Rachel & Alex
Wedding Party
Diane McLeod
Co-Maid of Honor
Our friendship goes way back to Kindergarten. Di and I basically grew up at each other's houses. We did everything together, from sports, baton, Girl Scouts, and Church mission trips to Appalachia (where we became Almost Famous for our stunning karaoke rendition of Christmas Shoes). We understood each other's weird sides and always knew how to make each other laugh (except for that one time she got me a detention for throwing snow..). Going to different high schools and colleges caused us to lose touch a bit, but the best part was always being able to pick right up where we left off. Diane has been the closest thing I've ever had to a sister, and I truly can't imagine how different my life would look without her in it!
Sadie Millen
Co-Maid of Honor
Sadie came into my life in the 1st grade, thanks again to St. Charles School! High school forced us to go our separate ways, but God must have known I needed her back in my life. We both decided to attend UW-Madison and became roommates, despite warnings from many people not to room with a friend. Well 4 years later, we were still living together and loving every second! I still can't fathom how this girl put up with me that long (even after I left a pizza in the oven and almost burned down the apartment), but she is one of the most caring and easy-going people you will ever meet. Sadie was there for me during some of the hardest (and wildest) times of my life. I will forever cherish all the college memories, from late night chats in our bunk beds to Thursday nights at Madhatters.
Stacey Wenker
Bridesmaid
I met Stacey in our senior year at UW-Madison when we became lab partners in Biomechanics. We hit it off immediately due to our love of cats and country music and strong dislike for Biomechanics quizzes that were due at 12am on Thursdays and interfered with our plans. One night after introducing Stacey to my brother at the Piano Bar, they hit it off and are still together 7 years later! From shooting guns and ATVing at her parents’ house in Vesper, WI to girls’ weekend in Nashville with rooftop live music, there is truly never a dull moment with this girl around! Her energy and laugh are contagious, and I will always be inspired by what she has accomplished, from becoming a doctor of PT to a 2-time Ironman finisher. I am so thankful for this amazing friendship I gained from my time at UW!
Rachel Campbell
Bridesmaid
While I met Rachel through the UW Club Volleyball program, we were never on the same team. Our friendship really didn't blossom until becoming beach doubles partners after graduating. My friend Sharpe (who is Rachel's coworker) and I then convinced her to join us at Country USA. It was here that we bonded even more through pushing our car out of the mud and tag-teaming kicking off a flat tire after being stranded on the side of the road for hours. Because we can’t seem to get enough of each other, we even decided to start our own Color Street business together this past year. Rachel is one of those people who everyone wants to be friends with because she is so much fun to be around. Her and V hit it off immediately, and it was a no-brainer to ask her to be by our sides on our big day!
Bridget Boland
Bridesmaid
Bridget is my cousin (once removed) that is more like the little sister I never had but always wanted. I have endless memories of summers with the extended family when Bridget was just a little girl up at the Osthoff Resort, the Heidel House, Lake Geneva, and Blue Harbor Resort. Despite the age difference, we always had a blast swimming, playing games, and picking on the boys. I will never forget celebrating one Christmas in Scottsdale, AZ and trying on everything at the thrift shop and the most ridiculous high heel shoes. It has been so special watching her grow up from the cutest little girl with those big blue eyes to a beautiful, smart, and driven college student. I can't wait to see where life takes her in these next few years and feel so blessed to have family by my side.
Rosie Millen
Bridesmaid
I’ve known Sadie’s older sister Rosie for about as long as I’ve known Sadie, but we really became close after college. It was then I realized she loved country music, and I had to really reconsider who the coolest Millen was. All jokes aside, Rosie is like the big sister I always wanted and has been my voice of reason more times than I can count. She is a fascinating person to talk to which has led to many late night chats over the years. Rosie is always up for new, fun activities and I am grateful for all the ones we’ve shared, including the Goose Island Scavenger Hunt, Milwauking Dead tour, Cat Café, Biketoberfest, Edelweiss cruise, and checking out the side room at Brothers. Rosie is one of the sweetest, kindest people you will meet, and I still feel bad for ruining her Uber rating.
Abigail Butterfield
Junior Bridesmaid
Becoming an aunt has been the greatest thing all thanks to this incredible young girl. While I was always told that Uncle V was Abby’s absolute favorite person, I think I really started to give him a run for his money when she found out how good I was at hide-and-seek. We really make a great team! Abby is such a bubbly, goofy girl and one of my favorite memories I have with her is playing Picolo in the Dells. I think we all laughed until we cried. Aside from that, this girl is a phenomenal dancer and I absolutely love watching her perform (she’s still working on teaching me and really has her work cut out for her). V and I both cherish being part of Abby’s life and watching her grow and mature, and we couldn’t imagine our day without her in it!
Erik Butterfield
Best Man
Butter, my big brother and friend. Let's not forget great husband and father to our sweet jr. bridesmaid. He was kind enough to have a 17 year old me as his best man and I couldn’t be happier that he’s going to be my best man. This guy has been through it all with me and I couldn’t think of a better person to have by my side. Butter has always looked out for me and any advice he's given (good or bad haha) I've always listened. I think of all the great times we've shared, but I’ll never forget walking into lakefront brewery after Rachel said yes. He had the biggest smile on his face and the biggest hug waiting for me. A guy I’ve always looked up to just looked so proud. Can't wait for this speech I'm sure he won't just make it up on the spot like a certain clueless 17 yr old best man!
Hunter Charneski
Groomsman
Hunter, we met the summer going into high school at the Donald Driver football camp. We were both in the defensive end group and as we started talking he comes out and says " what offensive position are you in?" I said "QBs" because in my mind I was the second coming of Favre... HA! Hunter without missing a beat "oh me too." I soon found out he was lying hahaha. Neither of us played a single second of QB so time well spent. Our friendship is full of hilarious stories and being there for one another. Realistically he's a phenomenal writer and he probably should have wrote this.
Erik West
Groomsman
West and I got to know each other through college/football. We were also roommates, he's like another brother to me. West is a great human and I don't know if I would have made it through college without him. He and I also enjoyed winning a few championships in intraumural basketball and lets not forget 2 1st place gus mackers... and 1 toilet bowl, which we choose to forget. West was actually the Tight End coach for 1 of my seasons and I think we both just enjoyed that time spent together. West did attempt to try and leave me and some other friends behind when he moved to Craig, CO. He clearly couldn't live without me and thankfully moved back to WI. He's a great dad, husband, and friend. I'm thrilled to have him by my side.
Cody Johnson
Groomsman
Cody similar to West we met in college/football but a year later. Cody and I became friends quickly as we got to know each other. He was the QB on the scout team and always knew to throw my way, so I was immediately a big fan. We bonded over similar things as West and I, which probably explains why the three of us lived together and have stayed so close. That goes for Peter as well, but we'll get to him later. Cody is the little brother I always wanted and through the years we've been there for each other. He also won some intramural championships for basketball and 1 gus macker all world first place... and 1 toilet bowl with me, but more importantly a conference championship for football. Another great dad, husband and friend who will help make this day great
Peter Morton
Groomsman
Peter the little brother I never wanted but glad I got... I guess. He’s another Concordia football player and friend. This guy is one of the goofiest guys you'll ever meet but has stepped up for me as a friend on countless occassions. The amount of stories I could tell you about this guy are endless and probably not suitable for this. His outlandish comments we'll always keep you on your toes and smile on your face. Peter like West tried to leave me.... He managed about 2 months tops and quickly returned from Louisiana. Good choice on his part. Peter was a big part in helping me find my future wife and to that I'd have to give him a big thank you. I'm glad to have him by my side for this big day, but if we're being honest it's just easier for me to keep a close eye on him..
Joel Prince
Groomsman
DR. P! My new brother. Super excited for you to be apart of Rachel and I's big day. I've enjoyed the few times we've had to spend together and looking forward to a LIFETIME of getting to know each other. Looking forward to all the family events we'll be attending, but for my sake lets hope it's not more ice skating. (thanks for not laughing... too hard). Hopefully covid isn't still thing but I wouldn't mind our own table for dinner during thanksgiving again.
Alexander Moss
Groomsman
Alex Moss, what a great guy and has been a close friend since the start of high school. We car pooled all through sophomore yr and part of junior yr together managing to never be late for school, even if it meant sprinting from Locust st. Moss is someone who’s always made an effort to stay in touch and keep tabs on anything I’ve had going on in my life. He actually helped me decide on when to propose to Rachel. Not a great ski instructor by making me go to the top of a mountain for my first ever attempt at skiing, but to be fair I think he had more faith that I wouldn’t be the worst skier ever. Appreciate him not leaving me for dead. I look forward to having him by my side on my big day and for years to come
Andrew Wong
Usher
Andy is my older cousin who shares the same birthday as my best man just a couple years apart. Andy is a military veteran and despite our age gap growing up he always looked out for me. Over the last few years since he moved to back to WI we’ve had the chance to get closer and I knew I wanted to have him in this wedding. During my brothers wedding he was supposed to stand up but couldn’t make it due to being deployed. So I always knew I wanted him to be apart of my day. His phone calls on his long drives are some of the best as he’s always looking to talk sports and how everything is going at home, plus he’s always good for a few laughs. Proud to have him in this group.
Joseph Mike Paul
Usher
Last but definitely not least... Joe Mike Paul, another military member, Concordia football player, former roommate and great friend. He is a guy who has motivated me to be better in different phases of my life. I’ve always admired his competitive nature, probably why we got along so well with sports. Cheering each other on just came naturally on the field and it’s continued off the field within our day to day lives. One of my favorite things about Joe is just getting in good laughs. Trust me once you get this guy going you won’t be able to stop laughing with him.