Wedding Party
Alexis
Maid of Honor
Alexis and Kelly have known each other forever, which means they’ve spent years switching between being best friends and fighting over “borrowed” clothes. Some of Alexis’ favorite memories with Kelly involve laughing uncontrollably at things that probably were not funny to anyone else. As they’ve gotten older, Kelly has become not just Alexis’ little sister, but one of the people Alexis knows she’ll always laugh with, lean on, and do life alongside. Alexis is so excited to celebrate Kelly and Justin and cannot wait to watch her little sister marry someone who loves her so well.
David
Best Man
David and Justin have known each other since they were kids — starting out as hockey rivals before becoming teammates and best friends. Their friendship expanded beyond the rink into years of ghost hunting adventures, reckless golf cart driving, and plenty of stories probably better left untold. Whether living miles apart or together in the apartment above Good Day Cafe, they have stayed close through every stage of life. David’s loved watching Justin and Kelly build a life together and especially enjoys seeing them become close with his wife and kids. He cannot wait to celebrate in Chicago with everyone.
Rachel
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Kelly’s friendship began when they were the only two on their college dorm floor to see the disastrous 2016 blizzard as an opportunity for fun. It’s been a decade of giggles and adventures along the way as she was lovingly embraced by the Phares family (the feeling is mutual). The two pursued broadcast journalism together and continue to encourage each other in the face of life, sassy cats, and more fun to come.
Thomas
Groomsman
Thomas and Justin met 16 years ago during training camp for the Gwinnett Gladiators, a minor league team in the ECHL. They've shared countless hockey memories together, but one of the best was in 2025 when Thomas' team, the Florida Panthers, won the Stanley Cup and he and Justin were able to raise the trophy together. Thomas is honored to stand by Justin and Kelly's side as they say 'I do' and he can't wait to meet all the other amazing people in their lives.
Shannon
Bridesmaid
Shannon and Kelly first met when they both went on their 8th grade trip to DC and became instant friends. They bonded over their love of the White Sox and Blackhawks attending too many games to count. Whether in the same city or hundreds of miles apart their friendship has seen many adventures and memories. Shannon can't wait for another chapter of new stories with both Kelly and Justin.
Stephen
Groomsman
Stephen met Justin in 2019 while shadowing in the oral surgery clinic at dental school. Justin noticed Stephen was eager to learn, so he coached him through extracting his very first tooth. It was the root of a strong friendship. From day one Justin was helping Stephen “pull” through. Since then, Justin has been a great trivia teammate, housemate, colleague, and friend. Stephen is most excited to celebrate two close friends starting the rest of their lives together, and he’s looking forward to a wedding day full of love, laughter, and plenty of smiles.
Sarah
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Kelly met nearly 10 years ago when Kelly invited Sarah on a "sisterhood date" in hopes of finding a big in their sorority. They sat in near-total silence studying at the campus Starbucks, and somehow both left knowing they’d be in each other’s lives forever. From Naperville “deck parties” and trips to Centennial Beach, to countless nights out in DC, Sarah and "K-Dawg" have stood by each other through so many of life’s big and small moments. Now, Sarah gets to stand beside Kelly as she marries her best friend — and there is truly nowhere else she would rather be.
Kevin
Groomsman
Kevin has known Kelly for all 26 years of his life and he met Justin 5 years ago. From experience, Kevin knows that while Kelly is an absolute joy, she can also be… interesting to live with and he appreciates that Justin rolls with the punches. Nothing makes Kevin happier than seeing Kelly with someone who not only supports her dreams but perfectly complements her ambition and ability to achieve them. While Kevin is excited to officially welcome his first brother into the family (it's nice to have another guy around), he is even more excited to watch Kelly and Justin build a life together — one that is sure to be every bit as incredible as they are.