Groomsman
Ken Wical, Bride's Brother-in-Law

Poor Ken.

He was the first sucker -- er, I mean uh, lucky guy -- to marry a Maijala chick.

The initiation was brutal. Military jokes, Republican jokes and new variations of his name (Kennnnettththhhtppbbthh Pickle-Wickle) abounded. Good sport that he is, he took it all quietly. And he calls Mom and Dad "Ma'am and Sir" even though they tell him to knock it off. He keeps doing it; we think it's a quiet retaliation for the neverending deluge of abuse.

One of the best surprises of our wedding is when Ken showed up. Being in the military, he had no idea if he would be able to make it (he had to march around or play "get the commies" or something) but we set a place for him at the head table anyway.

About an hour before the wedding, Ken shows up in full uniform ready to go. It was so cool.

He's a good guy, that Ken.

Even if he is a Republican.