Amanda & John
Wedding Party
Lauren Panek
Maid of Honor
Lauren is Amanda's cousin and good friend. They are a study in contrasts. She being athletic and Amanda being more theatrical. Growing up together Amanda had her play dress up and she tried to have her play sports. They both are teachers now and have enjoyed vacationing together, especially in Hawaii.
Sherri Gault
Matron of Honor
Sherri is Amanda's cousin as well as the mother of the ring bearer. They grew up together as girly girls which did not always mesh well with their western hiking family vacations. Even though they do not live that close, she became like her sister.
Catherine Van Etten Kahl
Bridesmaid
Catherine is John's sister and mother to our flower girl. Catherine and Amanda both work in schools which they use as a bonding factor. She also loves to bake and I am sure they will be able to bond over the same sweet tooth. Amanda is incredibly excited to have a sister, being an only child.
Joanna Popiela
Bridesmaid
Joanna and Amanda met at North Central College in Spanish class because neither of them knew anyone. From there, their friendship blossomed which included lots of late night talks after movies at Hollywood Blvd, shopping trips, vacations and long distance phone calls. Amanda is so happy that Joanna now lives back in the U.S. and is excited to visit her in Arizona.
Colleen Wilcox
Bridesmaid
Colleen and Amanda have been friends since they were three years old in park district classes. Being both only and adopted children, their mothers wanted them to socialize so both mothers and daughters became friends. Although they never went to the same school, Colleen and Amanda have managed to stay friends for 25 years. Amanda was excited to stand up for her wedding two years ago in Vermont and is happy to have her as part of her bridal party.
Jordan Powers
Bridesmaid
Jordan and Amanda became fast friends in high school. They formed a strong bond where they told each other the truth no matter what, appreciated each others' sarcasm and wit. Both of them for a time wanted to be forensic scientists, but organic chemistry proved to be a weeding out point for Amanda. They attended many country music concerts together, especially Luke Bryan, and they continued to be close throughout college and Amanda is honored to be godmother to Jordan's son, Finn.
Asher Gault
Ring Bearer
Asher is Sherri's son and Amanda's nephew. He will just be two when the wedding happens. Some of his favorite activities have included running around with his hands up, running in general, screaming, playing hide and seek and playing with his puppy, Katy.
Emma Beau
Flower Girl
Emma is Catherine's eldest daughter and John's niece. She is eight years old. Emma loves playing with kids of all ages. Some of her favorite activities include playing with dinosaurs, craft making and playing with her baby sister, Nora.
Micah Sprosty
Best Man
Micah and John became friends in early elementary school, and there may have been a vampire attack incident which cemented their friendship (long story). They've stuck by each other through thick and thin for over twenty two years. They have bonded over martial arts, dungeons and dragons, and much more. Micah is the First of John's Brothers from Other Mothers, and his oldest friend.
Seth Martin
Groomsman
Seth and John met as young children, well before the age of ten. They grew up together, being neighbors, before Seth moved West to the small town of Paw Paw. They maintained their friendship, and have been friends for over twenty years. They're as close as brothers and never stop pushing one another to succeed, whether in the gym or in life. They're also fellow riders. The second of John's Brother's from other Mothers.
Cody Bergmann
Groomsman
John and Cody met in high school, and quickly became friends. Both share a love of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, video games, and literature. Cody and John have stood by one another through the darkest days of teenage angst and the trials of early adulthood. Cody is one of the few people who can coax John out of a bad mood no matter what the cause. An invaluable comrade for over fourteen years, and the third of John's Brothers from Other Mothers.
Brett Holley
Groomsman
Brett and John met through martial arts twelve years ago. They complemented each others skill sets well, John's sparring and Brett's Kata (forms), and won many martial arts competitions for their dojo. They also gave each other more than a few bruises. Brett eventually moved in with John in John's first house, and has been an ever present friend ever since. Brett is the fourth of John's Brothers from Other Mothers.
Joe Hagedorn
Groomsman
Joe and John met from the Northern Illinois University College Of Law. John, being the social organizer, planned a laser tag night to get to know members of the incoming law class. Wouldn't you know it, Joe was the only one who showed up, driving all the way from Gurnee to Aurora. They have been close friends ever since. Joe currently practices law in Washington D.C. while John chose to take up the badge and be the other side of "Law and Order." Joe is the fifth of John's Brothers from Other Mothers.
Robert Sbarboro
Groomsman
Robbie and John were hired by the Batavia Police Dept. one week apart in 2014, and were sworn in together upon their return from different academies. John was sent to the Illinois State Police Academy while Robbie was sent to the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. They arrived as two very different Officers. While John has been referred to as "Robocop", Robbie affectionately calls him "Offey." Robbie is, and has for the past five years, been one of John's most trusted friends. They always have each other's six. They also share a love of motorcycles and late night Sushi in Chicago. Robbie is the sixth of John's Brothers from Other Mothers.