Annie & Alex
Wedding Party
Emily Kang
Matron of Honor
Childhood Best Friend Emily and I have been best friends since age 10 and I love that our friendship has grown through every season of life. We have shared everything including a love of musical theater, a knack for making cheesy home movies, a college dorm room, and a mutual obsession with "Friends."
Matt Kendzior
Best Man
Brother of the Groom Throughout grade school, Matt was always the big brother I looked up to but it wasn’t until college that he became my best friend. While both attending the University of Illinois, we enjoyed countless apartment/house conversations and memories at Murphy’s.
Grace Gold
Bridesmaid
Cousin of the Bride I've never been more excited for someone to be born. Grace arrived on my 9th birthday and has always been more of a sister than a cousin. We love our Bachelor/Bachelorette nights, birthday donuts, and sharing stories about our crazy big family.
John Knox
Groomsman
Cousin of the Groom John is the little brother I never had. Growing up several suburbs apart we mostly saw each other at family gatherings. John and I became much closer in college from sharing an interest in engineering and his several visits to U of I. While I was bummed he ended up at Marquette over Illinois for engineering, our close counsinly/brotherly friendship is growing to this day.
Shelby Bennin
Bridesmaid
High School Friend and Beyond Shelby and I met freshman year of high school and became close through youth group retreats, countless failed DIY Pinterest projects, and a particularly wild AP Psych class. While Shelby tells the best stories, she also is a great listener and has faithfully processed, encouraged, and prayed with me through many different stages of life.
Jeremy Fisher
Groomsman
High School Running Buddy Jeremy and I met during cross country of my sophomore year of high school and our friendship felt instant. We called ourselves "the goons" on the cross country team (A.K.A. the 6th and 7th runners to our coach). Our friendship has continued through college and beyond. We share a faith and enjoyment for deep talks.
Gabby Nevius
Bridesmaid
Running Buddy I have had a lot of people I run with over the years but only one "running buddy." Gabby and I met my sophomore year of high school during summer cross country training. Nothing bonds you quicker than enduring miles and miles of long runs, track workouts, and races together. While we'll still go for the occasional run, I love that we now get to enjoy our friendship while walking or sitting still.
Dustin Stephans
Groomsman
Middle School Friend Dustin and I met in 6th grade. We did not share classes but our passion for football, common jokes, and sense of humor brought us together. To this day we still enjoy long talks about our lives and future over coffee or backyard barbeques.
Mary Heinz
Bridesmaid
Childhood Friend Mary started out as Emily's little sister and has grown into a wonderful friend. Mary is one of the most disciplined people I know and most mornings (at 5am!) can be found motivating me to get out of bed and work out. We share a love for biking, swimming, and rollerblading.
Nick Magnini
Groomsman
High School Friend Nick and I met in high school and worked together at the Grayslake Public Works Department. We shared common interests of lacrosse and football as well. While Nick attended the second best U of I (University of Iowa), we reconvened many times over college breaks and have a lasting friendship to this day.
Desi Graeser
Bridesmaid
College Roommate I quickly connected with Desi in college when I realized she could bring goofiness to a whole new level. Most of the time, we can be found repeating each other's jokes, trying out new voices and accents, or fawning over our mutual love for all things miniature.
Bryce Glass
Groomsman
High School Friend Bryce and I became great friends in high school through the classes we shared, especially senior year English, and playing frisbee golf. The summer going into college we both worked at the Grayslake Public Works Department and to this day we joke about our time there. Be sure to ask Bryce how many fire hydrants he painted.
Christy Trank
Bridesmaid
College Roommate Christy and I met while running cross country at Olivet but bonded over a mutual love for baseball and mutual disdain for each other's teams. While we logged many hours of Cubs and White Sox games, we also lived together, ran together, served together, and did pretty much everything together. Though we have less time to drive 10 hours to see a solar eclipse these days, I still love our regular catch-up dinner nights that always end with ice cream.
Austin Peterson
Groomsman
Neighborhood Friend Austin and I grew up within walking distance and first met through a “play date” scheduled between our parents. My mom offered to cook us lunch but Austin was a picky eater and brought over his own buttered noodles. Growing up, Austin was known for throwing the best birthday sleepovers because there would be tons of food, soda, and no sleeping involved. Now when we get together we enjoy watching sports in his “man cave” basement.
Jessica Palm
Bridesmaid
College Roommate I am forever grateful for Jessica's outgoing personality. Jessica slapped my arm while standing in the hallway of Weber Hall during freshman orientation at Olivet: "Hey! You're running cross country right??" We were fast friends and roommates for the next 3 years. I love that even when we live a few hours apart Jessica and I can pick up right where we left off -- usually singing song parodies for our unamused friends.
Jake Lamb
Groomsman
Childhood Friend Jake and I have been friends since elementary school. Our friendship grew very quickly over Game Cube, extravagant building with Legos, and weekend sleepovers that included watching George Lopez and making midnight Ramen Noodles. While we don't get to see each other every weekend now, we pick up right where we left off each time we reconnect.
Kylie Lippencott
Bridesmaid
College Teammate Kylie and I were cross country and track teammates in college but our friendship really grew when she lived with my family during her first year of graduate school at Rosalind Franklin. We made the most of her study breaks by watching Hallmark movies, spending time outside, and talking/laughing over homecooked dinners.
Paul Brandes
Groomsman, Officiant
Brother of the Bride Growing up, I was lovingly known by Paul's friends as "PBS," Paul Brandes' Sister. I didn't mind this nickname because I was grateful his personable nature always took the attention off of me and made him impossible not to love. While we have always gotten along as far as siblings go, my favorite part of being Paul Brandes' sister has been growing into friends as adults. It is such a special honor that he will be marrying Alex and I on our big day.
Grace Kendzior
Bridesmaid
Sister of the Groom Growing up, Grace and I bonded over baking gingerbread cookies and watching "Chopped." These days, we fill our time together watching "The Office" and playing with our childhood dog, Lucy. While I never had the chance to attend U of I with Grace, I love getting to visit her every time I am back.
Clare Kang
Flower Girl
Clare Bear is an honorary niece. She is fearless, energetic, and smart. She is known for her love of puzzles, princesses, spinning, and most importantly, weddings! As you can see from her photo, she's just a little excited to be a part of our special day. :)
Bevyn Brandes
Ring Bearer
Nephew of the Bride Bevyn just turned 5 but carries an older soul. He is sweet, thoughtful, smart, and conscientious. He and Alex share a kindred spirit and it has been so fun to see their relationship grow. We are honored to have Bevyn lead the way for our ring bearers!
Owen Brandes
Ring Bearer
Nephew of the Bride Owen loves to make people laugh. He is goofy, energetic, and always ready to go (especially to Target!). He is known for his love of whales and the joy he brings to our family. We can't wait for Owen to join the fun on our wedding day!
Russell Kang
Ring Bearer
Russell is an honorary nephew. He is known for his love of books and balls, his hilariously accurate animal noises, and his contagious laugh. We are so excited to have him be a part of our big day!