Brian Noonan
Alexandra Veleris
Brian Noonan
Alexandra Veleris
August 29, 2026
Our Story - a real life Rom Com
In the fall of September 2011, Alex & Brian were freshman at Michigan State University. They'd only been in school a couple weeks when Alex and her sorority sister went to the library. There, they chose a table where two guys were sitting, and one of these guys was Brian! Alex and Brian soon became good friends and often would meet up in the library to do their work. After Alex transferred to Lake Forest College, she and Brian still kept in touch -- for 14 years! They were always "just really good friends" despite both having little secret crushes on the each other. However, the timing was never right -- little hints that one person was interested in dating would go quietly unnoticed by the other, or one person would be in a relationship while the other wasn't. In hindsight, it was a true comedy of errors, fit for their own Rom Com! So they stayed "just really good friends." ...that is, until April 2024 when Alex finished her last final of law school. Alex was out celebrating her completion of law school at Bally's Casino (long story), when a conversation with her friend-of-a-friend happened to bring up Brian's sister. Alex immediately texted Brian a picture of herself with this mutual friend, and Brian responded almost immediately saying he would stop by, and he did! Both were finally single at the same time... and maybe a little more wise, knowing that mothers are usually right.... For years, Alex's mom would pester her saying "why don't you just date Brian Noonan?" For years, Brian's mom would emphasize to him that "it's clear that Alex Veleris really likes you..." So, that night Alex and Brian decided to give it a go, despite being terrified of losing their friendship if things didn't work out.... would they regret trying? Would it be weird? ....NOPE!! It worked out, and the two never looked back!!!
Schedule
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Wedding
4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
27901 N Gilmer Rd, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
Travel
Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Libertyville - Mundelein
This hotel, a short 12 minutes away from our venue, will have a room block available for our guests, complete with a complimentary shuttle bus to and from our wedding venue. Please book your room under the group code "901" or VELERIS / NOONAN for our group rate! Guest can also reserve their rooms by calling Hilton Reservations at 800-774-1500 and using group code 901.
Discount Code - 901
Flight
O'Hare International Airport
O'hare will be the easiest airport for our guests to get in and out of Chicago, and is located about 30 minutes from the DoubleTree hotel.
Hotel
Deer Path Inn
For those looking to stay in a super quaint historic hotel, the Deerpath Inn in Lake Forest is an excellent choice, located about 32 minutes from the venue.
Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites Mundelein-Vernon Hills
Another option for lodging, located only 11 minutes from our wedding venue.
Registry
Wedding Party
Alexandra Veleris
Bride
John Veleris
Father of the Bride
Vanessa Mann Veleris
Mother of the Bride
Brian Noonan
Groom
Neil Noonan
Father of the Groom
Jeanelle Noonan
Mother of the Groom
Ty-Gerald Ardis
Officiant
Ty and Brian were both "Sparty" mascots. Ty took Brian under his mascot wing when Brian officially became part of the Sparty group, and has continued to be one of his greatest friends.
Elizabeth Stein
Maid of Honor
Lizzie & Alex have known each other since they were 13, friends through the horses, of course! For the last 7 years, Lizzie has been Alex's assistant, helping manage the business, the horses, and Alex of course!
Michael Burnett
Man of Honor
Michael and Alex have traveled all over the country for horse shows together for almost a decade! In a tough industry, Michael has been incredibly supportive both in and out of the show ring. Fun fact, he once saved Alex's horse's life!
Danny Noonan
Best Man
Danny is Brian's younger brother. While Danny is 4 years younger, the two have spent lots of time together hunting, and fishing. Danny even followed in Brian's footsteps, going to college at Michigan State University, and becoming a Sparty mascot himself!
Danielle Spychala
Bridesmaid
Danielle and Alex met each other later in life (through horses, of course) and quickly realized that life was WAY better with each other in it.
Jennifer Biebel
Bridesmaid
Jen and Alex met when they were in high school through Alex's mom, who was riding at Jen's barn, but it wasn't until they became adults that they became close friends. Alex has retired several of her horses at Jen's stable in Florida. In addition to being a great friend through thick and thin, there's nobody Alex would trust more to watch her horses (which is saying a lot!!)
Matt Sammarco
Groomsman
Matt and Brian met playing football when they were in the third grade. Football turned into lacrosse, and the two quickly became best buds. Anytime there is an "open season" for hunting, you can find Brian and Matt out in the fields with their hunting dogs!
Brian Donatelli
Groomsman
Brian D was Brian N's very first friend... they met in preschool and have been friends ever since. Fun fact, these two got kicked out of Religious Ed in 4th grade for making farting noises. That pretty much sums up what these two are like together!
Thomas Lorenzini
Groomsman
Tommy is Brian's cousin. Not only did they grow up together, but they both lived together as young adults in Lake View. Tommy has been a rock for Brian for a long time!
Gallery
FAQs
Question
Am I allowed to bring my kids to the wedding?
Answer
No, unfortunately - while we wish we could have everyone bring their children to our wedding, we are limited on space.
Question
How do I know if I'm allowed to bring a guest?
Answer
Your invitation will be clearly marked, either as "your name & GUEST" or "your name & your guest's name" if we have accounted for you to bring a +1.
Question
What if my +1 situation changes before the wedding?
Answer
If your guest is unable to attend after RSVP-ing, no worries - just let us know asap and we can work it out!
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
Think cocktail attire! For ladies: think nice summer dresses that can be short and fun, or longer and breezy. For men: slacks and a fun sportcoat, or a nice suit that you're comfortable in. Our ceremony will be outside weather permitting, and the reception will be inside in the air conditioning. While it will be warm in August, please feel free to bring a nice jacket or shawl in case you get chilly in the air conditioning.
Question
How can I get there if I don't want to drive?
Answer
Our preferred hotel, The Doubletree Hilton in Mundelein, will have a block of rooms available for our guests. This also includes a roundtrip shuttle that will bring guests to our venue on time and bring you back to the hotel at the end of the evening. If you are staying at another hotel, or want to leave earlier than the shuttle, Uber/Lyft is available in the area.
Question
Will the ceremony be Greek Orthodox or Catholic?
Answer
Neither! We will be having our own, specially curated ceremony at the venue the day of our wedding for our guests to enjoy. We will be having a smaller ceremony in the Greek Church prior to our actual wedding day due to the church's restrictions on our date of August 29th.
Question
Is the ceremony at a different location?
Answer
Nope! Our ceremony will be at the same location that our reception is.
Question
Where is the venue?
Answer
We are getting married at "The Barn at Timber Pointe," on August 29th, 2026. The address is: 27901 N Gilmer Rd, Hawthorne Woods, IL 60060.
Question
Where do I stay?
Answer
Please see our "travel" page for a list of hotel options.