Ashley & Matt
Wedding Party
Nanette Gertz
Mother of the Bride
Nanette has always been only a phone call away for Ashley when she needs advice or just needs to vent. She has always been Ashley’s voice of reason and role model. Without her Ashley would probably be eating a cupcake for dinner outside in the rain with dirty underwear. She has taught Ashley what is acceptable or not, and how to be a strong independent woman.
Jim Gertz
Father of the Bride
Jim has always been Ashley’s role model and inspiration. He has taught Ashley cheesy lines, ordering through drive-throughs can’t be done easily, anything broken can be fixed, and how to be the best person. Jim is always sucked into Ashley’s remodeling ideas and projects. No matter what Ashley has done in life, right or wrong, he has always been there for her and helped her achieve success.
Sue Farrell
Mother of the Groom
Sue has always been the sweetest person Matt knows (aside from her mother), and has always been selfless. When he was younger, she was always driving him and his friends places. She constantly fed the boys as well; they especially loved her chocolate chip cookies. Sue has always been so eager to help in anyway possible, and is someone he can count on.
Scott Farrell
Father of the Groom
Scott has always been Matt’s role model; he even followed in his footsteps by going to his alma mater, the University of Illinois. Matt owes his love for sports to Scott; they have been going to Blackhawks and Bears games since he was too young to remember. He has always been supportive of Matt’s pursuits, including dedicating his time to coach Matt in baseball for 10 years, and never missing his games.
Amanda Gertz
Maid of Honor
Amanda is Ashley's older sister, best friend, and biggest supporter. While they have always been opposites growing up, Amanda has always been Ashley's influence and mentor. Although they've had their fair share of arguments, Ashley knows Amanda is always looking out for her and has her back.
Andrew Petro
Best Man
Andrew has been friends with Matt since elementary school, and is now one of his best friends. They have been such good friends for so long it’s hard to say which one was the bad influence. Andrew and Matt both ended up as computer nerds. Once they get on a roll, no one knows what they're talking about.
Abigail Gertz
Bridesmaid
Abby is not only Ashley's sister-in-law but also one of her dearest friends. She has survived the Gertz family all these years and that says a lot! Abby has been a valuable resource throughout all this wedding planning since 2019 is the year of Gertz weddings.
Michael Gertz
Groomsman
Michael is Ashley's younger brother. Matt never had a brother growing up, and now has Michael. He is always willing to help and comes prepard with a hammer and screwdriver in hand! Michael has been recruited a few times to endure alongside Matt in Ashley's DIY Project list.
Lindsay Gertz
Bridesmaid
Lindsay is not only Ashley's sister-in-law but a dear friend. They bond over their love for farmhouse style decor! Lindsay has always helped Ashley with her hair no matter how many times she would change her mind.
Tommy Gertz
Groomsman
Tommy is Ashley's older brother, and now Matt has gained an older brother too. Matt and Tommy share a fondness for app ideas and love for sports!
Kristin Farrell
Bridesmaid
Kristin is not only Matt's youngest sister but now Ashley's too. Ashley loves sharing DIY projects with Kristin. Ashley helped her pick out the love of her life - her little pup, Jack!
Ryan Gertz
Groomsman
Ryan is Ashley's youngest brother. Matt always wanted a brother growing up, and got three! Matt and Ryan have long discussions over weight lifing, future goals, and technology.
Melissa Farrell
Bridesmaid
Melissa is Matt's younger sister and now Ashley's sister too. Melissa was Ashley's travel buddy in Europe. There's no denying they have the same taste in clothes; they'd walk out of the dressing room with the same outfit on!
Ryan Balmes
Groomsman
Ryan (or Kumar as he’s known these days) was Matt's rugby buddy in high school. When they weren't playing rugby, they were getting in trouble! Bowling has always an adventure, especially when Kumar threw the ball three lanes over!
Gina Anselmo
Bridesmaid
Gina has been friends with Ashley since they were kids playing soccer together. In high school, they always had art classes together. Both share a love for art, cheese, wine, and mismatched socks. Gina is the type of friend who would make sure Ashley isn't doing silly, crazy things alone.
Nick Demeas
Groomsman
Nick was always Matt's partner in crime! There's no funny story that doesn't involve Demeas. Everything was always "Demeas's fault" because then they would get away with anything!
Nichole Schubert
Bridesmaid
Nichole has been friends with Ashley since high school. They got ready together for all of their high school dances; Nichole was always a date Ashley could count on. They have always had a lot in common; they even have twinning Jeeps! Nichole was with the happy couple when they first hit it off!
Joey Peterson
Groomsman
Joey has been Matt's friend since middle school. Joey is Matt's go-to guy when it comes to building Ashley's DIY projects. Joey helped the happy couple discover their love for cats when he brought a kitty over; they now have Mr. Kitty.
Emma Liedlich
Bridesmaid
Emma started out as Ashley's co-worker at Sunrise and ended up as a close friend! They share a love for vintage decor, and they're always running to Home Goods! Emma has been Ashley's go-to girl for girls' night in, sharing sappy stories over wine and running through a whole box of tissues.
Adam Matos
Groomsman
Adam and Matt initially met when they played on the same football team in high school. They later became close friends after being roommates in college. They started a fantasy football league during those college years, and Adam has continued to run it to this day. Go Fighting Illini!
Camryn Gertz
Flower Girl
Camryn is Ashley’s niece. She is always making the cutest faces.
Landen Gertz
Ring Bearer
Landen is Ashley’s nephew. Landen is always full of energy and can make you laugh with his silliness.
Tim Gertz
Officiant
Tim is Ashley’s Uncle and Jim’s brother (when together they look like twins). When Matt and Ashley knew they were getting married, they had no doubt that the best person to marry them was Tim. He has such a positive outlook and a great sense of humor.