Julianna Kelemen - Maid of Honor
All rise for the (maid of) honorable Julianna. An unbreakable bond with Amanda sustained since 6th grade is evidence of her supportive and loyal nature. The charge is being a killer best friend in the first degree and the verdict is clear: guilty. Aside from being by Amanda's side as she's sentenced to life with Zack, you can be sure to find Julianna dancing or enjoying some sweet treats during any recess in live music.
Matthew Mager - Best Man and Officiant
Lasso'd into being best man AND officiant? You better BELIEVE it! He's here - he's there - he's every freaking where "Matty Maaaaaage". Over the years you could often find Matt supporting Zack and Amanda whenever needed or sportively attacking their weaknesses, helping them to become better than the sum of their parts. If he's not busy asking Zack to help him locate an errant disc golf throw, you'll most likely find Matt at the bar ordering a friendly round of drinks for all those around him. Take him up on the offer and ask about his recent motorcycle ride through Peru!
Cara Sablowsky - Bridesmaid
A true wild card this weekend, you'll want to start off with 100 cc's of Red Bull "stat" if you want to keep up with this nurse. Although often serving as Amanda's confidant, don't be surprised if Cara lets it all out - whether that be some tears during the ceremony or moves on the dance floor. Be sure to inquire about memorable tales of their childhood but don't ask her to limit the Barn's late night snack offerings to before midnight; this self-proclaimed gremlin and sister will tell you that's nun of your business!
Alec Saunders - Groomsman
O brother, where art thou? The only thing Alec and Zack both enjoy more than playing video games is making it difficult to organize family get-togethers by living in disparate regions of the country. Alec's odyssey has now come full circle as he's returned to his Midwest homeland where he relishes moments spent with family in Wisconsin. Count on a similar journey at the Barn where he'll plot to escape from the dance floor to spend time with family, friends, and the venue's assortment of animals.
Kimberly Shannon - Bridesmaid
Hold that tiger and hold your applause until this LSU alum is finished 1-2 step-sistering to some live brass. Even though she's the youngest of the Sablowsky/Shannon clan, she's a master with children and will undeniably prove essential by wrangling in Zack and Amanda's immature friends. Also a renowned party animal in her own right, it remains to be seen if Kimmy shows up to babysit or be babysat in true baby sister fashion.
Adam Licht - Groomsman
Denver born and bred with 30+ years of experience training at altitude, this tall drink of water won't need to worry about staying hydrated in order to keep up with this weekend's festivities. Look for an elevated performance from Adam as he sets aside his malaise for being in wedding parties to support Zack & Amanda on this joyous occasion. Even though he towers over Zack in stature, Adam has time and time again come down to Zack's level, helping cultivate a budding college friendship into a giant beanstalk of camaraderie. He'll likely be a key contributor to raising a chair or two which could earn him man of the horah honors.
Melissa Crawford - Bridesmaid
A live band? Live animals? A chance to dress to the nines? Deal this girl in. A genuine queen at heart but an unrelenting joker on the surface, seek out Melissa for some good laughs or stories of companionship with Amanda dating back to middle school. Don't expect her to cash out early; bank on Melissa to be an integral component of the full house on the dance floor until the party is over.
Alec Nyberg - Groomsman
Handing the title of "Alec" to Zack's brother for the weekend as punishment for making our group chat difficult (only person without an iPhone), Nyberg will eye other ways to get a leg up this weekend. Dating back to being Zack's pledge master at AEPi, his body of work over the years has consistently toed the line between friend and mentor. We predict he'll establish a solid footing at the bar and then nose his way onto the dance floor, where his signature "head-shoulders-knees-toes" dance move will be sure to raise some brows.
Nicole Edmonds - Bridesmaid
Pretty as a peach and sweeter than tea, it's no wonder that this longtime Carolinian and Amanda were drawn together so early (and later) in life. Ya'll will undoubtedly find these two together at some point during the evening, whether that be sharing a plate of delicious fixins or sharing a quick cat-nap to recharge. Nicole's Southern hospitality and playful spirit is a big reason the bride & groom moved to Charlotte...don't be surprised if she convinces anybody else to do the same this weekend.
Matan Halzel - Groomsman
After spending a couple years as Covid roommates with Zack, the fact that Matan even still puts up with him is a testament to his patience and composure. Unbeknownst to Matan, the inability to win even a single game of NHL during that time frame ultimately gave Zack the reckless confidence needed to ask a catch like Amanda out on a date. Dubbed "game face" in college, we trust Matan will keep things together but may shed a single tear in solidarity with the outpouring of emotions forecasted from Amanda. That is unless the father of the groom calls him "Motown" at some point, in which case it's possible he breaks down entirely.
Cody Wendel - Groomsman
Once high school sweethearts, Zack and Cody have recently rekindled their suite life fling together in Charlotte. You can often find the two engaging in a steamy game of pickleball or a passionate duel of ping pong, and you can bet your bottom dollar you'll overhear Cody failing to convince wedding guests that he's better at either. One of the few attendees who won't be flying to North Carolina, this AA pilot's battery should be fully charged up for a night of fun!