Stefan & Brittney
Wedding Party
Samantha Kestler
Maid of Honor
Hi I’m Sam Kestler and I am a Junior advertising major at Bradley University. I’ve had the honor of having Brittney as my big sister and while that is not an incorrect label, a better description is best friend. From attending my cheerleading competitions to helping me plan my class schedules Brittney has been my number one supporter my whole life. About 10 years ago, I gained another supporter and I’m lucky to have had another older brother for so long. Brittney and Stefan started dating when I was 12 years old and I have loved watching him and Brittney grow up both as individuals and with each other. I could not be more thrilled to be a part of this celebration of their relationship.
Meghan Warren
Bridesmaid
I first became friends with Brittney when we were both cast in the musical Joseph at Footlighters Theatre Company (Footlighters is where she meets all of the most important people in her life obviously). It was a match made in heaven that summer. We cracked ribs from laughing too hard and ate way too much Chili's queso. After that summer I realized what a gem Brittney was. I have been so incredibly lucky to call her my best friend for about 8 years now with an added bonus of calling Stefan my friend as well. I am so honored and excited to be a part of this wedding, and I cannot congratulate these two enough. I love you guys!
Gwen Kestler
Bridesmaid
I came into the world 3 weeks to the day after Brittney Kestler. Having no sisters of my own I basically worshiped her as one. As we grew, our bosom buddy-hood blossomed across camping trips, family events, and extended slumber parties. I don't think I've ever known someone as kind, generous, and selfless as Brittney. I would say Stefan got lucky, but over the years it's become obvious that his thoughtfulness rises to meet hers at every turn. Theirs is a storybook romance. I'm convinced their ceremony is going to be an absolute sob-fest (but in a good way). So remember your tissues, and if you have time after, ask me to tell my favorite story of how Brittney and Stefan met. It's just one of many they'll collect as they build their lives together - today, tomorrow, and years to come.
Samantha Goethals
Bridesmaid
My name is Samantha Goethals. I was born and raised in northwest Indiana. I have my Bachelors in Fine Art from Ball Sate University, which is how I met Brittney. The two of us used to answer phones at Jimmy John’s on the weekends from 10pm until 4am. They would stick us in a super tight corner and we would stay there all night taking delivery orders from drunk college kids, so thank god we liked each other. We moved in together for our last year of school and lived on chips and ranch dressing from Chili’s and drank cheap hard cider on our front stoop. I love that girl and her soon-to-be husband more than I can put into words, and I am so excited to be apart of their day.
Anna Hyde
Bridesmaid
Hi! I'm Anna Hyde. I'm Stefan's sister, but I'm super excited to officially become Brittney's sister! I've known Brittney since I was about 10 years old, so she has already been a really big part of my life. I'm currently a student at Harper College, but my favorite college sports team is the Wildcats. I love everything purple. I also love Chicago sports, especially the Bears, Hawks and Cubbies! (Kris Bryant = swoon) Stefan and Brittney are pretty much my favorite people on the planet and I am thrilled and honored to be a part of their wedding.
Sophie Hyde
Bridesmaid
I met the groom at a club but then I saw his ring :( That is where he invited me to stand up at his wedding. I hope its a banger because I am here for a good time, not a long time. Also, I am single and enjoy long walks along the beach.
Kyle McLean
Best Man
I’m Kyle and I am a professional orange juice philosopher. I have known Stefan long enough that I used to be taller than him. Based on photo evidence Stefan and I have spent most of our quality time picking blueberries, watching the Lion King and fighting with broom sticks while wearing cowboy hats. I got to meet Brittney in 2008. We talked about plate sizes and became great friends. Stefan has been my best friend longer then I can remember and was the best man at my wedding back in March. I am so excited to celebrate this time with Stefan and Brittney and honored to be a part of it.
Ben Hyde
Groomsman
Hey I'm Ben. I'm Stefan's eldest and objectively his best brother. I am a mechanical engineering major at Northwestern University. Stefan has always been a supportive older brother and a huge role model of mine. Though he's great alone, he's never better than when he and Brittney are together. Brittney has been like an older sister to me for the past 10 years and I'm excited it's finally going to be official. I'm so happy for you two! Congrats!
Christian Hyde
Groomsman
Hi, my name is Christian and I am currently finishing my sophomore year of college at Harper College. I am Stefan’s youngest brother and probably his favorite too. One of my favorite memories with him is playing apple war in our backyard where Ben and I would hide behind a picnic table and Stefan would throw apples as hard as he could at us. When Stefan met Brittney, I am pleased to say he matured a little. I have had the pleasure of watching Stefan and Brittney grow together for about 10 years and could not have asked for more supportive and caring role models. They have been rushing to my soccer games after work for 10 years and I know their dedication and support will reinforce their love for each other. Congrats!
Will Stumpf
Groomsman
Hi, my name is Will and I work at a trading firm in downtown Chicago. I first met Stefan freshman year at Northwestern in the dorm most of us shared and met Brittney not long thereafter when she visited Stefan. I'm thankful for all that both have done for me since I have met them, including getting me back into dance classes, having Stefan as my Ironman training partner, and having Brittney open me up more to volunteering and always being there to talk about dogs over a glass of wine. I'm so happy for them as they make this next step in their lives.
Nikhil Holay
Groomsman
I'm Nikhil, I'm working in software engineering consulting and living in Noble Square. Stefan and I met way back in our first engineering class of college, where we both realized we were somehow already behind on day 1. Luckily, things ended up working out, and we still get the occasional chance to work together these days. I got the chance to meet Brittney when I crashed one* of their freshman year Skype dates. Somehow, she's stayed friends with me, and I'm not about to remind her how ridiculous we were freshman year. *was not just one
Jorge Solis
Groomsman
I grew up in Elmhurst, IL, just a stone's throw away from Stefan and Brittney. I met Stefan at Northwestern in our freshmen year dorm hall and we spent our first year pretending that I didn't speak English by having Stefan "translate" for me every time someone else spoke. We spent the rest of college studying, playing disc, and trying to convince Will that eating a tofu quesadilla covered in BBQ sauce was not, in fact, a way of celebrating Mexican culture. I'm as excited to celebrate Stefan and Brittney's wedding after seeing them grow as people and a couple these past 8 years.
Ryan Kestler
Groomsman
Hi my name is Ryan and I am Brittney's younger (and favorite) brother. I actually became friends with Stefan during our time participating in community theater. When they started dating, I had a sense of relief that I wouldn't need to protect my sister anymore. I know how great of a guy Stefan is and will continue to be. I am excited to see where their future together brings them and to welcome Stefan to the family!
Olivia Skoczylas
Flower Girl
Hi! – My name is Olivia Skoczylas and I am 5 years old. My family was very lucky to connect with Brittney. Not only is she an amazing nanny but she is a great friend. She is the best because we play games and have dance parties! She also takes me bike riding, swimming and to the park which are some of my favorite things! I am so honored to be part of her and Stefan’s special day. I only hope that I can make Brittney feel as special and loved as she makes me feel.
Frank Sasso
Officiant
Hi, I'm Brother Father Uncle Frank, and I am a recently retired priest. I spent my last 45 years serving the Catholic Church on the south side of Chicago. Before that, I worked at Chief Laundry with Brittney's Grandfather. Over the years, I grew closer with the Kestler family and was included in family dinners and camping trips. We now consider each other family (which explains all my titles). Since I joined the group, I've been a part of many special events. I married Mark and Linda (Brittney's parents) and I baptized Brittney. While I haven't known Stefan for quite as long, we still have a pretty good history, dating back over a decade to when Brittney and Stefan first got together. I've had the pleasure of seeing them grow together, and I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate their marriage.