Wedding Party
Margaret Schmitt
Maid of Honor
Jess and Maggie met in college. Fast friends, they bonded over Charmed, their love for books, and their involvement in campus ministry. Although they have been long-distance besties (Maggie is guaranteed the guest coming from the furthest distance; she's from Alaska!), Jess is incredibly grateful to have had such a kind and supportive friend in her life. Jess doesn't know what she would do without her, so she's glad she agreed to be her MOH! Ask Maggie about: Jess and Maggie's favorite way to spend their weekend nights in college. Spoiler Alert - it was not partying! Also, ask her about Jess' first time hiking a mountain while visiting Maggie in Alaska.
Joseph Rudolph (Rudy)
Best Man
When Anthony was preparing to move to a new apartment in 2017, he posted on Facebook seeking a new roommate. Rudy answered the call, and the two lived together for the next three years. A few months into their friendship, Anthony lamented that it was unlikely he’d meet his goal of going to Italy before his fast-approaching 30th birthday. Rudy encouraged him that it was still possible, and even offered to come along. A week before Anthony’s big 3-0, he and Rudy boarded a plane to London (where they crossed Abbey Road) to kickstart a whirlwind European vacation that included a stop in Barcelona (where they enjoyed an elegant nine-course meal that left them starving) before several days in Italy, culminating in Anthony celebrating his birthday in Rome. Ask Rudy about: how a seemingly dull night in Sicily that started with a trip to a depressing dungeon of a casino led to one of the most fun experiences of their lives that kept them out until 5 in the morning.
Laura Boyer
Bridesmaid
Though they weren't always close during their moody high school and college years, Anthony and his older sister have always been sidekicks in observing and attempting to understand the absurdities of their family. Whenever they're in the same room, it's a given that they will make rolled eye contact and knowingly smirk when another relative says or does something ridiculous (let's be honest, it's almost always their father). Ask Laura about: how she reacted when Anthony sneezed in the middle of a Broadway show.
Peter Busch
Groomsman
Peter and Anthony met at the St. Alphonsus 2016 speed dating event, and suffice it to say, it was the most successful pairing for each of them that year. Peter later struck gold, however, meeting his wife Grace at another speed dating event a few years later. Grace, like so many others, remains perplexed by Anthony and Peter’s friendship, because it’s difficult to tell whether their perpetual roasting of one another and shared dark sense of humor is a sign of affection or disdain. The answer: yes. Ask Peter about: the time Anthony shared a vulnerable, emotional anecdote that tugged on Peter’s heartstrings until Anthony got to the devastating punchline.
Emily Labedz
Bridesmaid
Cousin to the Bride, Emily is Jess' longest friend; they've known each other since Emily's birth, just one year after Jess'! More than just family though, they've always been friends - bonding over music especially in their teen years. With many adventures under their belt, Jess is glad Emily is accompanying her on this one! Ask Emily about: all their adventures - from childhood to adulthood, especially their trip to Milwaukee!
Marcin Chojnowski
Groomsman
Marcin and Anthony met at the St. Alphonsus men’s group but didn’t really get to know each other until sharing a fun conversation at a party in summer 2019. They soon discovered their similar musical tastes and joined forces as occasional workout buddies (heavy emphasis on the word "occasional"). The two meet regularly for record nights, in which they jam out to artists ranging from Soundgarden and Alice in Chains to the Beatles and “Weird Al” Yankovic. Ask Marcin about: the Rage Against the Machine concert he and Anthony waited nearly three years to see, only for the lead singer to tear his ACL four songs into the show.
Anna Labedz
Bridesmaid
Cousin of the Bride, Jess and Anna share a love of books, often sharing book recs, and music, most especially Taylor Swift! Jess always laughs at Anna's jokes, so she's glad she's got her by her side to make her laugh during this time (and always!) Ask Anna about: their exploration of coffee shops and neighborhoods and shared love of books!
Anthony Curbis
Groomsman
Jess has known Anthony since late 1995; he's her younger brother! Jess took her role as the bossy older sister seriously, always quick to give advice and tell him what to do. Oops. As they've gotten older, they've gotten closer and the two have encouraged each other to try new foods - ramen, pho, and more. Jess has always been proud of her "little" brother and is grateful he agreed to stand up with them on this special day. Ask him about: Anthony's first time meeting the Groom and his first impression--he probably has some good stories about his loving (read: overbearing) older sister too.
Jessica Pyrkowski
Bridesmaid
Jessica squared (as some affectionally refer to the pair) have been friends since first grade (maybe even kindergarten!). They've been singing together since 8th grade and Jess always gets Jess (the Bride) to sing at karaoke. The Bride always feels like she sings her best with Jess. Jess always helps the Bride have fun. With so many shared memories, tears and laughs, they've seen each other through basically every stage of life. The Bride couldn't imagine doing this without Jess by her side! Ask Jess about: their karaoke songs, their music videos, high school "parties", and favorite things to do now (they haven't changed much!)
Adam Gonzalez
Groomsman
When Rudy and Anthony prepared to upgrade from their shabby Old Town apartment to a bigger, far nicer place in Lincoln Park, they needed to find three new roommates. Enter Adam Gonzalez. Adam’s early impression of Anthony was that of a late-night couch potato who drank straight-up milk and devoured sliced bread straight out of the bag, but soon enough, the two began bonding during their 3-year stint at the Pentagon together (WiFi network name: “Five Guys, No Burgers or Fries”), particularly through a shared admiration/obsession with Alex Trebek. Ask Adam about: the time his sister frantically contacted Anthony because Adam hadn’t shown up to work. Anthony was commuting to work and Ubered home only to find that Adam had overslept.
Selina Sepulveda
Bridesmaid
One of Jess' first friends in high school, Selina and Jess bonded over religion class in the mobiles at MAA. Since then, Selina has been Jess' concert buddy. She took Jess to her first concert (do we count the one in mall? because she was still there too) and many others after that. More than her concert buddy though, Selina has always been her confidante. She is grateful she'll be with her through this planning process. Ask Selina about: Jess' first concert and the million concerts after, their Christmas movie nights (that usually happen in January), and their Art museum visits!
Andrew Marshall
Groomsman
Andrew was Anthony’s first friend in Chicago, with the two meeting exactly two weeks after Anthony moved to the city at their first Second City improv class. Almost every week after class, they would watch the free Second City improv set together, then go out for late-night dinner. Since then, they’ve attended countless concerts together and encouraged each other’s creative pursuits, with Andrew affectionately calling Anthony “Mr. Saturday Night Live.” Ask Andrew about: any of his and Anthony’s inside jokes about rock music, from Dave Grohl potentially memorializing them with a Foo Fighters song they dislike, to which jobs each member of Red Hot Chili Peppers would have if the band hadn’t been successful, to Stevie Wonder’s long-lost b-side “Bustlin’,” to the first draft of Queen’s “Sleeping on the Sidewalk,” to their disappointment in Eddie Vedder being the only remaining grunge frontman who is still aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive.
Megan Marchi
Bridesmaid
Megan and Jess have been friends since high school. Megan didn't like Jess at first because she thought she was weird. After a long walk to Wendy's near Selina's house, Megan's suspicions were confirmed but she became friends with her anyway and they've been together ever since. Jess couldn't imagine getting married without Megan right there next to her! Ask Megan about: their summer adventures in high school, getting lost on the way to Olive Garden, and Megan's bachelorette party.
Eric Nyberg
Groomsman
Eric and Anthony met through the St. Alphonsus men’s group, but they truly connected at one of Eric’s concerts. Eric dedicated a Beatles song to Anthony, and their mutual appreciation of the band–as well as the genius comedy of Norm MacDonald–led to a friendship in which most observers would probably agree they bring out the best and worst in one another. Ask Eric about: his Pacific Northwest trip with Anthony which included a spontaneous First Aid Kit concert, a late-night A Hard Day’s Night viewing party with their friend Nicole, and lots of South Park references.
Clare Salamun
Bridesmaid
Clare has known Anthony longer than she's known Jess; they even went to a Taylor Swift concert together (is there a theme here?). When Jess transitioned to her teaching job in the city, she needed a new place to live. She found Clare's apartment listing and the rest is history! They became good friends over movie nights and roommate chats. She even suggested that Jess and Anthony go on a date! Both Jess and Anthony are glad she is standing up with us on this special day! Ask Clare about: rooming with Jess, and being in the "middle" of the two lovebirds' dating stories.
David Zepeda
Groomsman
David and Anthony met in 2017 after a performance of Anthony’s first Second City sketch show, “Dankenstein’s Monster.” David’s friend Parker was also part of the cast, and David introduced himself to Anthony following the show. A few months later, Parker assembled the cast for his own “Me and My Unfortunate Existence” revue and included both David and Anthony. The duo quickly realized how intertwined their comedic sensibilities were, beginning a creative collaboration that has continued to this day in the form of “The DnA Sketch Show” and a variety of pilots and screenplays showcasing their distinct brand of comedy. Ask David about: how difficult it is to flip hot tortillas.
Fr. Kevin Gregus
Officiant
When Anthony first met Fr. Kevin in 2016, he had no idea that his goofy Foo Fighters-loving buddy would be ordained a priest seven years later. Upon learning that he was entering the seminary, Anthony used the opportunity to ask pressing spiritual questions, like whether or not a priest could hear a confession through tin cans and string (yes if they're in the same room) or through a vent (no). Ask Fr. Kevin about: his take on Anthony's fashion choices circa 2017.
The Boyer Bunch
Flower Girls, Ringbearer, and Mascots
Our wedding wouldn't be complete without Rosemary (7), Benedict (5), Rita (4), and Elizabeth (9 months). Uncle Neenee and Titi Jess are so happy they're taking part!