Wedding PartyWedding Party

Layne HaaksmaLayne Haaksma

Matron of Honor

Layne is Elly's oldest sister. She is the oldest of four girls so that comes with a lot of responsibility and bossiness! She kept all of the sisters in line and has continuously provided guidance throughout our whole lives. Elly and Layne have been partners in crime since the beginning. Both self-proclaimed "girly girls," they’ve been there for each other from Layne driving home from college to get Elly ready for her high school dances to life’s big moments, always with a shared love for sparkles, sass, and each other. Layne is the Matron of Honor and the ultimate big sister, with a treasure trove of memories to prove it—especially the time Elly witnessed her (ahem) slightly rebellious phase in high school. Let’s just say Elly’s decision to always follow the rules might have had something to do with seeing Layne get grounded a few times. (Thanks for the life lessons, Layne!) Since then, Elly has been the goodie two-shoes, never one to risk getting into trouble. Layne has given Elly two beautiful nieces and two handsome nephews. Elly has seen Layne turn into the most amazing mother and continues to look up to her in every aspect of life. Together, they’ve always had each other’s backs—through every laugh, every tear, and every milestone—and that sisterly bond is stronger than ever as Elly and Layne celebrate this special moment in Elly’s life. It’s a privilege for Layne to be part of this day, witnessing her little sister’s happily-ever-after.

Madelyn WaleskiMadelyn Waleski

Maid of Honor

Madelyn (Maddy) is Elly's older sister, and let's just say their childhood was more competitive than most. From the infamous “Eli the Elephant” song, to a road trip where her and Layne wouldn’t share their cheese curds (tragic, really), Maddy definitely knew how to push Elly's buttons. But what started as rivalry slowly turned into a deep and unshakeable best friendship. Maddy is the funny, free-spirited, animal-obsessed, and occasionally rebellious “second child” who’s always ready to make any moment a bit more fun. As a child, she was the director of "Modes Famous Interviews", a brilliant series of home videos where she set up hilarious interviews. Maddy’s creativity and humor were the glue that held the whole family together. But the real magic between Maddy and Elly happened when Elly hit high school. They started driving to school together, jamming out to Taylor Swift, and discovering that they actually had more in common than they’d thought. Maddy has been a constant source of love and support for Elly, through every milestone and every laugh. Maddy went to college with all three of her sisters because she did undergrad and her doctorate at U of I and Elly even earned the title of "The Most Fun Sister to Attend College With." As Maid of Honor, Maddy is proud to stand beside her little sister on the biggest day of her life. And no matter how many slightly competitive games they play in the future, one thing is for sure: Maddy will always have Elly’s back.

Carolyn WaleskiCarolyn Waleski

Maid of Honor

Carolyn is Elly's little sister. Elly and Carolyn are not just sisters—they’re best friends, partners in crime, and the kind of duo who could spend days together without ever getting sick of each other. Of course, there’s the occasional bickering, and if you listen closely, you might think you’ve wandered into a nursing home with the way they argue over the tone of voice one used or who said what. But despite all the teasing, their bond is unshakable, and they’ve got each other’s backs in ways that only the closest of siblings can. Carolyn is Elly’s rock, and it’s safe to say she’s the tough one in the family. She’s the handy sister who can fix anything and when she’s not fixing things, she’s probably doing some kind of physical activity. Carolyn has biceps that could make most men jealous. Challenge her to an arm wrestle and find out. Though Carolyn is the youngest, she’s always looked out for her older sisters with a fierce loyalty and love that knows no bounds. When Carolyn first met Mac, she wasted no time in making it crystal clear that if he ever hurt Elly, she would “hunt him down.” As Elly’s Maid of Honor, she’s been a constant source of strength, laughter, and that undeniable sense of tough love that only a little sister can give. Elly is beyond lucky to have Carolyn by her side on her big day—and for many years to come, whether they’re laughing, bickering, or hanging another TV.

Anna GerlachAnna Gerlach

Bridesmaid

Elly and Anna's friendship began in classic middle school fashion—through their older siblings dating. While Anna was in 3rd grade and Elly was in 4th, they bonded over sleepovers, ice cream sandwiches, and endless hours playing Simpsons Road Rage and watching Scary Movie 3 (because what else do 9-year-olds do?). From the start, they were inseparable, and that bond only grew stronger over the years. Their college years at the University of Illinois were nothing short of legendary. Both bartenders, they spent late nights slinging drinks, hanging out at the bar even when they were working, and enjoying drinking all night for $2. After college, they took their adventures to Chicago, where Mac and Elly introduced Anna and her now-husband, Bailey. They got a couple of fun years where the four of them hung out all the time—until Anna and Bailey, moved to Florida. But distance has never been a barrier for these Elly and Anna. They still talk all the time and make it a point to see each other every couple of months. Elly had the honor of standing by Anna on her wedding day, and now Anna gets to do the same for Elly. From ice cream sandwiches to wedding days, these two have been through it all—and Elly couldn't tie the knot without Anna by her side on her most special day.

Shannon GibsonShannon Gibson

Bridesmaid

Elly and Shannon’s friendship began in the fifth grade at basketball tryouts. Little did they know, that one moment would kick off a friendship that would last a lifetime. Throughout middle school, junior high, and high school, they spent countless hours together, playing Sims, DDR, and taking way too many pictures with their digital cameras—uploading every single one to Facebook for the world to see. Some of their best memories were made sitting on the couch doing absolutely nothing, but happy that they were together. Though college took them to different states, Elly and Shannon’s friendship never skipped a beat. They visited each other as often as they could, making new memories and always picking up right where they left off. Now, even though Shannon lives in Maryland and Elly in Chicago, their bond is as strong as ever. They talk almost every day, whether it’s to share something funny, vent about life, or just check in with each other, and they make it a priority to visit whenever they can. Shannon has been one of Elly’s constants through every stage of life—her partner in fun and someone who knows everything about Elly and still loves her anyway! Elly stood by Shannon's side on her wedding day, and now Shannon is beyond thrilled to stand by Elly’s side hers, just as she’s done through every big moment before this one. Their friendship is built on laughter, memories, and unconditional support, and Elly is so lucky to have Shannon by her side.

Casey RyanCasey Ryan

Bridesmaid

Elly and Casey’s friendship began the moment Elly was born—literally! Casey was there at Elly's parents' house where she was born, and it’s been non-stop ever since. They’ve been inseparable from day one, whether it was walking to each other’s houses, spending weekends at the lake, or coming up with absurd childhood adventures. Casey was also included in taking way too many pictures on our digital cameras and uploading them to Facebook for the world to see. Their bond is one of those rare ones that can’t be shaken, no matter what life throws their way. Even when they went to different colleges, they still managed to see each other often—and text constantly (we’re talking 57 texts a day, minimum). Through every phase of life, Casey has been Elly’s rock—offering support, cracking jokes, and helping her navigate adulthood with the same humor they had as kids. Elly stood by Casey’s side on her wedding day, and now she’s seen Casey become the most amazing mother to two beautiful girls. Elly is beyond grateful for a friend like Casey—someone who’s been there for every milestone, every laugh, and every random adventure. As Elly’s bridesmaid, Casey is the perfect mix of best friend, personal comedian, and lifelong bond. There’s no one who knows Elly better or can make her laugh like Casey. Elly can’t imagine this day without her by her side, and she’s thankful to have Casey in her life—for the past, the present, and the many years to come.

Dana HillDana Hill

Bridesmaid

Elly and Dana’s friendship began in the most random way possible—by being freshman year roommates without knowing each other prior at the University of Illinois. Dana’s first impression of Elly was, well, let’s just say a little skeptical—especially when she saw Elly roll up in her pink zebra-striped Ford Fiesta. But, after a quick lunch, it became clear that this pairing was fate. They hit it off instantly and, before long, they realized they were two peas in a pod. Dana and Elly spent their first year of college doing everything together—whether it was cramming for exams, getting food, or going out to bars. Their bond was undeniable, and they decided that they were having way too much fun living together to ever stop. So, naturally, they kept the party going and lived together all four years of college. Now, Elly is beyond excited to stand by Dana’s side at her wedding this June, just as Dana is here to support Elly on her big day. Even though Dana now lives in Texas and Elly’s in Chicago, their friendship is as strong as ever. They talk all the time, visit whenever they can, and know that no matter the distance, they’ll always be there for each other. From McDonalds on the porch of their house in Urbana to wedding days, these two have been through it all together—and Elly couldn’t be more grateful to have Dana by her side as she walks down the aisle.

Sadie HertzSadie Hertz

Bridesmaid

Sadie is Mac's little sister, and let’s just say, she’s got the whole “sibling perfection” thing down to an art. Elly was a little nervous to meet Sadie in the beginning – after all, this was the person who meant the world to Mac, and she was determined to make a great first impression. But Sadie, being the angel she is, instantly made Elly feel at ease with her warmth, humor, and effortless kindness. There was no need to try so hard to impress – Sadie is just the kind of person who makes you feel like family right away. From that first meeting, it was clear these two were meant to be sisters. Now, as Elly prepares to marry Mac, she’s thrilled to be gaining her 4th sister. The bond they've formed the past 4 years through Elly and Mac visiting Sadie at school, Sadie visiting the two in Chicago, going to hot yoga, and texting about their favorite TV shows is a testament to how special Sadie is, and Elly can't wait to spend a lifetime with her as part of the family. Sadie is the kind of bridesmaid who’ll keep you laughing through the tears and dancing through the awkward moments. Elly is so grateful to be gaining a sister who is as fun, thoughtful, and loving as Sadie, and they both can't wait for the new chapter of their lives as a family!

Craig SmithCraig Smith

Bridesman

So, you might be wondering, "Bridesman? What's a Bridesman?" Well, let us introduce you to the magnificent Craig! Elly and Craig's origin story is a tale as old as time... or at least as old as when they both graced Buffalo Wild Wings with their presence back in the glorious year of 2012. It wasn't just the aroma of spicy garlic parmesan that brought them together; it was an instant connection. They quickly realized they were kindred spirits, two Libras navigating the world with a shared love for laughter and a healthy dose of indecisiveness. They're basically Libra sisters from another mister! Over the years, Elly's laughter track has been permanently set to the "Craig" setting. From countless concerts, to surviving the Great Indoors of 2020 by practically living at Casa de Craig and Kevin, their friendship has been a constant source of joy and support. Whether it's drinking around the world at Epcot or two-stepping their way through Nashville, Elly knows that any adventure is ten times better with Craig by her side. Having Craig as her Bridesman is a no-brainer. He's not just a friend; he's family. He's the guy who can make her snort-laugh with a single look, the shoulder she can always lean on, and the partner-in-crime for all of life's shenanigans. Get ready to witness the most supportive Bridesman a bride could ask for!

Ryan HertzRyan Hertz

Best Man

Bailey StevensBailey Stevens

Best Man

Greg McMahonGreg McMahon

Groomsman

Gunnar GlaabGunnar Glaab

Groomsman

Christian SullivanChristian Sullivan

Groomsman

Scott GibsonScott Gibson

Groomsman

Kam RyanKam Ryan

Groomsman

Ryan HaaksmaRyan Haaksma

Groomsman

Mike WaleskiMike Waleski

Father of the Bride

Meet Elly’s dad, Mike – the man who’s been her rock, her protector, and the one who’s been right by her side through it all. Mike is the ultimate girl dad, raising not one, but four amazing daughters. But it’s Elly, his "little" girl, who holds a very special place in his heart. From the moment Elly was born, Mike has been her number one fan and protector, always making sure she knew she was loved, cherished, and supported. One of Elly’s most treasured memories with her dad is the daily routine when she was little: every morning, Mike would drive her to preschool, and without fail, Elly would insist that they play *From This Moment* by Shania Twain and Bryan White. She would sing the girl part, of course, and Mike, always a good sport, would sing the "boy part" – even though he probably wasn’t quite prepared for the full performance Elly would give each and every time. It became their song, a symbol of their unbreakable bond. Mike’s love for Elly has always been unwavering, and as she gets ready to marry Mac, it’s no surprise that he's been by her side every step of the way. He might be giving her away at the altar, but he'll always be the first man in her life. Elly is beyond grateful for his constant love, support, and guidance, and she can’t wait for him to walk her down the aisle, knowing that even though she’s growing up, she’ll always be his little girl. Here's to Mike, the dad who did everything with love and a song in his heart.

Robin WaleskiRobin Waleski

Mother of the Bride

Elly’s mom, Robin, is the heart and leader of the family, holding it all together with love, wisdom, and an infectious sense of humor. As the proud mom of four daughters, Robin has always been the one to guide and support. Elly made her grand entrance into the world as Robin’s biggest baby at 10 lbs 8 oz, and has always shared a special bond with her mom. Robin brings so much joy and laughter to Elly’s life. But it’s not just fun and laughter – Robin’s advice and guidance have been invaluable to Elly. Whether navigating relationships or life’s challenges, Robin always knows just what to say to help Elly feel supported, grounded, and loved. One of Elly’s favorite memories with her mom was dress shopping for high school dances. When Elly would try on a dress and her face would light up, Robin couldn’t resist saying yes – no matter the price. These trips always ended with the same funny exchange when they got home. Dad would say, “Well, how much was this one?” Robin would respond, “Oh, it wasn’t that much,” while Elly and Robin would laugh. As Elly gets ready to marry Mac, she feels incredibly blessed to have Robin by her side. Her mom’s love, support, and guidance have shaped Elly into the woman she is today, and she’s beyond grateful to have such a strong, loving presence in her life. Robin is not just a mother, she’s Elly’s best friend. Elly can’t wait to continue sharing life’s most beautiful moments with her mom, especially as she begins this new chapter with Mac.

Dave HertzDave Hertz

Father of the Groom

Amy HertzAmy Hertz

Mother of the Groom

Ariel and JelloAriel and Jello

Daughters of the Couple

Ariel and Jello are Mac and Elly's most prized possessions. They are the fluffiest, goodest girls and they can't wait for their mom and dad to tie the knot!