Caitlin & Benjamin
Wedding Party
Lindsey Sloan
Maid of Honor
Christmas '97 brought the best of gifts & marked Lindsey's debut into the world. Though 7 years apart, Caitlin & Lindsey have a bond stronger than most big/little sister pairs, making Lindsey a choice candidate for Maid of Honor. It was clear Ben was the real deal when he joined Lindsey in teasing Caitlin, which is often easy to do. Lindsey followed Caitlin's path to U of I where she hopes to also become a PA, though Lindsey is wise beyond her years and has made the road look much easier. Their happy place is a long car ride or sitting poolside, where they talk for hours about the latest trends & tunes. Lindsey keeps Caitlin cool. Caitlin can't wait for Lindsey to stand alongside her on the big day, as Lindsey will know how to keep this Bridezilla in check. Let the bossing around begin!
Will Levine
Best Man
Will didn't even get out the words, "Lisa and I are engaged," before his little brother Ben confirmed (demanded) that he be given best man honors. This time around, it's Will's turn to make the demands, and Ben couldn't be happier to have his big brother as his best man. Will is to older brothers what Sammy Sosa is to baseball: the greatest to ever do it. From letting Ben join Will and his friends' late night Steak N' Shake runs in high school, to squaring off in video games halfway across the country, to opening up his couch rent-free in D.C. for a whole summer, Will has always had a spot for Ben. Now it's Ben's turn to bestow upon Will the most coveted wedding spot of them all. In the same way a (corked) Louisville Slugger was with Sammy Sosa, Ben is in good hands with Will as best man.
Ashley Hurcombe
Bridesmaid
Fate landed Caitlin & Ashley in Bromley Hall where random roommates became instant best friends. Best. Day. Ever. Caitlin couldn't believe her luck as she found herself paired with a bubbly bestie with the same ability to talk & gossip, which made for phone calls lasting hours (literally). Their friendship blossomed far beyond the walls of Club Station 211 as these two conquered Illinois and beyond. Ashley became an honorary "Sloan Sister" and Caitlin a Hurcombe. No city, state, or continent is too far for these two to take on; Las Vegas keeps them coming back for more. Ashley takes matchmaking credit for Caitlin & Ben, so obvi Caitlin returned the favor for Ash & her fiancé Nathan. Still deciding on what suburb they will live in together, specifically looking for houses on the same block!
Tyler Chatz
Groomsman
Ben and Tyler kicked off their friendship on the 12-year-old Evanston traveling baseball team, and the two haven't looked back since. These two share a taste for the finer things in life. From attending WWE Raw wrestling matches, to watching Creed perform from backstage, to dying their hair platinum blonde, Ben and Tyler know high-class-taste when it hits them over the head with a folding chair (sorry again about the hair, Mom). But beyond their love of culture, and perhaps above all else, Ben and Tyler bleed Cubby blue. It took fifteen years, but these two are finally proud season ticket holders at the Friendly Confines (in the Bleachers too, no big deal). Expect this dynamic duo in those seats together for decades to come, until each of them takes their "One Last Breath"...cue the Creed.
Claire Downs
Bridesmaid
Shenanigans between Caitlin and Claire date back to circa 1995 as they began their epic reign of St. Luke's School. Teachers tried to keep these two apart but quickly realized that they were no match for this dynamic duo. They took their talents to Fenwick and Illinois where they continued to make their presence known, remaining social butterflies and doing what teenagers do best. Carla may be able to provide more details, we recommend asking her about Mexico. As much as Caitlin hates to admit it, Courtney will always be Claire's favorite Sloan family member and ultimately inspired Claire to become a special ed teacher. Caitlin has planned to ask Claire to be a bridesmaid since the good old days! Jury is out as to who is more excited to bask in the wedding spotlight...we think Claire...
John Tinkham
Groomsman
Ben and John first met in middle school and have remained dear friends ever since. Through school, sports, and constantly getting caught doing something idiotic in high school, these two developed a friendship that not even a parental ban on sleepovers could interfere with. In fact, in the ultimate act of rebellion, these two shared a two-year long sleepover as roommates in Boston. In a brownstone along the Charles River, these old friends forged new memories. One such memory captures their friendship more than others. When the Cubs won the World Series, John immediately sprinted home to share this experience with his die-hard friend, Ben. Sprinting full speed, he neglected to see a stoplight and well, these two will never forget watching the Cubs hoist that trophy...in the emergency room.
Ellie Levine
Bridesmaid
Ben already had a better half long before Caitlin came into the picture with his twin sister Ellie! Caitlin and Ellie met early in college & reconnected years later when Ben and Caitlin officially started dating. They instantly connected (obvi). Ellie's big move to Austin was the best excuse for Caitlin and Ben to gather their friends and take on Austin by storm to experience Ellie's trendy new life. We are unsure how these trips left Austin standing. Though Ellie lives in Texas, we all look forward to annual Levine family trips to Martha's Vineyard with romantic walks on the beach & hang sessions on the porch, Grandma beer pong included. Caitlin tries to keep up with Ellie's fashion and concert-going lifestyle. She is beyond excited to gain a new sister (as are Courtney and Lindsey!)
Jack Sloan
Groomsman
Ben met Caitlin's brother, Jack, during the summer of 2012. The two bonded over the one thing that will bring any future brothers-in-law together: fantasy football. Since then, Ben and Jack have found several other common interests, including: a love for the Chicago Cubs, "mangia-ing" a nice big meal, and laughing at fights between Caitlin and her little sister Linney. A few summers ago, Jack was nice enough to allow Ben to join him, his dad, and Uncle Palm Tree on their annual golf excursion in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Even nicer, Jack was willing to bring Ben golfing a second time, despite the hundreds of balls he sent into ponds, trees, and neighboring backyards. Over the past few years Ben and Jack have developed a great relationship, and can't wait to make it family official.
Therese Dunne
Bridesmaid
Therese and Caitlin met through mutual friends in high school & later reconnected as pre-med students at Illinois. Second impressions were better than first, as Caitlin convinced Therese that they were meant to be lifelong travel buddies. If you couldn't find these two in the library studying biology, you could safely assume they were off planning their next adventure or conquering a ski resort one mountain at a time. Apres-ski included. Together, they have traveled the world including over 10 countries on three continents. Travel highlights include visiting the Great Wall of China which fulfilled Caitlin's childhood dream of making the climb. Therese was there to capture the moment. Caitlin loves encountering Therese in the Rush ER and couldn't be more proud of Dr. Dunne!
Greg Vernon
Groomsman
Ben and Greg first met in 6th grade during Ms. Flintz' math class. Ben was dressed in what was essentially Nelly's outfit from the music video, "Air Force Ones." Greg was wearing skater shoes held together by duck tape. Despite their different, cliched middle school styles, the two became fast friends. Ben and Greg continued their friendship throughout high school and into college, rooming together their senior year, along with Sam Shiner, and having a hell of a time in the process. Ben and Greg share a passion for good conversation, as well as an affinity for a crude joke here and there (they are their mothers' sons). Although Ben and Greg are now hardworking professionals with much better style, the two of them continue to joke around like its 6th grade.
Erin Stahurski
Bridesmaid
Introduced by college friends, this Tridelt and Delta Gamma were meant to be! Caitlin was drawn to Erin's bubbly and vivacious personality. There is no pizza too large for these two to conquer but fear not--they also share their love for working out (though Erin is far more competitive and athletic than Caitlin). Everyone benefits from Miss Stahurski's inner teacher to make every birthday & occasion feel like a perfect pinterest moment. She is always there to talk or listen during her commutes to and from the burbs. Long distance was made easier by Erin's visits to Boston where Caitlin got to show off her favorite piece of the East Coast. Caitlin can always count on Erin to retake a photo as many times as necessary to make it instagram-worthy. You can find these two at any bloody mary bar!
David Hirsch
Groomsman
Ben and David have been friends since the sixth grade. As kids, David was quite mischievous, often getting in to trouble at school. Regardless of the trouble David found himself in, Ben was always there by his side to set a good example. That, or he was better at getting away with it. Nevertheless, the two continued their friendship into high school, becoming a dynamic quarterback/wide receiver duo on several losing teams. Although "long-distance" during college, the two immediately reunited after, rooming together in Chicago, where they pretended to be adults in the big city for two years. Although now actually adults, when these two get together it's not much different than middle school. Ben is excited to once again set a good example for David this New Years.
Caitlin Cronin
Bridesmaid
When Caitlin Cronin transferred to Illinois, there were officially two Caitlin's in town--hence the birth of the nicknames "Cronin" and "Sloan". Mutual friends brought them together and their common interests sealed the deal. You can find the Caitlin duo catching a goggle tan on the slopes, french braiding hair, or sipping La Croix in the summer heat. Not sure which of these two loves themed party goods and paraphernalia more, but they should probably go into business together. They have rarely missed an annual ski trip out West and reminisce fondly of Spring Breaks spent in Mexico, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and London. Sloan envies Cronin's fashion and is lucky her closet is only a few blocks away. The million dollar question is-- what will the Caitlin's go by when they get married?!
Sam Shiner
Groomsman
Sam and Ben have been tearing up the town since the first time they met at a party back in 1994. The party was at Banner Preschool, but that's neither here nor there. The two parted ways after preschool. Ben went on to become a star football and baseball player at Evanston Township High School, earning various accolades, and becoming a shining example to his peers. Sam went to New Trier. It wasn't until freshman year at the University of Illinois that the two reconnected. It was like they had never left that party in the synagogue of the preschool. Sam and Ben reignited a great friendship, living together their senior year, and having lots of laughs (and political debates) in the process. One day these two will celebrate a Fighting Illini National Championship together. One day.
Emily Rote
Bridesmaid
Emily and Caitlin grew up believing they were cousins until one day they realized they weren't blood related at all! With strong Akron, Ohio roots, the Rotes, Kays and Sloans have grown up as family. Caitlin has spent much time in sunny San Diego with Emily and has never missed an annual Rote/Sloan family ski trip out West. When they ask their fathers to divulge their juiciest stories from growing up, they are met with the response "we will tell you when you have kids". Several years ago, Emily traded sun for snow and moved to Chicago, making Caitlin and her both cousins and neighbors. Priorities include weekly manicures and yoga classes. Caitlin got her nails done religiously throughout 2018 in order to prepare for the moment Ben popped the big question. Emily made sure she was prepared!
Mike Decosmo
Groomsman
Mike and Ben were randomly assigned roommates their freshmen year at Illinois. It only took them a couple games of Mario Kart to realize they had a friendship that would carry beyond the halls of Weston dormitory. In fact, it carried all the way to Rome their junior year, where they spent a semester abroad. It was here that the two shared many enlightening and transformative experiences, like visiting the Colosseum, taking in the breathtaking churches, and partying into the wee hours of the night with their childhood hero, former Illinois point guard, Dee Brown. Since then, Mike and Ben's friendship has only grown. This is easy to understand given their impeccable tastes in music, love of Northwestern football (and tailgating), and passion for sitting on the couch and doing nothing.
Jen Hopkins
Bridesmaid
It is safe to say Jen and Caitlin could not have survived PA school without each other and the rest of the "PA Biddies". Over two years of memories were created in South Boston and beyond, as neighbors and classmates turned into best friends. Jen enjoyed taking the big city girl out of the Midwest and showing her all the East Coast has to offer, especially the great outdoors. Favorite memories include skiing at Jen and Charlie's family home where they experienced some epic ski weekends. We'd share some memories here but... what happens in New Hampshire stays in New Hampshire. Distance can be tough but don't worry--Jen has a 45 minute work commute and Caitlin loves to talk on the phone. Last year, Caitlin had the honor of standing up for Jen and Charlie's beautiful Lake Placid, NY wedding!
Jordan Farkas
Groomsman
It is clear that Ben has been blessed by the random-roommate gods. Ben and Jordan spent three years as roommates in Bahston. The two bonded immediately over their love of Jeopardy, which became a daily routine at their apartment in Kenmore Square (Ben is better, but Jordan tries). The two spent countless nights hanging out, or as Jordan puts it, "rotting," on the couch, watching their favorite stand-up comics and sharing a bottle of wine. Through these hangouts, nights out at their favorite pub, Cornwalls, and a few trips to the emergency room, Jordan and Ben created a lasting friendship (Cornwalls and the trips to the hospital are not related). While neither live in Beantown any longer, there hearts will remain in that apartment, as well as a few stains and dings...