Wedding Party
Alexa Cardinal
Bride
The bride is from Vincennes, IN. She met the groom in 2018 when she was a junior at USI in Evansville, IN. After graduation, she moved to Champaign-Urbana, IL to start her nursing career at Carle Foundation Hospital. The couple remained long distance until they bought their house in 2020. Alexa currently works as a float nurse at SIH in Southern Illinois. The couple has two dogs and a cat. If you know the bride, you know animals bring her so much joy!
Jake Erwin
Groom
The groom grew up in Marion, IL. He met the bride when he was working as a tree trimmer in Harrisburg, IL. He went to Albat climbing school in 2018 and worked all over the Midwest during his apprenticeship. At the end of 2020, he convinced Alexa to move to southern Illinois to be closer to his family- specifically his little brothers. He completed his three year apprenticeship in 2021 and is currently working as a Journeyman Lineman.
Madison Smith
Matron of Honor
Madison is the bride’s first cousin and biggest role model. She is currently a nurse in downtown Chicago with her husband Reid, their dog Belden, and her abundance of plants. Alexa & Madison grew up spending every Sunday together at their grandparents house. They have become very close over the years and even though they don’t see each other as much, they make up for it by going on girls trips and spending hours on the phone… ask Jake.
Tristen Harvel
Best Man
Tristen and the groom are both lineman for IBEW Local 702. The two cannot go a day without talking or giving each other a hard time. Jake’s little brothers even like to get in on the torment and have been known to make adjustments to Tristen’s truck or make shirts with embarrassing childhood pictures on them. Tristen is married to Brooke and they recently had a baby named Rhett, or "Howie" if you are talking to Jake.
Carly Lowry
Maid of Honor
Carly and the bride met when they were living in Champaign, IL. They were both nurses at Carle Foundation Hospital and lived in the same apartment complex. When the pandemic hit they quickly became inseparable. Carly currently lives in Charleston, SC with her pup Trace almost 800 miles away and still remains one of Alexa’s closest friends. They can’t go too long without a FaceTime or call.
Austin McConnell
Groomsman
Austin met the groom in highschool. They have spent several nights in the garage playing darts and completing projects. Austin is to blame for a few of Jake’s bad habits and is not the best influence on his Milwaukee tool addiction. He is married to Lezlie and they have the cutest toddler named Reagan. One of Jake's favorite things throughout their friendship has been watching Austin become the best dad.
Bailey Wirth
Bridesmaid
Bailey and the bride met while playing on a travel basketball team that their dad’s helped coach. Their families spent several nights at Vincennes University basketball games and shutting down Applebee’s- which was Vincennes’ most popular restaurant at the time. After college, Bailey convinced Alexa to move to Champaign, IL and work at the same hospital. Bailey eventually moved to Newburgh, IN with her husband Jacob and two dogs. She is currently a nurse at Deaconess Women’s Hospital and is expecting a little girl named Nora Jean this spring.
Jalen Cardinal
Groomsman
Jalen is the bride’s younger brother. After high school he played baseball at Eastern Illinois University, where the couple tried to attend as many games as possible. After graduating a year early from EIU, he was accepted to the University of Indianapolis and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. When he is not studying, he likes to have a good time and is known for breaking out the worm on the dance floor, especially at wedding receptions. Jalen currently drives Jake’s first truck; and even though it is in good hands, the groom may regret that decision a little bit.
BreeAnn Watson
Bridesmaid
BreeAnn and Alexa have been getting into trouble together since elementary school. They spent several nights staying up late and talking to the bride’s mom over the years & she quickly became apart of the Cardinal family. The two worked together at Cub League concession stand throughout highschool and then Turoni’s Pizzeria throughout college. The two never stop laughing when they are together.
Tyler Erwin
Groomsman
Tyler is Jake’s oldest brother. He currently lives in Belvedere, IL which is 6 hours away from the couple. He is a teacher at Belvedere High School where he helps coach track and direct the band. He recently graduated with his masters in Education Administration. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Brittney for five years and they stay very busy with their 2 year old named Emersyn!
Stephanie Bailey
Bridesmaid
Stephanie met the bride in Evansville Indiana during sorority recruitment. She ended up becoming Alexa’s “big sister” which is essentially a mentor to help the "little sister" throughout college. Stephanie has done that and so much more. They currently both live in southern Illinois and try to meet for dinner as often as they can. Stephanie is married to Cody and they have a beautiful baby boy named Carter, who is getting way too big!
Kyle Erwin
Junior Groomsman
Kyle is Jake’s younger brother. He is currently an 8th grader at Crab Orchard. If you have ever been around Jake, you know that his little brothers mean the absolute world to him. He loves supporting them at as many of their events as possible. One of his favorite events to watch is Kyle’s trap shooting. Another one of their favorite activities is pestering each other, which they are extremely good at, but Jake wouldn't have it any other way.
Austin Erwin
Junior Groomsman
Austin is the groom's youngest brother. If you want to know what Jake was like when he was younger, just spend some time talking to Austin. He is currently a 4th grader at Crab Orchard. He says he wants to be a lineman just like Jake when he grows up. If you have ever been around Austin, you know he can put a smile on anyones face and always keeps you laughing.