Katie & Mike
Wedding Party
Laura Van Es
Maid of Honor
Katie has known Laura almost her entire life. It's been rocky at times but ultimately Laura has become one of Katie's best friends. If you didn't already know, Laura is Katie's big little sister. She's there for every moment in life and always has a smart comment for all the dumb things Katie does. Katie is very honored that Laura is her maid of honor for the biggest day of her life.
Dustan Hoffman
Best Man
Dust and Mike met in Winona, Minnesota during graduate school. They have gone on numerous hunting and fishing trips together.
Leah Beth (Elbie) Persky
Bridesmaid
Elbie and Katie met on the first day of graduate school. They were waiting to meet with their program advisor in a tiny room outside her office when they started chatting and the rest was history. Elbie and Katie have a similar roaming spirit. They were connected all through grad school in Boston and have stayed together since Katie moved to Oklahoma. Even when they haven't talked in awhile they pick up right where they left off which of course means they need to talk for two hours instead of just one to make up the missing time. Elbie is Katie's most beloved non-family friend and Katie is incredibly excited that Elbie is sharing this day with her.
Jon Komp
Groomsman
Jon and Mike are brothers. They grew up together, but their relationship grew when they both lived in the Lacrosse-Winona area.
Grace Tate
Bridesmaid
Grace is Katie's cousin and only girl cousin on her mom's side. Katie has spent many hours with Grace as she grew up. Visiting her in Norfolk, "caring" for her as a baby when they came to visit, and sharing a room when Katie lived with her in Bahrain. Katie and Grace bonded a lot in Bahrain and Katie was incredibly excited when she found out Grace was moving to Boston for undergrad. They got to continue having sleepovers and have many laughs over meals and at Grace's sketch comedy shows. Grace has grown up into a strong, funny, young woman and Katie is excited to share her day with her.
Jake Zanon
Groomsman
Jake and Mike met during graduate school in Winona and lived together for a few years. They've gone on many hunting and fishing trips together.
LeAnn Ziolkowski
Bridesmaid
LeAnn is not only Katie's future sister-in-law but friend. LeAnn and Katie have spent many family dinners together which was also the way they first met. Mike brought Katie home for Easter dinner with his family and LeAnn came with her husband. Katie remembers leaving hoping LeAnn liked her but the next time they got to see each other they hit it off talking about LeAnn's farm. Katie has loved the opportunity to get to know LeAnn and is very excited to have her be part of her day.
Dan Tomaszewski
Groomsman
Mike and Dan grew up together. Over the years they have played sports, hunted, and fished together.
Chris Van Es
Groomsman
Chris and Mike met through Katie and have become friends over the years. Chris is one of Katie's best friends and has been there throughout her life.
Sean O'Reilly
Groomsman
Sean and "Mikey" went to UW together and met freshman year. They've been friends ever since, keeping in touch through the Brusda-Braun Bowl.
Josh Gaskamp
Groomsman
Josh and Mike met in Oklahoma. While there they hunted and fished together.