Natalie & Shannon
Wedding Party
Laine Himmelmann
Maid of Honor
Years Known: 17 First Connected: In the awkward years of high school In a Nutshell: Like an unfiltered soccer mom on spring break, Laine will instigate a night of total debauchery, mother goose you to safety, and then post your most unflattering photos for years to come. Yet somehow still, knowing her is loving her.
Mike Hendershot
Best Man
Years Known: 25 First Connected: On Mike Kaluzynski's couch at one of the more memorable high school parties In a Nutshell: Don't be afraid of the big, loud, hairy guy...he is a gentle giant. Mike is the life of the party and doesn't need encouragement to have a great time but he is happy to oblige. I can speak from experience that it's a dangerous game to try to keep up so I wouldn't try.
Natalie Kuhn
Matron of Honor
Years Known: 25 First Connected: In elementary school where we officially became “The Natalies" or “N-Squared” In a Nutshell: My childhood P.I.C (Partner in Crime) and life co-pilot. Natalie is the friend I can be doing absolutely nothing with but having the best time of my life. Without this ballerina bombshell, I would still be wearing knee-length tie-dye t-shirts and refusing to brush my hair. She is a saint.
Andy Ellis
Groomsman
Years Known: 19 First Connected: Random freezing winter Indiana night, sophomore year of college In a Nutshell: Every group needs a "YES" man and Ellis is the man for the job. He appears rather unassuming but don't be fooled. He is packed and ready for an adventure regardless of the time or place. I guarantee you'll be laughing throughout whatever ridiculousness ensues.
Erin Bellsey
Bridesmaid
Years Known: Entire Life First Connected: In the crib, literally In a Nutshell: Cousin and overall life idol. I spent most of my teenage (and adult) years copying Erin. She has traveled to more countries than Rick Steves and Anthony Bourdain combined; is part-owner of a New Orleans restaurant; and has met food maven Ina Garten. Erin is pretty much a rockstar.
Craig Zeigler
Groomsman
Years Known: 25 First Connected: High school and then again in 2005 when we realized we lived 20 minutes down the road from each in Sacramento In a Nutshell: A midwestern gentlemen in every aspect. He and his wife Tammy were my adoptive family in California and included me like a weird uncle even before they had kids. Tammy got me a position teaching at a Catholic elementary school and Craig let me take him rock climbing. Their judgment is questionable.
Justyn Brill
Bridesmaid
Years Known: Entire Life First Connected: San Francisco, Spring, 1988 In a Nutshell: Patrick Swayze meets Gangnam style dance moves- Justyn is the cousin dreams are made of. She is the "YES" wo-man of the cousin crew and will keep you laughing all night long. Like a bee to honey, everyone wants to hang with Justyn. #InJustynWeTrust
Jake Hendershot
Groomsman
Years Known: 27 First Connected: Keeping score at an elementary basketball game In a Nutshell: Older brother of Mike and arguably the sweetest and most kind person in the room. Talented enough to be considered "Muncie famous"- which is more than the rest of us can say. Jake is the friend that always tries (and fails) to be the voice of reason. Autographs available upon request.
Kaley Cooper
Bridesmaid
Years Known: 17 First Connected: In detention, where we bonded over our inability to not break the school dress code and our undeniable love of Mimi’s Cafe, Juicy tracksuits, and early 2000’s R&B In a Nutshell: A Sacramento cowgirl mixed with a lady BOSS and topped with perfectly manicured nails and hair. Kaley is the friend that always looks so beautiful it makes you wish you had on a better outfit or at least washed your hair.
Jay Weaver
Groomsman
Years Known: 25 First Connected: Riding in a trunk of a hatchback. Bone-thugs provided the soundtrack. In a Nutshell: The quiet one of the group which is ironic because he can keep up with me word for word. Many country cruises and late nights spent waxing philosophically. He's made a lifetime of attempts trying to encourage better behavior. We'll see if he and Jake are successful this time.
Tara Cogan
Bridesmaid
Years Known: 17 First Connected: In the halls of Christian Brothers H.S. In a Nutshell: My token cool friend, TMoney is a walking Snapple cap who can also deadlift approximately 5 million lbs. Upon meeting her, you will probably fall madly in love. Sadly (for you), she is already taken by her husband (Javi) who you will also probably fall madly in love with.
Kirk Flatter
Groomsman
Years Known: 25 First Connected: On my mom's back deck after he and a couple of other hooligans polished off a bottle of whiskey. I immediately wondered...who is this guy? In a Nutshell: I don't think Kirk has ever had a bad day in his life...seriously. He comes preloaded with a smile and hopelessly optimistic attitude. Every group has two friends who are catalyst for your best and worst decisions. Kirk and Mike are that pair.
Tarrah Mesa
Bridesmaid
Years Known: 10 First Connected: Unknown but I am pretty sure Saki was involved In a Nutshell: Tarrah came bursting into my life like a ray of sunshine. She is the constant life of the party - first one on the dance floor, last one-off, and always happy to accept any dance-off challenges. We broke the “no new friends” rule just for her.
Phillip Lenhart
Groomsman
Years Known: 7 First Connected: The family New Year's Eve party. The theme was wigs and it was ridiculous. In a Nutshell: Nat's older brother. He's got all the dirt on my bride-to-be and is willing to share which makes him irreplaceable. He has never met a person or seen a movie that he didn't like. Sports fanatic, foodie, and music junkie which are speaking my language. All in all, I hit the brother-in-law jackpot.
Tracy Lenhart
Bridesmaid
Years Known: Entire Life First Connected: As Babes In a Nutshell: The Southern California version of me except with rhythm and dance moves. She is the embodiment of a bucket list and is always going on Instagram worthy adventures. Tracy and her (equally fun) brother Erik, will most likely challenge Tarrah to a dance-off. Bets are available, ask Laine.
Javi Flores
Officiant
Years Known: 17 years combined First Connected: Through TMoney In a Nutshell: Javi is our officiant, Tara's hubby, and friend to all. He is the person we turn to if we need a shot, honest advice, or a pump-up speech. He's essentially our life sherpa. Fun fact: We asked him to officiate our wedding at Outside Lands 4 years ago. He was the JAVI-ous choice!