Wedding Party
Nikolas Saavedra
Groom
Hey y’all. I’m the ying to Jacquelyn’s yang. I try to be a grounding force through the chaos in our life by being cool, calm, and collected. I enjoy hiking, lots of different music, and researching and investing in hobbies I probably won’t commit to. In my free time I’m usually hard carrying Jacquelyn while gaming together, or I’m indoor bouldering — a hobby I did commit to. I have two incredibly crazy and lazy pups, Axel and Rex, who both have very big personalities. For the past five years I have been working as an inorganic production chemist at a chemical manufacturer, making sure I can support the boys and Jacquelyn has she studies for her dream career. I like to think I’ve come a long way since the time I first met Jacquelyn. It was a journey with many twists and turns, but together, we’ve made it all the way here. Through every chapter of our lives my love continued to grow. I’m ready for the next phase of our lives to begin, and excited I can celebrate the first steps with all our close family and friends.
Jacquelyn Merx
Bride
Howdy hey everyone! As most of you know, I have a VERY loud and unique personality. I absolutely love nature, animals, plants, painting, crocheting, gardening, and so much more. My life is an organized mess—overflowing with music, animals, amazing people, and endless love. In my free time, you’ll usually find me playing video games or hanging out with friends. Lately, I’ve been picking up one of Nikolas’s hobbies—rock climbing. I’m not the best (and I’ve learned I’m definitely scared of heights when I have to rely on my upper body 😅), buuuut Nikolas loves it, so I’m learning to love it too. I’m also a very proud mom of two insane, fluffy gentlemen, Axel and Rex. Over the past few years, my heart and life have been completely devoted to learning how to care for all types of animals. While my personality may be wild, my love for my family and friends runs deep. I was lucky enough to meet the love of my life in high school, and somehow he’s continued to love me and grow with me through every chapter. Nikolas has been my biggest support throughout my vet med journey, always making sure I can give 100% to my studies. Seriously—he even learned about different types of fractures and cancers in small animals. You truly cannot find someone better than this man. I’m beyond excited to celebrate our love with all our close friends and family. Nikolas is my knight in shining armor, and I get to spend my happily ever after with him 🤍
Lukas Wright
Best Man
Lukas - The most authentic person I have ever met. Our relationship also developed over high school as fellow members in marching band and indoor percussion. Lukas always brought smiles to the occasion, whether we were between reps during indoor percussion rehearsal or during a long get together with the guys. Lukas is incredibly funny and a pleasure to talk to about life, regardless how long it's been since last seeing him. I have many fond memories doing hard labor in his parent's backyard and driving the tractor. I won't forget the massive inferno we created after a hard day of tree trimming. After moving to Champaign Lukas invited me to join him bouldering, which sowed the seeds of my dedication to bouldering to this day, almost 5 years later.
Elizabeth Badalamenti
Maid of Honor
Liz was first introduced to Jacquelyn through Nikolas—we all went to high school together and spent what felt like 97% of our teenage lives doing… band things. Not long after meeting Nikolas, Jacquelyn and Liz became close friends, always sitting together at lunch with the rest of the band nerds. Somewhere along the way, Liz noticed something no one else seemed to catch on to at first… the subtle chemistry between Jacquelyn and Nikolas. Liz then casually did what any great friend does—she pointed it out and helped Jacquelyn realize Nikolas was not just a friend (wink wink). And BOY was she right, because here we are today. After high school, the three of them stayed super close—ringing in New Year’s together, traveling the world, and meeting up every time like no time had passed… even when adult life tried really hard to get in the way. Liz is incredibly wise, a total social butterfly, and an absolute planning QUEEN. If Liz planned it, it WILL happen—and it WILL be fun. She’s always out trying new things with family, friends, and coworkers and is a full-on travel junkie, casually seeing more of the world than most people twice her age. She even lived in Germany for a few years, climbing the ranks at Aldi like the international boss she is. Truly iconic behavior. Liz is someone we both admire deeply. She’s accomplished so much at such a young age, and we are beyond grateful to have her as such an important friend in our lives.
Baryl Brandt
Groomsman
Baryl - The most out of pocket person I have ever met. Our relationship developed over high school helping me get through grueling days of band camp and indoor percussion with an unwavering tenacity to brave any struggle. Our relationship continued past high school when we would plan get togethers with the rest of the guys; these would usually last long into the night. I remember struggling to stay up as I combated the greed of Weyland in a game of New Angeles we always started way too late. Throughout the years I have many fond memories baking eccentric desserts - always working towards the perfect stiff peak. Baryl is a joy to have around at any occasion and is always down for last minute plans during a shindig.
Emily Saavedra
Bridesmaid
EMMILLLLYYYY! Yes, this is Nikolas’s little sister, but let’s be real, Jacquelyn and Emily have a tight sister bond like no other. Like any sisters, they MUST make fun and harrass one another in some way every meeting but it is always out of love. It truely has been anmazing watching Emily grow up and work through each chapter of her life. Emily is a smarty pants who is also a mom of two gentleman cats. She enjoys hobbies such as painting, making clay art, being a Lego master and can kick most peoples butt in video games. At first she may seem shy, but it won’t take long to open up her unique personality. Emily loves making memories and capturing them on her Polaroid camera. She is incredibly smart and managed to finish undergrad all while having a full time job.
Jade Stevenson
Bridesmaid
Jaaaaddddeeee! Jade and I met on the very first day of vet school—she was my neighbor. At first, we were just friendly. About halfway through the school year, she didn’t show up to class one day, which was very unlike her. All it took was one simple text from me checking in, and that moment sparked an incredible friendship. We spent a ridiculous amount of late nights studying together, becoming a vital support system through the hardships of school. Beyond that, we went on endless dinner and movie dates, watched the solar eclipse together, and spent MANY nights laughing about absolutely everything while always spilling the tea. Over time, Jade didn’t just become one of my closest friends in Champaign—she also became great friends with Nikolas (which is truly a blessing that my best friend and my partner get along so well). Jade is the kind of friend who will be there for you at any time of day. She always checks in, always tells it to you straight, and always shows up. She is one of the most caring and thoughtful people I’ve met since moving here. She’s hilarious, knows how to party and let loose, and is an absolute joy to be around. If you ever need a good time—or someone who will ride for you no matter what—Jade is your person.