Wedding Party
Emily Orngard
Matron of Honor
Emily and Allison are a famous duo - also known as Em & Al by their family. Sisters by nature but best friends by choice. Emily is one of my biggest supporter and always a phone call away to talk about mundane life, hilarious incidents, and of course, a listening ear for the not so fun bits. We have spent the last 10 years half a country apart but distance has yet to keep us apart. I am forever grateful for Emily's wisdom and never ending love, and of course the constant laughs.
Collin Kramer
Best Man
Collin and Parker have been good friends since meeting at church youth group. From a failed triathlon to witnessing Parker ride his bike directly into a thicket of bushes, Collin has been there for many of Parker's finest moments. More seriously, Collin and Parker have countless memories together, including years of church mission trips, canoe trips, wearing the same outfit to our sophomore year homecoming dance, and creating two-thirds of a human centipede. Through it all, Collin has more than earned the title of best man.
Michaela Moel
Bridesmaid
As sister to the groom, Michaela will soon be my sister-in law. Parker and Michaela have their own language full of vine references, sponge bob quotes, and a never ending discussion about Pokemon. While I may not understand 95% of what they discuss, their constant laughter between each other is my favorite. Michaela is spunky, caring, sarcastic, and a fantastic high school chemistry teacher. I am excited to finally have a younger sister!
Clay Moel
Groomsman
As Parker's favorite brother in law, Clay has been a beloved member of Parker's family well before he married Parker's sister. Clay is Parker's go-to for Hawkeye and Packer football venting, and is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. I have Clay to thank for my new-found side-hustle in sports gambling that Ally is completely and totally on board with...
Sarah Thell
Bridesmaid
Sarah and I meet at Luther College on day 1! We found comfort in each others sarcasm and let our friendship grow over the last 11 years. Sarah is unstoppable. She is a friend to all. Can make anyone laugh. And has an ability to make all people feel comfortable and appreciated within 5 minutes of meeting them. I'm lucky to have a friend who will answer my phone calls even when talking on the phone isn't her favorite cause she knows I enjoy it. That's a true friend.
Evan Ferrel
Groomsman
Evan forms the final third of the Parker-Collin-Evan triumvirate, having known Parker since they were young kids causing terror to their church youth group. Evan and Parker were roommates for two years while Parker was in college and Evan was starting his career. Despite the distance between them, Evan and Parker have continued their friendship through the perils of adult life.
Kimmy Rooney
Bridesmaid
Kimmy and Ally met freshman year at Luther College and were lucky enough to live together senior year. We bonded easily over our love of singing and still to this day a favorite memory is blaring FUN and belting our hearts out during a summer drive around Decorah in Kimmy's convertible. Kimmy shines and when you are around her the rest of the world disappears and it is easy to get lost in the fun of the moment and truly live freely. Our friendship has been long distant since college but our love for talking on the phone while walking/cooking/cleaning means we get to talk weekly about our daily lives. I cherish these talks no matter how small or long they are. There is nothing better than sharing and hearing about a friends small and big moments. And Kimmy has been there for all of mine!
Ben Curtis
Groomsman
Ben is one of the most steady people in Parker's life, and truly is a role model with his work ethic and family values. Not only is he a cherished coworker, but also was a best friend through grad school (and honestly carried Parker on his back through their group thesis). Ben was instrumental in helping plan Parker's proposal, as it is well known that two planners can execute the perfect proposal.
Fjola Orngard
Flower Girl
Niece to the Bride. Fjola is a world traveler, loves to wiggle when eating something yummy, cautious adventurer, and a sweetie who comforts those who are sad after they get a boo boo. She is mostly known for having a fun disposition just like her parents Emily & Ehler.
Emily Johnson
Officiant
Emily was the first friend Ally made in Cedar Rapids. She has been a constant friend throughout all the fun curve balls real life gives you. When a game was needed to be played - Emily was there. When wine over conversations about frustrating work/life situations were needed - Emily was there. When celebrating birthdays, new jobs, new house, new pets, completion of a house project - Emily was there. When a new man entered my life and became serious - Emily was there. She has taking the time to get know Parker as an individual and us as couple. We are honored she agreed to marry us as we feel she has truly been a huge cheerleader of our happiness!
Jordan Thompson
Usherette
Jordan and Ally were next door neighbors freshman year at Luther. She is also the reason she and I were banned from rec league indoor volleyball on our last game. It may have been my fault, or hers, we will never know. There are another dozen stories that are often retold over and over and each story, Jordan was right there next to me for the laughter. She is now an amazing Mom of 2 who I know I will be calling every other minute my future kids do something to make sure it's "normal". Jordan often tells our Luther girls she can't wait for us to be moms so she can have some good laughs. And that is Jordan. Supporting, loving, always there to listen, but also - always there to have a good laugh with you - or slightly at you.
Mariah Bigelow
Usherette
Mariah and Ally met at...you guessed it Luther. Freshman year. We quickly learned we loved the same things: card games, FRIENDS, Gilmore Girls, musicals, a walk/hike and did I mention card games? 13 years of friends means there are highs and lows as you grow in your 20's and Mariah has been there for me through it all. A friend where I can share my self doubts or share my proudest accomplishments and she is there. No matter what - she knows what to say, when to just listen, or when she needs to share a funny tidbit from her classroom to give me a laugh. She also is one of the main reasons I became a plant Mom. Her plant collection is something to behold and I am grateful for my small collection that has started all due to her!