Emily & Matthew
Wedding Party
Lauren Bartels
Maid of Honor
Asking Lauren to be her Maid of Honor was the easiest decision Emily ever had to make, and an honor that feels so minimal compared to all the good and love Lauren has bestowed on Emily’s life. Ever since they were little girls, Emily has always looked up to and admired her big sister. Lauren has shown Emily how to live her life with grace, gratitude, and a whole lot of fun. The two are tight as can be, sisters, and best friends.
Bryan Fickle
Best Man
Bryan aka “Bogey” is a co-best man who's been a great friend since his ASU days with Matt. From early morning shifts at the golf course to late-night shenanigans, they have shared countless “funnies” together. Keep an ear out for his best man speech, as I’m sure some of their fondest memories will be shared. Bogey’s genuine friendship and unwavering support have always been near and dear to Matt, and Matt is honored to have him stand by on his special day.
Brian Merdinger
Best Man
Brian aka “Merdy” is a co-best man and one of Matt’s longest-tenured friends. They have remained close through various chapters of their lives, dating back to little league baseball where they were double-play tandem partners, and through college when they went to different schools for undergrad. Brian and Matt push each other through amateur golf and enjoy the competitiveness of their rounds together. Brian is one of the most loyal people Matt knows, and couldn’t be happier to have him standing by his side on the big day.
Bobby Bartels
Groomsman
Emily’s brother-in-law. Bobby and Matt became fast friends, being the significant others to their girls, Lauren and Emily. Their camaraderie is fueled by their mutual interest in outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and golf. Bobby’s like a brother Matt never had and is always up for a good time. Matt greatly values his bond with Bobby and the many future family memories they will share.
Allie Hornbuckle
Bridesmaid
From the moment Allie transferred to SMU sophomore year, it was clear that she was a forever friend. No matter the circumstances, Allie is always there to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear. Their strong bond is not just about all of the memories they’ve shared, though abundant, but also the knowledge and confidence that they will always be there for each other in the future, no matter what life throws their way.
Jenna Johnson
Bridesmaid
Some people are lucky enough to have a friend that drops everything to do anything, but most people still do not have a friend like Jenna. Ever since meeting freshman year at SMU and pledging Theta together, Jenna has always shown that she is fiercely loyal and the ultimate hype girl who will bring boundless joy to every occasion. Jenna and Emily have gone on many trips and countless adventures together, typically always ending with their favorite activity - sipping on a good cocktail and laughing all night.
Brian Levine
Groomsman
Matt’s college friend and fraternity brother at ASU. Brian and Matt met freshman year as they lived in the same dorm room hallway. They enjoy long conversations scheming new business ideas and the next great investment. Levine’s undeniable wit allows him to find humor in almost all situations and is also one of the first to remember important occasions.
Sam Lienemann
Groomsman
Matt’s college friend and former co-worker both at a golf course throughout college and at Seagate for their first big boy jobs. Sam and Matt laugh about the first night they met through mutual friends, as Matt bought drinks for everyone in the group except for Sam. Years later, Matt stood next to Sam as he said “I do” to his wife, and it only feels right that Sam now stands with Matt.
Maddie McMahon
Bridesmaid
Ever since meeting Maddie freshman year at SMU while rushing Theta, Emily has always known Maddie to be the definition of true-hearted and reliable. In fact, so reliable that even a Monday night at Mahiki couldn’t keep Maddie from waking Emily up Tuesday mornings for a run around Regents Park while the two studied abroad in London together. With Maddie’s genuine heart, she is always one of the first to celebrate one’s happiness, making her an essential part of Matt and Emily’s big day.
Sydney Mellovitz
Bridesmaid
Sydney is a true testament to the power of friendship that defies distance. Despite growing up many states away, Sydney has proven time and time again that no matter the miles between her and Emily, their bond remains unbreakable. Whether enjoying their summers together in Coronado, shopping and eating their way through Europe, or dancing in the Maccabi Games together in Israel, the two of them always find a way to make time for each other. Now, being in each other’s weddings is another journey the two get to share together.
Rachel Meyers
Bridesmaid
Most people do not get to experience a friendship like Rachel & Emily. Rachel is the friend turned family. From sleepovers that lasted a week-long, Friendly Pines sleepaway camp, driving around Scottsdale singing Brittney Spears in their first cars, visiting each other in college, and now standing by each other’s side as they both start their families. Like everything else in life, Emily cannot imagine celebrating the milestone of her marriage without Rachel right next to her.
Scott Ransom
Groomsman
Matt’s college friend and fraternity brother at ASU. Scott and Matt met freshman year as they lived in the same dorm room hallway. Even back in college, Matt saw Scott as a role model and even switched majors to Accountancy to join Scott. Matt can always count on Scott for both sound advice and a fun time. Scott is the definition of a lifelong friend.
Kelly Salisbury
Bridesmaid
Before Emily ever met Kelly, it was clear to Emily that Kelly and Matt have a wonderful sibling relationship - much like Emily and Lauren. Emily and Kelly always knew that this day would come when they too got to call each other sisters. And just like a sister - Kelly and her husband Eric made Emily and Matt “Aunt” and “Uncle” first, giving them their favorite titles. Having Kelly as a bridesmaid to support her younger brother, and welcome Emily into the family, means the world to the bride and groom.
Eric Salisbury
Groomsman
Matt’s brother-in-law. Eric and Matt hit it off from the very beginning, sharing common interests in all things Arizona State University, sports, and single malt scotch whiskey. Eric has been a brother that Matt always hoped for, a confidant, and a rock-solid pillar in his life. Matt appreciates the care Eric has for Matt’s sister, Kelly, and is honored to have Eric standing by Matt’s side on the special day.
Lauren Schwab
Bridesmaid
(Also known as “Cotton” to the SMU Theta girls). Cotton’s ability to recount every pop culture event and their friend’s greatest hits of memory lane, mixed with her ability to tell hilarious stories give her an infectious personality that lightens every room. Cotton was the first of the SMU girls to meet Matt and has been a champion of Emily and Matt’s relationship from the beginning. At one point, she even referred to Matt as “My King.”
Katie Senske
Bridesmaid
Ever since Katie and Emily became friends freshman year at SMU, Katie has always brought the fun. Emily and Katie shared an unforgettable senior year as roommates living together in the Theta house, creating a unique bond that will last a lifetime. Whether supporting each other in a late-night study session, getting ready for a Thursday night out, figuring out they are both dairy-free due to too many midnight Dominos orders, or watching Friends reruns, Katie and Emily could likely be found doing it together.
Victoria Simons
Bridesmaid
When Victoria moved to Scottsdale in the 6th grade, Emily knew she found one of her lifelong soul sisters. The two were instantly inseparable, laughing and dancing throughout every activity. Together they studied for their Bat Mitzvahs, danced on Desert Mountain High School’s pom team (Go Wolves!), and navigated the ups and downs of life side by side. Victoria and Emily share an intuitive connection that only comes from growing up together and one that will continue to grow for the rest of their lives.
Elliot Stratton
Groomsman
Matt’s college friend and fraternity brother at ASU, and an added benefit, currently works with Emily at Tiffany & Bosco. Matt takes pride in having taught Elliot a golf-chipping technique that Elliot still uses to this day, saving him countless strokes on the course. Elliot is one of Matt’s most spontaneous friends, as he’s always down for an impromptu trip or night out. Yup!
Molly West
Bridesmaid
Emily and Molly have always shared a favorite activity - shopping. Ever since being Thetas together at SMU, Molly has always had an ability for effortless flair, so it was no shock when she became a personal shopper - aiding and abetting Emily’s shopping addiction. But beyond Molly’s chic exterior is one of the greatest friends with a heart of gold. She is always there to lift you up, provide honest advice, and support you in every way possible.
Anna Ziebell
Bridesmaid
Anna is the first friend to say “yes” to any adventure and makes every event a first-class experience. Ever since meeting at SMU, Emily has always been able to count on Anna to appreciate the finer things in life, including champagne toasts, an unwavering friendship, mischievous fun, and good belly laughs. There is never a dull moment when the two are together.