Wedding Party
Jessica Weippert
Maid of Honor
Jess is currently studying film at Belmont University in Nashville Tennessee and hopes to one day take over California. Jen and Jess first met on a cold, fateful day in 2001 when young Jess was born, you could say they’ve been best friends since. They share a love of binging The Office and singing loudly in cars. Even when they don’t see each other (and they've gone up to whole year without seeing each other!) they always pick right back up where they left off. Jess also wants to publicly forgive Jen for that time she made her think she was adopted, but she’ll never forget. Jess is honored to be her Maid of Honor, she can’t wait to be up there supporting Jen and Jake on their amazing day! She knows Jake will make an amazing husband and new brother-in-law!
Morgan Kaplan
Bridesmaid
Morgan is Jake's younger sister and can't wait to call Jennifer her sister! Morgan met Jake when she was a few hours old but had to wait fifteen years to meet his future wife. When Jen and Morgan first met, it was very late and Morgan’s first words were “Wow, she’s pretty!” Over the years, Morgan and Jen have been able to build a true friendship and love as they've navigated major life changes and fabulous adventures. Morgan is very excited to return to New York City and (finally) be in the same geographical region as Jake and Jen! Although Jen’s title will turn from “brother’s fiancé” into “sister-in-law” in October, Morgan has considered Jen a sister for many years and cannot wait to see the adventures Jake and Jen will share as they begin a wonderful, beautiful, new life together.
Lindsay Macheska
Bridesmaid
Lindsay is one of Jenny's cousins from the Cialone clan. She lives in New York City and works as an account executive at McCann Advertising Agency. Jen and Lindsay were each other's first best friends. Although Lindsay liked to play the bossy older cousin during their toddler years - she always thought of Jen as the little sister she never had. From 20 years of family vacations to traveling around Europe together - they truly have been through it all and know how lucky they are to have each other. Lindsay is so happy for Jen and Jake. She has always admired their relationship and how they overcame all the obstacles in front of them. They truly define the saying, "Love conquers all." She wishes them nothing but happiness in this new chapter and is ecstatic to welcome Jake into the family!
Emily Lucente
Bridesmaid
Few are lucky enough to meet their soulmate at the tender age of 18, while traversing bunk beds and a new city to call home, but Emily and Jen did. Roommates, classmates, best friends, Emily and Jen have grown up together, sharing some of the best years of their lives so far. Now reunited with Jen in DC, Emily works as a cybersecurity consultant. The two enjoy countless nights of board games, wine, great food, and even better friends. Emily could not be more excited for her best friend to start this monumental chapter with Jake and is proud to be by their side. Few things have changed since 2013, including Jake Kaplan, the love he has for Jen, and the commitment they have to each other. Emily looks forward to many more years of game nights, adventure, (and Jake third wheeling).
Emma Thomas
Bridesmaid
Reproductive rights warrior by day, yogi and wine enthusiast by night, Emma lives in Washington, DC as a strategic and crisis communications consultant for reproductive healthcare organizations and political campaigns. Emma and Jen’s friendship grew freshman year from their love of lavender, essential oils, yoga, and tidy bedrooms. From best friends to roommates and now neighbors, Emma wouldn’t want to live near anyone else! Emma cherishes how genuine, honest, and loving a friend Jen is, and they've even developed their own voice when talking to one another. Jake was one of Emma’s first friends in college, and she has always been inspired by Jake and Jen’s love. Their story is one of romance, growth, and determination - Emma can't wait to celebrate the happy couple on their wedding day!
Lily Schulz
Bridesmaid
Lily is a Brewer at Denizens Brewing Co. She currently lives in Washington, DC with her kitty Lil' Whiskey. Jen and Lily met moving into their dorm at American University freshman year and lived together their sophomore year. Lily visited Jen while she was studying in Scotland and they endured an 11 hour bus ride tour through the highlands together - couldn't have survived it with anyone else!
Abbey Butner
Bridesmaid
Abbey has known Jen since their freshman year of college where they bonded over their love of The Office, comedian Brian Regan, and perfect coffee. From the halls of Anderson 4 South, to The Suite, to a tiny shared bedroom in SW DC, Abbey and Jen have come into their own together, and enjoyed many girls nights, glasses of wine, and laughs along the way. Abbey had the privilege of watching Jen and Jake's relationship grow through the years into what is now known as the greatest love story Washington DC has ever seen. She is so excited to be able to celebrate with them on their big day. While Abbey is sad she can't be with Jen and the other girls in DC, she is very happily pursuing her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies in North Carolina and hopes to one day rejoin her friends in DC!
Sydney Ouellette
Bridesmaid
Sydney made the trek to Washington, DC in 2013 to attend American University. It wasn’t until she walked by a dorm room full of women, laughing and eating dried seaweed, that she realized she wasn’t in Kansas anymore. The first person to see her in the doorway was none other than Jennifer “Yen” Weippert. Turns out Sydney and Yen had a lot in common. Many sing-alongs, late-night wine, and DC shenanigans later and the Sexy Six (+ David and Spencer) - the greatest female group next to the Spice Girls - was born! It’s truly incredible to think about what it took to meet these people, and Sydney feels lucky for the love and friendship she is so fortunate to have. “F is for friends who do stuff together, U is for you and me, N is for anywhere, anytime at all, when you got Yen & Squidney”
Tony Smith
Best Man
Tony Smith grew up on the Jersey Shore and spent his undergraduate years and some time after in D.C. Currently he is an infantryman serving in Korea, as well as a science fiction writer. He first met Jake and Yenni his freshman year at American University and they quickly became best friends. He even had the privilege of calling Jake his roommate during their sophomore year. Jake and Yen have always been there for him, even from opposite sides of the world. He couldn't ask for better friends. Moreover, as a writer, he couldn't craft a better love story or a more perfect couple than Jake and Yenni. He still remembers the day Jake first told him that he liked Yen. He cannot wait for their wedding day and the next chapter in their lives.
Jackson Weippert
Groomsman
Hey there! My name is Jackson and I’m a musician currently living in Nashville, TN. I think it’s safe to say I’ve known the Bride all my life. From hiding and eating a whole bowl of cookie dough under the kitchen table, to performing together at school talent shows, Jen and I have been partners in crime since day one. She’s my older sister and I’m so proud of her, and happy for her and Jake. I know God has big plans for their future and I can’t wait to see everyone at the wedding!
Christian Weippert
Groomsman
My name is Christian and I’m the youngest of Jen’s 3 siblings. Since I am the youngest, it’s obvious I am the favorite. Jen and I have always been close, from Christmas shopping together and playing Wii sports. I am so proud of everything she has done and accomplished. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her and Jake. I can’t wait for the wedding and I expect all of you to be grooving on the dance floor!
Thomas Juliano
Groomsman
Hi everyone, I’m Tom! I’m originally from Long Island, New York and attended American University with Jen and Jake in 2013. After Jake joined the ROTC program, he and I became great friends. I then somehow convinced him to share an apartment with me beginning Junior year as well! From then on, I had a lot to thank Jen and Jake for. If it wasn’t for the two of them, I wouldn’t have met the two loves of my life. My fiancée Abbey... and whiskey. But seriously, I’m incredibly happy and honored to be part of their wedding and can’t wait for the big day!
Benjamin Ryan
Groomsman
Jake found Ben on Reeve's Field in late-2015 in rough shape. But after a few months of encouragement and early mornings, Ben was finally able to pass a fitness test and Jake could go back to sleep for two extra hours a week. They've been good friends ever since. Over the years, Jake has trained Ben to develop new skills such as: listening, basic navigation, and spending too much money on brown liquid campfire.
Nicholas Gonzalez
Groomsman
Nick currently lives in Minneapolis and is working for a software startup. In his free time he likes to hike, climb, snowboard and really do anything that will get him outdoors. Nick and Jake met while in high school at George school where they were two of four honorary boarding day students. Nick and Jake had the privilege of being co-captains on the football field as well as on the seven seas (well only on one of them but who’s counting).
Curtis Estes
Groomsman
Grew up a military brat, moving 13 times to 11 different states. Graduated from West Point in 2017 after boxing for 4 years, and winning a national championship. Immediately went into the army as an infantryman where I met Jake and graduated from Ranger school. Stationed at Fort Bragg where I met the love of my life and led a Rifle Platoon in Eastern Afghanistan for 9 months. Immediately married Lyndsey and took leadership of the Battalion Mortar Platoon. Looking forward to settling down in the DC area in the near future.
Jason Marshall
Groomsman
Hello! My name is Jason and I grew up as a kid in small-town, USA. I graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in marketing. Shortly afterwards, I commissioned Infantry and met Jake in I-BOLC. There we graduated with the finest platoon in the company, and I shared many memories with Jake in the field. We spent most of our days planning OPORDs, living life to the fullest and going to our favorite post-field hangout spot Bowleros. My fondest memory with Jake is smoking cigars and sipping whiskey while we all shaved our hair for Ranger School. Currently I serve as a tank executive officer, and I still carry on traditions we did as a team during I-BOLC. Jake is an awesome leader, a swell guy and truly wonderful friend to have.