Wedding Party
Mathew Berger
Best Mate
Mathew is a pastor in the Baltimore area and Erik's best friend from seminary in Chicago where they were co-captains of the legendary flag football team that captured the coveted “Luther Bowl” championship. Mathew's wife, Amy, is also a pastor and seminary colleague of Erik's. Their son, Simon, is Erik's godson.
Lindsey Kringen
Maid of Honor
Merissa’s younger sister. The two did cheerleading and softball growing up, were able to live together for a few years out of college, and now love watching Hallmark movies with wine and pizza together. She lives in Phoenix, AZ and works for a florist.
Andi Thone
Groomsmate
Erik's younger sister. She's a carpenter who knows how to do all the handy things Erik doesn’t. They both, however, enjoy a good IPA and cheering for the Twins and Timberwolves.
Tina Ackerwold
Bridesmaid
Merissa and Tina grew up together and have been friends for over 30 years! They played softball together in high school and college at University of Sioux Falls. Tina was the catcher and Merissa pitched to her. Tina now has a son under 2. She and her husband have a bait company near Brookings, SD.
Dan Jones
Groomsmate
Erik's oldest friend, going back to Riverview Elementary school in Brooklyn Park, MN where Erik’s mom taught their “Junior Great Books” class. Erik and Dan have both moved around a lot but have managed to stay connected for 30 years now. Dan currently lives in the Toronto area with his husband and daughter.
Nicole Mielke
Bridesmaid
Nicole and Merissa have been friends since college at University of Sioux Falls. Nicole and Merissa have had a blast traveling together to places like Florida, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Temecula. Nicole lives in Phoenix, AZ and now has a baby boy.
Jared Walz
Groomsmate
Erik, Jared, Bjorn, and Brad met and lived on the fourth floor of Pittman dormitory freshman year at Gustavus Adolphus College before living together for the next three years. Minnesota sports has always been a shared, though often painful, passion of theirs. Jared now lives in Victoria, MN.
Kersten Aurich
Bridesmaid
Kersten and Merissa have been friends since they were kids. Kersten and Merissa share a love for popcorn and have shared many bowls together over the years! Kersten lives in Albert Lea, MN and has 3 little adorable girls .
Bjorn Olson
Groomsmate
Erik's college roommate. Even as Erik’s lived elsewhere, when home, getting together with “the guys” has always been a priority. Bjorn lives with his wife and two daughters in Minneapolis.
Ashley Anderson
Bridesmaid
Ashley and Merissa have been friends since college at the University of Sioux Falls. They have spent many girl’s nights watching shows like the Bachelor together. Ashley is a wedding planner in Sioux Falls and now has a son. Recently, they have had many wedding planning conversations and Merissa feels so very thankful to have Ashley’s help with all of the planning!
Brad Utecht
Groomsmate
The third of Erik's college roommates and one of those people who seems to be annoyingly good at everything. Several years ago Erik officiated Brad's wedding to his wife Claire. Brad lives in Minneapolis with Claire and his son Henry where he also plays Broomball with Andi and Jeff.
Kayla Van Roekel
Bridesmaid
Merissa lived at Kayla’s house for 6 years. The two easily became friends quickly after becoming roommates, as they are both Iowa Hawkeye fans, enjoy playing card games, and do Bible study together. Kayla is now married, still lives in Sioux Falls, and is an amazing Child Life Specialist.