Wedding Day

Ivy House

Ceremony

Reception

Rehearsal Dinner

Summer

Our Wedding

...but JP and Kiana's also began with one! When a beloved cousin of Kiana's got married in October of 2018, she was elated to stand up as one of her bridesmaids. She was equally as elated to find that a funny and charming photographer would be capturing the day. As a long time friend of the groom and a talented photographer, JP happily took pictures, and each of them had a lasting memory of the fun conversations they had throughout the day. Kiana returned to Chicago and she and JP didn't talk again until months later, when Kiana's cousin set them up on a date. They realized that very first evening that this would be something life changing. They dated long distance until March of 2020, when Kiana joined JP in the Milwaukee area. Through moves, an unexpected deployment in 2022, and many unforgettable experiences, they've had the privilege of building their lives together. Now, they are so proud and honored to get the opportunity to celebrate their love with all of you!

Many love stories end in a wedding...

Our Story

Photos

Some friendships develop so smoothly that you look back and can’t quite remember how they came into your life, only that they’re now an essential part of it.

That is not the case with Eric and Ki.

They met on the very first day of IU band camp during Ki’s freshman year, accidentally matching in their Packers jerseys. That moment was less a gentle beginning and more of a resounding crash—one that changed both of their lives forever.

In the 15 years since, there hasn’t been a single day they haven’t exchanged increasingly unfunny jokes, played games, run errands, explored new places, or generally existed as two halves of a whole person.

When JP came into Ki’s life, Eric joked that he’d be the judge, because whoever got Ki got him, too. Earning a seat at the table with two people who share a brain half the time isn’t easy, but it didn’t take long to see that JP wasn’t just welcome—he was the missing piece.

JP and Eric built their own inseparable friendship, and with him, Eric and Ki’s halves became thirds. These days, you’ll find the three of them most nights cooking dinner, playing board games, or diving into some new project together.

That crash on day one of band camp didn’t just spark a friendship—it gave JP and Ki their best friend. Eric’s unshakable support, genuine love, constant humor, and unwavering commitment are not only pillars in their lives. They’re also examples that inspire JP and Ki to be better people. When it came time to choose who could possibly guide them through this commitment, the answer was obvious: it had to be Eric.

Which worked out perfectly—because when asked, Eric said he couldn’t possibly choose to stand on one side or the other. He loves both JP and Ki too much...
and he’d already prepared way too many jokes not to get to speak at length.

Eric Rudkin

Maddie is Ki’s cousin, her oldest best friend at just thirteen months apart, her maid of honor, and the resident family mind reader. After catching one joking conversation at her own wedding and noticing two Instagram likes (both by JP, of course), Maddie knew instantly that JP and Ki would be the perfect match.

Handpicking JP is only one of the reasons Ki feels so lucky to have Maddie in her life. There is no one better at balancing wry humor with heartfelt kindness. She knows just what to say to give you the EXACT amount of sass and support you need to get through any situation. She approaches each moment as an opportunity, and she gently guides everyone around her to live as joyfully as she does. She is the kind of person you want to grow up to be, even when you’ve already had the privilege of growing up beside her.

When Ki and JP got engaged, there was no question Maddie would be standing right next to her. Partly because they'd already spent years planning weddings to their imaginary fiances at age five, so they'd already had the specifics coordinated to a certain degree...but mostly because Ki can’t imagine a single important day without Maddie beside her. 

Maddie Scales 

Katie and Ki have been sisters since CJ was just the gross older brother, and not, in fact, Katie’s husband. In the beginning, Katie and Ki bonded over a mutual love of swimming, shared existential angst, and the solemn promise to keep all of Katie's underground music recommendations a complete and total secret, lest they risk it reaching mainstream radio play. Their friendship grew as they did, though they never really did grow out of the blundering as they left the blunder years; they simply learned to lean into it and laugh it off together. Ki still remembers the day in chemistry class when Katie boldly announced that she would be marrying Ki's brother. Ki thought then that she'd be the luckiest girl in the world if her best friend was her sister-in-law too. And now, decades later, she's still thinking about how lucky she is.

 Whether the moment calls for enthusiastic encouragement, a listening ear, or a partner in carefully plotted chaos, Katie has always been right there. Ki learned a long, long time ago that there is no one better to anchor your team that someone as as steadfast, fierce, and full of love as Katie is. Ki feels so lucky to have Katie by her side every day, but especially for her wedding day!

Katie Werner

Ki and Ronda met while doing paperwork during their time at Bloomington Meadows Hospital. Ki had just started and was relatively quiet, while Ronda, having already been there a few months, had somehow managed to befriend every single employee at the hospital.

When Ronda found herself paired with the quiet new girl, she lamented her luck. That is, until the topic of teaching cursive came up—something Ronda quickly learned Ki was weirdly passionate about, judging by the enthusiastic tirade she launched into.

When Ki finally finished, Ronda looked up from her paperwork and said simply, “Oh. You’re weird. We’re friends now.” They’ve been inseparable ever since.

From that moment on, Ronda has cheered Ki on and loved her so loudly that Ki has never heard a quiet, naysaying voice again. In moments when Ki doesn’t feel quite as confident or strong as Ronda is, she remembers her best friend’s fierce courage—the way Ronda takes on any situation head-on, her unwavering dedication to the people she loves, and her loyal commitment to her beliefs.

Chief among those beliefs is this: that her best friend is the best one out there.
And Ki wholeheartedly agrees with that sentiment, which is why she had to have Ronda beside her on this special day (and why she sneakily wrote her name in cursive on various decor items to see if Ronda notices).

Ronda Balliett

They say you know a lifetime friend when you meet them. It feels like picking something back up, or coming back into the fold, not starting something new. That's exactly how it felt for Ki when she met Jake in college. Their friendship has grown and changed in the many years they've been together, but two things have remained true in that time. First, that Jake has always had the perfect joke for every occasion. And second,  that Jake has not known any peace since. Fortunately for Ki, Jake has always been someone who encourages her to try something new, be a little crazy, and keep her eyes on what matters most (commitment to a bit, obviously). Everything Ki does is made better if Jake is there, and her wedding is no different, so she is honored to have him stand up with her.

Jake Jacobson

Ki met Chrissy in Chicago and immediately thought she might be the coolest person she’d ever met. It didn’t even occur to Ki that Chrissy would want to hang out with her—until Chrissy matter-of-factly informed her that they’d already been friends for months.

Chrissy finds a passing interest and throws herself into it completely. Can’t draw? By the next week, she’s releasing a heartfelt, poignant cartoon series. Can’t swim? Into Lake Michigan she goes, and she learns before she’s back on the boat.

She applies that same head-first commitment to people. When she loves you, she loves you hard, with all the bravery and genuine curiosity she has. Chrissy is always the first in line to learn and grow with you, the one to give you a gentle push over the barriers you’ve built for yourself, and the voice encouraging you to take the leap into something you’ve never been brave enough to try.

Ki is endlessly grateful to have Chrissy in her life and even more grateful to have her standing beside her at her wedding.

Chrissy Ruiz

Audrey is Ki’s cousin and Resident Youth Correspondent when Ki and JP don’t understand a joke they read online. She’s also one of the most patient and caring people you’ll ever meet. Whatever she has, she’s quick to share it, always making sure others feel safe and happy too.

Ki feels so lucky to have watched Audrey grow up, nd even luckier to now call her both family and friend. When Ki and JP got engaged, there was no question in Ki’s mind that Audrey had to be standing with her on her wedding day.

Audrey Braun

Ki has the honor of being Catriona’s cousin and twin bride—following just two months behind Catriona and her husband Ethan’s beautiful wedding. For those of you lucky enough to be present on their special day, don’t look around too hard… you might notice a few familiar touches.

Whether it’s weddings, big life milestones, or silly weekend plans, Ki can always count on the fact that Catriona will be right by her side, making the moment that much better just by being there.

Catriona has a gift. She can light up a room with perfectly timed jokes, but she's found just as frequently having a quiet conversation with someone in need of some support, or looping them in so they know they're welcome to join in the fun—whether she knows them well or not. She finds an opportunity in each moment to truly connect with those around her.
You can see this in her work as an educator, in her everyday acts of kindness, and most of all, in the big and small moments she brightens for the people she loves. It's no wonder Ki feels so lucky to walk through life and this special day with her.

Catriona Ellis

Drew isn’t just J.P.’s brother. He’s been his co-pilot, his teacher, and now, his best man. They’re two years apart, and for as long as J.P. can remember, they’ve done life side by side. Growing up, things didn’t always move at the same speed for them, but they always moved together. That’s something Drew has taught him, how to slow down, be patient, and really show up for someone.

Drew is fearless in ways J.P. has always admired. From earning his black belt in taekwondo to walking into a room full of strangers and somehow leaving with a dozen new friends, Drew leads with heart and courage. Watching him commit to martial arts year after year, never letting anything hold him back, remains one of J.P.’s proudest experiences.

He’s the life of every party. He’s the first one on the dance floor, cracking jokes, and lighting up the room with that huge smile.

Being brothers isn’t just about sharing a last name or growing up under the same roof. It’s about being there for each other, no matter what. It’s about celebrating the wins, picking each other up after the losses, and knowing someone has your back in a way no one else ever could. J.P. and Drew may be different in a lot of ways, but at the heart of it, they are the same where it matters most. Drew has shown him strength without bravado, joy without conditions, and love without limits.

There’s a bond between brothers that doesn’t need explaining. It’s just there, deep and unshakable. And on the most important day of J.P.’s life, he couldn’t imagine standing up there without Drew by his side.

Drew Russell

Freddy and J.P. are cousins by blood, but anyone who’s spent five minutes with them knows they’ve always been more like brothers. They’re only ten months apart, and throughout their childhood, they were inseparable. Summers meant basketball camp, filming goofy videos, and finding any excuse to hang out. J.P. still remembers the day Freddy got his driver’s license. He showed up at J.P.’s house without warning and said, “We’re hanging out.” From that moment on, they had freedom, and even more time together.

Freddy is one of the most outgoing people J.P. has ever known. Between Freddy and Drew, J.P. often jokes he doesn’t need to introduce himself, because everyone already knows them. Freddy draws people in with ease, and more importantly, he makes them feel truly seen. He has a way of checking in on others that makes them feel like their conversation is the most important one he’ll have all day.

What stands out most about Freddy is his loyalty. His love for his family and friends runs deep, and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he cares about. He’s a constant presence, full of joy, support, and genuine care.

There was never any doubt that Freddy would stand beside J.P. as co-best man. Along with Drew, the three of them have been a team since the beginning. They’ve grown up together, shaped each other, and built a lifelong bond rooted in love, loyalty, and laughter.

Freddy Nick

J.P. met Dan when he was around twelve years old, during the first time their families came together. It was J.P., Drew, Dan, and Mike, and within minutes of meeting, the laughter started and never really stopped. From that day on, the bond between J.P. and Dan felt natural, instant and easy, like they had always been part of each other’s lives.
Dan has always had a fearless spirit. He dives headfirst into unfamiliar things and figures them out through sheer will, curiosity, and determination. Whether it’s car repairs, computer builds, or just about any technical challenge, Dan has a knack for mastering it. He’s always learning, always teaching himself, and always pushing to become the best version of who he is.
Their childhood together was full of adventure. They hiked, biked, and camped across the country on summer road trips, often crammed into a pop-up camper,  staying up late, telling stories, and laughing into the night. They played endless games of paintball, and spent every winter on the slopes
Outside of all the adventures, some of J.P.’s favorite memories with Dan come from their creative side. Dan played in a band with a few close friends, and J.P. spent years collaborating with them behind the camera, filming music videos and documenting their shows. Those projects are still some of the most fun and fulfilling experiences J.P. has ever worked on.

Dan has always been more than a stepbrother. He’s been a teammate, a trail guide, a creative partner, and a constant presence. The adventures may have changed over the years, but that deep connection has never wavered. J.P. is proud to have him standing by his side.

Dan Pankau

Meeting your girlfriend’s brother for the first time can be a daunting moment. It carries weight, whether anyone says it out loud or not. When J.P. met CJ at a Halloween party hosted by CJ and his wife Katie, all of that pressure disappeared in an instant. CJ greeted him with a hug and a smile so genuine it could not have been anything but real. Ki had spoken so highly of her brother and sister-in-law, and it meant a lot to J.P. to be welcomed into their lives with such warmth. From that very first night, it felt like he had known CJ for years.

CJ is genuine to his core. He finds common ground with just about anyone, and talking with him feels easy, effortless, and real. He and J.P. became fast friends, bonding over all the things they love to geek out about. CJ has a mind built for curiosity. He loves to figure out how things work, and just as much, he loves to share what he’s learned in a way that makes people feel included and excited to learn alongside him.

Even though J.P. has only known CJ for as long as he has known Ki, their friendship feels like something that has always been there. CJ is more than a brother-in-law. He is a friend, a fellow nerd, and someone J.P. already thinks of as family. When he and Ki get married, there is no version of that moment that doesn’t include CJ standing proudly by their side.

CJ Werner

J.P. met Adam in college. Adam was studying theatre and J.P. was in the film program. It didn’t take long for them to start collaborating. J.P. cast Adam in a few student film projects and quickly saw that Adam wasn’t just talented, he was magnetic on screen. Eventually, J.P. added a theatre minor to spend more time learning and creating in the same spaces, which only deepened their creative bond.

After college, Adam moved to Los Angeles while J.P. stayed in Wisconsin, but the friendship never faded. If anything, it matured. The wild energy of college made friendships easy to form, but what stood the test of time was something deeper. As they grew, so did the way they showed up for each other. That shared creative spark turned into thoughtful conversations, steady support, and a lasting friendship built on trust and laughter.
During the pandemic, J.P. and Adam launched their podcast Lost on Lost, a chaotic love letter to the TV series Lost and the art of overanalyzing nonsense. (Find it wherever you get your podcasts) It became another creative outlet for them, and yet another reason to stay connected across the miles. The friendship that started on film sets in college has evolved into something lasting, meaningful, and still just the right amount of unhinged. 

J.P. values Adam's wisdom, humor, and heart. He is a man of many talents, an actor, a writer, a podcaster, a friend.  J.P. is honored to have him standing beside him on one of the most important days of his life.

Adam Boucher

J.P. met Jose while deployed overseas with the Army. J.P. was stationed with a team in Jordan, while Jose was operating solo in Iraq. Before they ever met in person, all J.P. knew was that Jose liked picking up big rocks and that he was really into CrossFit. It was not exactly a description that made him think they would hit it off. But the moment Jose arrived in Jordan, everything changed.

He walked in with a booming “HEEEEEY!” and wrapped J.P. in a big hug. From that moment on, J.P. knew he had been completely wrong about what kind of person Jose was. He was warm, funny, and immediately disarming. They roomed together for a few weeks while supporting a training event and became fast friends.

J.P. was struck by Jose’s depth of military knowledge and his calm confidence in every situation. He was fearless, capable, and had a way of turning even high-stress environments into manageable, sometimes even lighthearted, moments. When they traveled together to Iraq, their friendship only deepened. Jose showed J.P. the ropes of working with international forces and how to carry yourself with professionalism and a sense of humor at the same time.

Jose is the kind of person who will drop whatever he is doing to help someone else, no matter the circumstances. He is effortlessly funny, relentlessly brave, and always ready to work outside his comfort zone. J.P. is proud to have him as a friend and grateful that, out of all the places in the world, they happened to find each other in the middle of the desert.



Jose Reyes

Rob and J.P. met the way all classic stories begin: cleaning the floor of a dirty Army shower. They were both stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, attending Combat Camera Training. From there, they became roommates, and eventually spent the better part of eight years serving in the same unit.

During that time, they spent countless days and weeks together in the woods at Fort McCoy, cameras in hand, chasing down something, anything, worth photographing. What started as a shared duty turned into a lasting friendship built on common interests, shared values, and an endless supply of mutual sarcasm. Rob and J.P. bonded over photography, the military, and firearms, but their connection was built on more than just hobbies.

To J.P., Rob has always been a mentor. He is impossibly smart, deeply driven by facts, and has a relentless need to understand complex topics from the inside out. He juggles responsibilities that would overwhelm most people, and somehow still shows up with focus and grit every time. He is endlessly tough, sharp in all the right ways, and loyal in every sense of the word.

And through it all, he still laughs at J.P.’s jokes. That alone might make him a hero.

J.P. is proud to call Rob a friend and honored to have him standing beside him on this day.

Rob Farrell

When you think of a ring bearer, most picture a kid in a tiny tux with a satin pillow. Ki and JP have Brad, a dear friend, and someone who has been part of J.P. and Ki’s story from the very beginning. Ki and Brad have been close for many years, and when J.P. came into the picture, he and Brad connected right away. Since then, he’s become a true and trusted friend to them both. Brad lives in Louisiana, but distance has never mattered. He remains a steady, meaningful presence in their lives. When J.P. planned his surprise proposal to Ki during a book convention trip to Utah, Brad was in on it from the beginning. He offered to help in any way he could and ended up driving the two of them to the proposal location—behind the wheel of a lime green Mustang. He was there in the moment, and he was the first to know the engagement had happened.
Brad is thoughtful, smart, and effortlessly generous with his time and energy. Asking him to be the ring bearer wasn’t about ceremony. It was about honoring someone who has been there in all the ways that matter most.

Bradford LaVergne

Wedding Party

Q + A

The Iron Horse Hotel

Travel

Ivy House is located in the 5th Ward of Milwaukee. There are many bars, restaurants, stores, and other activities a short distance away. We'd recommend: Odd Duck (939 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204)

Kiana and JP

Kiana and JP

Things to Do