Wedding Party

Ellen Oanes

Bride

Ellen, the bride to be, is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with MA in Art Therapy and Counseling. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, but is a confirmed Chicagoan now. She loves being close to Lake Michigan, biking, gardening with Jonathan in their city garden plot, hiking and enjoying nature, creating art - primarily fiber arts and cuddling her cat, Darcy. She is working as a counselor with a focus on youth, and utilizing her art therapy skills with them.

Jonathan Buettemeyer

Groom

Jonathan, the groom, was born in Colorado and raised in Florida. He and Ellen met when they both were attending Temple University in Philadelphia. He is educated in chemistry and geology and works as a metallurgist in Chicago. He shares Ellen's passion for gardening, hiking and exploring nature. Additionally, he has major culinary skills and loves the art and science of cooking. He knows that the way to Ellen's heart is through her taste buds.

Alyse Ruriani

Maid of Honor

Alyse met Ellen in 2017 when they both started their masters at the Art Institute of Chicago. They clicked instantly and have a shared love of art and water and whimsy.

Tamar Kaminski

Maid of Honor

Tamar and Ellen met in 3rd grade in Pittsburgh and have been obsessed with each other ever since. They haven’t lived in the same city in over a decade, but their mutual admiration and obsession lives on.

Natalie Beck

Bridesmaid

Natalie met Ellen in kindergarten and they’ve been friends ever since. Natalie shares a love of books and small critters and especially books about small critters with Ellen.

Jacqueline Chaidez

Bridesmaid

Jacqueline and Ellen met in 2017 at the School of the Art Institute while both getting their masters in art therapy. Jacqueline is creative and fun and has the best trinket collection.