Lauren & Andrew
Wedding Party
Monica Oplawski
Matron of Honor
With a friendship that began at the turn of the millenium, Monica and Lauren met as classmates in 3rd grade and went on to become roommates in college. Player of ultimate frisbee, boardgame collector, future Jeopardy champion.
Alex Fishel
Best Man
Andrew's older brother with whom he shares a birthday. Baseball enthusiast, hunter of antique motorways, will let you win at Yu-Gi-Oh because he's nice like that.
Erin Rand
Maid of Honor
Erin moved away in 8th grade, but that didn't stop her and Lauren from watching Cartoon Network's Saturday-night anime block together with a consistency best described as "religious". Avid writer, world traveler, and flutist. In 2018 Erin and Lauren went on a bucket list trip to Japan.
Sam Fishel
Best Man
Andrew's younger brother with whom he shares the glasses-and-beard look (as of January 2020). Literal wearer of many hats, amateur vexillologist, fastest 5000 word essay in the Midwest.
Melissa Walter
Bridesmaid
Growing up, Lauren often received sisterly advice from her older cousin Melissa. Such lessons included "how to draw flowers", "how to use an eyelash curler," and "how to dance the Cha-Cha Slide in its entirety". Award-winning real-estate agent, owner of tiny dogs, and Montanan.
Sam McGrath
Groomsman
Andrew and Sam met in New Mexico over a shared enthusiasm for logger attire and destroying kids at fake baseball. DC sports superfan, bourbon aficionado, somehow at every game and concert simultaneously.
Megan Crook
Bridesmaid
Lauren's younger cousin and Melissa's younger sister. Lauren admires her for her patience and rad golf skills. World traveler, owner of a large dog, and aspiring physical therapist.
Nick Blackburn
Bridesbro / Groomsman
Younger brother of the bride, Nick shared Lauren's childhood passions of Pokemon, sitting too close to the TV, and Nancy Drew computer games. Fellow UIUC alum, former minor-league pitcher, current HR salesman.
Angus
Honorary Ring Bearer
Strong, handsome lad. Soft like mashed potato. Likes toy mice and yelling. Cannot attend because he cannot drive.
Mae
Honorary Flower Girl
Tiny, adorable lass. Soft like Cool Whip. Loves worm toy. Will not attend due to severe agoraphobia.