Elia & Spencer
Wedding Party
Elia Benitez
Bride
Does she even need an introduction? Without her this entire celebration would have been held at some disgusting banquet hall with hamburger helper.
Spencer Siegel
Groom
The guy who is marrying up. Btw... Elia really hates this hat. It's the biggest source of tension in our relationship.
Ryan VanParys
Best Man
Ryan still blames me for a horrible sophomore year of college when I bailed on him as a roomie to study abroad and he got stuck with 3 other guys who were probably the most unsanitary men on the planet. Despite the setback we've always remained close. We've had the opportunity to travel the world together and even though we live on opposite coasts we always manage to find time to hang out a few times each year. And although Ryan plays the part of the most consummate professional I have photos to prove otherwise. The quality of his toast will determine whether those photos get busted out.
Julia Benitez
Maid of Honor
Julia Benitez is easily the life of every party! Just her presence and contagious laugh are like a irresistible magnet - extremely hard not to love her. For that, and a million more reasons she is my best friend. We have been close since the day I was born and go so far back that the list of stories and blackmail material are loooong. Julia is my cousin, my most trusted confidant, and my partner in crime. Since I can remember we have been a force to be reckoned with because she brings out a side of me that no one else can. Fun is an understatement. My most treasured memories in life are shared with Julia and when we get together it is pure hilarity. I could not imagine life without her. I am most honored that she is my maid of honor.
Daniel Siegel
Groomsman
We literally spent every day together for 16+ years from the time Dan was born until I went to college. Riding the bus to school, playing outside, family vacations...Dan was there for it all (not necessarily all by choice). As any older brother I always set a great example for him and made his life as easy as possible at all turns. Dan doesn't realize it... but I've been jealous of him for the past 5 years. As I've frozen my ass off every winter he gets to live my dream life in sunny Florida. But now he'll at least get to enjoy the beautiful summer weather in Minnesota as one of the main men at my wedding.
Sara Vargas
Bridesmaid
Sara Vargas! The women who can do it all. From sports reporter on Telemundo to a relationship therapist, I have never met anyone more dedicated to life and making the most of it than, Sara. She is the easiest person to talk to, the best listener and the most accurate advice giver. We met in Chicago when I hired her to be a swim instructor. It was clear to me in the first 5 minutes that we would be great friends! No matter the place, no matter the time, I get stomach aches from laughing so hard at all our shenanigans. I will forever have nostalgia for the years I spent with Sara in Chicago. Purely grateful for this ladies existence.
Drew Dozier
Groomsman
Drew has a big game. But he's also been known to pass out after 3 beers. Outside of gambling which type of Drew was going to show up for a night out (big game Drew or big nap Drew?), I had the pleasure of teaching biology with him at the same high school in Florida where we got to laugh, yell, and commiserate for 2 years. And when I got roped into coaching varsity soccer I pulled Drew right along (and made him take the role of head coach). John was always jealous that I spent so much time with Drew. John was my wife, Drew was my work wife.
Rachel Johnson
Bridesmaid
This fun-loving wise soul is one of my dearest friends. I met her when she was handing a mug to our 3rd grade teacher. There is not a better friend in the world than Rachel, her love and loyalty are strong and it shows in her group of close friends. I am extremely honored to be considered one of them. Even though for the last 10 years we have lived in different states and countries, we still manage to go backpacking in South America and glamping in Mount Rushmore. I appreciate her down for anything mentality. She lives life to the fullest, travels, and creates. I am eternally grateful to call her a friend.
Kasey Boyd
Groomsman
Kasey was my main man in Minnesota and introduced me to basically everything in the land of 10,000 lakes. Although Kasey and I both worked for P&G he was so much more than a co-worker. Kasey is always on the move and invited Elia and I out everywhere... from sporting events, to breweries, to house parties, to summer lake/pool throw downs. He helped make Minnesota a place I called home and was always up for whatever was going on. And as my departing gift when I left Minnesota Kasey finally forced me to go to Red Dragon. We'll leave it at that.
Christina Jacobsen
Bridesmaid
Christina and I met in high school chemistry class. Once we met, we were inseparable - like a hydrogen bond. I would hang at her house after school and felt like over the years I had become family. After high school comes college and then comes life. Our friendship has lasted through many transformations, life experiences, and life stages. A friendship like the one I have with Christina is one that I wish for everyone. This devoted super momma of 3 beautiful kiddos is multi-talented and one of the hardest working women in the world with the biggest heart and best apple pie! I stood by Christina at her wedding and it's only fitting she is here for my next big life event.
John Russell
Groomsman
When I first met John he was a beer guy. In fact, he basically introduced me to beer and for that I am thankful. But now he's a whiskey guy... and I don't think he's going to be as successful closing that sale. John and I are unlikely friends. The only reason he even hung out with me at first was because he had no choice but to ask me to live with him. He needed a third roommate and couldn't find anyone else. I was also very skeptical. But he now competes head-to-head with Drew for my love and affection. In all seriousness, John has been a confidant and close friend for the past 10 years and I wouldn't trade it for anything. #MuchLoveJohn #Hashtag #WhatWouldJohnHastag #UF>UNC #TooManyHashtagsForJohn #WouldStillChooseDrew
Jennifer Davis
Bridesmaid
If you were to ask me to say one word that describes Jenni I would list all of the good ones. I think so highly of her and feel straight admiration for the way she shows up in the world. Jenni and I met in Costa Rica on a study abroad. I remember being enthralled by her cadence, intelligence, and her sense of humor. Like a bottle of good wine Jenni and our friendship only get better with time. I cannot express how impactful Jenni has been in my life these last 5 years. We have been roommates 2 separate times and both of which are highlights of my time back in MN. She exudes wisdom and beauty through her pores and I feel lucky to call her a friend.
David Chauncey
Groomsman
Dave ran for public office and so now it's impossible to find photos with evidence of debauchery of him on the internet... so out of respect he gets a head shot (Chauncey 2024?). Dave became my roommate during my 2nd year in the classroom and we taught just down the road from one another. During that time Dave force-fed me University of Florida propaganda and eventually convinced me to go to UF to get my MBA. As I was getting my MBA Dave was getting his JD... which basically meant I got to party and he got to study. We lived together for 2 years in grad school where I was always in awe of how tight-knit his family was and the way they embraced me every time they came into town.
Ashley Diessner
Bridesmaid
Ashley is a super women, the salt of the earth and simply an amazing human being. I admire her ability to achieve all her dreams. No goal is too big for Ashley. Her drive and heart guide her to master this crazy thing called life gracefully and with style. This new momma is a business owner, product owner, and home owner. I met Ashley working at a sports bar back in 2007 and the rest is history. I had an amazing 20's and so much credit for that goes to this lady right here. We have shared tons of adventures, trips, and life experiences. I wish I had an ounce of her super abilities. Seriously, I believe she is my spirit animal.
Kaelyn Busse
Flower Girl
I could not be more excited to have Kaelyn as my flower girl! I first met Kaelyn when she was about 3 years old. I babysat her one evening and she prepared the best tea party anyone could ask for! Since then I have spent 5 spring breaks with Kaelyn and her family. She is absolutely one of the many highlights of those trips all over the country. She has the best game ideas and is so much fun to be around!
Jayla Amore
Baby Bride
This is Jayla! Also a flower girl :) This little girl’s smile will light up a room. She may be almost 2 years old but she has a personality of a mature 20 year old. I have never met a more laid back little girl. She can speak many words, loves to play, and can hang with the best of them! Love you Jayla!
Oscar Real
Baby Groom
This little ham is the lucky guy who gets to walk with the 2 flower girls down the aisle! He has the best dance moves and can count to 5 but his best crowd pleaser is the infamous fake sneeze that Elia taught him :) You’ll catch Oscar on the dance floor. First one on, last one off!
Alex Buth
Officiant
Elia and I don’t have a priest, minister, or rabbi. But we do have an Alex Buth! Alex was our neighbor, co-worker, and friend in Minneapolis. She moved to Texas for bigger and better things and Minneapolis wasn’t the same without her. We couldn’t be more excited to have her marry us.