Friend of the GroomTroy and Jeff met in middle school and have been nearly inseparable ever since, whether it was long nights of playing games or tinkering in the garage. Always managing to have just enough fun while staying just far enough from trouble, it didn't take long to know they always had the other's back in a pinch. Even during the times of parted paths (be it the Marine Corps or the seminary), the connection has remained. Grab the 13mm wrench, we're diving into that truck again...

Sister of the BrideAlyssa is my loving sister who I've grown up with all my life. We've shared so many wonderful adventures and memories together over the years. She is kind, gentle, and loves helping people! Last year she graduated with her Bachelor's degree from the University of Tampa in Elementary Education. I know some day she will make an excellent school teacher! I am honored to call her my sister and to have her stand by my side as my Maid of Honor.

Friend of the GroomRick found his way into Jeff's life by way of North Dakota. Newman Center activities turned into late night discussions as roommates. Life continued as both began formation at Saint Paul Seminary, though for some reason, Rick thought it a good idea to incardinate in Saint Cloud...we can forgive him for these things. Rick is now at the North American College in Rome and still studying away. The magic of the internet still allows these two nerds to continue the late night become early morning discussions. Grab a beer and a copy of Tolkien, this will be a long night.

Cousin of the BrideLauren is my beautiful cousin from South Bend, IN. Although we grew up in different states, we always shared a significant amount of quality time during our visits. We have wonderful memories of going to the beach together in Florida and on Lake Michigan. Lauren is very talented and creative! She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Photography from the University of Notre Dame in 2015. Now she is a freelance photographer in Los Angeles, CA. I am very blessed to have her as my cousin and honored to have her as my bridesmaid.

Friend of the BrideKatie is such a sweetheart! She has been my best friend for a long time, ever since we met on a retreat during our time in college. We've had wonderful memories of going to Walt Disney World together and I'm sure we will continue to have many more great adventures! She graduated with her Master's degree from Lynn University and is now a special education and drama teacher at Cutting Edge Learning Academy. I am honored to have Katie as both my best friend and my bridesmaid!

Friend of the GroomMason and Jeff met in the midst of their time at Saint Paul Seminary, Mason being in the lay student program. Specific details are fuzzy as to how these two became friends, but the general consensus is that there was definitely a shared appreciation for bicycles and bicycle pumps. After Jeff left seminary, Mason found his way to being his supervisor at the Archbishop Ireland Memorial Library, where other sorts of shenanigans ensued. Grab the helmet and cleats, we're exploring Minnehaha again.

Friend of the GroomSteve and Jeff also met at the Saint Paul Seminary. It was obvious early on that a friendship would be inevitable due to the fact that Steve thinks he's Batman. Nerds of a feather seem to flock together. Steve also found his way out of seminary and moved back to Wisconsin (which we can find a way to forgive), but conversation is not far away, be it liturgical matters or some random Star Wars geek out session. Grab the lightsaber, I've got a bad feeling about this.

Niece of the GroomKarissa is a very lovely young lady! She is the daughter of Jeff's brother, Jeremy Rother. Karissa and I have similar interests in music and fashion. She graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 2016 and is currently a student at Concordia University Wisconsin where she is studying Occupational Therapy. I am honored to have Karissa as my bridesmaid and I am very excited to have many more experiences with her as her new aunt!

Niece of the GroomAndraya is a beautiful girl with a heart of gold! She is the daughter of Jeff's sister, Christine Thorkildson. Andraya and I enjoy watching Disney movies and spending time together. She is very kind and always puts others before herself. Currently, Andraya takes dances classes at Rain Academy and is enrolled in Hastings Middle School where she will begin her 8th Grade year in the fall. I am honored to have Andraya as my Bridesmaid in our Wedding Party and I am very excited to have her as my own niece!!

Friend of the GroomTim stormed into Jeff's life in college and quickly became a sort of mentor to him, which is odd since it's difficult to say even now which one is really the wiser and more mature of the pair. Regardless of the details, it could be said that Tim was the single most important cause of Jeff having his current job. And for this and everything else he has done, he has worthily earned the title Jeff gave him long ago as the worst person ever. Look at him, you know it's true...

Nephew of the GroomScott is Jeff's godson and Jr. Groomsman. He is the son of Jeff's sister, Christine Thorkildson. Scott is 10 years old, the youngest of three, and he will be entering 5th Grade in the fall. Some of his favorite things include, camping at the lake with his family, Disney's Cars Lightning McQueen, and his favorite animal is certainly Pusheen!

Niece of the GroomElizabeth is a sparkly princess straight out of a fairytale! She is super spunky and her favorite color is pink! She will be going into 5th Grade and is currently taking archery lessons. She attends St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School with her brother and sister. I am very blessed and honored to have her as my Jr. Bridesmaid and soon-to-be niece.

Nephew of the GroomThe youngest of the Rother family (for the present), Michael was a quiet boy for the longest time... then his sisters taught him to speak, and he hasn't stopped since. Deuce has grown up quickly over the past couple years, beginning hockey this past season and quickly becoming one of the strongest skaters in his group. He loves to party and loves hugs, get them while you can.

Niece of the GroomKatie is a sweet little angel! Her favorite color changes from day to day — usually between yellow, pink, and purple. Her favorite Disney Princess is Elsa from Frozen and she enjoys playing with her dolls. Katie just completed 2nd Grade and received her First Holy Communion in May. I am honored to have Katie as a flower girl in our wedding and I'm very excited to be her new aunt!