Ashley & Steven
Wedding Party
Carrie Lind
Matron of Honor
Carrie and Ashley met while working at Royal Melbourne Country club during their college years. Their relationship strengthened once they realized that they could have just as much fun outside of work as they do at work. They share many memories, and even while living 900 miles from each other, they never miss a detail through their conversations.
Brittany Quiroz Avery
Bridesmaid
Sister of the Bride, Brittany knows the most about Ashley. Being only 15 months apart, Ashley and Brittany grew up attached at the hip. Together, Ashley and Brittany always played the roles they have today as grown adults -- having real jobs, house chores, and for Brittany... kids. Ashley could never picture her big day without her little sister just like when they were little.
Jacque Dittbenner
Bridesmaid
Some call her by her first name but if you ask Ashley... her name is Turtle. This nickname is mutual and comes from the time they dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for Halloween. Jacque and Ashley met during their college years, but really hit it off during the years after college when you need a friend the most. We were single and in charge. If it was the weekend, you could find the Turtles together having fun.
Amanda Bartuch
Bridesmaid
Like some of the others, Ashley and Amanda began their friendship during their college years. Amanda was already best friends with Jacque Dittbenner when Ashley meet Amanda while visiting friends at NIU. Naturally, after meeting, Ashley could see why Jacque was best friends with Amanda. It is Amanda's honest yet loving personality that always keeps the group in-check. Its also the main reason why Ashley loves her so much. You know if you want an honest answer you just have to ask Amanda.
Emily Hillenbrand
Bridesmaid
Emily has always been the final last drop of glue that makes our group complete. Without Emily a night out on the town would just simply not be the same. However, you will need to make sure to tell Emily the plan is to meet at least one hour before the actual time. Emily Hillenbrand is never on-time. Hopefully this beautiful soul remembers to be on time for the wedding.
Doug Skillman
Best Man
Doug and Steven met back when Steven transferred high schools. Shortly after high school, Steven and Doug left for the military on new adventures. Steven left for the Army and Doug left for the Air Force. Even though they were across on different parts of the world, they always checked in on each other. Doug moved back to Chicago once leaving the Air Force, but Steven was still in. Every time Steven came back to visit, Doug would always make sure he was available to hangout whether it was going to a Cubs game, eating Giordano’s pizza in the wee early mornings, or just talking about how successful they want to be in life. They say the older you get, the smaller your tribe gets, and there is no hesitation to say that Doug will always be part of that tribe.
Dustin Troglin
Groomsman
They both met each other in the Army while being stationed in South Korea. They practically hung out all the time, and they even liked to break curfew (rebels) to stay out longer. One fond memory of them is when they decided to break curfew on a Thursday night. PT on Friday mornings was usually flag football. Dustin and Steven came rolling through the gate at 0530, threw their PT’s on, and went to formation. Their platoon sergeant smelled the night on both of them and decided that the platoon was going to now do sprints. Dustin and Steven lasted two sprints before they both started throwing up. Upon leaving Korea, they both became stationed at Ft. Stewart, GA. This is rather unique as it is very rare that you get to go to the same place as someone else. They have remained brother’s since.
Ryan Knutson
Groomsman
Ryan and Steven met in high school during their Abercrombie years. Yes, they used to work at Abercrombie and they were darn good jean folders. Not only that, but when they felt lazy, they would throw the pile of clothes that needed to be folded and put back out on the floor into the hanging canoe above the fitting rooms. This made putting the clothes back much easier... until it got too full and the clothes where falling out 😂They also liked to put walkie talkies in the manikins to scare girls when they where looking at the table of shirts, priceless! Ryan and Steven have since been long time friends. Ryan was a Marine and stayed in Chicago after getting out. Every time Steven came back home, Ryan would always through a huge party to make sure Steven’s time at home was enjoyable.
Jeff Lanas
Groomsman
Steven and Jeff have been long time friends. Jeff is an extremely humble person that will drop whatever he is doing to come and help you out if you need it. Jeff is one of those friends who is always there for you, even during hard times. Every time Steven would come home from the Army, Jeff would immediately call him and scoop him up, no matter what he had on his schedule. Jeff’s friends mean the world to him and that is why Jeff is part of my small and tight-knit tribe of brothers.
Jeremy Meduna
Groomsman
Jeremy and Steven met in Savannah, Ga. Jeremy and Steven have been through a lot together. What makes their relationship special is that no matter how bad the situation, Steven and Jeremy were their for each other. If one needed someone to talk to, each would get in their car no matter what time to drive to the other person’s house. Checking up and being there for each other is what true friendship is for. Steven is glad to have Jeremy as a friend.