Ellie Dorchuck
Co-Maid of Honor
Ellie is the sister I've never had. She drives me insane and I tell her so. And she tells me right back. We have been lucky enough to attend the same school since 2nd grade where we met on the playground. I remember her having a big cut on her knee which she swears was actually on her face. We eventually became best friends in 7th grade and have talked every single day since then. I've known since 7th grade she'd be standing next to me on my wedding day (which makes me tear up as I'm writing this)!!
Noa Crowley
Co-Maid of Honor
Noni, as I affectionately call her (she used to hate being called by her childhood nickname, so of course I exploited this), has played lacrosse with me since 8th grade. As you will soon find out at the wedding, Noa has THE MOST contagious laugh you'll ever hear. She loves fiercely. Messes with Taylor relentlessly. She's my best competition and always pushes me to work harder - especially when working out with our old lacrosse coach. She cried at every single wedding dress I tried on. She can read my mind to the point that its really freaky. I mean its still happening even though she's on a different continent studying to become a veterinarian in Scotland. Oh, and she puts up with every question we've ever had about raising our insane puppy, Maeve. I wouldn't be who or where I am without her!
Sara Kallsen
Bridesmaid & Sister of the Groom
Sara is the spitfire little sister I never had! I've known her since she was 9 and watched her try many sports until she settled on volleyball (which she is now a SUPER STAR at). Attempts were unsuccessful at grooming her to be a lacrosse star. Most importantly, she never lets Taylor's ego get too big - always knocking him down a few notches for which I am always grateful ;)
Elle Kallsen
Bridesmaid & Sister of the Groom
Known her since she was 12 and yet I think this is our only picture together, just us. Elle and I can chat for hours. She has more energy than literally anyone I know, always keeping a positive attitude and dancing even after a day of traveling and arriving at 2am. Everyone should definitely prepare themselves for Elle & Sara organizing a tik tok at the wedding.
Lucy Mulert
Bridesmaid
Lucy and I bonded over hearts. Literally. I met her while cramming for our Anatomy test on the heart as freshmen in college. She came in, whipped out a diagram of the heart and we’ve been friends ever since. She has taught me everything I know about cooking and baking (okay, she's taught me a LOT about cooking...Mark and Mel would be deeply offended if I gave Lucy all the credit). If you run into Lucy, make sure to ask her anything you need to know about Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. Lucy is the most wonderful type of person who makes homemade cookie boxes and mails them to all her friends for Christmas and sends cards on important days. That right there sums her up.
Jackie Rivas
Bridesmaid
Jackie and I lived together sophomore year and really became close because, out of the 4 roommates (all majoring in science) we hated science the most (still hate...yes, I know I’m a nurse - it's fine). Although, Jackie swears she met Ellie and I at Creighton when we were seniors in high school…Ellie and I have no recollection of this (sorry, Jackie!!!!). Jackie has the best perspective on people and the world - always looking for the good. She has the best listening ears. And she keeps her heart and mind open to everyone she meets.
Claire Jamar
Bridesmaid
Claire and I knew each other throughout college but it took sharing a horrific first job out of college to bond us together for life! She was the easiest and quickest best friend I've ever made. My favorite thing about Claire is that she is always down to make a run to DQ with me (which Taylor is not...red flag maybe? Too late I guess...). Claire has this ability to make you feel like you are capable of doing anything. Truly the ULTIMATE hype woman (tied with Haley, of course).
Haley Nixon
Bridesmaid
Haley was a friend of a friend. We bonded over tacos and our obsession with Claire. We got tacos almost every week there after. Haley is the coolest person ever and just moved to Mexico for a few months because she could. She is the first to send a house-warming card or Galentine's Day gift. She makes everyone she meets feel like they’re the best person in the world, but no one beats her!
Scott Kallsen
Best Man & Father of the Groom
Pops! We first met when I was born. He was a nice guy and I didn’t have many friends. Over time, we became close as the only boys in the family. He’s the Michael Scott to my Dwight Schrute. I never parkour without him. He’s the Chandler to my Joey–always ready for foosball and reclining chairs. He’s my best friend…and I also needed an adult chaperone for the other groomsmen. Two birds–one stone. He’s been a rock in my life and his commitment to my mom is what I want to embody in my marriage to Nina. Hopefully as best man some of that wisdom can rub off on me.
Peter Kelley
Groomsman & Brother of the Bride
Dro the bro (in-law)! When I first met Pete, he was in 3rd grade. He seemed like a cool kid, and his sister was super cute, so I was okay with the fact his parents made him chaperone our first date. Growing up with him, it was like having the little brother I always wanted but never had. Plus, he’s way cooler than me and knows all the slang so I keep him around to make me sound hip.
Hunter Hicks
Groomsman
They say opposites attract. I’m quiet; he’s loud. He’s short; I am tall. He likes to wrestle men in leotards; I don’t. He suggests something; I follow blindly. If there was ever someone who was the yin to my yang, it would be this guy. Stupid enough to run ultras with me and loyal enough listen to my dog whine for 3 hours during our car rides. If you’re looking for an entertaining challenge, try to find someone who has not talked with him at the wedding.
Patrick Quigley
Groomsman
Where do we put Pat? This was the question Nina and I asked ourselves the most as we were planning the wedding party. He was our first roommate out of college and he was one of my first friends in college. In fact, he and I met canoeing around in the rain for about a week during a program called college bound. Freezing your butt off in the rain really brings you closer as friends I got to say. And I would gladly say, I would never do it again. Pat is one of my best friends, one of Nina’s best friends, so don’t be surprised if he stands on both sides at some point during the ceremony - expect a wardrobe change.
Drew Schoenbauer
Groomsman
When I first met Drew he was Pat’s roommate. They were like peanut butter and jelly from the start. And I was like damn. This kid has it all. He’s got gorgeous blonde hair most girls would kill for. He’s a National Champion (or so he tells us). No one actually has seen the trophy. I hope Nina doesn’t read this bio and realize how much cooler Drew is than me. He is an awesome guy with awesome hair and I am honored to have him be a part of the wedding party.
Jason Omann
Groomsman
So everyone kind of has that one friend. The one friend you can’t quite put your finger on what it is. That’s Jason. Literally could never tell you what he is up to any given day. I am sure he is probably driving a zamboni somewhere, but other than that it could be anything. He’s always been a source of fun and adventure for me. Make sure someone keeps an eye on him though–we don’t want to lose him. Jason is a loyal friend and one of the strongest people I know–I am thrilled to have him next to me at the altar.
Paul Wenner
Groomsman
Paul and I were roommates sophomore year of college. He really taught me a lot about having a brother. He’s also one of the most dedicated Minnesota sports fans ever. Doesn’t matter what spot. Whether it’s Twins, Vikings, Loons, or gosh even the Lynx. This guy is a hardcore supporter–not really sure why. But even more so, Paul is a great brother. I didn’t know what it was like to have a brother until I roomed with Paul. Safe to say, we are brothers for life.
Jack Wozniak
Groomsman
Woz quickly became one of my best friends in college and I’ll tell you why. I, personally, am a big fan of academic debate. I think it is fun to debate different topics just for debating’s sake. It still drives Nina up a wall. It never drove Woz crazy though. We’d sit for hours in the hallway of our dorm (even though we both could’ve gone into either of our dorms) just chatting politics and sports. There’s never a dull moment when Woz and I start debating. So much so, our other friends had to cut us off sophomore year. He’s a wonderful guy and his family is a second one to me especially those first few years in Minnesota.
