Lauren & Ryan
Wedding Party
Betsy Schuster
Bridesmaid
Betsy is my incredibly talented step sister! How lucky am I that Benny and Caroline got together and brought me such an amazing sister!? Betsy is my fashion inspiration and design go to no matter the occasion. Over the past 7 years Betsy has become family and I do not know what I would do without her. Every time we are together there is a photo shoot, some type of dance party, and Pinterest worthy cocktails and appetizers. I absolutely love this girl and I am so blessed to have her in my life and standing up as a bridesmaid! Why we love Bets: Outside of Bet's incredible eye for design, she is always the life of the party. She is my partner in crime! The brunette to my blonde! Not to mention she can kick Benny's butt when it comes to playing Ass Hole (card game)! Thank you Bets! :)
Jori Allen
Bridesmaid
Jori and Rachael were roomies at Western and when we first met, it was an instant friendship! She was just as quirky and ridiculous as the rest of us (trust me that is hard to do because we are all goofy weirdos at heart). She was our missing soul sister and I am so happy to have her by my side to say I DO! One of my first memories with Jori was after a night full of dancing at the Forum, we bonded over late night pizza, her incredible closet and her love for rap music! Jori is my rock and always the person I trust to give me real raw advice. Why we love Jori: Jori is an incredible friend, nurse and dog mom! She puts up with all of my hypochondriac health questions and she knows ever lyric to every rap song! I cannot wait to dance the night away and show the world our awesome dance moves!
Kelsey Boehm
Bridesmaid
Kelsey Boehm and I met my sophomore year at Iowa and thank goodness for that! So many memories together, bar tending at Brothers, countless DC dance parties, so many hockey games, roommate shenanigans, failed vegetarian attempts, and too many trips to Petco for puppy therapy! I would not be the woman I am today without this girl! Kelsey graduated a year ahead of me and went on to become a boss lawyer girl in Milwaukee. Although our long distance relationship is not ideal, we are still connected though our virtual Tone It Up classes every week! #TIUGirls for life! Kelsey is also a world traveler, she will 100% be giving Ryan and I honeymoon advice. I cannot wait to have this girl by my side for this very special day. Bring on the dance floor! Kay Bee's in the house! XOXO
Michelle Toubeau
Bridesmaid
Paging Nurse Mishy!! Michelle and I met at Brothers Bar and Grill and bonded over our need for cute Super Bowl shirts and the Puppy Bowl! Michelle and I were attached at the hip instantly. I was the perfect hypochondriac best friend every nursing student needs to test all of my self diagnosed health concerns! Thank you Mishy for always taking good care of me, binge watching Greys Anatomy, creating Sushi Sundays, and karaoke-ing to Jewel "hands" a million times. I am so lucky to have a best friend willing to fly from beautiful Colorado to Illinois so many times to help make our wedding day special. We could not say I do without you!
Rachael Hjerpe
Maid of Honor
I met Rachael the summer I met Ryan. Thank god for that summer right? Rachael transferred from South High School to PR and although it was not her ideal move, I was beyond excited! So many memories with this girl! Although Rachael went to Western and I went to Iowa, we never let the 2 hour commute get in the way of our shenanigans. Rachael and I have planned to be best friends forever. We have a baby pact, because how can someone be pregnant for 9 months alone? Fast forward 30 years, we will retire in Nashville leaving Chicago winters forever. Why we love Ray: She loves reality TV, wine and cheese as much as I do. She introduced me to Tina AND Jori! She works her butt off during the week, but will always be there when you need someone to talk to. We cannot wait to hear her MOH speech!
Tina Brandt
Bridesmaid
Tina and I became best friends in high school through our mutual bestie, Rachael. Soon after we found out we were distant cousins through a long line of Burks. From then on there was never a party we didn't introduce ourselves as cousins! Growing up, girls nights at Tina's consisted of pickle wraps, gibberish (literally), laughing with Big Rick and somehow fitting 4 girls and 2 dogs into 1 bed. Tina's family has always treated me like a daughter of their own and I am beyond grateful to have them in my life. Our friendship means the world to me and I can't wait to say I DO with you by my side. Why we love Tina: Tina pushes us to try new things. She can make you laugh until your stomach hurts! She is one of the strongest people I know and we could not have planned this event without her!
Addison
Flower Girl
Meet Addison. She is the sweetest 3 year old you will ever meet. We first met Addison on a cold December day at Kay's Animal Shelter. We had an instant love connection (Ryan soon followed). Addison has since moved from a one bed room apartment to a house with a yard and could not be happier. She takes her job as head squirrel guard very seriously. She loves long walks, rolling in anything stinky, playing fetch and dressing up in cute outfits! Addison will be attending puppy school to get ready for our big day! We are so proud of our little girl!
Charles Nichols
Groomsman
Charles and I have been great friends since middle school. Growing up we lived close to each other, and constantly did just about everything together. My favorite memories are his pool parties, always offering some of the best entertainment. After high school Charles and I lived together throughout college, first in the dorm and then the infamous Oaks 66 were the pool parties continued. Living with him allowed me to realize his great work ethic, as he was constantly doing the most. Above that Charles has to be one of the most selfless people I know, he donated his kidney! Incredible. I look forward to his dance moves, and going to be on the look out for any surprises. I am honored to celebrate this day with him.
Kyle Petty
Groomsman
I got to know Kyle while in college, and like his brother his sports I.Q. is of the charts. He is someone I always look forward to watching and going to sporting events with. Kyle is by far the best dressed and will most likely be responsible for why we all look so good at the wedding. In addition, Kyle always seems to know what music I like before I do, and has all the go to spots in the city. Kyle has always made me feel apart of his friend group and made the effort to include Lauren and I on all the important events. I appreciate all that he has done and grateful he is here to celebrate.
Michael Benkoski
Groomsman
Michael is not only my future brother-in-law, but also one of my great friends. I knew we had similar ideas of fun after seeing his room with all my favorite games, ping-pong, darts, he even had his own disc golf basket. From then on I knew he was legit! Outside of the fun and games, Michael is extremely talented too. He can sing incredible vocals while playing guitar and went through an incredibly tough science program during school. If you need advice on anything beer related I recommend finding him at the wedding. I look forward to being apart of the Benkoski’s and the fun family gatherings in the future.
Michael Petty
Best Man
Although going to the same High-school Michael and I became very close in college, as we both attended Illinois State University. By chance we stayed in the same dorm building our first year at ISU and pretty much since that day became very close. What made the friendship easy was our interests and hobbies seemed to always align. From playing tennis and basketball, to knowing almost every sport statistic in recent history. Definitely my go to for watching anything sports related, except football. Bear down! Michael is extremely personable and always has a level head, something I very much revere and try to replicate. You will be able to find him with a gin and tonic before dinner, most likely outside, but will be killing it on the dance floor once it starts.
Mikey Cohen
Groomsman
Three Michaels in the wedding party, I think that might be a record. I met Mikey for the first time at Western University while visiting his now Fiancé Rachael Hjerpe, congratulations you two! After college I got to know Mikey extremely well when we both moved to Palatine. Living in the same apartment complex with our best friends was too much fun, consistently doing date nights and get togethers. As much fun as I have with him, he seriously is one of the most well rounded people I know. Mikey always has your best interest in mind and at all times has your back. Even before working for the Palatine Police Department his discipline and focus was unmatched by anyone I know. I am grateful to have him in my wedding.
Parker Wilke
Groomsman
Parker and I have been great friends for almost five years. Again the sports theme continues as Parker is an avid basketball fan, instantly making him a gentleman and scholar. Apart from sports, Parker is the life of the party, the first time I met him he was doing an Obama impression, and it was incredible. Although I just met him he made me feel like I had known him my whole life. Since then we are equal advocates of all you can eat sushi, and smoked old fashioned. I doubt he has a mean bone in his body and will be a riot on the dance floor. I look forward to future endeavors with him and excited he is here to celebrate with us!
Trevor Mount
Groomsman
Trevor has been my friend since I was six years old, no seriously, the oldest memories I can think of are with Trevor. A simple paragraph will not be able to hold all of the great times and memories we have, but I will try to hit on a few. For those who know, the Mount’s house was basically the best ever. It was the unofficial home base for just about everything. During high-school summers I would almost forget to go home. From all the time spent in Crystal Lake, Trevor moved to Arizona and I soon followed knowing how much fun it was going to be. With that said, Trevor is the most loyal person I know and extremely enjoyable to be around. He is never negative and no one has better humor then him. I am thankful he is here for the big day.
Mike Benkoski
Father of the Bride
I will always be a Daddy's girl. I love you with all my heart and thank you for always being my #1 fan! I am so fortunate to be your daughter. Feeling so blessed to have you by my side when we walk down the aisle!
Alison Furlin
Mother of the Bride
This woman is the most inspiring role model. She is the true definition of #girlboss. She taught me everything and I would not be who I am today without her. She is truly my best friend. Thank you for putting up with me through those rough years! Love you forever Mom!
Cathy Bengtson
Mother of the Groom
This woman raised the love of my life. Can't wait to be her daughter in law! Lauren and I appreciate everything you have done for us throughout our time together. You are the most wonderful and caring person I know. As I grow older I try to emulate everything you have taught me in life and in marriage.
Arne Bengtson
Father of the Groom
I could not have asked for a better dad. I appreciate all of the advice and guidance you have given me throughout the years (especially the yard work!). Thank you for sharing your last name with us! Addison can't wait to be a Bengtson.