Jessica & John
Wedding Party
Brandi Marinko
Maid of Honor
Brandi and I met in elementary school, where she lived just blocks away from, and would always invite me over for the most imaginative play dates ever! From creating haunted houses in her basement, to beautified sleepovers, movie nights, game days -- she was an organizer and planner to her core. Time with her was always an adventure! As we grew (and not uncommon) our personalities diverged and we went separate ways in high school although keeping a connection with our involvement in the school newspaper. Our BFF status was rekindled in a chance encounter on a bus ride from St.Charles to the University of Illinois our sophomore year in college. From then on, it was like we never parted. We have shared so many memories and so much history. She is one of a kind! My soul sister at its core.
Charles Neukuckatz
Best Man
Charlie is my big brother and my best friend. I was his best man and he is now mine, and I wouldn't have it any other way. He was always there to support me and give me crap basically my whole life. Even as a Bears fan he will go with me to Indianapolis annually, and sometimes more to go to Colts games. That is how good he is as a brother and a friend. I can always talk to him about anything, much to my Mom's/Jessica's/Vicki's chagrin. Sometimes they all say we have our own language, which is kinda true since we share so many similar interests and opinions. I am so happy he is apart of our day as well as Vicki (his wife) and Alex (his son), it is truly special.
Lexi D'Amore
Bridesmaid
I'd like to start by saying I am blessed enough to have my sister-in-law as one of my dearest friends. Our story began when I was lucky enough to be a part of the key events leading up to moment when her and Eric would meet at University of Illinois through mutual friends! It was kismet that they meet, and from there I watched as my brother fell in love with wonderful woman. Since then we have shared so many memories. We have traveled on family vacations from weekend getaways all the way to Italy! We have celebrated birthdays, weddings, gradations, fought illnesses and mourned the loss of loved ones. She has supported me and my family in so many ways. She has been a rock. I am sincerely grateful to God for blessing us with her kind spirit and look forward to the new memories to come.
Eric D'Amore
Groomsman
Eric is Jessica's little brother (well not really hahah) and my future brother in law. I couldn't think of a better person to do so. Eric is probably reliable person I know, he is always helping somebody out and he doesn't do it like begrudgingly like me. I am excited to continue to get to know him even more with him as we get older. I was honored to be a small part of Eric and his wife Lexi's wedding last year, and I am so glad Eric is able to stand up in my wedding.
Marlys Westermeier
Bridesmaid
Marlys and I were both hired together at Brandmuscle in Chicago. Looking back on it, neither can't pinpoint what triggered us to become such fast friends -- since we were only in one week of training together -- I merely attribute it to the fact that she was just one of those people who upon meeting, I felt as though we had always been lifelong friends. 4 years later, Marlys and I share not only in our life's joys and woes, but our similar creative drive have allowed us to work together in our pursuit of owning our own businesses. It has been such a blessing to have someone more organized and as motivated to help push my creative dreams to be a reality. I can't imagine my life without all the originality, travel, stories, and color she has brought to it now!
Nick Sgarioto
Groomsman
Nick is my cousin and has been one my best friends since we were little. Now that we both live in the city, we have become even closer. Nick is never shy or skittish when it comes to talking to people or having fun, he is usually my first call when it comes to doing something. I have never had a bad time with Nick, he is always optimistic and looks for positives. Jessica has grown to love hanging out with Nick as well, which is why we are so glad he will be a part of our special day.
Sarah Terry
Bridesmaid
Ms. Sarah Terry and I met when we were assigned as dorm roommates my freshman year in college. We were 2 out of 4 girls living together where we easily meshed given Sarah's out-going, lively, and impressively responsible personality! Sarah was a foreign exchange student from England -- and being older -- she was ready to conquer all that U of I had to offer. She invited me a long on all of her adventures and introduced me to all the people she met along the way. Being worldly, she showed me new perspectives and cultures beyond that of suburban Illinois. Being family oriented as well, she made the effort to get to know my family. Once the year ended and she returned to England, we continued to stay in contact via new age technology. Sarah is an pilot and also owns a beautiful horse, Piper!
Tim Kehl
Groomsman
Timmy is my cousin, but I actually think of him as my little brother. He was always getting beaten up by me and Charlie growing up, but somehow he still liked us. Tim always used to claim Sanctuary to us (from Hunchback of Notre Dame) and we ignored it. He is literally immune to my barrage of crap I give him still, which is so maddening to me, as it just rolls off him. But Tim is probably the nicest person I know, and is always just so genuine. I couldn't imagine not having him stand up with me on my wedding day.
Ellen Gobeille
Bridesmaid
Ellen and I became great friends while deskmates during my time at Brandmuscle in Chicago. We would divulge details of our personal lives to pass the time, meanwhile providing graphic design advice to help each other grow creatively. We shared a love for fitness, which we bonded over when we both joined a gym nearby to work! We would take our lunch hour to workout, relieve our mental stresses, and earn our calories for the day. We motivated each other get in the best shape of lives! Although life has taken us in different directions, I cherish those times we had to grow stronger mentally and physically together! Ellen is easily one the the most tolerant and relaxed person I know. She has really taught me the value of letting go of my ancillary stresses and just enjoying life! Thanks lady!
Sheldon Dsouza
Groomsman
Sheldon is probably the most interesting person I know. I remember when I first started working with him, I was like who is this guy? But I thought he was hilarious and he ended up being one of my best friends. We have such different interests, but i think that is why we are so close. Sheldon and I share a genuine intrigue in new and different things, and that is what kind of fueled our friendship. It sucks that he now lives on the coast in California, but I am happy for him and that he is with us for our wedding day. If you want a good conversation that will keep you on your toes, please talk to him!!
Rachael Dallke
Bridesmaid
Rach and I go way back to middle school where we shared the same group of 8 close-knit friends! Most of us played on the school volleyball team (Brandi too) which is where I like to think the tight roots of our friendship stemmed. From there we shared most major milestones, from the awkwardness of school dances, to first boy-girl parties, first break-ups, first kisses, first relationships, homecoming, drivers ed, ACTs, college visits, etc. It was was one happy/crazy ride! Rach would go North Carolina on a volleyball scholarship, so we were apart for most of college. That didn't stop us from weekly phone calls where I gradually heard about the man she would eventually marry. I got the honor of standing beside her on her wedding day, and I couldn't be happier for her do the same on mine.
Paul Schanding
Groomsman
Paul has been my best buddy from UT. We used to carpool a lot by meeting in Indiana halfway when we were in school. Now Paul is always traveling somewhere or moving for work in a new location. But he has always been a constant friend and always keeps in touch. He has been all over the world and will provide a very entertaining conversation anytime you talk to him. I am glad he is coming from Colorado to be apart of our wedding party he is a necessary addition.