Wedding Party
Jake Brown
Groom
Jake can't wait to start his life with Kalie. She's the best thing that ever happened to him. It is almost certain that they've facetimed or been together in person every day since at least 3 weeks after meeting in 2019. Kalie is the foundation that Jake builds his life on and he loves her infinitely.
Kalie Miller
Bride
Kalie can’t wait to spend forever with Jake. Her best friend, her greatest supporter, and her travel buddy. Jake has been her calm and comfort during life’s hardest moments. Kalie feels so incredibly lucky to have found not just a partner, but her person. someone who understands her completely, encourages her dreams, and fills her life with endless joy. She’s beyond excited to start this next chapter with Jake and create a lifetime of beautiful memories side by side.
Jimmy Brown
Best Man
Jimmy is the first person that made Jake a brother and is a perfect person to stand up as one of Jake's best men. Jimmy and Jake have a lot of shared interests and tastes, from movies to music and otherwise. Jake loves going to see Jimmy's parties and seeing his band, "Gorilla Tuesday".
Julia Jamka
Maid of Honor
Julia and Kalie met while in undergrad at Elmhurst College. They have been teammates, roommates, brothers (APO), and are lifelong friends. Since college they have stayed in close contact while they have each pursued graduate school. Julia is currently a graduate student at Michigan State University, and is very excited to see Kalie and Jake continue to grow as they start their married life together.
Billy Brown
Best Man
From wild child to best man, Billy, Jake's younger brother is one of Jake's closest friends as an adult. From taking part in fantasy football leagues together, endless parties and get togethers with his friends, the annual Kidlympics and Turkeybowls, Jake has always loved spending time with Billy and all those in his orbit. Billy is a fantastic sounding board and advice giver and Jake is very happy to have him stand with him as a best man.
Kaeli Brown
Maid of Honor
Kaeli Brown is Jake's youngest sibling and soon to be Kalie's first sister! Kaeli is over the moon to be asked to be one of Kalie's maid's of honor and has vowed to do anything that she can to make the wedding go smoothly. Kaeli and Kalie have grown very close over the years, traveling to Italy together with the family, spending much of covid together, and generally, becoming friends as well as future in-laws.
Max Wink
Groomsman
Known as the 5th Brown sibling, Max has grown up in the Brown household along his best friend Billy and the rest of the Brown clan. Max is like another little brother to Jake. They've traveled, both to national parks and abroad and are looking forward to more trips together.
Lauren Hines
Bridesmaid
Lauren is Kalie’s cousin, she fondly remembers when they were younger and played video games in her living room, she’s happy that her beautiful cousin has a new gaming partner in crime. Now Lauren enjoys playing board games with Jake, Kalie and her husband Tyler. Jake officiated Tyler and Lauren’s wedding and Kalie was one of her bridesmaids. Lauren can’t wait to stand up for her in return.
Al Fitzgerald
Groomsman
Jake and Al met in college and bonded over a shared love of board games, video games and other interests. Al organizes a lot of stuff for their friend group, including a yearly float trip in Missouri that Jake and Kalie look forward to every year. Jake officiated Al's wedding and counts him as one of his closest friends.
Kristy Krokosz
Bridesmaid
From friendly rivals to friends, Kristy and Kalie have known of each other since they played on opposing teams in school. Over time, they ended up coaching lacrosse together, and playing as teammates on the same women's lacrosse team in an adult league. Kristy and Kalie have bonded even more over their dogs and are looking forward to Kristy standing at Kalie's wedding.
Sam Venezia
Groomsman
Jake and Sam met in college, where they started Film Appreciation Club together and eventually co-ran the theater club Jake started. Jake and Sam have made multiple national park trips together, seeing 11 total together thus far. Jake was a groomsman at Sam's wedding and is very happy about his recent move back to Illinois from Delaware.
Mike Miller
Bridesman
As the bride’s older brother, Mike has always been her protector, confidant, and biggest supporter. He's watched Kalie grow up and is very proud of the person she's become. Mike lives and works in Colorado. He is very happy whenever Kalie is able to visit the mountains. Mike is excited to stand beside his sister on her big day and celebrate this next chapter in her life.
Julie Brown
Mother of the Groom
Julie Brown is the proud mother of Jake, and is very excited to welcome Kalie into the family. Julie and Ed recently accompanied Jake and Kalie to the Virgin Islands for their proposal. Julie had the important job of photographer while Ed filmed.
Jean Miller
Mother of the Bride
Momma Miller is filled with joy as she celebrates her daughter Kalie finding that special love. She is proud of the kind, caring and smart young woman Kalie has become. She is excited to welcome Jake into the family and looks forward to the memories they will share together.
Ed Brown
Father of the Groom
Ed, revealed to some as Odin the Allfather, is the father of the Groom. He is overjoyed to be at his firstborn son and heir's wedding and already considers Kalie one of the family. Ed recently filmed the couple's proposal at their trip to the US Virgin Islands National Park in August.
Chris Miller
Father of the Bride
Becoming a father changed him in ways he didn’t expect. Over the years, he’s grown more patient, more reflective, and more appreciative of life’s small moments. Watching his daughter grow into the strong, thoughtful woman she is today has been one of his greatest joys in life. It still feels like yesterday she fit in the palm of his hand—and now she’s starting a new chapter with Jake. He couldn’t be prouder. He wishes them a future filled with love, laughter, and a partnership built to last.
Finn Mullins
Ring Bearer
Finn is the son of Jackie Mullins, Jake's cousin who was the flower girl at Jake's parents wedding. Finn is very excited to be entrusted with the rings.
Mia Mullins
Flower Girl
Mia is the daughter of Jackie Mullins, who is Jake's cousin and was the flower girl at his parents wedding. Mia is very excited to wear a pretty dress.
Braden Pekarek
Usher
Braden is one of the twins Kalie had the joy of nannying over the years, and he quickly became like a little brother to her. Braden is very excited to be part of Kalie’s big day. Having him involved makes the celebration even more meaningful and full of love.
Skylar Mathisen
Flower Girl
Skylar is the daughter of Jake's cousin Lindsey. Lindsey is Ed Brown's goddaughter and Kaeli Brown was the flower girl at her wedding! Kalie and Jake love hanging out with Skylar at Brown family gatherings.
Tyler Pekarek
Usher
Tyler is one of the twins Kalie had the joy of nannying over the years, and he quickly became like a little brother to her. Tyler is very excited to be part of Kalie’s big day. Having him involved makes the celebration even more meaningful and full of love.
Rachel Pekarek
Junior Bridesmaid
Rachel holds such a special place in Kalie’s heart. Kalie nannied Rachel and her twin brothers for almost 6 years. Over those years, Rachel became like a little sister to Kalie, sharing countless laughs and memories together. Having Rachel stand by her side as a Junior Bridesmaid is incredibly meaningful, and Kalie couldn’t imagine her wedding day without her. Rachel is beyond excited to be part of Kalie’s special day.
Kona
Dog of Honor
Kona doesn't really understand what's going on, but she's excited! Especially since it feels like she's going to see Jake more. She can’t wait for her pawrents to spend forever together!