Wedding Party
Jared Reichert
Man of Honor
Gabby and I officially met while studying abroad in Florence in the summer of 2019, and an instant connection was formed through shared laughs, unforgettable memories, and a deep sense of comfort that’s only grown stronger over time. When we returned to ISU, our friendship truly blossomed through classes, work at the coffeehouse, weekly hangouts, and countless unintentional moments that still make us laugh. Throughout undergrad and beyond, Gabby has been a constant source of support, encouragement, and inspiration — always in my corner as I chased dreams, changed directions, and grew into myself. Even after graduation, distance, and eventually a move to California, our bond never wavered. Through FaceTimes, visits, holidays, and milestones, our friendship has only continued to grow. Getting to know JD has been just as special. His kindness, humor, and unwavering support reflect everything I love about Gabby, and it’s been such a joy watching their love unfold. I couldn’t be more honored to stand beside Gabby and JD as they celebrate this beautiful next chapter together.
Ella Metzger
Matron of Honor
I met Gabby my freshman year (her sophomore year) of college on floor ten of Wright Hall at ISU. That was almost 8 years ago! I basically spent everyday in her suite, and we have been bestfriends ever since. I remember sitting on the couch with Gabby as she saw JD for the first time on Bumble and decided to swipe. It’s been a joy to watch them grow as a couple from that first moment, through their first date, their first careers, their first home together, and begin to build a beautiful life grounded in trust, love, grace, and humility. Gabby is my karaoke queen for life and I am honored to be matron of honor standing next to her on her most important day, because she has been there for so many of mine. I love you Gab and JD!!!!
Autumn Harkness
Bridesmaid
Gabby and I have shared a special friendship since grade school, when Gabby first moved to Elmwood. Through school dances, cheerleading, shopping trips, vacations, and countless sleepovers, we've created memories that will last a lifetime. Our bond began over a shared love of makeup and YouTube and has only grown stronger with time. Even through life’s changes and distance, our friendship remains effortless — the kind where no matter how long it’s been, we can always pick up right where we left off. I am beyond grateful to celebrate such a special day and to stand beside my dear friend as she begins this next beautiful chapter.
Marissa Largent
Bridesmaid
Gabby and I first met during Jr High cheerleading. We became even closer when, Autumn (a fellow bridesmaid), reintroduced me to Gabby several years later when we ended up on vacation together at the Lake of the Ozarks. Since then, Gabby and I have held a steady friendship that is so special to me. My favorite memories with Gabby have been eating sushi at LaBomba when visiting her at ISU, touring the many apartments she’s had since I’ve known her, going on coffee dates, and yapping on the couch for hours. Gabby is the girly girl to my tomboy but we are also similar in ways that make our friendship feel so easy. Gabby has been a constant in my life for over 10 years and I value her friendship so much! I can’t wait to celebrate her and JD in May!
Emma Trone
Bridesmaid
I met Gabby when she first moved to Elmwood in third grade. She lived right down the street from me, so naturally we ended up being friends. I have many memories of walking to her house in the summer to play Barbies or have sleepovers. We remained friends throughout school and even now long-distance as adults, making sure to see each other at least a few times per year. One of my favorite memories with Gabby is driving to our senior prom together while jamming to some music.
Regan McFall
Bridesmaid
I met Gabby in second grade when she moved across the street from my grandparents' house. Our earliest memories together are playing Barbies and Polly Pockets in her basement, our shared love for High School Musical, and having sleepovers with fierce singing competitions. Gabby and I continue to celebrate our 20-year-long friendship, along with Emma, by roadtripping to see each other and spending long weekends exploring each other’s new cities. I am so excited to be a part of yet another big chapter of Gabby’s life, and couldn’t be happier for her and JD!
Kaylee Combs
Bridesmaid
I’m Kaylee! I technically met Gabby when I was a freshman and she was a sophomore in college, but it was when we lived together two years later that we truly started to become the best of friends. Some of my favorite memories include Gabby and our time in Apt 4 at ISU. Gabby absolutely never failed to make us laugh with all of her hilarious sayings, spilling on herself constantly, and of course her singing. Gabby is truly the silliest, most hardworking, and passionate person, and I have absolutely loved growing along side her. I still remember the day she went on her first date with JD; she was just absolutely smitten when she got home, and we knew that he was going to be someone we would continue to see around. JD has been the most supportive partner to Gab and is her biggest cheerleader, and as her friend, that is all I could ever for. I am so excited to stand next to Gab on her big day as she takes this next step in her life. I love you so much Gibby Gab, besties for life💜
Ashley McMurtry
Bridesmaid
I met Gabby at a birthday celebration for our mutual friend, Ella. At the time, Gabby was going for her bachelor's at ISU, and I had just started my masters program at Bradley University. My first impression of Gabby was that she was a thoughtful, helpful, gracious, wholesome, intelligent, and funny gal. Needless to say, that impression hasn’t changed much, if at all. When Gabby asked me to stand by her side on her wedding day, it was a no-brainer and an honor. Gabby is the kind of friend that you want for a lifetime. JD is lucky to guarantee he’ll get to keep her that long. Something about their love feels so right. They’re two joyful souls who know how to enjoy the simple pleasures. I will never forget being with them both at Luthy Botanical Gardens to record their smiles and tears when JD got down on a knee and Gabby said “yes!”
Hailey Lucas
Bridesmaid
I met Gabby through two of the other bridesmaids, Ella and Kaylee! I’ve loved getting to know Gabby (& JD) throughout the years, and we’ve only grown closer making so many amazing memories on birthday and bach trips, coffee dates, holiday parties, and more!!! Highlights include Gabby’s surprise birthday party (plus little cardboard Gab), introducing her to Indian food (and making sure she went to the right movie theater afterwards), and endless karaoke. I’m so thankful for our friendship, and so happy to be a part of Gabby and JD’s special day🩷🩷🩷
Jack Bugan
Best Man
Johnny and I have been close friends since third grade, but we really locked in our friendship the summer before freshman year of high school. Since then, we’ve shared countless memories, from countless hours at the Chupkas', student council meetings, and time at the Plantes' house, to many, many trips to the "grocery store." Even with the challenge of long distance, Johnny is one of my closest friends to this day. I'm honored to stand beside Johnny as his best man on such an important day. When I'm not talking with Johnny about lifts, music, macros, or the wedding, I work as an 8th-grade math teacher, spend time at CrossFit First Down, and enjoy skiing, mountain biking, hiking, spending time with friends and family, and firmly believe that I'm Zach Bryan’s biggest fan.
Haley Chupka
Groomsmaid
I met John in high school, after the long awaited merging of the Charlton and Dudley students at Shepherd Hill. Our friendship definitely wasn’t immediate… I found it wildly unfair that John could write his AP Lit papers in 20 minutes in the library on the morning of the due date and still get an A+, when I spent days writing mine until they felt *just* perfect. 14 years later, I am proud to call John one of my absolute best friends in the world, who is really more like family than a friend. Some of my favorite memories with John are when we were doing really nothing at all, when it wasn’t a matter of “if” he was coming over to hangout, it was “when”. John has shown me what being a true friend really means, with a friendship that can somehow become stronger even after moving 1,000 miles away. I couldn’t be more honored to be standing up with John on his and Gab’s big day, holding the very special title of “groomsmaid”. Gabby quickly became a very close friend of mine as well, and I couldn’t imagine a better partner for John to be spending the rest of his life with. I love them both so very much and can’t wait to celebrate them with you all in May! P.S. if you see me violently sobbing up there…. no you don’t!
Richie Duhamel
Groomsman
John and I met on the youth soccer field where he was developing his love for sports. I have to thank John because without his patented “haircut in a pool” I Never would have been ready for high school. John and I spent our weekends in high school staying up until 3am discussing our crushes until we retired to bed, or in John’s case, the floor. It’s always an event when John comes home, an event I wouldn’t miss because I never laugh more. I am so happy that John and Gabby found each other and I can’t wait to celebrate them both!
Kylie Chupka
Groomsmaid
John David was a friend of my sister, Haley. They were in the same grade at our high school Shepherd Hill and did some of the same extra curricular activities, one being student council. Naturally, I liked to do everything my big sister did so I joined student council as well. Quickly I met John David and realized that his personality overwhelmed me, but in the best way possible. We all become a really close group of friends and all of my best high school memories include John David. Even after high school our friendship evolved to relationship that felt more like family. As much as John and I have a joking relationship, he is someone whose advice I cherish immensely. John David lights up every room he walks into and can make your worst moments some of your best. When John’s hometown friends were able to meet Gabby, I saw a side of John David I never really got to experience, but a side John was always wanting to give to someone. He has the biggest heart with so much love to give and Gabby is his perfect match. Gabby has quickly become family and one of our favorite humans. I cannot wait to see the beautiful future they build together and I am so lucky I get to be a part of John and Gabby’s journey for the rest of their lives!
Patrick Cunningham
Groomsman
I met JD maybe the latest in life out of everyone in the wedding party (hence why I'm the only one that calls him JD lol). We both moved across the country to be a sports reporter in Peoria, Illinois. JD from New England and me from the Piney Woods of East Texas. I became his direct competitor at the CBS station and we met at a softball game in July 2022. Like most great friendships, I thought he absolutely hated me at first. But I soon learned that wasn’t the case, and our friendship and bond quickly grew over the next four years as we covered sporting events across Central Illinois. Even after he left the TV business, he and I stayed close, and I was able to see his personal side and just how happy Gab has made him. The two are just perfect for each other and I couldn’t be prouder to stand up supporting both of them.
Glyn Knight
Officiant
We’re honored to have Pastor Glyn Knight from Connect Church in Washington officiating our ceremony. Known for his heartfelt messages and genuine spirit, Glyn has a gift for making every moment meaningful. His words reflect the love, faith, and joy that guide our relationship, and we couldn’t imagine anyone better to lead us into this new chapter together.
