Wedding Party

Samantha Dunn

Maid of Honor

Sister of the Bride “Some of my favorite childhood memories with Taylor involve long summer days playing together and keeping each other company. Whether it was creating elaborate Barbie setups, Monopoly marathons, or taking turns trying to beat GTA on the PS2, I always had a buddy to spend time with. It was often that I was begging her to do something with me, and no matter what she picked I was just happy she wanted to play with me.”

Eric Betz

Best Man

Brother of the Groom “Growing up with Jake has had its ups and downs. From boating in the summer, motorcycle rides in fall/spring, and snowmobiling in the winter there’s always something to do with my brother. From workouts in the gym to watching the sun come up after a few too many, he’s always there for a few good laughs. The best way to describe Jake is by describing what a Jake drink is.  Jake drink = perfect combination of alcohol, and whatever mixer he can find, which turns into the perfect concoction.”

Breanna Richardson

Matron of Honor

Best Friend of the Bride “Taylor, my soul sister. She’s genuine, trustworthy, confident, and brutally honest (my personal favorite trait of hers). I have so many fond memories with Taylor, but I’ll never forget being in stand still traffic on our way to Chicago when Taylor put the car in park in the middle of the interstate to run over and use the construction worker’s porta potty. I’m beyond excited to create more memories as I stand up with Taylor and witness her marrying the love of her life.”

Drew Partyka

Groomsman

Cousin of the Groom “I’ve known Jake his whole life and 27 years is quite a bit of time to be around me. Jake has always been someone I look up to (figuratively). He has a can-do attitude and doesn’t let things stop him.  He is always ready to provide honest advice or a good laugh no matter the day. Jake is extremely generous, like sharing his room with me or giving me a taste off his plate. But make no mistake, there is a line in the sand as to how much of his food you can take. There is still a bounty out there for whoever stole his Brew Fest steak sandwich. Another thing I love about Jake is he doesn’t hold grudges.”

Lucija Matkovic

Bridesmaid

Friend of the Bride “Fiercely loyal and utterly candid. These are the words that epitomize Taylor Dunn. She is a one-of-a-kind friend that has helped advise me on my many indecisive moments in life. She has been somebody I have been able to debate with just for fun. But most of all, she has always been a person that only wants the best for everybody around her. I am eternally grateful to AXO for bringing us together, and I cannot imagine not having her a part of my closest circle. There is also nobody else in this world I could ever imagine traveling and experiencing 3 (blisteringly hot, but beautiful) weeks in Thailand with. Ily <3”

Andrew Boen

Groomsman

Friend of the Groom "It's often said that blood is thicker than water, but in this case, I think lake water is just as thick as blood. Our families crossed paths many years ago at Lake Shelbyville and I have been stuck with Jake ever since. When we were younger, Jake and I would get up at the crack of dawn and spend countless hours on the lake fishing, trying to catch more than a sunburn. Jake would guarantee I was awake and ready by banging relentlessly on my window. Now that I live 1600 miles away, I think I am finally out of reach of the Jake Betz alarm clock. As we got older, we continued to go tubing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing – all fueled by Yoo-hoo and microwave cheeseburgers (and eventually a few beers). Jake is a genuine person, an excellent friend, and I am glad to consider him family."

Hannah Lee

Bridesmaid

Friend of the Bride “Taylor and I first met as sorority sisters in AXO. We actually had not become close until graduating from WMU. Our boyfriends, being the social butterflies they are, quickly became friends when we all celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. The four of us started to get together more often, which is how Taylor and I became so close. We bonded over our love of Harry Potter, dogs, and lake life. She has a huge heart and is one of the most dedicated, hard working people I know. She is one of my dearest friends, and has been a part of so many of my best memories. I can’t wait to be a part of her special day!”

Alex Boen

Groomsman

Friend of the Groom "I have known Jake for a long time—almost since he was potty trained, lol. We grew up at Lake Shellbyville during the summers boating. There are so many memories it’s hard to pick. I remember laughing, swimming, fishing and model days at the lake when it would rain. The dads made sure we had fun and didn’t get into too much trouble. Jake has grown up and has good values."

Brooke Werner

Bridesmaid

Friend of the Bride “I have always admired Taylor’s drive, passion, and intelligence. Her willingness to provide excellent guidance and compassion has overwhelmed me over the years. Our friendship was solidified with star gazing, boy drama, and me cleaning her up when we had had too much fun. I have loved watching her grow with Jake, and I am excited to be a part of the life they are creating together.”

Andrew Brierton

Groomsman

Friend of the Groom “Jake is a valuable friend—and not just for all of his toys! Whether it was shoveling driveways for money in high school, skipping swim practice to try racquetball in junior high, or biking home in middle school just for 30 more mins of video games, Jake has always known how to work hard and play harder.”

Katelyn Neal

Bridesmaid

Friend of the Bride “My fav memory of us was from senior formal when Taylor and Jake adopted me for the night, rescued me from being dateless and very ill, and the three of us slow danced. Also can’t forget the whole girl gang going nuts to Mr. Brightside per usual that night.”

John McLaughlin

Groomsman

Friend of the Bride/Groom “Jake and I have known each other for a few years now and I still can’t stand him, but he and I share too many values and characteristics to not be friends. He’s always willing to lend a hand and makes time for the things he cares about the most. We share the same competitive nature, usually taking the form of beers consumed or games of darts won, but we both know I’m better at both of those things. I’m honored to be a groomsman and can’t wait to celebrate.”

Mackenzie Kaetzel

Bridesmaid

Friend of the Bride “When Taylor and I were introduced our freshman year of college, neither one of us ever reached back out to the other…Fast forward a year, and I ended up joining the sorority that Taylor was already a part of. As fate would have it, our girl gang formed, and I’ve been blessed to have her in my life ever since. It’s like they always say, if you’re meant to have someone in your life they will find a way in, and I couldn’t be more grateful that it worked out this way. <3”

Adam Zimmerman

Groomsman

Friend of the Groom "Jake and I always seem to be pushing each-other, whether that is for work goals, personal goals, or simply to take the next shot of tequila. He is always ready to stay up and close down the night with "one more beer", which has led to many fun nights and great conversations. Jake is always willing to help someone out, even if the problem is as simple as the speaker volume controls being upside down. Let's be honest though, I'm really just friends with Jake so I can hangout with his dogs."

Hazel Richardson

Flower Girl

"Niece" of the Bride

Hank Richardson

Ring Bearer

"Nephew" of the Bride

Liam Blake

Usher

Pierce Suttles

Usher

Lauren Betz

Officiant

Sister of the Groom “Hi my name is Lauren Betz. I am so so so excited to officiate the wedding! My favorite memory of the bride-to-be was the night of the proposal. Seeing my brother on his knee, proposing to the love of his life, was a moment I’ll never forget. That night was so special because I knew I was soon gaining a sister. I cannot wait for Taylor to join our family and for a lifetime of shared memories together. Cheers to the future Mr. And Mrs. Betz!”