Wedding Party
Jill Brooks
Bridesmaid
Jill is the middle of the Carey sisters and without a doubt, the most organized of the three. She’s the queen of spreadsheets, whether she’s planning a vacation, packing for a trip, or bringing creative ideas to life for a wedding. When she’s not keeping everything running seamlessly, you can find her enjoying a good glass of wine, playing Nintendo, or cooking up something delicious in the kitchen. Jill is also a devoted mom to her 14-year-old twin sons, Jaxon and Cody, and lives in Apex, North Carolina with her husband, Jason. One of her greatest passions is photography. She recently chaperoned a three day trip to Atlanta with the boys’ symphonic band and somehow captured over 500 photos of just about everything and everyone. Be sure to ask her about the time she won a blue guitar at Lynn’s wedding in Vegas… and eventually sold it to Dawn. It’s a story you won’t want to miss.
Alexander L Newman
Best Man
Alex lives in Ames, Iowa with his wife Isamary, and is Chris’ son and best man. From our annual visits to the apple orchard throughout Alex’s childhood, walking our dog, Howard, around the Butler University campus, Saturday morning Purdue football games and Sunday morning Browns football games, both complete with reactions from Chris that brought out what Alex called “Scary Daddy”, Chris is honored to have his son stand beside him on this special day. As Alex finished college at Indiana University - Indianapolis, they enjoyed both a father / son relationship and a genuine friendship. As “roommates”, they were able to spend time at all the great breweries, pubs and restaurants throughout Indianapolis, especially Sam’s Silver Circle for a giant pizza and a pitcher of local craft beer. Those memorable moments culminated with Alex’s graduation from Indiana University, U.S. Army basic training. U.S. Army Airborne School and the Des Moines, Iowa Police Academy. He even got a request from dad that he stop graduating from things so Chris' travel schedule was a bit more manageable. Alex is now a full time Police Officer, Iowa National Guard Sergeant and husband. Chris couldn’t be more proud!
Lynn Bayer
Bridesmaid
Lynn is the youngest of the Carey sisters and definitely the funniest of the group. She lives in North Freedom, Wisconsin with her husband, John, and their daughters, Maddie and Maisy. Lynn is a big sports fan and loves cheering on the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. She recently started coaching middle school volleyball and is having a great time with it. When she is not watching sports or coaching, you might find her quilting or creating one of the many imaginative Halloween costumes she has made over the years. Ask her what her favorite Friends episode is, she's a huge fan and has seen them all.
Jason A Belt
Groomsman
Jason lives in Boyne City, Michigan with his wife Kathleen and daughter Sophia. Much like brothers, Chris and Jason have known one another for more than 45 years. Jason is an avid college football fan, which he and Chris certainly have in common, and is the sole reason Chris knows that Indiana University has football fans. Experiences certainly add up over such a long time, from their Mendota Football League to their guys’ trips to Chicago to Jason helping Chris move to Florida where he later met Dawn, Jason has been by Chris' side through thick and thin. The opposite is also true, and a bond like theirs is rare. If you get the opportunity, ask Jason about his “obstacle race era” with Chris!
Lee Vann
Officiant
Meet Lee - Our officiant, our friend and quite possibly the most interesting man we know. Lee is an excellent golfer and, when he played on our Top Golf team, it's safe to say his back was sore most nights from carrying the rest of us. If you’ve spent more than five minutes with Lee, you already know his greatest talent might be his mind—a treasure trove of random knowledge, perfectly timed one-liners, and facts you didn’t know you needed (but are very glad you learned). He’s also incredibly talented behind the camera, with a natural eye for capturing moments, sunsets, and making everything look just a little bit better. When he's not doing all that, Lee loves to travel and explore new places, always ready for the next adventure. He calls Fort Myers, Florida home where he lives with his wife, Karen. More than anything, Lee is someone who shows up. He's warm, loyal and deeply devoted to the people he loves. He's the kind of friend who cared enough to get ordained just to stand with us on our special day. While we couldn't imagine a better person to officiate this moment, we're even more grateful to call him our friend.