Wedding Party
Lauryn Besack
Best Woman & Officiant
Lauren is one of our dearest friends in Nebraska. We crossed paths during the Women's Tackle football journey her, Maggie and Nicole were on and a train we all quickly jumped off. We won't mention first impressions. ha. Lauren is one of the most funny, brilliant, witty, selfless and loyal friends a person could have. Our day wouldn't be complete if she wasn't the one who married us. -Tessa Lauryn has been one of the brightest parts of my years playing football. Meeting her and her family during my final season made every challenge worthwhile. I can’t imagine this day without her, and there’s truly no one better to officiate our ceremony and make the occasion even more extraordinary. Lauryn embodies everything a good human should be, and every moment spent with her is filled with laughter, adventure, and meaningful conversation. -Nicole
Tiffeny Marquardt
Matron of Honor
My baby sister. From the beginning, we were inseparable,; Tiff was my shadow, my lil' side kick, my accomplice and my very best friend. Navigating the unknowns and uncertainties of life that comes with being army brats, we shielded each other with unwavering devotion . Through every chapter of our story, our souls have been intertwined, creating an unbreakable shield. Protecting each other with the heart of our being. Ensuring that no matter where we were, no matter where we were going, we would always be okay. As long as we had each other. She has always been my constant; my north star. Her love and guidance has always led me on the right path towards home. -Tessa I am overjoyed to have Tiffeny with us, and even more excited that I no longer have to be intimidated by her—well, most of the time! She’s fiercely protective and loves with an intensity that inspires everyone around her. The bond she shares with Tessa is something truly extraordinary, and it’s my hope that our kids will share a connection as beautiful as theirs as they grow. When I think of the saying, “You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with,” Tiffeny is always the first person who comes to mind that I want at the top of my list. She’s been a pillar of strength for our relationship and has supported us through every high, low, and everything in between. -Nicole
Kinley Babel
Maid of Honor
Kinley is our beautiful, stubborn, witty, hilarious, mini-version of Tessa, daughter. She has experienced so much in her, short, 13 years of life and because of that her emotional intelligence and maturity has soared and shines like no other. She has been my person through all the moves and transitions our journey has taken us on. Through the laughs, the tears, the good, the bad, her resilience and ability to love life no matter which chapter of our story we are on inspires me and all whom are privy to know her. She brings so much joy to the world and our blended family of 6. This day means more to me with her next to me. because our life is now complete -Tessa Kinley is the life of every party—and of our family. Having her by our side means more than words could ever express, and I am endlessly grateful to have her as a daughter. It’s hard to believe I lived so many years without her in our lives, and now I can’t imagine a single day without her. Her quick wit and constant humor are some of my favorite things about her, and I have no doubt she’ll bring even more joy and unforgettable moments to our special day -Nicole
Lindsey Garner
Bridesmaid
The military brought us together 18 years ago and we were instantly connected. If you know "us", you know that we are identical versions of each other. The purity of our friendship has been my most sacred gift in life. We safeguard one another's spirit and have the deepest protection for one another. Its our bond that has been my lifeline that I have held onto when everything else seemed uncertain. She has carried me through some of life's toughest moments and gives me the strength I need to persevere. She is my person, my rock, and my confidant. The one who has been there with me through it all. The moves, illness that almost killed me, my infertility journey, my most traumatic events, the losses I never thought I would be able to bear to finding happiness, joy and love again. My strength is a reflection of having her in my world. She is more than my best friend, she is my chosen sister. -Tessa I’m excited to have two Tessas in our wedding—I mean, Lindsey. From the moment I met Tessa, Lindsey was always part of the story. She’s Tessa’s rock and also the kind of friend most people search for their entire lives. Now, I’m fortunate enough to share in the gift of having Lindsey in my life, too. She is someone you can turn to for any conversation—whether you’re laughing or crying—and her advice is always honest, kind, and grounded in love. She’s shown us both the true meaning of unconditional love, and her presence is a blessing we treasure every day. -Nicole
Taryn Ozolins
Bridesmaid
My dearest, oldest, wiser, funny, outgoing & had to learn the hard way-- teach us all what not do--sister. Growing up as army brats, we experienced events in our lives that are too profound for others to understand and fully comprehend. Move after move, being the new kid over and over and navigating our way through those development years, to all the things that came with love, losses, war, gun violence,--- you were the one to brave it all first. Your confidence eventually gave me mine. And as we grew older, started families and experienced life on the other side of that hardship, your support and unwavering love has helped Nicole and I love freely and find peace in what makes our story have that perfect ending. I can't imagine this day without you standing with me as you always have. Now just the older versions (much prettier..lol) of ourselves. --Tessa This day would feel incomplete without Taryn. From the very beginning, she championed our relationship, going out of her way to support us. She’s the type of person who doesn’t hesitate to hop on a plane—or supervise Tessa driving a U-Haul across the country, for that matter! She was one of our most loyal fans during our football playoffs in Houston (no pun intended), and we know we can always count on her. She welcomed the boys into her life as though they were her own and did the same for me. From the moment I met her, I felt like family, and I’m so excited to officially be part of hers forever.--Nicole
Holli Ford
Bridesmaid
How lucky I am to get to call you a sister. We are so much alike and I giggle at the moments in life that remind us of how we may in fact be the same person at times. You and Nicole weathered the fiercest storms in life, but you emerged stronger, side by side with a bond that was unshaken and unbreakable. A bond that became your sanctuary, unyielding and strong. I love that I get to witness this sacred place. I vow to always protect that space for you both and one day teach our children how they too can know such a love. Thank you, Holli, for being apart of my life, our story. --Tessa Who would’ve guessed I’d fall in love with someone so much like Holli? Through all the ups and downs, we’ve always found our way back to each other, and I’m so grateful for the special bond we share as sisters. Holli is my go-to person when I need to talk, even if I don’t always love hearing her perspective—because she’s the responsible, level-headed one who tells me what I need to hear, not just what I want to. But that’s why I love her. Knowing she supports me wholeheartedly and loves me unconditionally is something I hold close to my heart, and I’m so happy she’ll be by our sides on this special day. -Nicole
Emerson Ellingson
Best Man
Our sweet, boy. He has a heart of gold and cares deeply about everyone. He is one that is often underestimated but will outwork any soul. His grit and determination shines bright and he inspires the rest of us . He is the brother and son, you can count on to make you smile when your day is bad, the one who will bring you breakfast in bed or make a candle lit dinner for you when the day has been long and hard. He is more thoughtful than most people I have met as an adult. His soul is so pure. I am so incredibly blessed to get to call him my son soon. -Tessa If you’re lucky enough to meet someone with a heart as pure as Emerson’s, hold on to them forever. From the moment I proposed in Banff, he’s been so excited for this wedding. He’s constantly brainstorming ways to celebrate us, writing notes, and making videos to make the day perfect. Having all of our kids involved is such a joy, and Emerson’s kindness and ability to make everyone smile are unmatched. As my best man, he’s the perfect fit—there’s truly no one better.--Nicole
Heath Ellingson
Bridesman
Oh, Heath. He is our oldest, most stubborn, laid back, and suddenly witty with a side of humor boy. Our relationship started out a smidge rocky but looking back, I know it is what has made us both who we are now. His heart is so good. The way he handles 2 moms and a teenage sister, is incredible. With a half smirk, shake of the head....we know he has so many thoughts but instead he smiles at us all and moves along. He truly has won my heart and it is fun knowing I get to mom him a little more <3 Tessa When we started planning a “normal” wedding, Heath immediately asked if he could walk me down the aisle. I couldn’t be more excited to have him by my side in this role and as one of my bridesmen. While he probably doesn’t realize it yet, I know he’ll be just as nervous as I am on the big day. Blending our families wasn’t always easy for him, but he’s come such a long way. He reminds us to laugh at life’s chaos (knowing when it is the time to just shake your head and laugh), embrace the unexpected, and always find joy in our journey as a family.
Grayson Godino
Bridesman
My cousin, my lil' brother, my best friend, for a short time like a son. We have loved and lost in ways that words can't capture, wounds too deep for others to understand but our bond has remained unbreakable & steadfast through every challenge we faced. We were so young. After the loss of David, my very best friend and uncle, I wasn't sure how I would ever survive that pain but it was then, Grayson became my reason. My promise to him ensure we would find a way. And because of that our connection stood as a testament to its unwavering power and became our story. I am not sure the world is ready to see us in our dynamic duo action! Grayson is one of the funniest, quickest, wittiest humans in my world. We can make each other laugh like no other and being together is the absolute best medicine. How lucky I am to have you! --Tessa Grayson has been a part of Tessa’s life story from the very beginning. Though we’ve only met over FaceTime so far, his presence always fills our house with laughter, and Tessa glows for days after talking to him. He’s like a brother, best friend, and son all in one. Anyone who brings that kind of joy to someone I love is family, and I can’t wait to meet him in person and begin this next chapter with him by our side.
Ashton Ozolins
Bridesman
The boy mini-version of me~ Ashton is hilarious and doesn't take life too seriously. Living in the moment and making every moment a cherished one. Being separated from him while he was growing up was painful. We made sure to make frequent trips and ensured that every memory was the most epic. The last 2 years of him living in Nebraska has been the best. Although, cool aunt went to cool "mom" real fast and parenting him with the other 4 is absolute chaos but worth it and so much fun. Our family is complete when he is with us and we are all home. --Tessa Ashton is like my fourth son, and having him close by in Nebraska these past two years has been such a gift. From duck-hunting adventures to last-minute college help, he’s become a big part of our lives and I’ve loved being on his “first to call” list. Another “mini Tessa” when he’s around, Ashton feels like home to me. Even if he forgets his shoes on the wedding day, I couldn’t imagine not having him next to us to celebrate.
Nick Marquardt
Bridesman
We are incredibly lucky to have Nick as our brother. From the very beginning, he has been a steadfast source of support, offering both love and encouragement when we needed it most. When others were uncertain and didn't accept us as a couple, Nick stood by us proudly. Helping us navigate both the happy and sad parts of our story. I dreamed of having family near by as an adult, something that was so foreign to me growing up. My dreams came true and the best part of this chapter is raising our families together. The shared laughs, silly moments and epic memories have made every moment worth it. I can't wait for Big Nick Energy at our wedding!--Tessa I’ll never forget meeting Nick for brunch at Jams four years ago. He’s incredibly easy to talk to, and our conversation was far deeper than small talk. His humor is spot-on, and it’s been such a joy to share laughs that others might not understand. From the moment Tessa and I got together, Nick welcomed us with open arms and always encouraged us to grow. Whether through tough conversations or casual lunches, Nick has been a steadfast friend and someone I hope our boys look up to as they grow.
Elias Ellingson
Ring Bearer
Elias, our youngest, wildest, most free spirited, funny, and sarcastic children. He makes me deep belly laugh, almost every day, with his humor and witty responses. He is what every person in life wishes to be....carefree, adventurous, you love him or you don't... either way he will keep living his best life and laughing through it all. He loves fiercely and may be the one who ends up getting himself in trouble down the road and me needing to bail him out. But I'll at least know there was a good reason because he can rationalize all his choices and make you understand. ha I love getting to be apart of his best years. Think of us in 10 years and check to see where we are at. ---Tessa Our wild, wonderful Elias! From the moment we got engaged, he claimed the role of ring bearer—though Lauryn may have panicked at the thought of him carrying the rings! Elias is fiercely independent and full of energy. While we occasionally have to reel him in, he reminds us daily to let go, have fun, and embrace life’s wild moments.
Lilliana & Amelia Godino
Flower girls
My sweet girls, Lili and Amelia. The best part of having Grayson is I get two more nieces. My heart feels whole when I am with Grayson, Michelle and the girls. Heaven knew exactly what we needed to make our lives a little more special. They have the perfect amount of sweet, sassy, stubborn and silly. --Tessa I met these sweet girls in April, and seeing Tessa feel more whole with them in her life was beautiful. From the moment they joined our kids, it was clear they were family. Their connection is special and unshakable, no matter the distance, and I can’t wait to see their adorable faces walking down the aisle.