Genna Marsh - Matron of Honor
Genna (G) and I met when we were sorority sisters in college, and she is the kindest, most genuine human you could ever meet. We became best friends in college, and we've grown through so many milestones and seasons in the last 13 years. From sharing hair bows & clothes in college to graduation, moving to new cities, starting new jobs, getting married, starting families, and so much more - we've shared some of life's best moments together, and I'm SO beyond grateful to have her next to me on what is surely to be my favorite day ever!
Becky Craig - Bridesmaid
Becky (B) and I were in the same sorority in college, and we quickly became best friends bonding over quesadilla nights, running, and nights out on Second Street. B is the most loyal friend, and I know I can count on her for anything. Whether we're traveling around Iceland or smelling candles at HomeGoods, there's never a shortage of fun and laughter when we're together.
Courtney Foster - Bridesmaid
Courtney (C) was one of my very first friends at UW-Platteville, and she's the reason I joined Kappa Alpha Sigma, which brought us together to eventually become best friends. C and I are so similar on a lot of levels, and I look up to her in a million ways. She is an incredible mom, wife, friend, and human. She's everything a best friend should be - a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, a partner to dance like an animal with (AHHH!!), and a good time no matter where we are.
Suzanne Brandt - Bridesmaid
Suz and I met when I started working at UW-Madison as the Assistant Director of Fitness. She was on the hiring committee, and I vividly remember thinking "I'm going to be friends with that girl" as I left my interview that day (not even knowing if I had gotten the job!). Sure enough, I got the job, and I got an incredible friend too. I admire Suz in so many ways. She's so selfless with her time - volunteering at the Middleton Fire Dept. and as a Big Sister, and she is always reminding those that she loves just how much she loves them. Her heart is bigger than any CrossFit PR she's ever hit, which says a lot! While we've only been friends for a few years, I know she's a friend for life, and I'm so grateful to have her as one of my bridesmaids.
Veronica Gartland - Bridesmaid
Veronica is my sorority sister turned sister-in-law, and I'm lucky enough to call her my friend too. Veronica met my brother, Ben, in college, and she became family in 2015. Veronica is incredibly caring and compassionate. She has a huge heart! I was honored to stand up for her when she married my brother, and I'm so thankful she is one of my bridesmaids too!
Sara Hannan - Bridesmaid
Sara is my cousin, so we've known each other our entire lives. From choreographing dances to the Spice Girls to nights out in Chicago with our cousin crew, we've grown up together. When we were little, we made a promise that we'd be in each other's weddings one day, and I am so excited the day has finally come to have her stand by my side! Consider this your warning - if the Spice Girls start playing, you will see us busting out our old moves!
Nevaeha Martin - Junior Bridesmaid
Nevaeha is Emily's niece, and she will surely be the most beautiful Junior Bridesmaid you've ever seen! Nevaeha joined our family when she was 10 years old, and it has been such a privilege to watch her blossom into such a beautiful young woman. I am so excited to have her in our wedding party and to share such special memories with her through all of the preparation and celebration!
Jeannemarie Mandley - Personal Attendant
Jeannemarie is my birthday twinnie from college, and she brings so much love and joy and FUN to anywhere she goes! She has the biggest heart, and she cares so deeply about the people around her. I’m so grateful we’ve stayed close for years post-college. She is going to be the life of the party on the big day, and if there’s one person that will make you want to get up and dance - it’s our girl, Jeannemarie!
Brad Novotny - Best Man
Brad and I met in 4th Grade when fate sat us next to one another in Mr. Bindl's Math class. Our shared interest in sports quickly replaced long division as the topic of conversation. We were soccer teammates for three years and basketball teammates for seven. Through years of general teenage mischief, sharing both the triumph of athletic achievement (in soccer) and the agony of defeat (in basketball) we forged a bond as close as brothers.
Stacy Bruner - Groomsman
The magic of C.C. Sabathia is at the center of how a friendship was formed between Stacy and I. While the 2008 Milwaukee Brewers were making a run at ending their postseason drought, Stacy and I were watching closely from Beloit College or making the trek to what was then (and should forever be) Miller Park via car, bus or limo. When I graduated from Beloit in the spring and began coaching, Stacy made the logical transfer from Division III baseball player to Bucky Badger.
Andy Horton - Groomsman
Andy and I met in the spring of 2005 when we were both invited as basketball recruits for a weekend at Beloit College. The following fall, we quickly bonded as freshmen forwards backing up the great Josh Hinz. Andy went on to become a three-time All Conference player while I got very good at passing the ball to Andy. Following our time at Beloit College, we were roommates and co-workers for two years in the Milwaukee area. Andy and his family now live across the street from Emily and I.
Josh Hinz - Groomsman
Josh was a senior All-American when I entered Beloit College as the portly freshman pictured. He has served as a friend and mentor ever since. After college, we spent three years as opponents while he assisted at Beloit College and I did the same at Carroll University. Unable to beat me, going 1-5 against me in those three years, and landing the head job at Beloit College, Josh had the presence of mind to take the "join me" route and offered me a chance to assist him.
Michael Pogue - Groomsman
Michael, who will hence forth be referred to as Pogue, and I have the longest-running friendship in the wedding party as we met before either of us had a birthday party. While we attended different elementary and middle schools, we stayed in touch through the wonders of AIM before attending high school together.
Andy Shive - Groomsman
Andy and I met in 2015, shortly after he had arrived in Madison via North Carolina. His contagious energy is largely responsible for the torn Achilles tendon I suffered in 2022.
Ben Gartland - Usher
Ben is one of my two older brothers. With only 2 years between us, Ben and I spent a lot of time together growing up. We played “school” together, we hung out with the neighborhood kids together, and he even gave me one of my first haircuts! (Oops!) As we’ve gotten older, we shifted from being just siblings to being friends. I admire how loyal and selfless Ben is. He has a huge heart, especially for his family. He’s an incredible dad, which is no surprise because he learned from the best!
Chuck Gartland - Usher
Chuck is my oldest brother, and he’s someone I’ve admired my entire life. Chuck just radiates “cool”, and I will never get tired of hearing about his latest adventures - driving in Barack Obama’s motorcade in San Francisco, snowboarding in Lake Tahoe, playing golf with Bill Murray - you name it, he’s probably done it (or could one up it). Aside from being the life of the party, Chuck is smart, witty, and he never hesitates to make me laugh.
Malcolm Weber - Ring Bearer
Malcolm John Weber is our sweet son, our pride, our joy. He'll be just about 14 months old on our wedding day. Let's be honest...Malcolm is going to be the star of the show, and we have no doubt that he will steal your hearts as soon as you see him cruising down the aisle.
Jeremiah - Ring Bearer
Jeremiah (JJ) is Emily’s nephew. He joined our family in April 2021 as a sweet little one-year old. He has such a tender heart, and he loves to help out around the house. JJ loves James! We are so sure he’ll be eager to run towards James as he comes down the aisle on the big day!
Lydia Armsby - Flower Girl
Lydia is James's niece, and we are so excited she's coming all the way from Arizona to take on the role as our Flower Girl!