What the Hulse!?
Wedding Party
Reid Bervik
Best Man
Reid has been a super faithful friend to Austin since they met on the Walt Disney World Summer Project with Cru. He's Austin and Emily's favorite Enneagram 4, is crazy empathetic, and would probably win the Bachelorette if they ever had the sense to let him on the show. Most likely to... prompt questions of "is he single?", have even the Baptists dancing with his DJ skills, and check in with everyone to see if they need help before responding to any requests with "bet." But don't put him in a box.
Grace Wagner
Maid of Honor
Grace is Emily's younger sister, her longest friend and her go-to adviser for everything from book recommendations to proper wall decor organization to cooking eggs correctly. Affectionately known as Goose to her family, Grace is incredibly wise, full of wit, very creative and super loyal to those she loves! Most likely to... proofread and gently correct any grammatical errors in wedding day signage, stun all in attendance with some vintage-chic Project Runway-level realness, keep Emily cracking up with references to The Parent Trap, The Brady Bunch, a High School Musical medley and more!
Chelsea Hulse
Groomswoman
Chelsea has been a huge advocate to Austin ever since he grew taller than her (the sibling rivalry wasn't the best before that point). She continually has reminded Austin of the best and worst parts of his personality, and holds family incredibly tightly. Her sense of fun is a huge blessing to everyone she runs into! Most likely to... suggest that we do karaoke, bust out slightly inappropriate dance moves when Mom isn't looking, eat only bread for dinner.
Shannon Ryan
Bridesmaid
Shannon and Emily met while working for Give Kids The World Village thanks to a lovely group of Volunteers from PF Chang's (who are welcome to sponsor any aspect of the wedding). Fun fact: Shannon and Austin were actually pals first, and she had a hunch very early on about Emily and Austin! As Emily's roommate, Shan graciously takes on the roles of co-decorator for the holidays, dance partner, documenter of daily struggles and hilarious mishaps, tour guide to real-Florida and a heck of an encouraging, supportive friend. Most likely to... be found entertaining and cuddling the kiddos and have you wondering why she's yet to be cast on Dancing with the Stars with her sweet dance moves and superior knowledge of the show!
Ryan Koopman
Groomsman
Ryan and Austin just celebrated their 20th anniversary of friendship. Austin said he would buy Ryan flowers, and hopefully has made good on that promise by the time you read this. Since they were awkward little boys with big ol' stubborn personalities, Austin has always cherished time with Ryan and has the best memories of playing driveway basketball and FIFA ("ROONEY!!!" "HE MUST SCORE!!!"). Most likely to... begrudgingly hit the dance floor and bust out some fire moves with a weird look on his face, remind Austin of something stupid he did 15 years ago, know every word to the most random rap songs played on the big day.
Mary Beth Reid
Bridesmaid
Once upon a time, Mary Beth carefully corrected Emily on the appropriate Epcot Cast Member bathroom to use, and she's been stuck with her ever since. Disney co-workers turned roommates turned forever friends, MB and Emily share a love for new adventures, corny jokes and a good bottle of wine. She's also a bride-to-be, and she has outstanding empathy for this season of planning as she prepares to marry one of the best Brits we know! Most likely to... beat you in an arm wrestling competition and then graciously teach you a new workout move or two (she's an amazing fitness coach!), have you laughing at some really bad puns, remind you the correct bathroom to use. ;)
Nora Kusaka
Groomswoman
Nora was one of Austin's best friends in high school before she moved to India, and probably interacted with the worst version of him (Sophomore and Junior year...oof). They played on the basketball and volleyball teams together, and Nora consistently proved to have better taste in music than him on bus rides. She visited Orlando recently and reminded Emily and Austin of her adventurous and warm spirit! Most likely to... eat more food than the other groomsmen, rock the trendiest hairstyle, make 3 new friends as the day goes on.
Bree Pieszak
Bridesmaid
Bree quickly became one of Emily's most crucial friends in college, where they met thanks to dance classes and Geneseo Dance Ensemble. Not only was Bree the most wonderful dancer to choreograph and perform with, she also was a key advocate of the Wags nickname Emily has carried ever since, and she loyally supported many-a-run to Timmy Ho's to make it through studying and writing papers. Bree's the sweetest and most supportive kind of friend, all while she's the coolest wife and mom (both to her adorable daughter Kailor and several fur babies). Most likely to... party like it's #DateParty2014, remember and expertly execute the choreography to a dance routine of the past, know the words to every throwback song and get you to sing along!
Keterly Franken
Groomswoman
Keterly is one of the best friends Austin has ever had, and has been like a sister to him since 7th grade when they both had braces and questionable style. She was a great pen pal once she moved back to New York, and her family is nothing short of incredible. Her and her husband are beautiful people, and their wedding was one of the first that Austin and Emily went to together! Most likely to... make people think she's shy before being one of the biggest party people, talk about how wonderful it would be to live in Florida but continue living almost as far away as possible in Buffalo, secretly bring a Brazilian dessert.
Sonnet Moore
Bridesmaid
Sonnet and Emily became friends while working on the Marketing team at Give Kids The World Village. Sonn had a clear savviness for social media and photography that made her an incredible partner to work with, but her empathy for others, trustworthiness, impeccable playlists, spontaneous soul, and generous heart made her an even better pal. She's definitely really great, and Emily's definitely so grateful she's part of the party! Most likely too... capture the most influencer-worthy content on her IG story (@sohnayokay), convince you to think about how you write the word Human, and have you the time of your life with her harmonies on "Dancing Queen."
Michael Finn
Groomsman
Michael and Austin created so many inside jokes in the 4 years they lived next to each other in Shanghai that their secret handshake was once around 30 seconds long. Their families used to vacation together, and Michael and Austin both serve the role of Jester in their respective homes. Since moving to Arizona, Michael has begun developing a career as a model (#SWIPERIGHT), and is finishing up his degree before taking the world by storm with his resilience and positivity. Most likely to... do something awkward or clumsy and just laugh it off, make everyone talking to him feel like the most important person on the planet, go super hard on the dance floor and make Austin keep up.
Sarah Macfarlane
Bridesmaid
Back in 2015, Sarah received an all-too eager hug from Emily at their very first meeting, and somehow she still agreed to live with the weirdo. Sarah's superior listening skills, unrivaled craftiness, helpful and selfless soul, thoughtful quality time plans, and sense of humor make her an amazing friend. She's the hostess with the mostess when it comes to any kind of get-together, and she's the very definition of hospitality to others whether she's planning the party or bringing a side dish (and dessert). Most likely to... have the tools on hand to help with a trip, a spill or a snag that could happen to anyone in the wedding party (bets on the bride), have the best references to wedding-related movies/tv, make the wedding day feel extra warm and welcoming!
Chad Willard
Groomsman
Chad is one of the most important people in Austin's community in Orlando, and they've now been roommates, coworkers, and friends. He shares Austin's passion for investing in younger men, helping people learn more about Jesus, and building friendships with people from all around the world. Austin would like you to know that Chad might seem super shy, but it's all a big facade. Wait for the dance music to come on - he's got the MOVES. Most likely to... go completely unnoticed until he starts dancing, have the best jawline in the entire wedding party, hold a long conversation about the intricacies of movies and the movie industry.
Kendra Haag
Bridesmaid
Kendra and Emily bonded during their Disney College Program when they gave tours of an environmentally-friendly home, instructed Guests on using flashlights to fight fires and tap danced with Timon and Pumba (RIP Innoventions). She shares a love for terrible puns and even worse impressions that relates to Emily on a scary level. Kendra also has the best taste in sushi, brunch, coffee and fluffy dogs, plus she's hilarious, adventurous, brave, loyal and loving as can be! Most likely to... sneak her dog Zeus into the wedding and have no one (not even the venue owners) complain because he's adorable.
Jason Hulse
Groomsman
Jason is Austin's little brother, and once innocently pointed out to their mother that he looks more like a Hulse than Austin (who has blue eyes and lighter features than everyone else). The Hulse family was incredibly boring before Jason joined it, but also a little bit less sassy. Austin never had an older brother to look up to, so he tries really hard to be there for Jason, who is still sorting through whether or not he needs that as a high school boy. Most likely to... be playing video games during the ceremony, win all of the female attention with his thoughtful questions and interactions, dance with Chelsea during the reception and pretend to hate it (while secretly not hating it).
Fernando Gamez
Bridesman
Thanks to Disney Internships Housing, Fernando was Austin's roommate, and the fateful Falcon Square was the place where the two met, and then met Emily! It was love at first wait-you'll-dance-along-to-Charlie-Brown-Christmas-song-with-me!? for Emily and Fernando, who became fast friends over visits to theme parks, car dance parties and brunch buffets. Fernando has a heart of pure gold, a super supportive soul and the most serendipitous timing for a phone call to catch up with his friends. Most likely to... reminisce and entertain others with stories of the happy couple's early days, explain how animatronics work if you're at all curious, request Celine Dion musical selections and have the best hair of the entire party.
Blake MacNelly
Groomsman
Blake and Austin were roommates on the Walt Disney World Summer Project, and he has been such a good example ever since of how to care for people of all nations and follow God humbly. Blake just got married in August, and will probably be one of the most intentional and brave husbands a woman could ask for. Austin lovingly refers to him as "Legs" or "Blakay", and they share a common obsession with Key & Peele. Most likely to... wear cowboy boots to the wedding, have the best hair flow of all the dudes, get sentimental about the state of Florida and wonder aloud whether he should've moved here years ago.
Carolyn Andino
Junior Bridesmaid
Many moons ago, Emily was Carolyn's babysitter, but this girl will fool you with her emotional maturity, thoughtful questions, insightful observations and compassionate heart for those around her. Carolyn loves making others feel appreciated to the degree that when dining at any restaurant on her family's yearly Disney World vacation, she draws a portrait of their server, asks them about their story and gifts it to them at the very end of the meal. It's amazing, and it won't be long before Walt Disney World elects her Mayor of the entire resort. Most likely to... impress the bridal party with her attention to detail, encouragement and positivity, plus have the best taste in background instrumental music. Separately from the wedding, she will without-a-doubt be Emily's boss one day!
Zach Peery
Groomsman
Zach and Austin exchanged their entire life stories the first time they met, and have been verbally processing hundreds and hundreds of things ever since. They consider themselves to be very similar, and often have a good laugh about how broken they can be in different moments. Zach just got married in July, and him and his wife Jennafer often set the standard for #couplegoals based purely on their deep affection for each other amidst the difficult logistics of her being on tour with Wicked. Most likely to... ensure the wedding party spends some time blessing Austin in prayer, get excited about something and rub his hands together quickly like he's warming them up, find someone completely random at the wedding, learn their entire life story, and spend a good 30 seconds encouraging them.
Rosie Andino
Flower Girl
Rosie is most excited about getting to "toss something" in her role of flower girl! And it's a role she's going to crush with her cuteness, sass, smile and charm. Rosie's known to say some of the most hilarious and most aw-inspiring phrases Emily's ever heard, starting from the time she was 2 years old. Rosie has a super sweet heart, an authentic sense of humor and courage for any adventure that she sees—she's the best parts of any Disney Princess, Disney sidekick and Jedi Knight combined, and for that, she's Emily's hero. Most likely to... make everyone giggle right before walking down the aisle, teach the wedding party how to pose for pictures, blow everyone else's speeches out of the water (she's done it before) and surely have everyone laughing with her wonderful, goofy one-liners.
Ashley & Mary Beth
Long Distance Bridal MVPs
So, here's the tricky thing about planning a wedding far from your hometown: distance can sometimes interfere with dreams for the big day. Ashley and Mary Beth were some of Emily's closest friends at Geneseo, thanks to a shared love of dance and the charming small town. They both remain steadfast and sweet friends to each other and to Wags, to the degree that they created the best baby bachelorette weekend imaginable in their favorite nostalgia-filled place. While they won't be standing up with the bridal party on the wedding day, they will always stand out to Emily as fantastic friends. Most likely to... be very missed on the wedding day! And still be crazy supportive via Snapchat of all things #backatit