Wedding Party
Jamie Andree
Mother of the Groom
I’m Jamie Andree, Casey’s mom. Anyone who knows Casey can imagine the fun we had while he was growing up. He was always making us laugh, particularly when we were cooking together or when he was supposed to be practicing piano. Casey’s activities helped define our lives: Bob and I were “swim parents” or “band parents,” depending on the season and were sometimes in both roles on the same day. It was hard when Casey left our home in Bloomington, Indiana to start his freshman year at Carleton. Although I’ve adjusted to him living 600 miles away, we are now looking for a second home in the Minneapolis area so we can spend more time with Casey and Riise. I grew up in New Jersey and then lived in upstate New York while in college and law school. I wanted to represent low income people who couldn't afford to hire an attorney. I worked as a lawyer for Indiana Legal Services doing just that from 1979 until I retired in 2017. I was also an adjunct professor at Indiana University School of Law. I’m an avid runner and biker and enjoy gardening, bird-watching, hiking, cross-country skiing, reading, live music, theater, and hanging out with family and friends. I’ve played piano since age 5, and while I also play guitar, piano is my passion. I play with two clarinetists, and we perform together locally. I also write fiction and have had short stories published in small literary magazines. Bob and I love to visit Minnesota and are looking forward to spending a lot more time here.
Bob Andree
Father of the Groom
I am Bob Andree, Casey’s dad. More importantly, I was one of Casey’s early hero’s. When Casey was little, he once said, “When I grow up, I want to have a body like Dad, but I want my own head.” When Casey was growing up, I was the designated breakfast-fixer ensuring that Casey always started the day with a full stomach. One year, on April 1, I served him a can of baked beans instead of his usual cereal. Not realizing it was a prank, Casey sighed and went to get himself a can opener. Fortunately, I was there to stop him and give him his actual breakfast. Since that day, I consider myself to be the source of much of Casey’s sense of humor. I was born in West Germany to a military family and have a brother and sister, both younger. Growing up, I lived in many places including Kentucky, California, Indiana, Germany, Georgia, Kansas and the DC area where I graduated high school. I graduated from Bradley University in Illinois and completed law school at Indiana University in Bloomington, after which Casey’s mom, Jamie, and I were married. I practiced law for about 40 years, the last 36 as a prosecutor in a rural county west of Bloomington. Like Casey and Jamie, I enjoy running, hiking, bicycling, nature, and traveling. I also like to read and listen to music. Unlike Casey and Jamie, I have no musical skills of my own (aside from whistling a tune), but I enjoy listening to them play their respective instruments. I consider myself the designated family music consumer.
Ellie Ott
Mother of the Bride
Haven't had the experience of meeting my parents yet? This is your chance! My sisters, and I, two dogs: may sweet Delilah rest in peace and Louis are the well-crafted products of this supportive and loving marriage. Building a family, while creating a sanctuary on a 100-year-old hobby farm, caring for creatures, raising children, and multiple gardens, is not easy. It takes hard work, communication, and unconditional respect for each other. It’s all there with my mom and dad. I am not sure how they do it sometimes. 38 years and counting. So much of who I am is because of them. To understand me, you must meet my mom and dad, my sisters. It’s like traveling to a city to be a tourist without doing what the locals do or exploring the hidden treasures. I cultivated my journey, and yet as a family, we are an incredible force of adventure and love. Traits I get from my mom: caring, cooking skills, generosity, and dedication to her family.
Jon Gundersen
Father of the Bride
Haven't had the experience of meeting my parents yet? This is your chance! My sisters, and I, two dogs: may sweet Delilah rest in peace and Louis are the well-crafted products of this supportive and loving marriage. Building a family, while creating a sanctuary on a 100-year-old hobby farm, caring for creatures, raising children, and multiple gardens, is not easy. It takes hard work, communication, and unconditional respect for each other. It’s all there with my mom and dad. I am not sure how they do it sometimes. 38 years and counting. So much of who I am is because of them. To understand me, you must meet my mom and dad, my sisters. It’s like traveling to a city to be a tourist without doing what the locals do or exploring the hidden treasures. I cultivated my journey, and yet as a family, we are an incredible force of adventure and love. Traits I get from my dad: a goofy sense of humor, green thumb, love of all things chocolate, and willingness to always lend a hand.
Iris Gundersen
Sister of the Bride
When I was in kindergarten, I knew I wanted a sister. I even called my parents by their first names until Iris came along. Our bond is as strong as they come. Iris has a sixth sense about when to call me. Her voice and calm demeaner can fix many a problem. She happily joined me and my friends on a trip to Key West for my 30th birthday in 2020, just before COVID interrupted our lives. Iris gives great advice on life decisions and shares her teaching stories with Casey. Iris currently is starting her sixth year teaching English in Rochester Public Schools. Her drive to further her education and become the best teacher inspires me to be the best person I can be. I am so proud and can’t wait to see where her dreams take her.
Josie Gundersen
Sister of the Bride
When I was 15, my sister Josie, our San Antonio rose, bloomed in our family garden. She was the missing piece that completed our family puzzle. She was the sister whose absence I never noticed, yet her presence has become indispensable. She’s always bringing the goof and the giggles. Josie, while being the baby of the family, stands above us all, quite literally. I taught her all I know about swimming, she showed me her love of tennis. I am so proud of how far she has come. I knew Josie approved of Casey when I asked a detailed question about basketball while watching an NBA game, which Casey easily answered. Josie said, “Wait, you know basketball?” Casey responded, “the only sport Indiana is known for is basketball.” Josie then whipped back at me and quietly said to me, “He’s a keeper.” Josie will be starting her second year at Minnesota State Southeast Technical College, where she is studying to be an ultrasound technician. She has worked hard to get here and I am beyond proud of her.
Louis (aka Bubba)
Emotional Support Family Dog
Despite his strength, Louis is a gentle giant and the ultimate snuggle buddy. When not in his living room in the garage, and allowed into the human's living room in the house, you will often find him curled up with his family on the couch, soaking up all the love and attention. When the family is all together, Louis’ favorite pastime is family game night, where his hilarious attempts to join in make him the star of the show. Whether he's herding one of us when someone leaves the group to make sure we all stay together or growling at a plastic bag stuck on a fallen branch, Bubba's protective nature ensures his family always feels safe. Unlike Riise's other family members, Louis was a little skeptical of Casey at first. Louis would growl at Casey and attempt to keep him away from his beloved Gundersen/Ott family. However, Louis eventually warmed up, and now the two are best pals. Louis even tries to guard Casey and protect him from harm. Louis’s zest for life and unwavering devotion makes him the perfect furry companion; filling his home with joy, laughter, and plenty of kisses and nuzzles.
Dagan Hanson
Groom's Friend
Dagan and Casey have been coworkers since 2016. Dagan has been an informal mentor and a source of advice and inspiration for Casey since that time. For the first seven years of their partnership, Dagan and Casey worked with Brian (see below) to collectively teach the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders between two middle schools (located across the street from each other). Since the fall of 2023, Casey and Dagan have been the senior members of their department as they continue to refine their shared band program. Dagan’s former students remember him fondly describing him as, “Mr. Hanson - He was so nice.” One group of students even made a custom shirt for him reading, “World’s Best Band Director.” Dagan is one of the all time great dads in the world whose skills include dad/daughter dances, applying dance-show makeup, and teaching teenagers how to drive. He is also a great dog dad who has fostered, adopted, and raised several furry friends. Casey laughs every time he is on a google meet with Dagan and hears the dogs running around the house barking their enthusiasm for life. Outside of teaching and parenting, Dagan is a true Renaissance man. He plays oboe with the Minnesota Grand Symphonic Winds, holds a black belt in Taekwondo, drives a boat, and brews his own beer. Dagan connects with everyone he meets, asking in-depth questions and remembering personal details about others. Casey considers himself lucky to work with Dagan and to have him as part of the wedding party.
Hilary Buelow
Groom's Friend
Hilary and Casey met while teaching in the same middle school. Hilary taught Choir and Casey taught Band. The two bonded over the fact that they were working in a challenging situation (that’s putting it mildly). Some highlights of that year include the two sharing plates of mac and cheese bites at happy hours and watching Sister Act during parent teacher conferences. Although they no longer work together, Hilary and Casey have remained friends. Hilary was born on Leap Day, so every four years they get to celebrate her in a fun (and often wild) way. During the summer of 2020, Hilary began hosting backyard movies. Hilary provided movies and supplies for roasting hot dogs, Ben (see below) brought the grill, and Casey blended drinks in the middle of Hilary’s yard. Hilary was one of Casey’s cat Skoshi’s favorite babysitters. Although Skoshi was not always on his best behavior at Aunt Hilary’s house, he loved sitting and watching Hilary’s adorable bunny, Rosie hop around her pen. Hilary now works as an elementary school music teacher. Her students love to learn the chicken dance, watch operas about a man who can’t eat his soup (Casey highly recommends you google that one), and voting on what color Hilary will dye her hair at the end of the school year (rainbow is usually the winner, but blue has its supporters). In the words of Hilary’s principal, “You have revitalized our Music program.” Hilary’s students are lucky to have her, and Casey is grateful to call her a friend.
Brian Melody
Groom's Friend
Casey first met Brian while getting his teaching license from the University of Minnesota. Brian was Casey’s mentor teacher during Casey’s student teaching experience. Brian was a master mentor who pushed Casey to be a better band director at every opportunity. Two years later, Brian called Casey about a job opening in the district, and the two became colleagues. After seven years of working together, Brian “retired” from Music Education to pursue a second career as New Home Sales Consultant. Casey subsequently “moved into” Brian’s former office and position armed with nearly a decade of expert mentorship. Though they no longer work together, Brian assured Casey that this was “see you later, not goodbye.” Brian is a committed Gopher who loves attending University of Minnesota games and surprising his friends with pens and bottle openers that play the fight song. He has also been known to hang a Wisconsin banner upside down (making the W into an M). Both Brian and Casey are pet lovers. When they are together, the conversation inevitably turns to their beloved animals. Named for Kona Brewing in Hawaii, Brian’s dog, Kona, is a goldendoodle with a powerful laser nose. Kona is a bit of a cat-dog who enjoys skulking around the house and licking himself clean. Though Kona and Casey’s cat Skoshi, never met, they often appeared simultaneously on camera during their humans’ many google meets. Brian has been an incredible mentor and friend, and Casey is forever grateful to know him.
Ben Strasser
Groom's Friend
Ben and Casey have been friends since their days at Carleton. Casey was a first-year student when Ben stayed in his dorm room for a weekend as an accepted prospective student. The two spent a fun weekend meeting the swim team and coaches, attending classes, and exploring campus. Casey was impressed that Ben had brought an inflatable air mattress to sleep on, and Ben was impressed with how much fun the two had while playing a massive game of sardines in the campus chapel. Casey briefly left Ben on his own to work a shift at the college instrument library. When the two met up, Casey was thrilled that Ben had purchased a sweatshirt from the campus bookstore, sealing his status as a committed Carleton Knight. During the next three years, the pair swam and bonded over the joy - and the pain - of the morning practices, the training trip two-a-days, and of course, the 200 yard butterfly. Ben continued the legacy of recruiting 200-butterfly swimmers to the team by hosting a prospective student who also swam the dreaded event (who in turn recruited another!). After graduation, Ben was accepted into the University of Minnesota to pursue his Doctorate Degree in Mathematics. Casey literally jumped for joy upon learning that Ben would be moving to the Twin Cities. The two have remained friends through many subsequent adventures in Minneapolis including eating giant Bavarian pretzels, pushing Ben’s toddler son around Lake Bde Maka Ska, and many many awful puns and jokes.
Robert Wakeley
Groom's Friend
Robert Wakeley is a flutist and teacher based in Portland, Oregon. He and Casey first got to know each other as fellow music majors at Carleton College, playing together in ensembles and attending music theory and aural skills classes far too early in the morning. Outside of music, Casey and Robert bonded over adventures in the Carleton Arboretum and the Cannon River. After college, they both moved to Minneapolis, where they enjoyed the perks of living in a big city, such as random late night sushi outings to use Groupons before they expired. Robert moved to the west coast a year later, but found his way back to the Twin Cities in 2016 to pursue a doctorate at the University of Minnesota. Reconnecting with old friends was one of the best things about moving back to Minnesota, and Casey could always be counted on to be there, whether for weekend trivia nights at the Hammer and Sickle, to provide an endless stream of funny cat photos, or if he just needed to hang out with a friend and talk. Robert has since moved back to the west coast, but he always looks forward to seeing Casey and Riise whenever he visits the Twin Cities. In June of 2022, Casey and Robert competed in a giant Jenga competition as part of their Carleton reunion. While they did not win, they kept their tower upright for over 20 minutes of play. A testament to the focus of two musicians. Although they live hundreds of miles apart, Casey always knows that Robert will be part of his life.
Katie Logan
Groom's Friend
Katie and Casey met as camp counselors at Interlochen Arts Camp in the summer of 2012. Working in the Jr divisions, they spent the summer looking after Interlochen’s youngest artsy children. Throughout their years at summer camp, they would hold various positions, and work closely together for the children. Days and nights off consisted of margaritas, a coin-operated “Love Test” machine, tea farms, and everything else Traverse City had to offer. They even managed to avoid a campus wide drill for waterfront, on a day off, celebrating afterwards with a dive into the cherry pit tub at Cherry Republic. When Katie worked full time at Interlochen, she had an apartment on campus. Casey visited her apartment in January one year at the academy and spent the weekend eating all her food. The furthest they ventured from Interlochen due to a bad snowstorm, was into town to Discount Tires to get snow tires, which was followed by only Katie’s old Camry making it up a notoriously slick hill in town. Katie currently resides in Northern California, with her husband Mark and toddler daughter, Eva. Her days are far removed from the time spent between Green and Duck lake, but she reminisces of her years spent there often. Katie works as an elementary school nurse, spending her evenings and weekends exploring the area’s local parks with her family, and planning her next Disneyland vacation. Katie is forever grateful for Casey seeing through her RBF and becoming lifelong friends.
Chris McGinley
Groom's Friend
Chris met Casey through their mutual friend Robert (see above). Chris was transferring to the Choral Conducting doctorate program at the University of Minnesota. The two became pub trivia teammates attempting to use their knowledge of Music to answer questions about films featuring donuts, rules of darts, and book/reality TV mashups. Over time, Chris and Casey discovered more common ground. They bonded over swimming, sharing most/least favorite events and training methods. Being musical Gophers, they have many professors and friends in common, and Chris was delighted to discover that his new friend is somewhat famous in the department. Dr. McGinley directs the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Singing Statesmen among several other choirs in the region, and as a choral educator, he has broadened Casey’s horizons. In addition to choral music, during his time in Minneapolis, Chris lived in an artists’ cooperative and invited Casey to some impressive art shows. A Pennsylvania native, Chris introduced Casey to shoofly pie, for which he is eternally grateful. A favorite memory of Chris comes from the 2023 Minnesota Music Educators Convention. Walking through the convention hall, Casey felt a sense of being followed. Turning to his right, he discovered Chris walking beside him with a huge grin. The resulting shout of excitement turned a few heads, but it was more than worth it. When talking to Chris, his full attention will be focused on you, and all who know him are grateful.
Kobina Taylor
Bride’s Friend
Their friendship began in 2014. Riise’s friend Anthony took her to a party at a friends house. Riise knew not to ask questions because any adventure with Anthony usually resulted in a new friend. Fast forward to 2015, during the premiere of "Ant-Man," Riise became part of a close-knit group of friends led by Kobina, who shared a passion for Marvel and blockbuster movies. This new assembled team was dubbed Movie Crew, and spends countless hours and nights discussing movies, and has become an essential part of Riise's life. Kobby is single handedly responsible for making sure Riise is up to date on all her action movies, Star Wars, Mission Impossible, and many more. Riise’s nerdom was at peak in August 2019 during the “We Love You 3000” Tour. Kobby and Riise took the day off, put on their best Marvel costumes and waited in a long line to take a memorable selfie with Anthony Russo, one of the directors of Endgame. Over the years Riise and Kobby have teamed up to coordinate many parties and gatherings and are always excited to bring people together no matter what the event! Riise and Kobby have also bonded over a shared love of pie, cheesecake and donuts.
Kate Owens
Bride's Friend
Kate and Riise first met in 2013 while working in the Cossetta’s Pasticceria where they bonded over their love of baking. After Cossetta’s, Riise’s and Kate’s paths diverged as each took on new employment and educational opportunities, but they always enjoyed getting together to catch up and try out new restaurants and recipes together. Fast forward through 10 years of movies, brunches, and game nights and they are still sending each other recipes and videos. Last year they started a cookbook club for their friends to gather regularly and try out new recipes. Despite moving on to a “big girl” job, Kate still loves making time to cook, bake, and explore the culinary opportunities life has to offer. She’s looking forward to AT LEAST another 10 years of adventures and friendship with both Riise and Casey.
Gael Zembal
Bride's Friend
Riise is a treasure of a person, and I’m honored to count her among my closest friends. We met in college, but it feels like we’ve known each other all our lives. Through life’s twists and turns, we’ve been there for each other with hugs, tears, laughs, owls, and cats. And cat memes. And owl memes. And all the other memes. I’m so glad I get to go through life with her! My style guru, nature adventure friend, aloe queen, and the one to hold my hand through the scary things. Riise, I promise to get you hooked on crochet (pun intended), it’s going to happen one of these days! Casey, I promise to give you all the sloth things I can find, even though there’s only one Sloth. You two have built such a beautiful life together, and I can’t wait to see what you build next! In the meantime, keep baking, keep smiling, and keep being your positive, supportive, colorful selves!
Linzy Durand
Bride’s Friend
Riise and I met in undergrad at the UofM. Our friendship really solidified while studying abroad in South Africa. Getting to experience a new country and everything it had to offer with each other was an unbelievable opportunity. When we got back to Minneapolis, we continued our friendship with regular dinner/craft/nail polish parties. I had not explored much of the city yet and Riise introduced me to so many amazing restaurants, farmers markets and stores. I have fond memories of us getting shakes at Annie’s and going on half price book outings! After graduation I moved to Alabama for a yearlong internship and then moved again to California for work where I had my first child. That time was very busy for me and while a lot of other relationships fizzled, Riise always reached out to check in. During the pandemic and the birth of my second child Riise always found time for virtual meet ups and texts. Last year in March my family traveled to Minneapolis and of course we met up with Riise. This was my first-time meeting Casey in person. After spending a day on rides, eating at Noodles, looking at books, and of course the M&M store it was time to head back to the hotel. As we were saying our goodbyes, my son who had just turned 5, declared that Riise and Casey should get married. He will likely take full credit for this wedding happening haha! My family couldn’t be happier for Riise and Casey!
Anthony Hsu
Bride's Friend
Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist. That’s Anthony Edward Stark (aka Iron Man), but one (maybe two) of those can also apply to this Anthony. While Anthony and Riise currently share a love and tradition of watching all Marvel movies on opening night, they have been sharing love of nerdy things and building the special multiverse that is their amazing friendship since they met in a leadership class in college. Through countless memories of exploring new eats, volunteering, outdoor adventures, and many more, just like the superheroes they watch on the big screen, they can always count on being there for one another.
Luke Nichols
Bride's Friend
Luke and Riise crossed paths in the same University of Minnesota Welcome Week group back in 2008, but they didn’t really connect until they discovered they were also living in the same dorm. Soon after, Luke was receiving inquiries about available boys and playing board games with Riise, Christina, Gael, and the rest of the gang. They share a love affair with baking, and they even both worked for a bakery for a time. It was here Luke developed an appreciation for salted butter and chides Riise to this day for serving unsalted butter on toast (rightfully so, how dare she). All in all, they’ve been friends for more than 16 years and friendship doesn’t come close to describing what Riise means to Luke. She’s been there through thick and thin, during times of change, and many depressed nights on her couch. Without her advice and enduring support, he wouldn’t be where he is today: enjoying domestic bliss with his partner Kenos Leong, and practicing Landscape Architecture. To many more years together.
Jenn Meester
Bride's Friend
Jenn first met Riise while spending Easter in 2016 at a home away from home, The Heitfeld’s in Lino Lakes, MN. Pam and Fred, parents of one of Riise’s college roommates, generously welcomed her into their home when she needed a place to share a holiday meal. Jenn was in attendance for Easter and was taken by Riise’s kindness and welcoming spirit (much like Pam’s). As Riise passionately described her appetizer, featuring Marcona almonds, goat cheese, and dried apricots, Jenn sensed a genuine friendship forming that extended beyond their connection at the Heitfeld's. During Riise's recovery after her 2017 car accident, Jenn generously offered to fetch her from the train station, allowing Riise to enjoy a weekend in the city catching up with friends. Riise frequently turns to Jenn for style tips (like their memorable vintage shopping trip where Riise scored a beloved velvet romper), career advice, or simply for fun experiences like trying out a new hobby. Jenn's passion for crafting and her love for the Twin Cities have motivated Riise to undertake DIY projects at home and explore different parts of the city. Their friendship often centers around shared interests such as adorable cats, scouting for new plants, and indulging in conversations about our favorite baked treats. Jenn happily offered to help take photos for our social media engagement announcement. Jenn has always been a huge advocate for Riise to have a bakery side hustle, perhaps succulent cupcakes ;)
Christina Cain
Bride’s Friend
I met Riise freshman year of college. We were Freshmen roommates and then Senior roommates and then post college roommates. We truly entered adulthood together and needless to say we've been a constant in each other's lives ever since. During Riise's retail days she could be found spending a number of holidays with my family, some of which I wasn't even present for. It was always such a treat to share the holidays with someone as kind and thoughtful as Riise. And just so you know Riise, you will always be welcome as an unofficial Cain in my family. I am elated to welcome the next chapter in Riise's life and celebrate the big day with her and Casey!
Lingzi Sun
Bride’s Friend
Lingzi and Riise share a beautiful and enduring friendship, one that has weathered distance and time. Lingzi's unexpected arrival in Riise's life brought about a profound connection that transcended borders and cultural differences. Their shared interests of band and calculus laid the foundation for a strong friendship that only grew stronger as they navigated the challenges of high school and beyond. The support they provided each other during pivotal moments, such as Lingzi's need for a new host family and Riise's transition to university. Despite the physical distance separating them, they managed to stay connected through technology and made efforts to reunite whenever possible, cherishing those moments as if no time had passed. Their tradition of embarking on cabin getaways together showcases their commitment to nurturing their friendship and creating lasting memories. Lingzi's visits to Northern Wisconsin symbolize her affection for Riise, and her appreciation for the sense of belonging and comfort she finds with Riise's family. This is a powerful friendship and Riise is eternally grateful for Lingzi.