Lauren & Tom
Wedding Party
Taylor Failla
Bridesmaid
Taylor is my cousin and one of my closest friends. As we have never lived in the same city, we have made a point to travel to each other over the years. Those trips began with my family road trips to Chicago as a child, and continued into adulthood with her weekend adventures to see me at the University of Kentucky. I share some of my most precious memories with her and couldn't imagine doing this without her by my side. Fun fact - Taylor has the best sense of style and is always my point person when I don't know what to wear, how to do my hair, or what makeup to buy! Taylor is a sales representative for a spirits company. She lives in St. Charles, Illinois with her husband, Nick, their pup, Emmie, and their beautiful new baby girl, Shae.
Tara Vollman
Bridesmaid
Tara and I have been friends since my freshman year of high school, but we became particularly close during college when I went to the University of Kentucky and she went to Eastern Kentucky University. I spent many weekends driving down to Richmond to see Tara and her crew of fun-loving friends. Anyone who meets Tara is drawn to her positive energy and genuine personality - myself included! Case in point: you'll probably find Tara front and center on the dance floor at the reception, and I bet she will be on a first name basis with the band members by the end of the night. :) Tara lives in Covington, Kentucky and is a jack of all trades. She is a graphic designer (she did our save the dates and invitations!), a fitness instructor and trainer at Shred 415, and a marketing director.
Autumn Shutt
Bridesmaid
Autumn and I met during our freshman year at the University of Kentucky when we both joined the Chi Omega sorority. From UK football tailgates to eventful spring break trips, Autumn and I forged a close friendship that extended well beyond the four years of college. She's the type of friend who will drive hours on short notice to celebrate you (I would know from personal experience) and is always welcoming (ask her about when she went into labor with her first child while I was driving down to see her). I had the honor of being in her wedding and am so happy she can stand by my side in mine. Autumn lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband, Pat, and their children Wells (4) and Avery (1). She is a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Aimee Grogean
Bridesmaid
Aimee and I met a few years ago through a mutual friend and to say we clicked would be an understatement. She's the kind of friend we all want to have -- fun, thoughtful, and always finding or planning entertaining events to bring people together. We have a shared love of wine, pasta... and early morning workout classes at Define to offset them. I also have to give Aimee some credit for me and Tom, since she was with me the night I met him and may or may not have given him a hard time before he could buy me a drink ;). Aimee is a senior designer/art director. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, Scott, their beagle, Bernie, and their new baby, Georgia (who I take every opportunity I can to hold)!
Elizabeth Mitchell
Bridesmaid
Liz is Tom's younger sister and my soon-to-be sister-in-law (and fast friend!). I am so excited to become a part of the Compton family and have been blessed by how welcoming they have been to me. Liz has a talent for turning seemingly simple moments into special memories -- from birthday parties to football game gatherings, I'm always impressed by how thoughtful and fun her events are (I'm hoping some of her skills will rub off on me eventually)! Liz and my mom were the only people present when Tom proposed and it meant so much to us to have them both there. Liz is a pediatric nurse practitioner. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, Adam, and their boys, Jameson (5) and Ellis (2), who you'll catch a glimpse of walking down the aisle as two of our ring bearers.
Craig Compton
Best Man
Craig has been my brother for as long as he's been alive and thrived as a middle child. He has looked up to me his entire life!! :) During our 37 years as brothers, we've been two peas in a pod from sports and video games to business and beer. Besides being a great brother, he's a best friend, wonderful husband and terrific dad. After being by his side at his wedding almost 7 years ago, I couldn't be more excited to have him to next me on my special day. Craig and his wife Katie live in Terrace Park with their 3 amazing kids - 2 wild boys, Hayes and Radley, and little princess Rosie. Craig is a sales master and is now an entrepreneur building a sales development organization.
Jeff Yund
Best Man
Jeff has been my best friend since I was 3.5 years old. He grew up a short sprint through the backyard woods from our house. If we weren't at each other's house or yard, I could dial the Yund's home phone number faster than Jeff can open fridge. For 36.5 years now, he's been LOUDLY and publicly reminding me that he's my best friend. I got to be his co-best man with his brother a half dozen years ago and I couldn't be more honored to have him next to me as well. Jeff and his wife Chrissy live in Hyde Park with 2 boys - Nolan (my religious godson) and Miles (Mr. Bigman). Jeff is scaling yet another fast growing executive staffing 'startup'.
John Cronin
Best Man
John has been a consistent presence since kindergarten at Guardian Angels. Playing basketball together through grade school and St. Xavier, John has always been a very good friend. After college apart with him at Notre Dame and me at Xavier, John has lived less than a par three from me in Mt. Adams for almost a decade. Beyond cheering on the Bengals and Musketeers, we've spent countless hours at Ruby's and Knockback Nats discussing the latest thoughts on current events, sports, real estate and business deals. John lives one street down from the Highland Towers on Oregon St. in Mt. Adams. He's a multi-family real estate mogul who dabbles in a variety of automotive brands.
Brent Rippe
Best Man
There is some debate as to whether Brent is a 3rd cousin or 2nd cousin with a qualifications, but regardless, we're related. Brent is a great friend and business partner of 7 years. We have shared most of life's ups and down, typically including countless quips, laughs and high fives. Although Brent can be the loud voice at any table (or game), he attributes the majority of his success to listening to me. As Xavier super fans, we have been sitting together at the Cintas Center for years with a common dream of the Musketeers winning a national championship. I've been by Brent's side in a million business meetings, conferences, investments, sporting games, trips and family events, and I couldn't be more excited to have him by my side at the wedding. Brent and his wife Kate live in Indian Hill with their ever adventurous team of girls - Taylor, Josey and Piper. Brent is a brilliant business person. I'm lucky to have him as a partner at RKCA Investment Banking.
Grant Hunter
Best Man
Grant is Lauren's only and coolest brother. Within a month of meeting Lauren, I got to know the family at Grant and Megan's rehearsal dinner and wedding. I immediately came to find that he is a great guy and will be an awesome brother in law. Although we have differing opinions on bedtimes and enjoyment of early morning workouts, he has been incredibly welcoming from day one. He has provided a constant message saying 'I can't wait for you to marry my sister and move her out of OTR!". Grant is a world class athlete and former Butler football player. I won't make the mistake of letting him wear a Butler shirt to a Xavier game again! I'm very excited to have Grant by my side on our wedding day. Grant and his wife Megan live in West Chester with their brand new baby boy, Luke. Grant was recently promoted to Sergeant with the Cincinnati Police where he is affectionately referred to as Captain America.