Joel & Della
Wedding Party
Colleen Gadel
Maid of Honor
Colleen and I met on the very first day of college at UW Madison- Badgers for life! We've stayed close over the years and enjoy traveling together including a Mediterranean cruise to celebrate ten years of friendship.
Ryan Bennett
Best Man
Ryan is my older brother. Growing up, he was always my best friend, mentor and protector when I needed him to be. As adults, we've only become closer and along with Kristen, I feel blessed to have amazing siblings I can also call my closest friends.
Kristen Bennett
Bridesmaid
Kristen was the first of the Bennetts that I was introduced to. I immediately started referring to her as "my new friend" and we've only gotten closer since sipping on our first cocktails at Lost Lake.
Eric Conway
Groomsman
I met Conway in 2013 playing Australian Rules Football for the Chicago Swans. While my time on the team only lasted another season, our friendship was just getting started. Since then, Conway has consistently been one of my closest friends, always there to listen as I've made some of the big decisions in my life.
Sam Breen
Bridesmaid
Sam and I met during medical school. She is always up for an adventure no matter how crazy! We had a blast together on a medical trip to Nicaragua and spent countless fun nights out together in Chicago.
Katsu Shinsako
Groomsman
Katsu and I met in 2013 running a Tough Mudder, but it was until 2016 until we really started to get to know each other. Since then, Kevin has become one of my most dependable friends, always there to help out no matter the circumstances.
Chella Bhagyam
Bridesmaid
Chella and I met during the first week of medical school. We sat next to each other during almost every lecture since, and I couldn't have gotten through those four years without her friendship.
Ryan Cull
Groomsman
My first real memory with Cull is when he dressed up in a full chicken costume as a "chick magnet" for halloween. Our friendship really solidified as he helped save my life in St. Thomas. Cull always knows how to help me out when I'm in trouble, it helps that he's a lawyer (I'm surprised he hasn't charged me a retainer fee.)
Elise Mester
Bridesmaid
Elise and I are co-residents in our family medicine program at Geisinger. I am so lucky to have a friend like her by my side as we navigate the challenges of residency.
Rory Layton
Groomsman
Rory was my college roommate junior year at Loyola. Our friendship has endured over the years despite the fact that we haven't lived in the same for most of them, let alone the same country. Rory has always accepted me for who I am and always encouraged me to be myself.
The Knoops
Officiant and Ring Maker
Joel met Henry and Jess in 2013 and they have always been a second family to him. Della first met them in Cooperstown for a Thanksgiving dinner (now tradition) and upon meeting her, they both told Joel that she was the missing piece in his life. Henry will be the wedding officiant and Jess made the beautiful rings that will forever represent our love. We are so happy that both of them are playing such an important role in our wedding.