Wedding Party
Danielle
Maid of Honor
Dan, Rachel's younger sister (by 13 months), is a PA in Las Vegas where she lives with her husband, James, and our Godson, Noah! Dan distinguishes herself with a lucky streak that most notably includes winning a car at a USD basketball game. Considers french onion dip a food group. Single handedly cooks Thanksgiving dinner each year.
Sam
Best Man
John's younger brother followed the DU path at U of I and now has a golf carting crew in St. Louis with wife, Hayley, and pups, Bradley and Maggie. Established Belleville's laser tag/movie theater/arcade/go kart bar as a Thanksgiving tradition.
Kait
Bridesmaid
Rachel's big sis. Rachel & Kait went to USC together where they majored in Neuroscience & laughed more than studied in the few courses they managed to take together. An expert in all things beauty and gardening, Kait has a big heart and an even bigger laugh.
Ryan
Groomsman
"Shea" is an Illini, DU, and koozie enthusiast. Shea was John's roommate at their self-named bachelor pad "The Shed" and essentially introduced the couple. Every Mom's favorite, he goes by many nicknames based on the circumstances, including "Mr. Old Fashioned" and "Sheacation."
Allie
Bridesmaid
A party planner extraordinaire, with connections in every major city, Allie boasts an impressive resume not limited to: completed a hike in Palm Springs, is a twin, licensed drone operator, and split a 12 pack of brats @ a 4th of July party with Rachel.
Tom
Groomsman
Another Illini/DU (and Northwestern*) alum, this six-lettered groomsman raises a yearly banner as a fantasy football "participant." Always a good time at a concert. Won over Allie's love with his chili recipe.
Ariana, Jessica, Alison
Bridesmaids
Answer to "Glam Girls." Rachel met Ari, Alison (aka AK), & Jess at Skokie Hospital, working with them as PA's in Orthopedic Surgery. Our TPM (texts per minute) frighten our fiances/husbands. Ari: Rach's brunch bestie & forever side-of-fry splitter. Lives with her fiance, Brandon, in West Town. Mom to mini wiener dog, Hazel, and tortie cat, B. Rachel's mom remains unconvinced she's not a model. Jess: Speaks French, probably eats a loaf of homemade bread/week, beat Shea in a power-walking race. Lives with her husband, Owen, in River North. AK: Rachel's tiniest, giggliest girlie. AK taught Rachel how to reduce and splint a femur on her first day of work. I'm not sure if there was more plaster on our scrubs or the patient. AK lives with her husband, Jason, in West Loop.
Steve aka Raz
Groomsman
This occasional vegan and consistent hypochondriac is another DU/Illini alum, as well as a reluctant cat daddy and eager party starter. Raz is John's long-time duet partner for Ja Rule's "Mesmerize" and has his own trivia show - "What Does Raz Think?"
Meryl
Bridesmaid
Paradise Valley, AZ transplant to Chicago. Meryl's condo, Casa de Fox, is a Chicago hotspot that John & Rachel frequent. 90's music at MAX volume, trendy libations, and a possible tornado spotting from her balcony “fill our cup"!
Phil & Mark
Groomsman
Two of John's oldest friends since grade school. Phil: Save for a year trying to make it in LA (definitely not cliche), lived within a few blocks of John from their childhood in Belleville through their college graduation in Champaign. Dude, you've had your turn with the "Graduation" CD for the last 15 years. You said we would share it. Mark: Better known by his last name "Roche" since his time with John at Blessed Sacrament, this Notre Dame fan's love for singing Jordin Spark's "No Air" with John is far more real than Lennay Kekua. His level-headedness rightly curbed many high school schemes.
Jill & Britt
Bridesmaids
Jill : Nextdoor neighbors and inseparable since age 2. Lover of "Chips & Soda." Anaheim Ducks superfan. Boasts impressive sleuthing aptitude. Dyed Rachel’s hair purple in college. Jill lives with her fiance, James, in SoCal. Britt: Best friends since 2nd grade and Rachel's fellow soccer star. She has an alter-ego named Trish. Britt lives in San Diego with her husband, Anthony, and their baby boy, Hendrick.
Preston
Groomsman
Having met John through mutual friend, Henry, at U of I, Preston became a close friend during his time as a Chicago "Creteur" and started off each Saturday "hot and fresh out the kitchen" with two frozen pizzas. Someone convince him to move back from NYC.
Nicole
Bridesmaid
Northwestern PA school besties. CYO "handful" lip liner brand ambassadors. Nic lives in Boston with her husband, Jim, and their two boys, Hank and Colt. Dog mom to rescue pup, Buck. GBA (God Bless America) vibes at all times.
Jake
Groomsman
Spent his time as an Illini/DU making films that critics described as "brilliant trolling." Welcomed baby boy, Luke, with his wife, Sarah, the day after celebrating an Illini March Madness victory. Has traveled with John throughout the states and Europe.
Ashley
Bridesmaid
Michael’s better half and Pootie’s favorite, Ash has a way of making all of her friends become friends with each other. Spotted out on the town in an iconic power pantsuit with a dark lip or a loud array of U. of Michigan apparel, Ash truly epitomizes the duality of the Chicago woman.
Michael
Groomsman
Illini/DU bagpipe player who since turned that lung capacity into karaoke gold. "Smanny" can be found walking Pootie in his finest track suit with his wife, Ashley. His infectious laugh and quick wit make him "Popular" with everyone.
Adam
Groomsman
DU brother. Emphasizes good times. Never missed a fun vacation. New dad (soon). Illini from day one. Separate Entirely.
Andrew
Officiant
Rachel's brother - and attempted peacekeeper for his trio of sisters. Andrew can be found by the pool in between work meetings or on the golf course, but either way he'll be rocking a gold chain. Always makes sure to highlight his stocked mini fridge when giving his house tour.