Talya & Christian
Our Wedding Party
Channing Schmidt
Maid of Honor
Talya and her younger sister, Channing, are very different, yet they share a special connection. From the very beginning, Channing has been unapologetically herself; brave, bold, and unafraid to stand out or speak her mind. She has always embraced her uniqueness with a fearless spirit and a sense of adventure that inspires Talya more than she can say. Talya's heart is full knowing Channing will be by her side today. Channing is currently attending UW Madison and plans to pursue dental school after graduating in 2027. Over time, Talya has noticed many traits in Christian that remind her of Channing, their shared strength, care for those they hold close, and even their weird obsession with teeth.
Donovan McGalloway
Co-Best Man
Christian’s younger brother and guaranteed life of the party, Donovan not only looks like him but also shares many of the same interests, bringing them even closer over the years. They’re often a package deal, whether hitting the golf course or heading out with friends, and their bond continues to grow as they navigate life together. Growing up, Donovan had a knack for keeping everyone laughing, turning even the most ordinary days into something memorable. He’s also known for his competitiveness, whether in sports or friendly debates, which keeps things interesting between the two brothers. Donovan is currently studying at Grand Canyon University in Arizona and is set to graduate in spring 2026 with plans to pursue a career in finance, often joking that Christian will be his first client.
Emma Estenson
Bridesmaid
Emma is like the older sister that Talya never had, always ready with great advice, helpful tips, and a heart that's genuinely tuned into the needs of others. As a passionate elementary school teacher, Emma inspires not only Talya but her students with her kind heart, creativity, and remarkable attention to the little things most overlook. Talya is constantly inspired by the way she approaches life and, of course, she's always asking, "Hey, where did you get that? Do I need it too?", when it comes to Emma's stylish products and clothing. Now that they are in the same state, they are excited to create more special memories together.
Joseph Brunette
Co-Best Man
Christian’s cousin and lifelong best friend, Joseph shared many classes with him growing up, creating countless memories and nonstop fun. Most decisions felt like team efforts since they rarely did anything without each other’s input, and their bond only grew stronger over the years, even as life took them in different directions. They were often placed in the same classroom until the teachers realized they wouldn’t stop talking, only to be separated the following year. Joseph now lives in Fond du Lac and is climbing the ranks at Quest Interiors, and despite their busy schedules, they’ve always found ways to stay connected. Both he and Christian are looking forward to being back in the same area again soon!
Britt Rasner
Bridesmaid
Britt and Talya have been friends since middle school and even shared two years as college roommates. Many nights were spent sitting on the floors of their bedrooms, just across the hall, staying up late talking about everything and nothing at the same time. Britt is the kind of friend who shows up fully, always ready to listen, never judge, and down for anything. Britt is a new proud mama to her sweet little girl, Cleo. Talya feels incredibly lucky to witness her friend embrace this exciting new chapter.
Zach Gilgenbach
Groomsman
Zach and Christian have been great friends since high school. They bonded over their shared love of similar sports, which naturally brought them close. At first glance, Zach might seem like just the loud and outgoing guy in the room, but to Christian, he’s much more than that. What’s always stood out in our friendship is how deeply Zach shows up for the people he cares about. Whether it’s a quick check-in just to see how others are doing or a thoughtful message before a flight, Zach goes out of his way to make sure those around him feel seen and supported. That kind of quiet, genuine loyalty is rare, and it’s something Christian truly values and admires in him.
Taylor Hoffman
Bridesmaid
Taylor and Talya met their freshman year at UW Milwaukee, and right away, there was a sense of ease between the two, like they’d stumbled into a friendship that had been waiting to happen. Their connection didn’t come from big moments, but from all the small ones: unhurried conversations, shared values, and a steady trust that grew naturally over time. Talya had the honor of being Taylor’s maid of honor, and now she’s incredibly grateful to have Taylor by her side as a bridesmaid! With Taylor and her husband Dylan recently moving back to Wisconsin, the two are thrilled to be living in the same state again and already making up for lost time. Fun fact: Taylor is an exceptional artist, and Talya proudly has several of her pieces on display!
Andrew Petersen
Groomsman
Andrew and Christian have been great friends since kindergarten. Growing up just down the road from each other meant they were always biking back and forth between houses whenever they had the chance. Over the years, their bond turned into the kind of friendship that’s hard for others to fully understand. They share a very specific sense of humor and often send each other daily updates that only the two of them would find funny. Recently, Andrew moved from Milwaukee to Chicago to be closer to his fiancé, Brooke. Christian’s on a mission to get Andrew back to the Milwaukee area so weekend golf rounds and impromptu beer runs can be a regular thing again. Better yet, Andrew could move within biking distance so he and Christian can relive the good old days of quick rides over to hang out.
Lauren Chambers
Bridesmaid
Lauren is Christian’s older sister. Growing up, they spent countless days playing baseball and soccer, exploring outdoors, and always sticking close by each other’s side. These days, it’s hard for Christian to keep up with Lauren’s adventurous spirit as she’s lived in Iowa, Texas, London, Indiana, Wisconsin, and now calls Jackson, Mississippi home. Lauren and her husband Chris live there with their daughter Beatrice, who is one of the flower girls.
Alex Palmer
Groomsman
Alex and Christian have been great friends since high school. Although Christian wasn’t a fan at first sight, mostly because Alex stood a full foot taller than him, they quickly hit it off. Both had a strong drive for academics and shared ambitions that went far beyond what most imagined in high school. Their friendship is the kind where they can go a year without seeing each other, then talk for eight hours straight, sleep for three, and pick up the conversation right where they left off. Christian was Alex's best man in 2023 and is thrilled to have Alex now in his wedding! Alex currently lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Allie.
Megan Hopper
Bridesmaid
Megan is Christian’s younger sister. With similar minds and a shared outlook on life, they grew up supporting each other, both deeply caring, driven, and quietly competitive in the best of ways. As middle children, they often joked about being “forgotten,” which only made their connection stronger as they leaned on each other to find fun and adventure. Though Megan was often the stronger student (not that Christian would ever admit it), their mutual respect and love has remained constant through every season of life. Today, Megan is married to her husband, Adam, and they live in Fond du Lac.
Dane Schmidt
Groomsman
Dane, Talya’s younger brother, is heading into his sophomore year of high school. Talya used to call him her “mini me” because they look alike and share many personality traits. But Dane isn’t so mini anymore, he’s growing like a weed! Dane is always the first one having fun and finds joy in the simplest things in life. He’s an excellent pitcher and a committed ski racer, always giving his best in everything he does. More than just his playful spirit, Dane’s kindness and big heart are obvious to everyone around him. Talya loves cheering him on and feels lucky to watch him grow into such an amazing young man.
Mckinley Loken
Flower Girl
Mckinley is Talya’s second-youngest cousin and Knox’s little sister. What she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in personality. She’s charismatic, fearless, and full of spunk. Mckinley loves all things girly, from hair clips and fancy hairstyles to dress-up and American Girl dolls. If it weren’t for the 21-year age gap, she and Talya would have made great playmates as Mckinley enjoys playing with Talya’s old toys whenever she comes over.
Beatrice Chambers
Flower Girl
Beatrice (Bea) is Christian’s niece, daughter of Lauren Chambers (one of Talya’s bridesmaids), and the first grandchild for Christian’s parents! She’s the happiest little ball of sunshine. Since Bea was born, Christian has made it his mission to win her over, often bringing a new toy each time he sees her. Though she was initially unsure about his mustache, she’s quickly warming up to her favorite uncle.
Knox Loken
Ring Bearer
Knox is Talya’s third-youngest cousin and is heading into 1st grade. He loves soccer, hockey, snow skiing, and anything sweet, just like Talya. With most of the other cousins being big, grown-up boys, Knox figures Talya must be up for wrestling too. (Let’s keep it between us, but she’s starting to worry he might actually win!). Talya is excited to be living closer now, ready to cheer Knox on at his next sporting event or spend more time together up north making sweet memories (and maybe sneaking a few treats, too).