Wedding Party
MaKaylee Sills
Maid of Honor
MaKaylee is so very excited to be serving as co-maid of honor for Claire and Ethan’s celebration! Claire and MaKaylee began their friendship as first-years at Loyola University Chicago, where they served their time in room 1724 of the sordid halls of Mertz Resident Halls. Countless memories were made that year, including watching strangers fight on (stinky) Sheridan Road the first week of school, Doordashing chili limeades (not a typo) from Sonic whenever we were sad, and, of course, ragebaiting Payton. Since freshman year, MaKaylee and Claire have been separated by distance, but their souls remain intertwined (not to be dramatic). Whether the occasion is a spontaneous drive-by coffee stop when she’s in town or a thoroughly-planned, hundreds-mile long road trip to a wedding or concert, MaKaylee can always be sure Claire’s down to have a laugh, belt a show-tune, and provide a passenger seat for her to sit in. MaKaylee has gotten to watch Claire and Ethan’s love story unfold and evolve since the day she met Claire, and, needless to say, she always knew we’d end up here. Let’s party! <3
Carter Harris
Best Man
Since third grade, Carter has been by Ethan’s side for just about everything. He made years of band classes and competitions into some of the most hilarious and memorable activities of my middle and high school career. Outside of band class, they worked together at a pizza shop, where the fun, in fact, did not stop. Claire and Carter began their friendship years later, when they both joined student council during freshman year. Since then, they have shared two halves of one brain cell and many 12-packs. Carter was even there on Claire and Ethan’s first date, which was imminently followed by a 4-year dry spell between the couple. From then to now, the truth is that Carter has been our best friend (no joint custody, Claire takes primary guardianship). It is a no-brainer that this charming and comical guy joins Claire and Ethan as a best man on the big day.
Megan Karnafel
Maid of Honor
Megan has known Claire since her very first day on earth. From the very beginning, she has been more than just a cousin. Claire has been someone Megan has loved, admired, and felt endlessly proud of. Growing up, the two of them turned their imaginations into businesses- from spas to candy shops, there was never a dream too big for them. Together, they proved that there’s truly nothing they can’t accomplish side by side. No matter where life takes them, they will always be — without question — the most beautiful and funniest young women in any room. Megan is incredibly honored to have watched Claire grow into the woman she is today, and even more proud to call her not just family, but her forever best friend.
Colt Jeffries
Best Man
Ethan has known Colt for twelve years, and in those twelve years they’ve grown from online acquaintances to best friends. You’ll commonly find the two of them together singing their hearts out to the Turnpike Troubadours. After countless camping trips, sightseeing trips and train watching adventures, Ethan wouldn’t want to call anyone else (besides Carter, of course) his best man.
Rachel Calisto
Bridesmaid
Rachel first met Claire as young girls playing soccer, and what began on the field quickly grew into a friendship that would shape both of their lives. When Rachel transferred schools in seventh grade, Claire didn’t hesitate to take her under her wing, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. From endless sleepovers and laughter-filled weekends to years of playing sports side by side and growing up just down the street from each other, their lives have always been closely intertwined. Even when they chose different paths and colleges, distance never weakened their bond. Rachel went on to attend Purdue University, earning her BSN and stepping into her calling as an emergency room nurse. Standing together today is not only an honor, but a reflection of years of memories, unwavering support, and a friendship that has grown through every stage of life. At the heart of it all, we were just girls growing up together, and in so many ways, we still are.
Austin Lee
Groomsman
As a last minute choice out of high school, Ethan opted to go to Western Michigan University, where he gambled away at their random roommate selector. Austin was Ethan’s chosen roommate. He couldn’t have been any luckier. Austin became Ethan’s best friend instantly. The two would do anything together, from playing at the intramural sports field to watching trains go by. Ethan is delighted to have Austin join him on the big day.
Lexi Moss
Bridesmaid
Claire and Lexi have known each other since middle school, where their friendship first began on the softball field. As the best catcher-and-pitcher duo, they spent countless games working together and cheering each other on. Outside of softball, they made some of their best memories during late nights at B-Dubs, sitting in the Martin’s parking lot eating DQ cheese curds, or singing their hearts out every time they were in a car together. Some of their favorite talks were about their future—dreaming about what their wedding days would look like, the songs they would choose, and who they would marry (spoiler alert: Ethan was always the one for Claire). Claire stood by Lexi on her wedding day, and Lexi is so excited to do the same for her. She is so excited for Claire to enter her wifey era and couldn’t be happier for Claire and Ethan as they enter this new and exciting chapter together!
Joseph Trepasso
Groomsman
Through Colt and his network of Michigan friends, Ethan met Joe. Joe and Ethan hit it off right away with our shared music interests, and, of course, trains. Ethan will never forget the time when they took his dad’s Toyota Camry down a snowy hill to take a picture of a train, and they got the car stuck at the bottom of said hill for several hours.
Lexiy Hinkle
Bridesmaid
Friends since day one. Lexiy got the absolute privilege of growing up with Claire being only a few months apart. Growing up together, she was always more like a sister to me than a cousin. We would cry when we had to go our separate ways and even give each other small tokens to remember each other until next time. I’m blessed and so excited to be apart of Claire’s next chapter with Ethan. -Note from the bride: Lexiy is understating it--what a blessing it is to grow up so closely with your cousin! The soundtrack to so many of my favorite childhood memories are set to the sounds of our endless giggles <33
Matthew Browzowski
Groomsman
Through Ethan’s wide network of train-related friends, he had the honor of attending many events put on by railroad people - for railroad people. Matthew, or “MattBro,” as you can call him, was kind enough to lend his former home in Fond Du Lac, WI, for one yearly event, aptly named “Brofest.” Every time Ethan would visit Matt’s house, you could find them jamming out to Sturgill Simpson or Turnpike Troubadours songs. Ethan would be on drums, and he’d be on the guitar, the two of them singing our hearts out in his living room. Ethan is honored to finally invite Matt to an event of his own.
Payton Kiger
Bridesmaid
Payton met Claire in their first — and only — year at Loyola University when they both lived in the same residence hall. Unfortunately for Claire and her roommate, MaKaylee, she soon became an honorary third roommate as she spent so much time laughing and lounging in their tiny dorm room. Some of Payton’s favorite memories with Claire are from this fleeting year of their lives, with many days spent reading on the beach, studying in the IC together, and getting mediocre meals in the Damen Student Center next to Sister Jean (RIP). After college, Payton and Claire were separated by miles but always close at heart, and Payton looks forward to the special occasions when Claire picks her up in Chicago and takes her on a fun little trip — even if she doesn’t exactly remember where they’re going. Watching Claire and Ethan’s love story unfold has been a joy for Payton, and she can’t wait to celebrate them both at their wedding — just remember to remind her what state it’s in.
Kelly Thompson
Groomsman
Kelly, from Westfield, has family in Logansport. Over a decade ago, he found out that Ethan was also from Logansport and interested in trains through his YouTube channel, and their friendship started there. They’ve since been on more roadtrips than either can count, to states some people would never consider being a tourist in. I hope you’ll find me on your next trip, Kelly.
