Julia & James
Wedding Party
Gabrielle Keenan
Maid of Honor
Gabby is my younger sister. Even though we spent a significant amount of our adolscent years feuding (what sisters dont) I am so happy that we have come back to each other as adults. I love you Gaberdeenie! We are so excited that she will be celebrating this special day with us!
Jacqueline Hermanson
Maid of Honor
Jackie is my longest friend. We met in 5th grade when I transferred to Oakland Elementary School in Lake Villa, Illinois. Since then she has become family. We have supported each other through high school dance team, college while I was at University of Illinois and she was at University of Missouri, and finally post-grad in Chicago. Jackie encourages me to live my best (healthy) life and has been my best friend through everything.
Marta Ortiz
Bridesmaid
Marta is my best friend from college and perpetual, 3-time roommate. We met during sophomore year in the sorority when we were both exiled from our former roommates and thus forced to live together. Looking back I wouldnt have had our friendship blossom in any other way! Marta is my pop-culture gossiping, my wine/craft beer drinking, and muscial-loving best friend. I love you MO! Thank you for being here for this day!
Alexis Koth
Bridesmaid
Alexis is my best friend from high school. Since graduation in 2011 she, Katie, Jackie and I have kept an extremely close relationship. Alexis and I share memories of high school parties, country thunder escapades, 16th birthday parties, and more. She has become someone I consistently lean on because she is so intelligent, patient, and kind. I am so happy that we re-connected after college graduation because I know our friendship will last forever. <3 PK!
Katie Chrapla
Bridesmaid
Katie is another one of my childhood friends. I met her in 6th grade at Antioch Upper Grade during recess. At that time she stood about 4'8'' and weighed maybe 75lbs... she introduced herself by confidentally proclaiming, "Hey I'm Katie, ya bastards!" and we've been friends ever since. Katie is one of my most adventurous and ambitous friends. She encourages me to take risks (whether she knows it or not) and to demand my worth in the workplace. I love you Kate! I am so happy to have you with me during this time!
Atalie Delgado
Bridesmaid
Out of all of my friends, Atalie is special to me because she understands the passion and dedication it takes to push yourself for your career. Atalie, like James and I, is currently in graduate school so she understands the long hours, time away from family and friends, and "grind" that we deal with everyday. However, Atalie is unique because instead of complaining like I often do, she tells me to sit down, shutup, and get to work. To me Atalie is a constant reminder of the power of perseverance because not only is she an amazing friend, she is an amazing student, sister, and girlfriend as well. I cant wait to celebrate this day with you AT, thank you for always grounding me!
Emily Findling
Bridesmaid
Like Marta, Atalie, Brittany, and Emily - Findling as I call her- and I are all sorority girl drop-outs. Findling was one of the first friends I met on bid day and we hit it off immediately. She is so energetic, funny, and down to earth. Since college and graduation she, along with the other ladies in my bridal party, has been a consistent support system and amazing friend. Thank you FIN for always hosting the parties, for encouraging our group to relax, and for always challenging my worldview with your insightful perspective on life.
Brittany Mote
Bridesmaid
Last but not least is Brittany, or BTB as she is lovingly refered to. Brittany, is also one of my closest friends from college/ my sorority. Over the years Brittany has truly demonstrated friendship through the her extension of family to me. Brittany has had me over to her home to celebrate Christmas, birthdays, and even Father's Day. She exudes the true meaning of sisterhood and I am so happy that she will be there to celebrate with James and I!
Max Marno
Best Man
Max has been my best friend ever since high school. From always trying to help me through school to bailing me out of certain situations. Through everything, Max has always been there with me and I could not imagine going through the future adventures without him.
Ryan Dyer
Candle Lighter
As the wedding's Official Candle Lighter, Julia and I are proud to announce my best and special friend Ryan Dyer. Ryan and I were notorious for being kicked out of study hall because one of us would start laughing and neither of us could stop. There is no one I would rather have light the candles at my wedding than Ryan Dyer.
Ryan Mcconnell
Groomsman
Ryan and I grew up ski racing together. Over the years, we spent more time together than we spent at home or in school. There is hardly a memory I have of my life that Ryan is not involved in. Between the ski races, the country concerts, the trips over seas, there wasn't much that Ryan and I didn't do together over the years. Ryan is one of my best friends and a brother to me and couldn't imagine getting married without him.
Brant Crossan
Groomsman
Oh Brant. Brant is one of the greatest friends anyone could ask for. Every time we meet up, I will always get a big bear hug and he goes on and on about how much he missed me. The fact that Max and I were able to bring him to his FIRST high school party and then only to be ditched by him later that night is one of a million great memories we have together. I am honored to have him stand up there next to me and look forward to having a best friend like him around for the rest of my life.
Lars Johnson
Groomsman
Lars has become one of my best friends over the years. I can recall waking up in his van down by the river over the summer days and laughing about what we got into the night before. Lars is always around to have a good time and he never turns down a chance to meet up with friends to share a memory or two. I am grateful for being able to call Lars one of my best friends and excited to have him stand next to me on the special day.
Erik Eckberg
Groomsman
Erik and I met in college. It didn't take long before Erik felt more like a brother to me than just a friend. We soon became roommates at "the Border" and then later we lived together at his house. We would spend countless hours talking and playing darts in his garage. I don't think I could have made it through my final year of college without Erik being there with me. I am honored to have Erik stand by my side on the special day.
Dayton Reese
Groomsman
Dayton is officially my nephew but has always felt more like a little brother. I have enjoyed being able to witness Dayton growing up and watching him succeed. I am very proud of everything Dayton has accomplished already, and look forward to watching him further into his life. I am honored to have Dayton stand by my side as my favorite nephew.