Melissa & Rob
Wedding Party
Bailey Roy
Matron of Honor
Bailey and Melissa met their freshman year of college while competing on the track team as Heptathletes at Northern Michigan University. Being in the same events (all 7...) with the same major, they started spending a majority of their time together and after 2009 were never seen apart again on campus. Later in college, they even lived together in the cutest house on a farm where they found themselves on "adventures" like jumping in the ice-cold pond in April, riding horses at night in unfamiliar woods, and canoeing in the pond with the landlord. Bailey and Melissa continue to find new adventures when visiting each other in Denver and Madison.
John Tjornehoj
Best Man
John and Rob have known one another for nine years where they met at St. Thomas and were roommates. John shares a similar passion for the outdoors and even introduced Rob to bird hunting, which on occasion John tells Rob he regrets that decision. Even when Rob lived in Idaho John made an effort to come and see him and they have stayed in touch with one another throughout the years. When Rob and John are together there's always fun to be had, with lots of laughs and stories to be shared.
Anna Baumgartner
Bridesmaid
Anna and Melissa have been friends for the last 29 years and is known as the "4th daughter" around Melissa's mom's house. They grew up approximately one half-mile and a giant hill away from each other. They spent their childhood making forts in the woods, riding bikes with all the neighborhood kids, dancing to country music on the trampoline, having sleepovers on Anna's waterbed, and "tormenting" Melissa's two younger sisters. This friendship has remained strong through so many years and they continue to have fun when they hang out, just doing a little more "adult" things, like crafting!
Andrew Eccles
Groomsman
Andrew and Rob both attended Concordia St. Paul for Physical Therapy school. While they had classes together a few years prior at the University of St. Thomas, they didn't actually know each other until PT school. Andrew is one of those friends who will go out of his way to check in on you or help you out with anything you need in a drop of a hat. Andrew is very passionate about what he does and has even started his own physical therapy business, so if you ever need PT and you're in Minneapolis check out Loon State Physical Therapy. But don't worry, even though he lives in Minnesota he is still a Green Bay Packers Fan.
Kelsie Karnack
Bridesmaid
Kelsie is Melissa's middle sister with only a 3 year age gap. They have always been extremely close, even more so now that they have not lived together for many years. They talk on a daily basis about their horses, family, dogs, and life in general. Even though they still fight on occasion, all 3 sisters are the best of friends.
Zach Pavlichek
Groomsman
Zach and Rob met at Physical Therapy school, where they learned they grew up and played sports less than a half an hour away from one another between Somerset and River Falls. Zach shares a similar passion like Rob for traveling and seeing other parts of the United States, as Zach has spent his entire career as a Physical Therapist traveling to different states. Zach is always staying up on the latest NBA news and can be a go-to person if you have questions about your NFL fantasy team. Zach is a very genuine individual who will go out of his way to help out anyone he can.
Emilie Christensen
Bridesmaid
Emilie is Melissa's littlest sister. They are five years apart, but Emi always tried to be her "mini-me" (just a more sassy version) by having the same basketball and volleyball number in high school, playing the same sports, riding the same horses, and even going to the same college. They are still extremely close and all 3 sisters are the best of friends.
Matt Franklin
Groomsman
Matt and Rob met one another at Physical Therapy school and have bonded over the years over their love of college football. With Matt being from Ohio and being an Ohio State fan, there usually is some fun exchanges going back and forth when the Buckeyes and Badgers play, which unfortunately usually goes in favor of the Buckeyes. Matt often is the life of the party and has an uncanny ability to make conversation with anyone and become friends with anyone he meets. Matt is one of the core group of friends Rob met while at school and keeps in contact with regularly.
Christina Stern
Bridesmaid
"Tina" and Melissa met at Washington State University where they bonded over the wonderful world of NCAA compliance. They quickly became the best of friends in the office and it soon expanded to outside the office as well. Soon after becoming friends, Rob and Nick (Rob's groomsmen/Christina's boyfriend) came into the picture and were thrown into a friendship of their own. These 4 spent many days jetskiing the waters of Washington, exploring the western states, and just having a good ol' time around Pullman/Moscow. You're alway guaranteed to have a good time with Christina around!
Nick Peasley
Groomsman
Nick and Rob met one another out in Idaho where they became good friends and bonded over hunting, jetskiing, and time spent up in the mountains. Ironically Nick's girlfriend Christina, and Melissa both worked together at Washington State University so it was a fun and easy fit for everyone to spend time with one another. Rob and Nick both have strong family values and Nick has invited Rob many times to get together with his family, especially if it involves hunting. Also, in case you ever need a good hunting guide, Nick is well versed in guided hunts in Washington. Nick is someone that you can always bet on having a good time with including plenty of laughs and fun adventures.
Brooke Granquist
Bridesmaid
Brooke and Melissa had many parts of their lives cross over the years, so it was almost impossible for them not to be great friends. Brooke competed on the Northern Michigan Track team, competing in the same events, showed horses, ran for rodeo queen, and they lived together with their horses too! They both represented the Great Lakes Rodeo as Queen (2009, 2012) and together ran the GLR queen program for years following. They continue to find time to ride Scotty and Diamond together, explore new places, and support each other even from different states. Brooke will always be Melissa's "person".
Tank
Groomsman
Tank is Rob and Melissa's 12 year old German Shepard/ Husky mix. Melissa adopted Tank when she was a sophomore in college, but it wan't until he was a grumpy old man that he had the privilege of meeting his dad. Tank now enjoys his retirement lifestyle by taking naps in his yard, trying to chase chipmunks, growling at the sky and, for the first time in his life, staying in the yard. Tank is excited to be part of this special day and watch his mom and dad get married, he just hopes he has time to nap afterwards.
Alli Goriesky
Bridesmaid
Alli has been Melissa's "adopted sister" for the last 16 years. It all started when Melissa "stole" Alli's horse at a horse show. Melissa's horse got hurt during the show and Alli's mom (Andi) offered up her new horse "Kenny". Melissa started showing the horse along with Alli, and slowly became part of the family and grew extremely close to them over the years. Alli and Melissa share their love of painting at Hot Plate, adventuring, and of course their love of their boy Kenny. *Kenny is now 35 years old and living the best retirement life!
Hershey
Groomsman
Hershey is Rob and Melissa's 3 year old chocolate lab. Rob had always dreamed of owning a chocolate lab named Hershey, and he made that dream come true on Melissa's birthday (even before meeting her)! Hershey was born in the mountains of Salmon, Idaho before moving to north Idaho where he met his mom. Hershey is Rob's best buddy. They spend countless hours in the duck blind and walking fields bird hunting. Hershey loves his mom and dad more than anything (except food) and is so excited to part of this big day.
Alanna Malluege
Flower Girl
Alanna is Rob's 10-year-old niece, daughter of his brother Cody. She loves hanging out with both Melissa and Rob every time they visit. She is an extremely talented artist, creating all different kinds, from paintings to pottery! Her talents don't end there; Alanna is also an amazing dancer, with tap and jazz being her specialties. She even received Platinum in her last completion! She always has a smile on her face and is a joy in all our lives.