Wedding Party
Taylor Bogardus
Maid of Honor
Tayloe and I have been best friends since high school, and from the very beginning, our bond has been built on endless laughter, inside jokes, and just the right amount of goofiness to get us through anything. Taylor is not only an incredible friend, but also an amazing mother, devoted wife, and passionate teacher. She brings warmth, joy, and humor wherever she goes, and I couldn't imagine standing here today without her by my side.
Dallas Dantes
Best Man
Dallas and I started out as high school locker neighbors—just two kids trying to survive the chaos of teenage life one hallway conversation at a time. One day, he invited me to a game night at his place, not knowing that single invite would end up introducing me to many of the lifelong friends who now stand beside me as groomsmen. From that point on, we shared some of the most formative years of our lives—late-night hangouts, questionable decisions, and a few hard-earned life lessons along the way. His family has always welcomed me like one of their own, and over time, our bond grew from friendship to something closer to brotherhood. Whether it was over drinks, Euchre, or just jamming to heavy riffs, Dallas has always been at the center of it all.
Kaylie Uplinger
Bridesmaid
K-Bird and I have been friends since preschool, and she’s truly been the sister I never had. Over the years, we’ve shared countless memories, deep conversations, and more laughs than I can count—often while bonding over our mutual love for chickens! Kaylie is a loving mother, devoted wife, and a true animal lover with the biggest heart. Her loyalty and warmth mean the world to me, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side today.
Kevin Dolatowski
Groomsman
Kevin isn’t just a good friend—he’s my brother in every way that counts. From the moment we met, we instantly clicked, and from that point on, we were pretty much inseparable. Our lives became so intertwined, it was like gaining a second family. We've helped each other through life’s chaos, heartbreaks, and curveballs—always showing up, no questions asked. At one point, we even packed up and moved to Los Angeles together, chasing a fresh start in a big, unfamiliar city, knowing that as long as we had each other, we’d be alright. Now, Kevin’s taken on his greatest role yet: becoming a father. I’m incredibly honored to be his child’s godfather, and even more grateful that our friendship continues to grow through every chapter of life.
Marianne Preston
Bridesmaid
Mari is the late-in-life friend I never knew I needed until she came into my world—and now, I can’t imagine it without her. She just gets me in a way that’s rare and deeply meaningful, always offering unwavering support and understanding. Marianne is a brilliant engineer, proud cat mom, devoted book nerd, and somehow always has the perfect playlist for whatever mood I’m in. She’s thoughtful, genuine, and one of the most quietly powerful people I know.
Joey Axberg
Groomsman
Joey has always been part of the crew—the guy who shows up, joins the chaos, and keeps everyone laughing with perfectly timed one-liners. We’ve known each other since elementary school wrestling days, but it wasn’t until high school that we really clicked and became close friends. Whether it was video games (which I won more often thanks to him being on the team), late-night hangs, or weekend shenanigans, Joey’s been a constant presence. As we’ve grown older, we’ve stayed connected through our shared love of the outdoors—backpacking, hiking, and camping under the stars like old-school adventurers. I’ve always admired his heart and loyalty, something I saw clearly when he gave his all to his wrestling team and continue to see in how he shows up for the people in his life. Joey’s not just a good friend—he’s a lifelong one, and I’m lucky to have him standing with me.
Alyssa Milzarski
Bridesmaid
Alyssa grew up just down the road from me. No matter how much time has passed, the moment we see each other, we instantly turn back into giggling kids—usually in the middle of having some wildly intense, psychoanalytical conversation. It makes perfect sense, though—Alyssa is a CLP social worker and basically my unofficial second therapist. She's not only incredibly insightful but also deeply caring, and I'm so lucky to have her in my life. She's a devoted wife, an amazing friend, and someone who always knows how to make me laugh and think a little deeper.
Andrew Fox
Groomsman
Andrew and I first met back in middle school when he moved in next door. At the time, the neighborhood rumor was that he was from Canada—which turned out to be completely false (thanks to some very unreliable sources). It wasn’t until high school that I realized he was part of the same friend circle I had fallen into, and from then on, he’s been a solid part of the crew. We spent countless afternoons gaming after school and getting into the usual late-night shenanigans. Later in life, when I lived near Detroit and he was in the metro area, we picked up right where we left off—hitting the bars, playing pool and hijacking the jukebox. Andrew’s been a constant presence through it all, and I’m glad to have him standing by my side on the big day.
Jessica Thurston
Bridesmaid
Jess also grew up just down the road from me—and happens to be Alyssa’s sister! Jess is one of those people who somehow does everything beautifully. She has a stunning singing voice, is an immaculate homemaker, and makes the most delicious (and Pinterest-worthy) cookies you’ve ever laid eyes on. Oh, and did I mention she’s also a brilliant Nuclear Medicine Technologist III. On top of all that, she’s a loving mother and wife, and she and her husband have a true talent for sniffing out the best breweries wherever they go. Jess brings warmth and creativity into every space—and I’m so lucky she’s part of this one.
Ron Paul Axberg
Groomsman
Ron is one of the smartest people I know—like, "make-you-question-your-own-intelligence" smart. More than once, he’s blown my mind with how quickly he picks things up or explains something I didn’t even realize I needed to know. Hanging out with Ron usually means being surrounded by his massive library of board games, which is honestly overwhelming—but somehow, he always makes learning a new game feel easy and fun. Some of my favorite memories are just chilling at his place with him and his brother Joey, grinding through video games and living off the never-ending stash of Hot Pockets in his mom’s freezer. Those nights were simple, full of laughs, and a big part of why our friendship has always felt like home.
Felicia Laramy
Bridesmaid
Felicia also grew up just down the road from me! Felicia is the most relaxed Type A person I’ve ever met—organized, driven, and somehow completely chill all at once. She’s also unintentionally hilarious; if you stand next to her for more than five minutes, you’re guaranteed to hear some of the best one-liners of your life. Felicia is a dedicated wife, proud dog mom, and a rockstar business office manager. She brings the perfect mix of calm, wit, and heart to every moment, and I’m so lucky to have her here with me today.
Ivan Ward Grossman
Groomsman
Ivan and I met during our time in the Air Force, and our friendship pretty much started with me asking him if he liked camping—mostly because he drove a Jeep. From that moment on, he became a constant in one of the most important chapters of my life. His friendship made living far from home feel a whole lot easier. Ivan is the kind of guy who could probably build a functioning vehicle out of sticks and duct tape, and thanks to him, I now know more about car maintenance than I ever expected to. We even ended up as roommates, sharing a house where we made the bold decision to put a pool table right in the living room—because, honestly, why not? Ivan’s the definition of reliable, resourceful, and always down for a good time.
Machaela Esposito
Bridesmaid
Machaela and I may have met through her husband Luke—also part of the wedding party—but we were destined to be friends. Machaela is one of the most interesting, creative souls I’ve ever met. She has a serious gift for thrifting, decorating, and absolutely killing any theme you throw her way. She has a deep love for all things nostalgic, which just adds to her uniquely warm and fun spirit. Machaela is a loving wife, amazing mom, and works in childcare with so much heart. I’m so grateful our paths crossed and that she’s here standing with me today.
Luke Esposito
Groomsman
I met Luke through my friend Joey, who vouched for him as a solid guy—and he definitely wasn’t wrong. At the time, we were both living in Ypsilanti during my college years, but things really took off when Luke bought a house just around the corner from mine. From then on, we became the kind of friends who could hang out on random weeknights, chatting about the dumbest stuff for hours, even though Luke’s actually one of the smartest people I know. Whether it was fixing something at each other’s houses or just showing up when needed, we’ve always had that “good neighbor, better friend” kind of connection. I had the honor of being a groomsman at his wedding, so of course, it means everything to have him standing by my side at mine.
Shannon Chouinard
Bridesmaid
Shannon—sister of the groom and my soon-to-be sister-in-law. Despite Tanner’s playful warnings, we instantly clicked, and it’s been a joy getting to know her ever since. Shannon is fiercely loyal to the people she loves and isn’t afraid to call things like she sees them—which I absolutely admire. She’s a talented artist, dancer, adventurer, and a true lover of all things green—perfectly fitting for her role as a corporate inventory specialist at JARS Cannabis. I’m so lucky to be joining a family that includes someone as bold, creative, and unapologetically real as Shannon.
Nathaniel Akey
Groomsman
Nate is my soon-to-be brother-in-law—and from the very beginning, I knew his opinion mattered. As Hannah’s older brother (and a fellow big brother to a younger sister myself), I understood right away how protective he’d be, and rightfully so. Over the years, I’ve done everything I can to show Nate exactly who I am, what my intentions are, and how seriously I take becoming a part of this family. Because family is everything to me—and that means Nate is, too. He’s a genuinely great guy—smart, steady, and generous with his advice, especially when it comes to hunting, which I’m still pretty green at... but I try. It’s an honor to now call him not just a friend, but my brother, and I’ll do everything I can to be the kind of family he’s proud to have—now and for the rest of my life.
Brian Ellis
Usher
Brian is my stepdad, but more than that, he’s one of the most impactful people in my life. It’s no exaggeration to say life didn’t really feel like it started until Brian came into it. With his steady compassion, emotional wisdom, and uncanny ability to make you feel truly understood, Brian has given me structure, meaning, and guidance through every twist and turn. He never judges—he listens, learns, and then somehow gives you the exact advice you needed. But don’t let all that wisdom fool you—Brian’s also the guy who’s always up for a laugh, a goofy dance that’ll make you cringe, and moments of pure fun. He’ll be ushering the wedding alongside his brother Bob, and trust me—if you think one Brian is a ball of energy, just wait until you see them together. Two peas in a pod.
Bob Ellis
Usher
Uncle Bob is someone who brings great spirits and even better company wherever he goes and has a way of making everyone feel like they belong. Usually with a joke, a laugh, or a perfectly timed comment that reminds you you’re family. He’s always been a steady, uplifting presence, and that sense of connection he creates means more than he probably knows. Semper Fi, Bob.
Fawn Julsaint
Officiant
Fawn is the bride's cousin, and truly one of the most important people in her life. Fawn has guided her through every stage of life with love, wisdom, and just the right amount of sarcasm, so it only felt right that she’d be the one to stand with us on one of the biggest days of all. She’s the kind of person who brings laughter, light, and a good time wherever she goes. Fawn is a successful business owner, devoted wife, and amazing mother—and today, she’s also the one helping us begin this next chapter.
Brock and Claudia Story
Master and Mistress of Ceremony
Claudia is the bride's cousin, but more importantly, her built-in best friend. She’s been by her side through life and especially through this entire wedding planning journey—offering endless help, advice, and her incredible ability to get things done. Brock, her amazing husband, brings the perfect balance of support and humor to the mix. Together, they’re proud parents to their beautiful daughter Aurora, who’s also our flower girl! When it comes to the wedding day, just know—what Claudia says, goes!
