is 8 years younger, but 2 inches taller. Laura is such a joy, and the biggest light, which is evident in Alec and Erin's engagement video with her sensational reactions. They share a love of popcorn and naps, and have been by each other's sides since 2003. It only makes sense that Laura will be right next to Erin when she marries Alec, who thinks she's funnier than Erin.
Best Man
Nathan is the groom's brother and a devout contrarian. He is his own person through and through, and motivates Alec to question the status quo at every turn. More importantly, however, he has a fascinating ability to grow a gorgeous beard. Seriously. A protruding mandible sheathed in glorious mahogany manifests envy from even the burliest of men. But truly, like Laura to Erin, Nathan is a built-in best friend who has always been there for Alec through the ups and downs.
Maid of Honor
Julia is the bride's best friend and favorite wedding vendor (catch Julia buzzing around the venue in her bridesmaid's dress filming the action)! Julia and Erin have known each other since early elementary school, but became close in high school and closer in college. They were roomies, and were/are often seen wearing their pajamas in the McDonalds drive thru, adventuring (whether it be to Target or Vancouver, British Columbia), and having way more fun than it makes sense to be having.
Best Man
Ben is the groom's best man and best friend. They met in first grade and the bromance has been alive ever since. From producing their own rap video to sharing the stage during a high-school production of Beauty and the Beast, their countless memories together were just as entertaining for others to watch as they were for them to experience. Even though they reside on other sides of the country, their friendship picks right back up where it left off every time they reconnect.
Bridesmaid
McKell is the bride's college friend and favorite workout buddy. They initially met working at Fargo Youth Commission, a before/after school program, where McKell was the Supervisor, and Erin was the Assistant Supervisor, but often shared classes at North Dakota State. They were the dynamic duo, and quickly recognized how like-minded they are. They both love exercising and food, and their get togethers usually involve one or the other. Fun Fact: McKell got married on Erin's birthday this year (best bday ever)!
Groomsman
Cole is the friend that the groom relates to the most. They sat next to each other in 7th grade one day when Cole leaned over and said, "Hey, do you like 80's rock?" To which Alec replied, "Yes." That's when they knew it was going to be a great friendship. They were even roommates for two freaking awesome years of college at NDSU. From philosophy and politics to health and fitness, these two have always relied on each other to be a rational ear and source of motivation.
Bridesmaid
Chandler is the bride's childhood bestie! They grew up about 7 miles apart just outside of Leonard, ND, and attended church and school together. Chandler and Erin enjoyed riding their bikes to each other's houses and watching Jon and Kate + 8 upon arrival. They've lived in separate cities since high school, but savor every minute together by reminiscing and providing one another with Bath and Body Works candle recommendations. As Ben Rector says, "You can't make old friends."
Groomsman
Joe used to be the groom's personal chef and is still his most reliable friend. Joe joined Alec and Cole as a third roommate during their junior year at NDSU, which is where Joe allowed Alec to eat his gourmet cooking. Speaking of which, when Alec brought Erin over for their second date, Joe had already prepared a fruit salad and dip spread for his girlfriend, Lauren. Joe offered to share these snacks with Alec, who then shared with Erin. When Erin came over to that fruit salad and dip spread "prepared by Alec," she knew he was a keeper. Joe loves this story and insists on taking credit for the wedding you're attending.
Bridesmaid
Sarah was the bride's first friend in North Carolina (besides the groom) and has been her Snapchat best friend ever since. Erin was Sarah's instructional assistant at an elementary school in Durham, and loved every minute of it. Being work pals slowly turned into spending time together outside of work, and now they've spent every Thanksgiving together since 2018. She was in the audience when Alec proposed to Erin!
Groomsman
Evan is the groom's future dentist and honorary dad. Evan was in the Clef Hangers with Alec during his first year at UNC. Evan's soothing, bassy bravato was a calming remedy for Alec's angst from being all alone in a new city. So much so, that Alec knew he was the right person to guide Erin up to the stage for the proposal (peep the Youtube video). Also, Evan's suggestion of #SelnessieTheLochGressMonster was a close second for our wedding hashtag.
Bridesmaid
Lauren and the bride have known each other since grade school, and partook in similar activities in high school (Lauren was Erin's mom in Fiddler on the Roof), but quickly became one of her favorite people when they were roomies and wore each other's clothes for 2 years. Erin always appreciates Lauren's honesty, empathy, and humor. She was also the person that gave Erin the encouragement she needed to not chicken out before her first date with Alec (a big "thank you" from the groom).
Groomsman
Devyn is the groom's eldest cousin. Growing up, Alec always looked up to Devyn. Countless games of kickball, band practice in little Will's room ("ma-zer-a-ti"), and hours upon hours of straight laughter. Devyn is unapologetically edgy, philosophically explicit, and Alec wouldn't want it any other way. Now that they've grown, Devyn encourages Alec to reflect on the grander themes in life. However, there is no shortage of laughter as Devyn continues to casually be the most naturally funny person in the room.
Bridesmaid
Caitlin is a cousin of the bride! Erin refers to her as her, "Gress twin." Caity and Erin grew up in different towns, and only saw each other a couple times a year (short, but sweet times together). They became besties as adults, and bonded over board/card games and cups of coffee at 9:00 PM. Erin has thoroughly enjoyed watching Caity become a supermom to 3 adorable kiddos. Everyone needs a Cousin Caity!
Groomsman
Drew is the groom's cousin (and Devyn's younger brother). He recently graduated chiropractic school, and now generously gives Alec free adjustments every time they meet. He's not giving them out at the wedding, though... too many vertebrae in one room (you're welcome, Drew). From "Annie-I-Over" and "Kick-the-Can" to the infamous Simba game, Alec and Drew made countless fun memories growing up.
Personal Attendant
Hanah is the sister of the Groom and a soon-to-be North Dakota State Bison! Gaining Hanah as a sister is an additional bonus of marrying Alec. Erin has enjoyed watching her grow into the beautiful, smart, mature woman that she is. Erin is excited to have Hanah as her wedding day wing woman!
Personal Attendant
Maren is Alec's youngest sister and fellow book lover and flute player! Erin can't wait to have Maren as a sister!! Maren is sweet, smart, and talented. Erin is looking forward to having Maren as one of her her go-to gals throughout the day.
OFFICIANT & GROOMSMAN
Patrick is the groom's best friend on the other side of the Atlantic. The two met at UNC and quickly bonded over their entrepreneurial dispositions. Just two choir boys singing in an acapella group and envisioning billion dollar ideas (these two activities are not mutually exclusive as Patrick is back in London on his way to becoming a professional opera singer). From New York, Atlanta, and London, to Budapest, Barcelona, and Berlin, these two have basically traveled the world together and hope to add a few more countries to the list!