Bri and Aislinn go awhile back, 30 years to be exact. Even though Aislinn kept telling their parents “remember when it was just the two of us?” after Bri was born, they became very close as they grew into adults. Being the younger sister, Bri has always been envious of Aislinn’s grace and poise, but not so much of her black chain pants that she used to wear as a teen. The wonderful mother, kind daughter, supportive sister, and the patient wife that Aislinn is is a standard that Bri plans to hold herself to.
Kayla Lewis - Maid of Honor
Bri has known Kayla since one of their first days of college freshman year, and this set off a friendship that survived seven years of living together. Kayla has seen Bri through too-short haircuts, the stress of the first years of teaching, COVID isolation, cross-country road trips, and everything in between. Kayla is an incredible friend that will drop everything to bring you Taco Bell, text you about crazy Taylor Swift conspiracy theories, and understand the true love of Old Navy. Kayla is the best thing that Bri gained from her wild times at Mizzou, and she is so grateful for her.
Caitlynn Noltie - Bridesmaid
Caitlynn had the pleasure of being the youngest sister within the Noltie household. Caitlynn loves her dogs, cheese, and The Office. She is exceptionally brave, and has taken many chances in her life to truly follow her dreams. This has allowed her to live in many wonderful places, which also gave Bri a chance to travel to visit her. Bri would like to request that Caitlynn move somewhere European next, maybe Italy, so they can have some international adventures too. Throughout their lives, even though Bri and Caitlynn have gone on very different paths, they have found ways to support each other. Caitlynn is resilient and determined, and is going to set the world on fire.
Kate Okker-Edging - Bridesmaid
Outside of her sisters, Kate is the person that has known Bri the longest in the bridal party. After meeting in 8th grade band (Kate a trumpet, Bri a clarinet), they built a fast and strong friendship. They experienced after band concert Andy’s parties, double dates to horrible movies, ridiculously long Facebook posts, and high school dances together. Then they transitioned into college and adulthood together as well. Even though Kate has always been destined to live in and travel to fantastic places, Bri felt so fortunate for the few years that she shared with Kate when she moved back home to Columbia after college. While they may never share a home city again, their friendship will thrive through planning new trips while on their current ones and frequent visits to Andy’s. Kate is the strongest person that Bri knows, and she feels so honored to have had her as a friend for so long.
Emily Alexander - Bridesmaid
Emily and Bri’s friendship is a product of Gentry Middle School. Emily now works with Alex (and Justin-groomsman), and has to deal with the constant texts from Alex about what jewelry to buy Bri. Even though Emily and Bri no longer get to work together, they are still able to spend time doing their three favorite things: watching the Bachelor franchise, talking about stupid tv shows, and going to movies with their Golden Buckets. Bri is one of Emily’s emergency contacts, thus solidifying that this is a friendship for life. Emily is funny and creative, and brings so much joy and laughter into Bri’s life.
Abby Schmidt - Bridesmaid
Abby came into Bri’s life on the top of a mountain. They traveled to Jinotega, Nicaragua together during college to teach, and became close during their trip. While college and their own adventures pulled them apart afterwards, their friendship flourished when Abby came to work with Bri at Gentry. Their love of music festivals (Roots and Blues, Bonnaroo), Harry Potter, and board games gave them an ample amount of activities to nerd out about. While Abby has since left Gentry, their friendship has continued as they go through the adventures of life. Abby is a constant source of peace and support in Bri’s life that she is incredibly blessed to have.
Jake Narup - Best Man
Alex and Jake have known each other since they were five. Fun fact: Jake is the only friend that came to visit Alex when he was in Rangely. They have many stories about those trips. One of their favorite pastimes is drinking and grilling all day Saturday. Jake has been a constant in Alex’s life, so much so that no one ever questioned who would be Alex’s best man.
Corey O'Connor - Groomsman
Corey was the Jake that Alex needed when Jake decided he was too good to go to Illinois State. They first bonded over their love of Pop Punk music, specifically Metro Station and Cobra Starship. Corey was the person who spent a lot of time in Alex’s bed, as he would take naps in there after classes when Alex was working on his computer. Alex also went as Corey for Halloween one year. Corey’s life has taken him back and forth across the country, but the kindness and humor he has is unmatched.
Adam Smith - Groomsman
Adam and Alex have known each for entirely too long, as their moms went to high school together. They also worked together at TNI, a summer camp for kids. This is where Alex decided he wanted to be a teacher, and it’s also where Adam decided he hated kids. While Adam didn’t visit Alex in Rangely, Alex did visit Adam during his residency in Salt Lake City. Even though their lives took them in vastly different directions, they always make time to see each other when they can.
Nathan Hoover - Groomsman
Nathan is the college roommate who was the nicest and most unique person at times in Alex’s life. From his early days of dumpster diving to storing bugs in their freezer for a class project, life with Nathan was never dull. Nathan was also the reason Alex never got homesick and a constant source of joy at college. Alex’s parents are forever thankful for “that Hoovestein boy.”
Chris Logan - Groomsman
Chris (or Curtis as Alex’s dad still calls him) is the friend that is the best at keeping in touch. While they met in high school, they didn’t become good friends until college. Chris will call when he’s driving the Godfrey Parks and Rec truck around town, just to catch up or talk about the ridiculous things their other friends have done. He will always make time to come visit when Alex travels home to see his parents. He’d love to tell you all about Godfrey’s new splash pad or hemp maze if you get a chance.
Justin Carter - Groomsman
Justin and Alex met when their current school (John Warner) first opened. They coached football together and became quick friends, uniting to make fun of Emily (bridesmaid). He is the perfect blend of jock and nerd to have a ton in common with Alex. Justin was the catalyst to Alex and Bri going on their first date. When Alex asked him what he should know about Bri (someone he worked with and was friends with for three years), Justin could only think to tell him that Bri hates refried beans. Justin and Alex spend their off periods together not doing their work.
Other Important Roles
Arden Markgraf - Flower Girl
Arden is Alex’s goddaughter and the reason why his Amazon account recommends him stuffed animals and kids books. She loves the color pink and playing teacher with her older sisters Delaney and Marlowe and her younger brother Wells. She even occasionally sports a John Warner Cheer shirt. She is beauty, she is grace, and there is no one better suited to prep the aisle for Bri’s arrival. We are so thankful she said yes to be a part of our big day!
Kieran Wright - Usher
Kieran is Bri’s 10-year-old nephew, and the coolest kid around. He loves engineering, has the love of Legos required by the Noltie family, and will one day be a NASA Astronaut/Lego Master/Computer Programmer. He is the smartest kid around, and Bri loves being his aunt.
Mark Skiba - Usher
Mark is one of Alex’s closest college friends. They became friends when Alex loaned Mark his collection of Entourage DVDs and Mark watched them all in a two day period. Mark and Alex would meet for lunch in Normal on Wednesdays and were committed to try every place near campus. Alex was the officiant in Mark’s surprise wedding. Mark is the life of the party and the most loyal friend anyone could ask for.
Erin Walker - Officiant
Bri met Erin at Gentry, and they quickly became friends. As the years progressed, they became each others' confidants and constant source of support and laughter. The kids constantly mixed them up, and coaching cheerleading together did not help in correcting their confusion. Erin also started to become good friends with Alex, and even created an inside joke that will continue for years to come. When thinking of their officiant, Erin was an obvious choice due to her grace, kindness, and poise. Bri and Alex are so lucky to have her in their corner.