Emma & Brad
Our People
Taylor Simpson
Maid of Honor
Taylor and Emma’s friendship was first solidified when they realized they had a shared love: shopping, and in particular, Nordstrom. Taylor was Emma’s first best friend at Wheaton College. They had fun decorating their dorm room with matching bed spreads, and creating a "mega bed" in their floor lounge. Taylor has an eye for beautiful things and adventure, as she has traveled the world. Taylor lives in the fabulous Palm Springs with her husband Derek and dog, Lola Rose. Taylor has always been a sounding board for Emma, her strength in character and faith have made her a source of stability through her college years and beyond. Emma was honored to be Maid of Honor in her wedding and is excited for the role reversal.
Alexandra Petrie
Maid of Honor
Emma and Alex also met at Wheaton College. The two were very different during those years, Alex being a lacrosse captain and volunteering for medical missions and Emma being involved in choir and student government. They soon realized that their hearts and minds were very similar and thus began a lifelong friendship. Emma and Alex’s marathon phone calls are some of history, although they became increasingly hard to schedule as Alex is in her intern year as an OBGYN resident. Alex and Emma have been so lucky to have gone through similar seasons of life at the same time. Emma and Alex share a love for Bloody Mary’s and Amazon. Alex lives in Milwaukee, WI as an amazing OBGYN. Shakespeare put it best in MidSummers Night Dream: “Though she may be little, she is fierce."
Annie Cullum
Bridesmaid
Annie and Emma have a long history together, as their parents have been best friends for years. The two have really grown up together, struggling through awkward phases in tandem, with pictures to prove it. Emma and Annie became really close in recent years, sharing a love of sunbathing, Harry Potter, white wine, and travel. They travelled to Dublin, Ireland in 2019 and are planning, along with Annie's sister Kelsey, a trip to London. Annie has spent time with each one of the bridesmaids, which proves that she is a fun and charming person that is a gem to bring around. Annie is a big city girl, working her butt off as a labor and delivery nurse in Chicago. **single**
Alexandra DiLeo
Bridesmaid
Alex and Emma’s father’s both have the same job at MassMutual for different territories. Because of this, Emma and Alex have grown up going on the same family conference trips. Alex is the Italian sister Emma never had. Their weekends spent together are legendary! The amount of wine and food consumed is only rivaled by the amount of laughter per hour. The two share similar family cultures and love the time and meals spent with their families. Emma cherishes her friendship with Alex and finds her to be one of the funniest people she knows. While weekends spent with Alex DiLeo may leave your wallet lighter, your heart will be fuller. To be loved by Alex is a true gift. Alexandra lives in Buffalo, NY and will be graduating college in December 2020. **single**
Mackenzie Lenahan
Bridesmaid
Moving back home after graduation, Emma was craving a group of young friends to rival those on “How I Met Your Mother” and the tv show “Friends.” Emma met Mackenzie through her brother, a WestPoint recruiter and now dear friend, Codey Lenahan, who referred Emma to Kenz for business. The two friends became close immediately. Kenzie and the crew introduced Emma to Bloomington, IN and let her tag along as an honorary graduate of IU. Most weekends, you can find Emma and Brad hanging out with Mackenzie, her brother and his wife, and more. Kenzie and Emma enjoy White Claw and eating at the Ugly Crab. Kenzie is a fiercely caring friend and one who would do anything for those she loves. Mackenzie lives in Avon, IN and is a new dog mom to sweet Colt-dog. **single**
Meg Graf
Bridesmaid
If you are a fan of Emma’s wedding hair, this dear friend is the one behind the magic. Emma and Meg have been friends since they were in first grade. Meg’s mom was Emma’s Brownie/Girl Scout leader and her dad, Scott, is a business colleague of Emma’s. Meg and Emma connected again after college and were frequent flyers at Ruth Chris with dirty martinis with blue cheese olives. Meg and Emma enjoy their progressive dinners ending with a dance party at one of their homes. Emma trusts Meg with both her hair and as a fiercely loyal friend. Meg is the life of the party and her impressions are down to an art. Meg lives with her husband in Noblesville, IN and has a salon in Zionsville.
Emerson and Avery Plank
Junior Bridesmaids
Emma has been blessed to have many “littles” in her life but these two are no longer that little! Josh (Emerson and Avery’s dad) had Emma as his intern (or “Em-tern) and he has been her manager all her years at WestPoint. Erin Plank, their mom, has been so kind to Emma, from talking about Harry Potter with her when she was in middle school, to being an amazing cheerleader for Emma’s big day. Emma has held all the Plank babies when they were newborns, but Emerson and Avery were the first ones. Both girls are incredibly talented smarty pants. Emma attended Josh and Erin’s December wedding back in 2004. It is fun to see how life has come full circle as Emma’s brother, Owen, was Josh and Erin’s ring bearer when he was two years old.
Hannah Kate and Rene Biberdorf
Flower Girl and her Mommy
Rene and Emma have been friends since first grade! They have been thick as thieves for years, from attending Harry Potter premiers to High School proms and marching band. Rene seems to be the leader in Emma’s group of friends in terms of adulting. Rene got married in 2015 and had a beautiful December wedding. Rene was also the first in Emma’s friend group to have a baby in 2018, enter beautiful Hannah Kate. Emma and the rest of the friends fell madly in love with Hannah’s big blue eyes and brown curly q's! Hannah is a big fan of Emma’s rabbit, Queen, and there is nothing cuter than hearing her say “bunny.” Rene and her husband, Jeff, live in Zionsville with cutie patootie Hannah and their two dogs.
Chris Huke
Best Man
Brad has known Chris all of Chris’ life, as they are brothers. When the two were younger, they enjoyed fishing and playing in the creek together. One not so fond memory is when Brad accidentally shot Chris in the eye with an air soft gun (ouch!!) ... Brad still taunts Chris, saying it was his best shot to date. Currently, the brothers still fish in the canals together and never miss the opportunity to go to be beach. Chris is currently living in Florida with his girlfriend Taylor.
Mikey Collins
Best Man
Mikey and Brad have known each other since middle school. Some of Brad's fondest memories with Mikey are the time they spent at Mikey’s on Heritage Lake doing all sorts water sports - but wake boarding and fishing were the favorites. The two were roommates (along with pet squirrel, Chip) in Bloomington. In college, the two enjoyed Budweiser, Admiral Nelson’s Rum, and 3 consecutive spring breaks. Mikey is getting married this fall. He and his fiancé live in Orlando and have been so generous giving Brad and Emma the Universal and Disney hook-ups.
Cody Heard
Groomsman
Cody and Brad have been friends since middle school. They were even on the same little league team and have remained close since. Cody and Brad enjoy beer and impromptu trips to the casino. Cody lives in Whitestown (which makes him the nearest childhood friend) with his awesome dog, Reggie, and cat, Cooper.
Jon Daum
Groomsman
Jon and Brad first met on a spring break trip that Brad organized. They became friends quickly. While they continued their group spring breaks, they almost always tended to have some sort of car trouble ... like when Brad received a speeding ticket for going 88 in a 55 on the way to one trip. Jon's house is typically the spot for many "boys nights" where they drink beer, “burn stuff", and shoot guns.
Brandon Grady
Groomsman
Brandon and Brad met at WestPoint Financial Group, both attending the same training class. The two became WPFG buds quickly. Even as their jobs at WPFG changed, the two remain friends. Beth (Brandon's fiancé) and Brandon host the best game nights and Emma and Brad love to double date with them. Brad and Brandon like to get beer after work. Beth makes the world's best chocolate chip cookies, and remain Brad’s favorite (despite Emma’s efforts). Beth and Brandon live in Westfield and are getting married in October (YAY!).
Owen McRoberts
Groomsman
Owen is Emma's brother and one of Brad's biggest fans. Owen is so excited that Brad is joining the family and the verdict is still out whether he likes Emma or Brad more. Owen, having only had a sister his whole life, loves to talk with Brad about cars and video games. Brad, Emma, and Owen enjoy their time spent together, especially seeing movies and going to Dave and Buster's. Emma is so happy that Brad asked Owen to be a groomsman. Owen finished his high school career this year and will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design.
Jill McRoberts
Mother of the Bride
Jill was Emma's first true love. The two of them are soulmates in a whole different way than Brad and Emma. Growing up, Jill claims that Emma never quit talking, and Jill always so kindly chattered with her back (constantly). Emma admires everything about Jill: her wisdom, faith, and shopping abilities. Besides being mother and daughter, the two are indeed best friends. Jill and Greg have had a beautiful marriage that both Emma and Brad look up to. While Brad may be the hubs, Emma will always feel that part of her heart belongs to her mother, and vice versa. She is the mother Emma so desperately hopes to be someday and the woman that she can only dream to become. In addition, she and Emma have lived their lifelong dream to plan a princess wedding and have had so much fun doing it!
Greg McRoberts
Father of the Bride
Say a prayer that Greg can make it down the aisle in December! He is a big crier and ardent admirer of Emma. Greg has taught Emma so much in how to treat women. When she was little, Greg would take her to Ruth Chris and then to pick out a stuffed animal. While Greg and Emma were close when she was young (especially when they would share chips and dip), their relationship became SO special when Emma joined WPFG. They have since realized some of their shared strengths and weaknesses (lol) but their humor, love, and desire for fun have bonded them so deeply. Their first dance song "American Honey" has been a longtime favorite and they have danced to it hundreds of times. Emma could not be more proud to be escorted down the aisle by her first and very favorite man in her life.
Sherry Huke
Mother of the Groom
Brad and his mom have been close since birth. He remembers her spaghetti and grilled cheese as his favorite meals she made. Brad and Sherry both share a strong love of warm weather and the beach, but a hatred for cold weather and being, well, cold. Brad and his mom are both very clean and tidy (a nice thing for Emma) and keep their homes pristine. It is unclear who loves Tucker (the family dog) more, Sherry or Brad, but it is safe to say they are his biggest fans. Sherry and Tom will be coming from Cape Coral, FL for the wedding and we are hoping they will bring sunshine with them.
Tom Huke
Father of the Groom
Tom and Brad are best buds. The two share a passion for the Indy 500 (Tom has been to more than 40!). They also are lifelong fans of the Indianapolis Colts and loved their tailgates and times going to the game together. Tom was Brad's biggest cheerleader when Brad played football for Plainfield, never missing a game. The two enjoyed watching (and rewatching) episodes of Two and a Half Men on the porch, both in Florida and Indiana. Brad and Tom talk on the phone often. Emma is a huge fan of Tom’s sausage dip and requests it every visit. Tom has taught Brad a lot about taking care of his family and how to make a good cocktail.
Jacob and Isaiah McLaughlin
Ushers
Jacob and Isaiah are Emma's cousins, and two of Emma and Brad’s ushers. They have spent so much time together - eating Noble Roman’s breadsticks, having a lot of fun with KidPix, and diving contests in the pool. Brad and the boys got along instantly and immediately felt like family. David, their dad, has been so warm and supportive of Emma ad Brad. Brad remembers once, during their first visit with Brad, going on a drive to a TN grocery with David. Their car ride was full of warm conversation and bonding, but Brad’s favorite memory is David backing into a boulder on the way out. Laura has been one of Emma’s favorite women in business role models; Emma looks up to Laura in the way she is bo$$, but also in the way she is able to stay so caring and lovely in the midst of their success.
Codey and Jess Lenahan
Usher and Usherette
As you may have read in Mackenzie’s post (Codey’s sister), Codey and Jess are two of Emma and Brad’s dearest friends. Codey is also the one who invited Brad to hang out with Emma initially—so one could say he is responsible for this union. It is a rare weekend if Emma and Brad have not seen the Lenahans. Codey and Jess are fantastic hosts and have a gift for bringing people together. They got married earlier this year and will be a source of wisdom for being a newly wed. Codey brought Jess into Emma’s life and Emma has been obsessed with her since day one. Together, especially after a couple glasses of wine, they can find anything funny and have too much fun. Codey and Jess are building their dream home in Martinsville, but Emma and Brad are sure that the distant will not pull them apart.
Rachel F. and Stephanie M
Usherettes
Rachel and Stephanie are Jacob and Isaiah’s girlfriends and they are amazing. Emma, being slightly “big sistery” and protective of the boys, was cautious in their initial introduction—yet she fell in love immediately. Rachel is one of the most gentle and kind souls you will meet. She works with children with autism and is a light to anyone she meets. Stephanie is a tiny girl and full of fun! She is a nurse in Michigan and most recently, was on the COVID-19 ward. The boys chose wisely.
Haley and Cassidy Clasen
Lector and Program Attendant
These two cousins are some of Emma’s dearest girls. They have had so much fun through the years - playing Harry Potter, doing makeovers, or celebrating each other as each hit a certain milestone. Haley has such a strong mind and is living her dream in Washington DC working in a think tank. Emma admires Haley's strong will and desire to learn. While she is one of the brightest people you will meet, she loves her people fiercely. Her inquisitive nature is inspiring to be around. Cassidy has a strong faith and shows such passion for the things she cares about. Cassidy will be getting married in November and the cousins are having a lot of fun in this season of life. She plans to pursue her calling to ministry and graduates in May of 2020.
Hannah Phelps
Lector
Hannah and Emma met at HoneyRock Camp, a camp for the incoming college freshman class at Wheaton. Emma immediately was drawn to Hannah as she was one of the only other people not showcasing athletic skills and was instead sitting during the volleyball game. Hannah is brilliant and a hard worker and one of the neatest/tidiest people Emma has ever met. She is a loyal friend and one of Emma’s favorite people to share dessert with. Hannah is rocking out her career as a surgeon at Washington University in St. Louis.
Ali Goss
Guestbook Attendant
Ali is another friend of Emma’s who she met at Wheaton College. Ali and Emma both graduated in 2015 and started their respective careers at WestPoint Financial Group on the same first day. A fun fact about Emma and Ali: since graduation, they have always lived within a 5 minute drive of each other and both currently live in Carmel. Ali and Emma enjoy Jonas Brothers concerts and exploring Indianapolis together. Ali is incredibly fun and her energy can brighten up any room (or any work event!). Ali and Andy got married in October of 2019 in a stunning New York wedding. Ali is a recruiter at WestPoint and she and her husband, Andy, live with their Tye cat.
Caitlin Raubuck
Guestbook Attendant
Caitlin and Emma met because of the Lenahan’s and thank goodness they did! Caitlin is a dear friend of Emma’s, joining each other for girls' nights and trips, along with Jess and Mackenzie, and they are always an adventure! Caitlin, Emma and the girls have done overnights in Louisville and Bloomington and can often be found at Prime 47. Caitlin is fun and silly and the two have a ton of selfies on Emma’s phone. Caitlin and her husband, Zack, live in Indianapolis with their cat Khal.
Ann Voelker
Program Attendant
Ann Voelkers is one of Emma’s oldest friends. The two attended Gingerbread House preschool and became fast friends. Emma and Ann were pals all during elementary and could be seen playing Harry Potter during recess. The two were in each other’s class once and often got reprimanded for their chatter—although it was always nice to know who your partner was for group projects. Ann has a knack for bringing friends together and her parents’ home is still the reunion spot for her, Rene, and Rebecca and Emma. Ann is incredibly kind and thoughtful. She is working in Social Work; her and her husband Sam (thankfully!) just moved back home to Indiana.