Wedding Party

Lauren Walsh

Bride

John McConnell

Groom

Catherine Walsh

Maid of Honor

Lauren's sister and best friend. Even though Lauren and Catherine are 5 years apart we grew up extremely close. Catherine is continuing her education in the medical field and loves to travel the world. Even though this is her first time being in a wedding, she has been very helpful with all the wedding planning and has gone above and beyond her maid of honor duties.

Aneil Naik

Best Man

Aneil has been John's best friend since grade school. They played tennis together, formed bands together, spent a lot of time driving around north Austin listening to 90's grunge. He has a soft spot for a well-made sandwich.

Hannah Smith

Bridesmaid

Lauren's cousin and favorite travel buddy. The summer of 2012, Lauren and Hannah backpacked across Europe. They began their adventure in Greece and went to Italy, Switzerland, France, England, and ended in Ireland where they worked on a goat farm and au paired. Hannah works as a RN and will be spending the summer in Seattle getting her degree to be a midwife.

Ash Kosiewicz

Groomsman

Ash and John really became friends in junior high and high school, and then became roommates at UT. Ash sang in the band, Gardyloo (featuring Aneil on bass) and plays a mean set of air drums. Ash is traveling from DC where he helps change the world for the better and podcasts.

Kaitlin Holme

Bridesmaid

Lauren's cousin who married the love of her life last summer. Even though Kate lives in Massachusetts, Lauren, Hannah, and Kate have always been extremely close growing up. I am very lucky because my cousins are truly my best friends. Kate has been an invaluable resource with all the wedding planning.

Jared Kozel

Groomsman

John's step brother. A wonderful guy, talented artist, and creative director at an advertising firm. Basically a friendlier, funnier version of Don Draper, and without all the bad parts.

Carlee McConnell

Bridesmaid

John's sister and one of the very first people Lauren met when she moved to Austin. Carlee's sunny personality and love of animals has always made her feel like a sister to Lauren. Carlee works at Dell Children's Hospital and has devoted her life to keeping children safe. Carlee and Mike were married last year in Austin.

Mike Voth

Groomsman

Mike “Sure Shot” Voth is Carlee’s husband. He’s both a laid back dude and an adventurous thrill seeker. He always encourages others to step outside their comfort zone and try new things.

Tom Walsh

Father of the Bride

Tom is always the word of wisdom and his welcoming personality makes people feel like they have known him forever. He is the fourth generation of Walsh's to work at Campus State Bank that was established by the original Thomas Walsh in 1899. He enjoys cooking, golfing, and spending time with his family.

John McConnell

Father of the Groom

After a long career in real estate, John now enjoys writing song lyrics and starting new businesses. He loves to dance and his enthusiasm and energy is contagious.

Chris Walsh

Mother of the Bride

Tom and Chris enjoy traveling and trying new food. They actually came to Austin a few years before Lauren and were the ones that told her how much she would love it! Chris enjoys gardening, running, and antiquing. She has been indescribably helpful with all of the wedding planning!

Connie Kozel

Mother of the Groom

Connie has spent her life devoted to improving the lives of the animals and people lucky enough to find themselves in her orbit. She has boundless energy and loves spending time with her grandkids. Fun fact: she used to work with Willie Nelson!

Krista MacDonald

Officiant

John's step sister. She has a radiant peaceful energy and is such a calming presence—we are looking forward to having her at our side when we say our vows!

Charles T. Kozel

Father of the Groom

Chuck is a renown professor in the public health department at New Mexico State University. He is always a source of wisdom and encouragement. He loves spending time with family, Czech beer, and baking delicious strudel.

Thomas Walsh

Usher

Thomas is Lauren's brother and is graduating the weekend before the wedding with a degree in Graphic Design. He has always been an extremely gifted drawer and basketball player. He and Lauren share a love of classic scary movies.

Ryan Walsh

Usher

Ryan is Lauren's youngest brother and is studying at Kankakee Community College. He is an animal lover just like Lauren and he enjoys playing video games, working out, and reading.