Susie & Eric
Wedding Party
Kelly Dollard
Maid of Honor
When we met: Thomas Middle School! Favorite Memory: Kelly and I went to Santorini, Greece in 2017. We went on a boat ride one afternoon and had the option to take a motorized tram or donkeys back up the mountain side. I suggested the donkeys of course! Kelly reluctantly appeased my request, got on her very old and weathered donkey who surprisingly took off like a bat out of hell. I don't think I've laughed harder in my life. We now go on a yearly trip together! So far we've been to Greece, Tulum, and Kauai. Can't wait to see where we go next! Best thing about Kelly: She's fearless. Kelly has lived in New York, London, and Seattle all on her own. She's also one of the most generous people I know. Astrological Sign: Virgo
Brad Jensen
Best Man
When we met: When Brad was born! Favorite Memory: One of my favorite memories is the opening weekend of The Dark Knight. Brad, some of my high school friends and myself went to the Friday midnight show. Half way through the movie, the projector went out and chaos erupted. Eventually the movie came back on, but it skipped some crucial scenes. We got a free pass from the theater and went to the first show possible Saturday morning. It was one of the first times Brad and I started doing social things together since we're six years apart, not to mention we both love superheroes (Brad is way more passionate about it)! Best part about Brad: His sarcastic humor and warm personality is always fun to be around. Favorite superhero: Captain America
Audrey Phillips
Maid of Honor
When we met: Audrey and I were locker buddies in the 7th grade at Thomas Middle School Favorite Memory: There are so many good ones! From the laundry fiasco in Granada, Spain, to working at Panera Bread & J.Crew together and seeing Titanic in theater. But my favorite memories are from when we lived together at our beautiful greystone in Wrigleyville. We would have "end of the world" nights, ordering all of our favorite foods to feast on as if it was our last meal. Mozzarella sticks, variety of pizza options, cheetos and wine. The times living with my girlfriends are sadly over so I cherish these memories dearly! Best thing about Audrey: She is beyond supportive, and gives the best honest advice! Her family, friends and patients are lucky to have her Astrological Sign: Aries
Steve Platek
Groomsman
When we met: Hersey football camp going into freshman year Favorite Memory: Steve and I were roommates in Lakeview for our first 3 years in the city. There were countless times where after a night out, we would play the guitar and sing songs to the wee hours of the morning. Steve is a great guitar player and we both were lead vocals. Our go to smash hit was All-Star by Smash Mouth, which I think the majority of people attending the wedding have received a snapchat of us playing this song. Best thing about Steve: He's a caring person, who is always down for a good time. Favorite superhero: The Flash
Angela Dean
Bridesmaid
When we met: I went to nursing school with Angela's sister, Amanda - who introduced us on St. Patrick's Day 2012. We've shared a special bond ever since Favorite Memory: Aside from watching her and Ben get married last year, and treating her to a shot of Malort in Chicago - I'll never forget celebrating her 30th birthday in Nashville. She got a great group of people together to enjoy the last minutes of her 20s, survive a tornado & watch her face light up while eating the biggest chicken pot pie. I love being reunited & always look forward to seeing her in Seattle. I cant wait to have her back in Chicago for our wedding festivities Best thing about Angela: Her love is palpable | She loves fiercely. I've never had a sister, but she's the closest thing to it Astrological Sign: Scorpio
Travis Brubaker
Groomsman
When we met: I met Travis and the other River Trails fools during Hersey basketball camp in middle school, but freshmen year football at Hersey is where we hit it off. Favorite Memory: Travis and I had lots of fun at Hersey track meets. While those immediately come to mind, Travis and I both did a long weekend in Newport Beach, CA together during our early days as working men. We both were traveling for work and decided to make a weekend out of it. We both lived our best lives and I've been anxious to go back ever since. Best thing about Travis: He's arguably the best organizer I know, which is critical when no one wants to plan anything. Favorite superhero: Batman
Brittany Steele
Bridesmaid
When we met: Brittany and I went to Hersey High School together, she was a grade older than me! We became friends later in life when we were both living in the city Favorite Memory: During our 20s, Brittany was often my partner in crime, we found a love for brunch (Duffy's and Hutch hold a special place in our hearts). In 2014 we went to Saturday & Sunday brunch for 9 weeks straight - it was so much fun! I'm standing up in Brittany's wedding this coming July as one of her bridesmaids. I'm sure her wedding will become one of my favorite future memories! Best thing about Brittany: She lives life to the fullest Astrological Sign: Taurus
Matt Gray
Groomsman
When we met: I met Matt at Hersey basketball camp in middle school, but we started becoming buds through Travis freshman year. Favorite Memory: Matt and I experienced the greatest Saturday of our lives together a few years ago. We were in Cancun for Frank's bachelor party. A majority of the guys were slow to get going on Saturday, but Matt and I did not want to waste our last full day in Mexico. We bounced around to all the different pools at the resort and hung out with people from all over the world. We decided we were practicing what we'll do when we retire on that day. Best thing about Matt: He is truly the most positive and down to Earth person I've met. Not to mention he always provides a good laugh. Favorite superhero: Batman
Lauren Krause
Bridesmaid
When we met: Lauren and I went to Hersey High School together, but met after college through our mutual friend, Estevan in 2012. We went out with each other several times that summer and bonded over our interest in running Favorite Memory: Lauren lived in the city when I still lived at home with my parents. I would go to the city often, and Lauren would always open her home up to me. She is Italian and taught me how to cook one of her favorite pasta recipes which she had learned from her Grandmother. It was special and also very delicious. I cant recreate it! Best thing about Lauren: She has been one of my greatest confidants, and has been very supportive through life's challenges. She is seriously super Mom - her son Giulian is so lucky Astrological Sign: Aries
Adam Hite
Groomsman
When we met: Our freshmen year playing football together at Platteville Favorite Memory: I tried to narrow down to one memory with Adam, but when you live with someone for three years and spend every minute together cause of football - there is too many. Some of my favorites are car trips to and from Platteville, Walmart trips, doing dumb things at the Annex and Second Street in Platteville and everyone on the football team believing Adam and I didn't go anywhere without each other. Best thing about Adam: He's a big guy with a caring soul and will always give you a good laugh. Favorite superhero: Captain America
Kelcy Bowers
Bridesmaid
When we met: Kelcy is one of my co-workers at Lurie Children's Hospital. We met in 2017 when we both started working as nurses on the 21st floor Favorite Memory: Our friendship began when we stayed up for 24 hours together after a night shift - we went to brunch, rode the ferris wheel at Navy Pier, worked out at the Barre Code and capped off our afternoon with a beer. I knew Kelcy was going to be a special friend after that day. Watching Kelcy experience Disney World for the first time was also extra special - her face lit up on the rides and when she met Mickey Mouse! Best thing about Kelcy: She makes the world brighter and happier! The World needs more people like her. She's always laughing and is the best Auntie to Gus Astrological Sign: Leo
Matt Lorenz
Groomsman
How we met: One of the other River Trails fools, Matt and I met freshman year football at Hersey when the coaches decided to put the two shortest guys on the team as cornerbacks Favorite Memory: During summer breaks in college, Matt and I both worked as camp counselors for a kids day camp. Everyday it was up to us to decide what fun activities we could come up with to keep a bunch of elementary school kids entertained. Golf brawl, dodgeball for hours and kickball was almost a daily occurrence. We could write a book about the inside jokes that came out of those summers. Best thing about Matt: His witty sense of humor and intellectual smarts are essential for our group of friends. Favorite superhero: Deadpool
Georgia Garcia
Bridesmaid
When we met: Georgia is one of my oldest friends in the bridal party. We have been friends since Elementary School! We grew up living down the street from each other and became great friends in Middle School when we were on Park District Soccer together Favorite Memory: Some of my fondest memories with her include long walks in Arlington Heights, "studying" for finals watching Project Runway, singing with American English at Frontier Days, and lunch dates Alt Thai. This restaurant continues to be a special place for her and I, and where I asked her to be a Bridesmaid! Best thing about Georgia: She has a special soul, so kind, SO FUNNY, I'm always laughing when we're together. We have a special friendship that I treasure deeply Astrological Sign: Sagitarrius
Ryan McAndrew
Groomsman
How we met: I got to know Ryan during summer basketball camp in middle school at Hersey. Once freshman year arrived, he and the rest of the River Trails guys accepted the St. James kid to be part of their group. Favorite Memory: When Ryan lived in the city, we used to workout together everyday before work. While doing countless bicep curls was always a priority, it was also solid time guy time to just hang out and talk about whatever was on our minds. Not to mention, we had nicknames for all the people we would see everyday at the gym. I'm pretty confident Ryan and I will be gym buddies who spend 3+ hours at the gym together when we retire one day. Best thing about Ryan: He's always there whenever you need him Favorite superhero: Wolverine
Jackie Jensen
Bridesmaid
When we met: Jackie and I met at Hersey High School! She was on Poms and I was on Orchesis. I always admired how good of a dancer she was! I never thought she would end up as my sister-in-law! Favorite Memory: Jackie invited me to a pajama game night party at her friends, Brad & Tyler’s home. This was one of our first times hanging out without Eric. I really enjoyed this time with Jackie letting loose and showering her my quirky side. Best thing about Jackie: She’s a loyal friend, loves brunch, has a kind heart and I can’t wait for her to be my sister! Astrological Sign: Sagitarrius
Tim Wolowiec
Groomsman
How we met: Yet another member of the River Trails group. I met Tim during Hersey summer basketball camp in middle school and we hit it off freshman year of high school through Ryan. Favorite Memory: Thankfully Tim got me hooked on the greatest TV show of all time, The Office. During summer breaks in college, Tim, Ryan and I would often hangout out at our houses after working our summer jobs and crush through episodes. It was back before Millennials invented streaming, so we'd have to buy or rent the DVD of each season. We would sit in our basements, watch The Office and crack jokes. Best thing about Tim: He's an old soul that is always available to hang out and just chat. He's extremely hard to ever be mad at. Favorite superhero: The Hulk
Estevan Segura
Usher
When we met: Estevan and I met in Hersey High School during our Information Processing Class Favorite Memory: We've been friends for so long it's honestly hard to choose! One of my favorite days was when Estevan and I went to the city and saw Real Madrid & The Chicago Fire soccer teams play at Soldier Field. We then saw the Red Bull BC One competition which had some of the most incredible break dancers, we love to reminisce about this day. Best thing about Estevan: He's just simply my best friend. It's hard to put into words. Even though he no longer lives in Chicago, we always pick up where we left off when reunited. I still miss our trips to Bdubs, beers on Euclid, late night chats & dance parties. I can't wait for him to come home for the wedding!! Astrological Sign: Virgo
Frank Roberto
Usher
How we met: Frank's brother, Jimmy, and I went to Platteville together. Through Jimmy, I met Frank and we hit it off right away. Favorite Memory: Frank and I have played on the same Saturday morning flag football team for the past 5 years in the fall. While the games themselves are fun, our post-game hangouts and shenanigans have led to countless inside jokes, laughs and one too many Vegas bombs. Best thing about Frank: He's a loyal friend that would give you the shirt off his back (literally) Favorite superhero: The Hulk
Gus
Ring Bearer
When we met: Gus came into our lives in 2018 when Eric and I picked him up in St. Louis Missouri from Missouri Hope Lane Corgis Favorite Memory: Holding him for the first time & knowing we were going to be his parents Best thing about Gus: He is the sweetest boy, gives the best cuddles, and makes the world a better place Astrological Sign: Cancer
Jon Janus
Usher
When we met: When Jon was born! Favorite Memory: As cousins, Jon and I have had numerous memories over the years from family parties, vacations, sleep overs and visits to local watering holes. I'll always remember when Jon, Brad and I were stuck at the kids table as adults for Thanksgiving one year. Brad and Jon decided to have a contest to see who could eat the most. While wisely I sat this contest out, I encouraged both of them to "eat one more plate." The body and facial expressions from both of them after was pure disgust. Jon ended up being the winner. Best part about Jon: He's fun, free-spirited and truly a lovable guy Favorite superhero: Batman
Bridget Tomkiewicz
Flower Babe
When we met: Bridget is my Grandma! I met her when I was very little. I actually was the flower girl for her and my DziaDzia's (Grandpas) wedding! Favorite Memory: I love having breakfast dates with her and my Grandpa, we've been doing them ever since I was little! I also love thinking back to our times in South Haven, Michigan. Remembering when we would go to the beach together and then get hosed down with cold water by her and my Grandpa to get all of the sand off Best thing about Bridget: She's young at heart. Bridget is obviously wiser than I - but I rarely feel like there is an age difference between us. She's cool, She's understanding, loves to have a good time, and even went on the Tower of Terror for my 30th birthday Astrological Sign: Sagittarius