Lily is not just my younger sister, she is also my best friend. I remember when we were young and would play Barbies, Polly Pockets, American Girl Dolls, or house for hours. I never had to worry about not having a friend, because I always had Lily. No matter what, we were always by each other’s side. We used to talk about the day we’d both get married. I remember going through our wedding Pinterst boards comparing our pins. Now it’s the real deal for Lily and I couldn’t be more excited for her! I can’t wait to stand by her side on her special day.
Jacob Sandnas - Best Man
Kyle and I met entirely by chance. At a tough part of my life, I found myself being called back to church. While there, I reconnected with a few old friends of mine, who by coincidence, spotted Kyle out of a crowd of people. This friend explained they had not seen Kyle in years. She then pushed both Kyle and myself to get together, stating we both had a lot in common regarding our circumstances and our personalities. Reluctantly, I obliged and we met for cars and coffee, a car meet out in AZ. We immediately connected, we talked a lot about the chaos of life and the struggles we’ve endured, like old friends catching up. Over the course of the next six months, our friendship blossomed into brotherhood. He taught me how to lift at the gym, I taught him how to relax. We both helped one another heal and grow. That is, until he moved back to MN and broke my heart. However sad I was, it was for the best, as I knew he was following his heart and knew he’d be happiest where his heart was: with Lily. Now, Kyle and I continue our long distance relationship (reluctantly), but I am honored to be a part of his and hers special day.
Emma Heltzer - Bridesmaid
I first ‘met’ Lily from across the room at church. I would see her from time-to-time without too much thought, until Kyle began to disappear for hours with her. As the protective little sister I am, I was scared at first- I didn’t want anyone to hurt him. That mindset was quickly changed however when we finally formally met. I don’t know how it happened, but I do recall times of singing in the car with the two of them, being at family functions together, and even just spending holidays together goofing around. Lily always brought such a big heart full of kindness and laughter to whatever room she was in. I know Kyle couldn’t be in safer hands, and I’m excited to see what life brings for them!
Zach Raichert - Groomsman
I met Kyle through my sister Lily, but the first time we met was when played Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2 at my house. We just messed around, played games, and I just loved playing with him. He was so nice and fun to be around. I also really liked just hanging out with him when my sister and him first met. One day I went over to Kyle's house, I was so happy to be spending time just the two of us. We played Minecraft, he made ramen, and now I always make my ramen like he taught me. Overal,l even when I was young, I knew Kyle was a great guy and I'm so glad that I met him. I just hope he understands that he has been a great influence to me while growing up, I look up to him a lot.
Madelynn Goodmanson - Bridesmaid
I met Lily at church when we were in middle school. Honestly, I don't remember how we met or became friends but she has been a consistent part of my life since then. We spent church related events glued to each other's side: youth group on Wednesday nights, fall retreats, co-leading VBS, mission trips, Sunday services, etc. I am grateful to have grown up with her. After high school she and I began attending different churches but have remained close, this last year we even had the honor of leading some high school girls through a bible study course we studied at their age. Through the highs and lows she has remained an unchanging, dependable friend. Lily is tenderhearted, intentional, and she earnestly pursues the Lord; she is a blessing to everyone she meets. I could not be more excited to stand with her on her wedding day. I met Kyle somewhere along the way as they began dating in high school. It has been sweet to hear and watch how he pursues and takes care of her. This marriage has been a long time in the making and I feel so blessed to support them as they make this covenant before the Lord!
Nick Fleege - Groomsman
I met Kyle through my girlfriend, Lily’s sister, Grace. One of my first memories was playing board games with Kyle and Lily’s family. Even though Kyle beat me easily at all of the games played, he mentored and taught me different strategies and tactics throughout the night. Every moment, enthusiastically encouraging me to continue playing and trying to win. Over the years that I’ve known Kyle, I've seen how he has led, mentored, and motivated his friends and family to always accomplish their best. I’m excited to celebrate Kyle for the amazing friend he already is, and to celebrate what an amazing Husband he is to become.
Sierra Toedter - Bridesmaid
Lily is one of my great friends. We first met in middle school at Berean through a Wednesday night youth group called Adventure Girls. Lily and I also had a connection through both having and getting diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age. It was so cool to know someone else who knew the reality of having an autoimmune disease. Lily and I grew closer after high school, and it’s been a blessing I didn’t know I needed. She is quick to offer a listening ear, accountability, encouragement, truth through Jesus, and never fails to make me feel unconditionally loved. I cannot wait to be by her side at her wedding and be in her front row for life. Love you friend!
Max Wilkinson - Groomsman
Kyle and I met when he got hired at the same company as me. He was scheduled to train with me and ever since we have been best friends. We bonded over lunches together at Olive Garden and screaming the song Timber at the top of our lungs between jobs. Even though we both don’t work at the same company anymore, we have continued our brotherhood. I couldn’t be more proud to stand by his side on one of the biggest days of his life!
Maddy Braatz - Bridesmaid
Lily and I met at church youth group in middle school. We quickly became close friends and soon, we were navigating high school with one another. Lily has always been someone I admire, and I am so thankful for her friendship. These few years later, I am proud to stand by Lily’s side on her wedding day. I am more than excited for Lily and Kyle and for the ways that God will continue to bless their relationship.
Nick Smith - Groomsman
I met Kyle through Jacob, the best man, I believe they were in the same church group. Jacob is my fiancés brother and they were both living with their parents at the time, so any time I went to hang out with her I would bump into Kyle and Jacob. Kyle was always a blast to hang out with, whether we were playing video games or Having small house parties with close friends. We were all saddened when Kyle announced his move from Arizona back to Minnesota, but it was clear he was doing so to be with his soulmate. I'm thrilled to have been a part of their journey and I’m excited to play a part in their big day.