Emma is my big sister. She has always been one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders throughout my life. I was lucky enough to have been her maid of honor on her wedding day. It has brought me so much joy watching her become a mother to my two favorite little humans. Not only is she an incredible mother but she is a passionate educator, both in the classroom room and on the administrative side. Even though we get on each other’s nerves sometimes, as any sisters do, I know we will always be there for each other no matter what.
Matthew Shackley - Best Man
Matthew is my big brother. I can’t imagine life without all the experiences we’ve shared together, especially the early years. From us smashing just about everything in Mum and Dad’s house playing ball to him breaking my nose playing roller hockey, growing up with him was the time of my life. Not only is he now an amazing father to my beautiful niece and nephew, but he’s also one of the smartest people around, currently working on his Doctorate at UC Santa Barbara. Fun fact about Matthew. He once did a 17-day solo bike ride down the U.S. Pacific Coast, border to border. He’ll forever be my best friend and biggest inspiration.
Kaylie Stoffregen - Bridesmaid
Kaylie has been one of my closest friends since the 6th grade. Our friendship has been through all the highs and lows, and I am forever thankful to always have her by my side. Kaylie is one of the most outgoing people I know and anyone that meets her instantly falls in love with her kindness and humor. Kaylie will effortlessly put a smile on your face with her infectious laugh. One of my favorite memories of Kaylie was standing by her side on her wedding day and watching her marry the love of her life.
Paul Sullivan - Groomsman
Paul and I go way back. We first met playing footy together when we were 10-11 years old. And even though Paul and his family moved to California as he was starting high school, we visited each other every summer break, continuing to share our love for footy and Liverpool F.C. He’s now a father of the two cutest kiddos around and being a part of his wedding in 2019 will always be one of the happiest days of my life. Fun fact about Paul. He once forgot his footy kit at home when we travelled to Boise, Idaho for a youth soccer tournament. In order to play, he had to borrow kit from our women’s team.
Sadie Brooks - Bridesmaid
Sadie and I have been friends since high school, but our friendship really grew in college at Winona State and while bartending at the golf course in our hometown. It’s safe to say we have a lot of good stories from our nights out together in Winona or from behind the bar. Sadie inspired my passion for travel after she did a semester abroad in Italy. We have even been to the Dominican Republic and explored Europe together. It’s safe to say Sadie is one of the best travel buddies and friends you could ever ask for.
Todeh Toomians - Groomsman
Todeh has been one of my best friends for close to two decades now after meeting in 8th grade in 2007. Going through high school, college, and beyond without him in my life would have been impossible. Want a friend who always enjoys life to the fullest? Todeh is your guy. No matter the situation, he’s always managed to put a smile on my face. One of the most positive, uplifting, and clear-minded guys I know. Fun fact about Todeh. He’s currently in his second year of medical school in Utah. Attending his white coat ceremony a couple years ago is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Meg Leis - Bridesmaid
Meg will always be my “forever friend”. Meg was my first ever best friend when I met her when I was 3 years old. We have been through it all together, including running around our hometown as kids, awkward boyish haircuts, countless soccer and basketball games played together, driving all the backroads in our hometown listening to country music, crazy nights out, and now being boring adults. Our friendship always picks up where it last left off, no matter the time apart.
Cody Bragg - Groomsman
Cody, my former enemy on the pitch to a teammate and one of my best friends since 8th grade in 2007. Cody and I have always been cut from the same cloth. From chasing the same girls, to having the same sense of humor, to sharing a passion for footy. One of the funniest, goofiest guys I know, there’s no one I’d rather go on an adventure with. Even if some of our previous adventures landed us in a little trouble. You might need to ask Cody’s mum about that one. Fun fact about Cody. Just how we’ve always copied one another, he’s also getting married this year! His big day is in June and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it.
Meg Herrman - Bridesmaid
I am lucky to call Meg both family and a friend. Growing up I could always count on hanging out with Meg at family holidays. We eventually went from being family to teammates when we played high school volleyball and basketball together. Now in our adult years I always enjoy coming home and catching up and going out with her. It won’t be hard to spot Meg at the wedding because she will be the life of the party. Who knows, maybe she will even do the worm or splits for us.
Adam Thomson - Groomsman
Adam is not just my cousin; he’s my brother from across the pond. Even though we were raised 5,000+ miles apart, we’ve always had a close connection. From our parents dressing us up in the same Liverpool kit at Disneyland so we wouldn’t get lost to him visiting me in college and getting kicked out of my dorm (my bad dude), we’ve had some great times together. Fun fact about Adam. He used to pull off quite the American accent. At least that’s what he thought, so don’t be shy in asking him for his best American impressions at the wedding!
Ethan Schmitz - Usher
Ethan and I go way back. All the way back to the day I was born because he’s my big brother. Ethan has always been able to make me laugh with his jokes and great impressions. I have always admired Ethan’s athleticism, so much so, that when we were younger, I would put on all his sports gear, including his smelly hockey gear, just to be like him. Some of my favorite memories with Ethan were all the games we used to play, like kickball in the backyard, basketball in the driveway, floor hockey in the basement, and poker in the living room.
Connor Sullivan - Usher
Connor was one of Sophie’s roommates in PA school in West Virginia. We immediately bonded over our midwestern similarities, trash talking about the Packers vs the Bears (Go Pack Go), and nights out at our local towny bar. Connor and Alex hit it off the second I introduced them and they have been close ever since. Even now after moving to different states we still keep in touch and visit each other from time to time. Some of our favorite memories with Connor were days out on the golf course or listening to him quote every single movie known to man.
Rosie Zuehlke - Flower Girl
Rosie is Alex and Sophie's niece and goddaughter.
Mahana Shackley - Flower Girl
Mahana is Alex and Sophie's niece and goddaughter.
Brooks Zuehlke - Ring Bearer
Brooks is Alex and Sophie's nephew.
Milo Shackley - Ring Bearer
Milo is Alex and Sophie's nephew and godson.
Austin Long - Officiant
Austin was brought into Sophie’s life by being the husband of one of her PA school classmates, Maddie. Austin and Sophie were close but nothing compares to the beautiful bromance that was made when Sophie introduced Austin to Alex. From there it was days out on the golf course, followed by beers at one of our favorite breweries, to pool days at Austin and Maddie’s house. Austin was the first person to ask Alex if he had a ring picked out for Sophie. Austin will always be a close friend to us both. Fun facts about Austin, he holds the world record distance for a golf club throw and we think he’s secretly planning to be the mayor of Charleston, West Virginia one day.