Wedding Party
JESSICA LEWANDOWSKI
Bride
THOMAS POPE
Groom
MADDY ANDREWS
Maid of Honor
Jessica is so blessed to have met a best friend like Maddy. They met when dancing together, as the two newbies on the team. Maddy has been there for Jessica ever since Jess invited Maddy over after practice to go over choreography. This friendship became so special ever since. Jess and Mads would just drive around with the windows down singing I hate you, I love you. They would ride to school together every morning, Maddy would make Jess the best Cinnamon swirl bagels. They laughed and cried, and always supported each other in the decisions they made. Jess will never forget the time Maddy and her had to part so Jess could go to Purdue. It was a hard time for both of them, but they stayed close and visited each other often. Maddy has seen the relationship with Jessica and Thomas from the beginning. She knows how special their story is to them. Jessica is grateful to call Maddy her Maid of Honor. Jess cherishes having Maddy in her life and in her wedding.
JACOB COLE
Best Man
Thomas and Jacob first met at Boston middle school. That's back when people called Jacob "squeakers" and he was bricking layups on the basketball team while Thomas was splashing corner 3's. Their friendship greatly strengthened during high school. Jcole and Thomas would spend time together hacking it up on Briar Leaf golf course, hanging out at stop 2 on the beach, and playing video games. They would hangout almost everyday during the summer and try to find different ways to have fun in LaPorte. Jcole is a big reason why Thomas ended up with the nickname "Chad Pipe" in high school. Their time spent at Purdue together made them even closer, especially while being roommates freshman year. Jcole helped introduce Thomas to the rap music industry, which is now his favorite to listen to. From the frat lifestyle, to the bar life, to becoming adults, they have been through a lot together. Jcole is involved with many of Thomas's favorite high school and college memories. Thomas is grateful for this friendship and thrilled to call Jcole his best man.
ELLI HORVATH
Bridesmaid
Elli and Jess were in the same circle of dance friends in high school. At first, their friends were paired up in twos that all collectively came together to hang out in Jess's basement. They would sing, dance, and have a great time together. At that time, Jessica had no idea how important Elli would later become in Jess's life. Maddy and Elli are younger than Jess, so when Jess went off to Purdue, Maddy and Elli became closer. Fast forward to Maddy asking if she and Elli could come visit Jess at Purdue. That was when the ultimate trio began. Elli has seen Jess and Thomas's relationship from the start, she even gave Thomas a catchy nickname for awhile. Elli never fails to make Jessica die of laughter, she is the life of the party. Jessica will never tire of singing Mr. Brightside, annoying Thomas with JASON DERULO, and annoying El with "T-Pope is that youuuuuu". Jessica is so thankful for that Purdue visit that made her and El so close. She is so excited to have Elli standing by her side at the wedding.
ALEX DUDEK
Groomsman
Alex and Thomas became friends at Crichfield elementary school while causing trouble in Mr. Briggs's 4th grade class. They dominated together as a ring toss team the next year and went on to be champions of LaPorte. Their friendship grew during middle school when they played on the same basketball team and began to hangout outside of school. They had many heated ping pong matches (mostly won by Thomas). Thomas realized during high school how exciting and unpredictable it could be to spend time with Dudek. Alex would persuade Thomas to step outside of his comfort zone and try things that he normally wouldn't do. This influence led to some good and bad situations, all of which though turned out to be memorable and helped Thomas learn and grow as a person. The best summer of Thomas's life was when he worked with Dudek at Patriot Park after freshman year of college. It felt like each week brought a new unexpected adventure. Dudek was involved in nearly all of Thomas's best memories in Michigan City. Thomas is thankful to have been great friends with Dudek for so long.
SAM LEWANDOWSKI
Bridesmaid
Sam is Jessica's first cousin on her dad's side. Sam and Jess have always been close, even when they had their differences and disagreements. There are so many important core memories that Jessica has with Sam. Sam has seen Jessica through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Jessica cherishes having a family member like Sam in her life. Sam was like the sister Jessica never had. Being an only child definitely had an impact on how Jessica acted as a child, and Sam would pick on Jess like any sister would. Jess would throw temper tantrums and lock herself in the bathroom while Sam laughed at her from the other side of the door. Now Jessica laughs every time the story is told. Jessica will never forget the sleepovers at Grandma Kathy's house, going to Target to get a toy, Dunkin for breakfast, and walking to the playground down the road. She will forever remember the long weekends at the lake, the trip to Disney, and the road trip to Six Flags. When it comes to core memories, Sam has been a big part of Jessica's. Jess cannot wait for her to be apart of this one as well.
KOLE MATZKE
Groomsman
Kole and Thomas became friends at a young age through playing little league and travel baseball together. They went to different elementary and middle schools and didn't become close friends until high school. This is when Thomas realized how incredibly funny of a person that Kole is. It seemed like whenever Thomas was upset or going through a difficult time, he could rely on Kole to cheer him up. They spent so much time having intense ping pong matches (which Thomas almost always won) and discussing the current state and future of their Chicago sports teams (Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Sox). Kole helped originate Thomas's nickname "Chad Pipe". Thomas really enjoys spending time with Kole because he is great at creating fun and memorable experiences out of nothing. They were somehow able to make Kingsbury an enjoyable place to hangout. Kole's high school grad party was a legendary night that Thomas won't ever forget. Thomas feels very lucky to have a friend that he can always trust like Kole.
ALYSSA CARTER
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and Jessica have been friends for as long as Jess can remember. They began dancing together on a travel dance team, and have been close ever since. Jess has never ending memories with Alyssa. Alyssa never fails to make Jess laugh. One of Jess's favorite memories is when they made up choreography together to Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend" when Jess fell flat on her face. Jess will also never forget after dance competitions having sleepovers and doing make overs, the first high school party Jess took Alyssa to when she was in 8th grade, their road trip to Colorado and Nashville, the time Alyssa did a headstand kip up at karaoke, or the time they snuck to get "ice cream" and ended up on Cedar Lake. Which coincidently is now where Thomas and Jessica will get married. Jessica cannot wait to sing, dance, and laugh with Alyssa on her special day.
NIC LOPES
Groomsman
Nic and Thomas met their freshman year of college when they joined the same fraternity. They instantly clicked and Thomas knew right away that they would become great friends. They spent a lot of time together during freshman year helping each other adjust to college and fraternity life. Their friendship grew significantly during sophomore year while they were rooming together in the frat. Thomas recognized that Slopes is a unique person and much different than any of his other friends. They came to know each other very well by staying up late talking about random things that Slopes would usually bring up out of nowhere. Slopes began dating Natalie freshman year and Thomas was able to see their relationship grow throughout college. Something that Thomas will never forget is the Fort Lauderdale spring break trip that Slopes planned during sophomore year. Thomas is appreciative that he was able to meet Slopes at Purdue.
MADI TLAHUEXTL
Bridesmaid
Madi and Jess met at Purdue through Thomas. Madi and Thomas went to high school together, and little did they know that Jess would come along and be apart of both their lives. When Madi and Jess met, it was an instant friendship. Jess loved spending time with Madi at Harry's, drinking Vegas Bombs until Jess mad Madi sick of them, and going to White Sox's games. Madi and Jess spent multiple weekends together at the Maple House, where Thomas lived his senior year at Purdue, since Madi lived in walking distant from there. Jess can rely on Madi for a deep talk, a laugh, or even a good cry. Madi is always there for Jess when she needs her most. Jessica will never forget the time Madi invited Jess to the Sox game for the first time, and Jess was in bad shape. She couldn't find her wallet and did not think she was going to make a trip all the way from West Lafayette to Chicago. Flash forward a couple years, and we were back at that stadium, her with a HUSBAND, and Jess with a FIANCE, all grown up... Jess also will never forget Madi's bachelorette party in Florida, our trip to Palmer Lake, or Madi's beautiful wedding. Jess cannot wait for Madi to be apart of her wedding.
BRIAN PETERSON
Groomsman
Brian and Thomas met at the beginning of college due to joining the same fraternity. Their similar enjoyment of partying and watching/talking about basketball instantly led to a bond. They became much closer during sophomore year while being roommates. They spent a lot time hanging out at the fire pit and discussing what's going on in the NBA. Brian always knows how to have a good time and was involved with many of Thomas's favorite memories throughout college. Brian helped Thomas understand how important it is to live in the moment and appreciate the present. They have been to many unforgettable concerts and music festivals together. The two spring break trips they went on were some of the most fun weeks in Thomas's life. Since they met, Thomas has known that he can always hit up Brian to have a wild night. Thomas is excited to have Brian be a part of his special day.
HAILEY BOHLIN
Bridesmaid
Jessica and Hailey began their friendship how all great friendships start, not liking each other. They met in middle school, and have been close friends ever since. Hailey and Jess both had a love for music, they had choir together and also were on the middle school dance team. Jess will never forget the photoshoots they would take on her laptop, rocking out to You Belong With Me in Hailey's room, harmonizing to different songs, drinking dirt beer in Hailey's room, and switching off weekends to visit each other at their rival universities. One of Jess's favorite memories is being at Palmer Lake and going to Curly's. Jess and Hailey were singing along to music and screaming "HEY GOOGLE" to a water bottle. Which all took place on a random Thursday around 11AM. We are now well known at Curly's as "The Google Girls". Hailey and Jess have been through a lot together, and they have stuck by each other's side every time. Jess cannot wait to have Hailey and her little girl Lola Rose in her wedding.
MASON KOSIOR
Groomsman
Mason and Thomas have been friends since a very young age. They initially met through playing on the same basketball and baseball teams as youngins. They didn't attend the same school until high school. Their friendship grew substantially during those four years. They spent many hours playing Call of Duty zombies, Madden NFL, and NBA 2k. Mason was the leader of their intramural basketball team (dirty mike and the boys) that won back to back championships. The four years spent at Purdue together brought them even closer. They attended numerous tailgates, parties, and sports games together. Mason is one of the few people Thomas has met that shares the same passion for Purdue basketball and football. All of their time spent together in LaPorte and West Lafayette has led to so many awesome memories. Thomas greatly appreciates having a person like Mason by his side.
LAURA SEVERANCE
Bridesmaid
Laura is Jess's cousin on her father's side. Laura and Jess have always had a strong bond, and the family used to always say they were similar. Laura babysat Jess as a kid, and whenever she did, Jess would be sooo excited. Little did Jess know at the time, Laura would lay on the couch and just hang out, but Jess knew she was the coolest because Laura would let Jess put Spongebob tattoos on all over herself. Laura would do Jess's hair, give her advice on middle school/high school drama, and always has Jess's back. Jess thinks back on the time the family went to New Orleans for Laura's birthday, and both Jess and her were in rough shape the next day at brunch. Two peas in a pod. Jess cannot wait for Laura to be apart of her wedding day.
PEYTON RIEHLE
Groomsman
Peyton has been one of Thomas's best friends since he can even remember. They played baseball, basketball, and soccer together starting at a very young age. Their shared passion for having fun and being successful at sports instantly brought them close. They were on the same basketball and baseball teams basically every year from childhood all the way through high school. They also attended the same school their whole lives from elementary through college. Peyton and Thomas have seen each others lives develop from about the age of five until now. They have always been there for one another, during the good times and bad. They have been through so much together, from running around the neighborhood as young kids, to graduating college and becoming adults. Thomas is so happy to have been friends with Peyton for such a long time.
HALEY JOYNER
Bridesmaid
The first time Haley and Jess met was at the Purdue Union to bowl at Purdue. Haley was friend with one of Jess's close friends, Nick, and he had invited her to bowl with us one night. Haley then started dating another friend in our friend group, Kyle, and started hanging out with the gang frequently. Kyle and Thomas were in the same fraternity, so Jess and Hals spent a lot of time together at different functions like formals, date nights, and parties. Once Jess and Hals got to know each other better, they became close. Jess and Haley would spend their time at concerts, festivals, and days on the lake. Jess will never forget to trip to Fort Lauderdale her senior year with Haley. This was when everything started to shut down due to Covid, so we had to make due with what we could. We would fine places to go that were still open, until they shut everything down. Then we partied at the hotel, which was even more fun that going out. Jessica also remembers the time Haley drove all the way to see Jess at her lake, and there was a bad storm. Haley eventually made it and Jess ended up falling asleep early that night... Sorry Hals!! Jess is so thankful that she met Hals. By the time Thomas and Jess get married, Hals and Kyle will be married as well! Time flies when you are having fun!
NOAH MATHIAS
Groomsman
Noah and Thomas have been friends for nearly their entire lives. They were on the same T ball team when they both starting playing baseball around the age of 5. Their shared love for the game immediately produced a strong bond. They also played basketball together for many years as kids. At times, Noah's house almost felt like a second home for Thomas while growing up since he spent so much time there. They spent endless hours grinding away on Mario Kart and Little League World Series on the Wii, NBA2k my team on Xbox, swimming in the pool, and balling it up in the driveway. Noah was there for the majority of Thomas's favorite childhood memories, such as dominating little league on the Titans. In high school, they had a lot of fun rooting on LaPorte's football and basketball teams together. Their baseball journey continued all the way through high school, and then Noah even went on to play college baseball. Thomas appreciates having such an important longtime friend like Noah in his life.
NATALIE RODEGHIER
Bridesmaid
Jess and Natalie became friends through Thomas. Thomas and Natalie's boyfriend, Slopes, were in the same fraternity and are great friends. Jess knew she liked Natalie instantly. They hung out at a date function together, and had a blast. Then, Natalie and Jess were both on spring break for Jess's senior year, and they had a great time. Jess will never forget seeing Post Malone at Lolapalooza together, looking at the Chicago skyline from the roof of the corn cob buildings, lakes days, and their random hang out downtown when we got pizza with my mom while she was on her lunch break. Jess and Natalie got closer, then she moved to Texas. This gave Thomas and Jess an opportunity to go visit Nat and Slopes. They had a great time, went to a basketball game, a fun night out to a couple of hot spots, and some great nights at dinner. Jess and Thomas are so excited to have both Natalie and Nic in our wedding!
MARSHALL SMITH
Groomsman
Marshall and Thomas became friends during summer basketball workouts before freshman year of high school. Marshall went to elementary and middle school in New Prairie, but then decided to attend high school at LaPorte. Their paths actually crossed many times before this point. They faced off against each other quite a few times through youth basketball and baseball (Thomas's teams were victorious in most of these matchups). They got to finally know each other once Marshall became the new kid at LPHS. Playing basketball and baseball together during freshman year was the beginning of their friendship. They started to spend a lot of time together outside of school and sports. They would put in work on MW2 infected mode and black ops 2 zombies. Thomas blew Marshall out plenty of times on the ping pong table. Sharing a love for Purdue sports, they have sweated out plenty of close and stressful Boiler basketball and football games. Thomas is ecstatic to have Marshall as a groomsmen.
PAIGE POPE
Bridesmaid
Paige is Thomas's older sister. Jessica is looking forward to calling Paige her sister-in-law, and is grateful to have Paige in her wedding party. Jess enjoys spending time with Paige when they get the chance to. Jess will not forget the time that her and Thomas helped move Paige and Connor into their new place in Chicago. Jess always has a great time when they get together at family events to play different board games. Paige always finds the best games to play, and Jess get into them every time. Paige and Jess are both planning weddings, which has been super exciting to chat about with one another. Jessica is excited to see what plans Paige has not only for her wedding, but where she ends up living next. Paige is a traveler, which Jess has always found awesome about Paige. Jess cannot wait to see what Paige does and visit her where ever she goes. Jess is excited to be sharing similar experiences with Paige, and cannot wait to be apart of the family.
NATE CUNNINGHAM
Groomsman
Nate was actually friends with Jess before Thomas even met him. Jess and Nate attended summer start before their freshman year at Purdue and formed a friend group during that time. Coincidentally, Nate and Thomas ended up joining the same fraternity the next year. They formed a connection almost right away through their shared enjoyment of music, video games, and partying. Even though Nate is one year older, he and Thomas had an abundance of terrific memories during their three years at Purdue together. They have gone to many lit music festivals and concerts together. Nate has helped expand Thomas's music taste by opening him up to the world of EDM music. It is now Thomas's second favorite music genre behind rap. Thomas always enjoys going to visit Nate during the summer at his lake house. Anybody would be lucky to have a nice and reliable friend like Nate in their lives.
NATALIE MCMAHAN
Bridesmaid
Natalie is Thomas's oldest sister, and Jess is so excited to get to call Natalie her sister-in-law. Jess will never forget the day Natalie found out she was pregnant. They were all suppose to go on a hike, and she was running late to meet up with us. At the time, Jess did not know Natalie well because Thomas and Jess had only been dating for a bit at this time. Natalie came over with multiple tests so excited that they all came back positive. Jess was so happy to be apart of such a special memory. Jess will also never forget that Natalie was there at Palmer Lake when Thomas proposed. She was the mastermind behind saying she wanted to get photos of Thomas, Jess, Easton, and Rhys all together since it was their first time at the lake. Little did Jess know, Thomas would get down on one knee and ask her to marry him that day. Jess is so appreciative that Natalie was there for that day. Jess is so grateful to have Natalie in her wedding party on her special day.
KYLE TILLEY
Groomsman
Kyle was also friends with Jess before Thomas came into the picture. He was apart of their friend group from summer start and then ended up joining the same fraternity as Thomas, too. Kyle and Nate both deserve some credit for helping Thomas and Jess find each other. Kyle and Thomas have created many fantastic memories together. They would both enjoy causing mayhem at the house, throwing down at the bars, and hanging out while playing video games or listening to music. Kyle has a valuable ability to come up with unique drinking games to play. He was a big influence on Thomas's developed enjoyment of EDM music. They have been to multiple unforgettable concerts and festivals together. Thomas will never forget their times at moonrise, snake pit, lollapalooza, or both of the spring break trips. Kyle is a fun and exciting person to be around. Thomas is thrilled to have him be apart of the wedding.
NATE KNABLE
Bridesman
Knable and Jess have been friends since they started the summer program "Summer Start" at Purdue in 2016. Jess will never forget walking around campus and running into Knable for the first time. Jess was with her roommate who told Jess, "that's the guy from the Purdue Facebook page!" Nate was famous from the start, they walked up and asked him for his snapchat. Little did Jess know at this time, Knable would become someone so important in Jess's life. Jess has an absurd amount of memories with Knable, including our trips to the food courts, Knable yelling outlandish things that embarrassed Jess in public, our trips to Dunkin, T-Bell 12 plz, Hilly B brunch, studying in Pipers, our road trip to Laudy, and last trips to Drunkdonald's. Jess will always remember going to visit Knable in New York every summer. The one summer, Jess was on the way to visit and forgot her purse in the Uber... TYPICAL JESS MOVE. She missed her first flight, then the second one got delayed. Jess did not end up in New York until 1AM. By the time she finally got to Knable, we stopped for a drink at a bar down the road. Now it is tradition to grab a drink every time our flights land for at least a one "hoorah we made it". Jess had endless memories with Knable, and she is very thankful that Thomas and him became friends through her as well. Jess is beyond thankful Knable agreed to be her Bridesman.
JAKE MCMAHAN
Groomsman
Jake is Thomas's brother-in-law. He married Thomas's older sister Natalie in 2018. Jake has been in Thomas's life ever since he began dating Natalie while they were in high school. Thomas and Jake have gotten to know each other well from spending so much time together all of these years. Thomas always enjoys discussing happenings in the sports world with Jake (even though he is a IU basketball and Notre Dame football fan). Thomas looks forward to the times he visits Jake and Natalie's house in New Carlisle, especially now since they have two baby boys (Easton and Rhys). Thomas is glad to have his brother-in-law as a groomsmen.
MATTHEW MEYER
Bridesman
Matt and Jess became friends through Thomas. Jess knew her and Matt would be friends when they all went to spring break in 2020. Matt and Jess didn't know each other well yet, but Matt stuck up for Jess when some guy was being disrespectful to her. Then, Thomas's senior year, he and Matt became roommates at the infamous "Maple House". This is when Jess and Matt started becoming closer friends. As many of you know, Jess loves to play match maker. Jess told Thomas's roommates about her single friend, Elli. Elli and Matt starting dating not too long after that time. Jess will never forget the time that Thomas and Matt were having people at the Maple House for Halloween. Jess and Elli specifically said to keep it small (since the pandemic was a thing at this time) and that did not happen. Thomas, Jess, Matt, and Elli all ended up with Covid. They all quarantined together for 14 days, sicker than dogs. Jess and Matt never tire of annoying Elli with the saying "T-Pope is that youuuu". Jess relies on Matt to be the last one up at a party to chat, to have a massive amounts of Titos on hand, and to annoy him to get up at 6pm the next day to party again. Jess is so thankful to have Matt as a Bridesman.
CONNOR PODKUL
Groomsman
Connor is engaged to Thomas's other older sister, Paige. They have been together for about 15 years, so Thomas and Connor have gotten to know each other well over that time. While Thomas was in high school and trying to decide what career path to take, Connor introduced him to the turf management and science major at Purdue. Ever since then, Thomas has been fully invested in the turf industry as a career path. Connor is a big reason why Thomas is on his way to becoming a successful golf course superintendent. Thomas enjoys anytime he gets to spend with Connor and they get to catch up on what's new in life or what's going on with their sports teams. Thomas is excited to have his future brother-in-law be a part of the wedding.