Wedding Party

Erin Bellie

Bridesmaid

Kelli and Erin met in 2009, but it was in 2011 during junior year Journalism that they bonded over the fact that they were both very much not cut out for a career in journalism. Their friendship continued to strengthen when Kelli joined the bowling team. Erin was Varsity Captain for two years and Kelli was... not.  They participated in various theatre productions, music classes, and nearly failed AP Bio together. These adventures paved the way for a beautiful friendship.

Sarah Brzezinski

Bridesmaid

Berto's Deli is one of my favorite places to go when I visit Downers Grove. In addition to yummy sandwiches and amazing cannolis, it will always hold a special place in my heart as the place where my friendship with Kelli started. We had always been aware of each other through our mutual friends in High School, but the official connection happened at Berto's after school during our Sophomore year. It was just a small group that went out, so social interaction was inevitable. Since then, we have become the closest of friends. One of our favorite activities to do together is play board games. It was on one of these game nights that Kelli introduced me to Joel. I am so grateful to have such a gem of a person in my life and I am thrilled to be able to be a part of her special day with Joel!

Jack Collins

Groomsman

Jack met Joel while staying at Taylor University to watch Taylor's annual tradition: Airband. During his visit, he stayed at Swallow Robin dorm with Joel and his roommates. He is sure there will be more visits now that Joel's new roommate will be his sister!

Jameson Cunningham

Groomsman

Jameson has known Joel longer than most, meeting him for the first time at the hospital. The 5.5 year gap in between brothers ensured the older brother (Jameson) usually had the upper hand in games and wrestling, while the younger (Joel) retained youngest child privileges. Family Guy, Star Wars, U2 and Lord of the Rings are shared loves, while Joel owns the Chicago sports aficionado trophy.

Erin Elgass

Bridesmaid

Kelli and Erin met on the first day of freshman year in high school. Erin was new to town and decided that Kelli “looked like she knew what was going on.” They both bonded over being bad at gym class and the fact that neither of them ever seemed to know what was going on. Ten years later, they still have no clue what’s happening, but sure are enjoying the ride together.

Stephen Fox

Groomsman

Hi, my name is Stephen Fox. I met Joel when I started dating his sister, then married her. A couple months after we had our 1st child, Samson, Joel came to live with us for a year. So I have had the privilege of being his BIL and roommate. Things I appreciate about him are his humor, love of games, and sense of adventure (moving from Chicago to Pennsylvania to move in with his sister/BIL is pretty adventurous for a 20 year old). 

Holly Hamilton

Groomswoman

I have known Joel Cunningham my entire life. He is like a cousin and little brother all rolled into one. I am thrilled and honored to be a part of Joel and Kelli’s big day. My favorite memories with Joel, our two families getting together to celebrate the New Year. My sister, Joel and I often teamed up to watch The Office and LotR. We could never pull an all nighter to watch those long movies, we always fell asleep during the second movie. I also enjoyed Joel being at Taylor University. He teased me about liking my now husband, Matthew. He sat between us on purpose and snuggle with Matt as a joke. His laughter and brotherly tendencies are the things I admired about Joel the most. Congrats to the future Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham. We love you both and look forward to celebrating with you.

Lauren Luchetti

Bridesmaid

Lauren and Kelli met in 1996, in the days followed Lauren’s birth. Their early years of friendship were tumultuous; Kelli liked to punch Lauren, and Lauren often hid in Kelli’s mom's car. Their forced friendship grew from many years of forgotten socks and hours of gingerbread house making. Despite their parents being cool kids in high school, Lauren and Kelli bonded over their love of marching band and Dr. Who. The two often dragged each other into crazy crafting schemes much to their moms' dismay. Both Lauren and Kelli’s moms were in each other’s bridal parties and are happy to see their girls together all these years later.

Kaitlin Mclaughlin

Groomswoman

I've known Joel for his entire life as our parents are lifelong friends, but it didn’t take long for us to continue that in our own lives. Joel has always been a wonderful friend and confidant. He has a quiet strength that I've always admired. Joel is a wonderful person and I'm very thankful for the friendship we share. I never had a brother, but if I had to pick- Joel would definitely be it. He's had my back and been a great friend and a wonderful listener. I wish him the best as he takes the next steps into the future with Kelli at his side. I was so excited to meet Kelli when Joel first told me how they met! She and Joel work so well together and balance each other out. I'm so excited for the journey they are about to embark on! It's an honor to stand beside Joel on this momentous day!

Shelby Sims

Bridesmaid

Shelby accidentally guilted Kelli into becoming her friend during freshman year of college, and then gladly followed along on Kelli’s many shenanigans, typically ones involving Kelli unintentionally in charge of events. Their proudest accomplishments were balancing a projector on top of three feet of stacked textbooks and a killer Gilmore Girls Reunion party.

Sarah Wilson

Bridesmaid

Kelli and Sarah’s friendship started gradually in 2009, Freshman year, through mutual friends in band. It grew as they started participating in theater together and continued when Sarah started helping Kelli with her photography class shoots doing makeup and costumes. Game nights, One Direction and band trips continued to build on the wonderful foundation that had been laid. Their friendship became magical when, event planner to-be, Sarah and Erin Elgass threw Kelli a Totally Awesome Harry Potter Sweet 16 Party complete with floating candles, butterbeer, divination class and of course a talking sorting hat. That was the first party Sarah had ever planned and she is so excited that things have come full circle and she is able to help Kelli plan her wedding to the love of her life!

Thomas Prescott

Groomsman

 Tom has known the bride ever since he can remember.  Being born only 1 month apart from each other, Tom and Kelli hang out at every family gathering.  One day, Kelli started bringing some guy named Joel around, and Tom knew from the first football game they watched together that Joel was a keeper.  Tom is looking forward to this amazing celebration and couldn't be happier for both the bride and groom!

Dr. Elizabeth McLaughlin

Officiant

Emma Helfgott

Honor Attendant