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OUR PEOPLE
The People Standing Beside Us
The people who have cheered us on, stood beside us through every season, and made our lives richer simply by being a part of them.
We couldn't imagine this day without them by our sides.
Jess
JESSICA VARAO
Maid of Honor
Allison’s sister and lifelong best friend. The one who made Al a big sister: still one of her favorite titles. Al’s polar opposite in all the best ways. The kind of energy you hear before you see. TMI? Not in Jess’ vocabulary. Grateful to be sharing Maid of Honor duties with Jac. "Thank God it’s a group project" - Jess, probably.
Jac
JACQUELYN KIERSTEAD
Matron of Honor
The big sister Allison didn’t know she needed, but feels so lucky to have. No “in-law” necessary. Nate’s absolute gem of a wife and the best mom to the cutest mini groomsman. The group project member who already read the rubric. Will clean the entire venue if given Patrón. Seriously, someone get this girl Patrón.
Mikaela
MIKAELA FLANAGAN
Bridesmaid
Met through photography, stayed for the friendship. The kind of friendship that has always felt easy; never forced or high maintenance. Allison's sounding board, mentor, and friend all in one. Forever reminding Al what she’s capable of, especially when she forgets. Never afraid to deliver a much-needed reality check. with love, of course.
Nelly
JANELLE LONG
Bridesmaid
Heart of gold (idiom): Janelle. Effortlessly makes everyone around her feel truly seen, appreciated, and beautiful. Standing at 4'10", but her personality adds at least a foot. Endlessly creative. Certified dancing queen. Still struggling to accept the fact that she just doesn’t like coffee... just give the girl what she wants: a Cherry Coke.
Ana
ANALISE GIARRUSSO
Bridesmaid
Human sunshine in every sense of the word. The most genuine soul with a heart to match. Always down for something spontaneous... we have tattoos and piercings to prove it. Makes everything more fun just by being there. Impossible to be in a bad mood around her. Sarcasm? Sometimes lost in translation. Gullible? Oh, very. And we love her for it.
Dre
ANDREA HEMBERGER
Bridesmaid
Allison’s proof that the invisible string theory is real. Lee’s fiancée and Allison’s kindred spirit. An actual angel, even while studying for the bar... which says everything you need to know. Somehow feels like a lifelong friend despite meeting later in life. Loves vintage oddities and anything with a story. Calls a tote a “tub”... we’ve agreed to disagree.
Nate
NATHAN KIERSTEAD
Best Man
Josh’s big brother. The life of the party and everyone’s instant friend. Has yet to meet a wedding he didn’t dance at. No one stays a stranger around Nate for long. He may be responsible for half the trouble Josh got into growing up, but if Josh drops the gloves, Nate’s dropping his too. Literally and figuratively.
Zach
ZACHARY KIERSTEAD
Groomsman
Josh’s cousin, but more like a brother. Effortlessly funny and the kind of guy everyone hopes will be at the gathering. If Zach’s there, a good time is pretty much guaranteed. Fiercely loyal and always shows up. If you know Zach, you’ve probably already heard the lore surrounding his shirts... if not, just ask.
Fleeter
NATHAN FLEET
Groomsman
Joshua’s lifelong best friend. As loyal as they come. Down to earth, wears his heart on his sleeve, and always there when you need him: has helped Josh & Al move four times... and is somehow still their friend. A friendship that’s stood the test of time. Answers to Nate, Nathan, Fleeter, or Fleet. One request for the reception: blue MTN DEW. Non-negotiable.
Nolan
NOLAN PERRY
Groomsman
The kind of friend who always shows up and always tells it like it is. Can figure out a solution to just about anything. Would give you the shirt off his back, never expecting anything in return. Loyal, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand. Plumbing or HVAC emergency? Wait until after the wedding festivities... then call Nolan.
Jared
JARED DOWNIE
Groomsman
If “go with the flow” were a person, it’d be Jared. Just an all-around good dude and the kind of person who can turn your mood around just by being in the room. Down for literally anything, including absolutely nothing. A conversation with Jared could go in literally any direction (and usually does). Good vibes, questionable tangents, zero complaints.
Lee Mo
LEE MOGREN
Groomsman
Groomsman + Bridesman = our “Groomsmaid.” Allison’s boss who quickly became a best friend. Survived managing Allison and Ana together and somehow still chose to stick around. Comes as a package deal with Andrea, one of Allison and Josh’s favorite duos. Want to break the ice? Ask him to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Beans
COLBY KIERSTEAD
Mini Groomsman
The couple’s nephew and the coolest dude of the bunch. Single-handedly bringing the wedding party’s cuteness average way up. Definitely has a stash of snacks somewhere. Better known as “Beans” to Uncle Juice & Auntie Allison, whose favorite activity might just be their dance parties. Mini groomsman. Big responsibility. Even bigger moves.
OUR OFFICIANTS
Jamie
Nance
&
JAMES & NANCY SHORES
Allison’s aunt and uncle and absolute dream team. The truest example of a marriage built on love, faith, friendship, and a whole lot of humor. Two people Allison and Josh have always admired. This role was decided long before there was even a proposal. They’re a package deal, it had to be both of them.
HONORING HIS PLACE
Chad
CHAD KIERSTEAD
Best Man
Josh's big brother. Known for his big heart, sense of humor, contagious laugh, and unforgettable presence. While his place beside us looks different, we know his love and spirit will be felt throughout every moment of our wedding day. Loved beyond words and missed every day.
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