Claire & Henry
Wedding Party
Claire Benjamin
Bride
Claire is the associate director of communications for the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She grew up on a grain farm in Central Illinois. She relishes nature, adventure, and friends.
Henry Fineberg
Groom
Henry is a regional airline pilot for SkyWest based out of Chicago, flying an Embraer 175 for United and Delta. Henry grew up in Urbana, Illinois. He is enthusiastic and super fun. He loves the great outdoors, running, biking, aviation, and much more.
August Schiess
Matron of Honor
Claire met August when they were fledgling communications specialists at the University of Illinois. They became fast friends. Turns out August was also Henry's next-door neighbor. She's one of the key links that brought Henry and Claire together.
Gavin Robinson
Best Man
Henry and Gavin were frenemies before they became lifelong besties. Gavin and Henry have run marathons together and hiked up mountain passes. They've bonded over a shared enthusiasm for oddball movies and hot pot.
Laura Wilson
Maid of Honor
Laura was Claire's "Big Sister" at the 4-H House Cooperative, where they lived together in college. They bonded over their shared love of musicals, Disney, Harry Potter, and cats. Today they bond over a shared love of travel, wine, and each other.
Kevan Briscoe
Best Man
Kevan Briscoe rounds out a close-knit trio with Henry and Gavin. Kevan lives in Chicago, Illinois, and knows everything there is to know about craft beer. He is a supreme conversationalist and friend.
Sarah Wilson
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Claire met on the school bus on the first day of kindergarten. She's known and loved Claire longer than any other friend. Sarah can get along with anyone, and her friendship is one of the best gifts that Claire has ever received.
Jess Riesenberg
Groomswoman
Jess and Henry go way back. They ran a marathon together one time. She climbed up a mountain to marry Henry and Claire on June 27, 2020. Yes, Jess is a friend that will literally climb a mountain for you.
Tess Tucker
Bridesmaid
Claire and Tess became friends at the 4-H House Cooperative Sorority, but they became family when serendipity brought them together as room mate's after college.
Neal Benjamin
Groomsman
Neal is Claire's brother. This picture is from the night that Henry met Claire (and Neal) at her 1920s-themed birthday party. Neal is an excellent conversationalist (in six languages, no less) and likes nature, animals, and a good beer.
Noni Brueckner
Bridesmaid
Noni is Henry's sister, and beloved by all who meet her (including Claire). She makes everything better and more fun. She is also a wedding photographer and captured Henry and Claire's engagement pictures.
Eric Brueckner
Groomsman
Eric is Henry's brother-in-law, but the two have been life-long friends, growing up together on the same block. Henry refers to Eric as just his brother. He makes every get-together an adventure and knows how to enjoy life's simple pleasures better than most.
Maya Fineberg
Officiant
Henry's sister Maya is officiating our wedding celebration ceremony. She loves us both fiercely and is the most thoughtful sister. She organized a surprise wedding cake for us the first time we were able to safely see our family during the pandemic.