Laura & Zack
Wedding Party
Lauren McLernon
Maid of Honor
Lauren and I met at WIU as education majors. We lived next door to each other our sophomore year of college, but never said a word to each other! It wasn't until a mutual bonding over a hatred for someone in our classes that I realized how great of a friend she was. We eventually became fast friends- texting non-stop, giving each other life advice, and crying together over an episode of Grey's Anatomy. From best friends, to coworkers, to roommates, and finally to bridesmaids in each others weddings, we've done it all together. What I thought would be just a buddy to copy off of on homework assignments, turned into a life-long friend and "My Person".
Alex Gruman
Best Man
From as early as I can remember, Alex and I always shared a bedroom. We always had the option of having separate rooms, but never took advantage of the opportunity. At the end of the day, we would always stay up and talk about our daily adventures before wishing each other goodnight. This is something we always treasured- being able to share our important life events with one another. I quickly realized that the bond that I have with my brother was greater than the bond I would have with anybody else. That is why even at such a young age, I always knew there would never be a more worthy best man than my brother.
Amanda Jaegers
Bridesmaid
Amanda and I met our freshman year at WIU. Even though we lived 2 floors apart in our freshman hall, you would've thought we were roommates with how often we were with each other. We became fast friends, spending all of our time together. Every night in Thompson Hall we had a family dinner, every break from school we found time to hangout with one another as much as possible, and 3 way phone calls became our favorite activity. Through the evolution of our 9 year friendship, I have called you many things. Chicka Monkey, Panda Bear, and Pantsy are just a few to name, but my favorite thing to call you now is "Bridesmaid".
Jeff Goetz
Groomsman
Jeff and I were destined to be life long best friends due to the fact that our mothers were pregnant with us at the same time. So needless to say, we've been best friends from the very start. During our younger years, Jeff and his family moved down to Tennessee which made things a bit difficult, but the distance never has and never will come between us. During our later teen years we became even closer than before, and regardless of the distance, whenever we're together we always pick up right where we left off. Jeff is the big brother that I never had and I look up to him as such. He means so much to me, and I wouldn't be able to make it through this day without him as my groomsman.
Bridget Straub
Bridesmaid
Bridget and I met at freshman year orientation at WIU. Bridget was one of my first and closest friends at WIU, and remains one of my closest friends to this day. She made the transition to college less terrifying. Having a friend established before even starting the year was one of the most comforting things I could've asked for. She has always been a friend to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, and a helping hand for when I needed my back rubbed. She may be little, but her heart is big. I knew from the first day I met her that she would be a forever friend with her loving and selfless attitude. This is why I am honored to have her stand by my side on my wedding day, and for the rest of my life.
Matt Lloyd
Groomsman
Matt and I had heard about each other from a mutual friend for awhile before we actually met. Once we finally met, you would've thought that we had been best friends for years. We instantly clicked and have been the best of friends ever since. Even though our entire friendship has been long distance, I have always considered him one of my closest friends. Matt is just a phone call away and is always there for me when I need him to be. He is extremely supportive of me in every facet of life and is always there to pick me up when I am down. These are just a few of the reasons why I am so honored to have him with me during the biggest day of my life.
Emily Beaulieu
Bridesmaid
Emily and I met sophomore year of college at WIU through a group of mutual friends. We quickly bonded over our love for the show "Friends" and appreciation for the phrase "YOLO". We viewed YOLO as a way of life in our friendship- from dancing on the pace speakers, drinking our weight in margaritas at El Ranch, to being undefeated sniper partners, the friendship we have formed over the last few years is something I will value forever. I mean, what would Rachel be without her Monica? With wanting her by my side in life, to wanting her by my side on my wedding day, all thats left to say is "I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too".
Chris Harris
Groomsman
When I was pulled out of the first academy because of my injury, I thought my world was going to end, but deep down, I knew it was for a reason. At the beginning of my 2nd academy, there was a guy in line 2 spots away from me that quickly realized that I had already been through the torture that he was about to endure. He knew that I would be a good ally to have during this time, but little did he know, I would become his ally for life. Chris and I have become best friends, and even if I had the opportunity to change how things went in my career, I absolutely would not because then he most likely would not be in my life.