Wedding Party
Audrey Dolan (Less)
Matron of Honor
Audrey aka "Audi" or "Nuggsie", is Julia's oldest sister. She lovingly refers to Julia as "Pookins" from the children's book, "Pookins Gets Her Way." As the years have gone by, Audi and Pookins have grown closer as sisters and as friends. Audi is the big sister you want in your corner. She will always be there for you and will never be afraid to tell it like it is. If you want to get her on your good side, tell her all about how much you love bananas.
Diane Less
Maid of Honor
Diane aka "Bubba D" or "Bubbins", is Julia's second oldest sister. You will hear Bubba often refer to Julia as "J", "Juka", or "Jukes". Bubba is also the sister or friend you want in your corner. As silly as she is, she is also fiercely loyal and protective. While Bubba will protect Juka from bullies, she will never protect her from spiders, as she is deathly afraid of them.
Jennifer Metaxas (Less)
Bridesmaid
Jen aka "Hen", will often refer to Julia as "Hulie." Hen and Hulie have been best friends and cousins since Jen was born (Julia is 6 weeks older). Growing up, they'd often get into shenanigans, whether it was while staying with the extended family in Table Rock Lake, MO or while going to high school parties with friends in the suburbs. No matter where life took them and what they got into, they always had each other's backs.
Greta Ruljevaite
Bridesmaid
Greta aka "G-Unit," like many people in Julia's life, most often refers to Julia as "Julie." Greta is Julie's best friend and an honorary member of the Less family. Greta and Julie met when they were 12 years old attending Hinsdale Middle School, and have been best friends ever since. Growing up, Greta and Julie notoriously got into some questionable situations, much to their parents' dismay and to their delight. ;) Greta has been a Cali girl since after high school, but her and Julie have maintained their close friendship from afar by visiting each other every year and talking to each other almost every day. If you ever have a bad day, Greta is that person who you want to talk to.
Lily Dolan
Flower Girl
Lily aka "Lilers" is Julia's niece and Audi's daughter. She is one of the most thoughtful and caring people we've ever met (good work, Audi and Pat!). She has a strong love for kitties and coming up with new games to play with her little brother, Daniel. We can't wait to see her walking down the aisle, all dolled up in her flower-girl dress!
Daniel Dolan
Ring Bearer
Daniel aka "Danny D" is Julia's nephew and Audi's 4 year old son. When he isn't terrorizing the house, he is showing off his brilliant mind (he knows how to multiply, add, and subtract large sums-thanks, Number Blocks!). He is a sensitive guy with big feelings, but he is really start to come into his own. He has been outspoken about the fact that he does not want to walk down the aisle, but we think he will come around once the big day arrives.
Henrick Lopez
Ring Bearer
Talk about similarities being the younger brother of the family! Henrick is Mark’s nephew. The majority of their relationship has actually been through FaceTime, but this kid doesn’t let it get in the way. He’s built quite the personality the last few years and for only seeing Julie a handful of times, loves her already. Every time they get to talk to each other, he’s got an ear to ear smile!
Nico Lopez
Ring Bearer
Nico is Mark’s nephew and godson! He’s the perfect combo of Rick & Kayla. If you talk to him about anything at the wedding, there will be a quick pivot to talk about the MINNESOTA WIIIILD! We cannot wait to see him on the dance floor!
Marcus Bush
Officiant
Mark met Marcus during a clothes/dating app makeover set up by his 1st friend in Chicago, Nadege. Once the app was up and running, it wasn’t too soon after that Julie liked one of the updated pictures. Needless to say, that outfit was worn out! Marcus is one of the most genuine humans the couple has met. He is equally hilarious and thoughtful, as someone they both can count on. there was no question as to who would marry Mark & Julie!
Willy Shetka
Best Man
Willy and Mark’s families have been generational friends. Whether they like it or not, the two are stuck with each other. Growing up on a healthy dose of Tower of Power, these two have always had each other’s backs and continue to keep it light. Eventually, Willy and his wife, Carly, convinced Mark to hang it up in Saint Paul and move his life to Chicago. Plenty to thank him for, but he won’t ever hear it. 🤪
Rick Lopez
Best Man
The Lopez boys have been up to no good in some aspect for their whole lives. Through the years the friendship has only grown. Rick has always been a source for Mark to go to for advice. He probably made the mistake already, so it was easy to advise what not to do🤪.
Rob Olszewski
Groomsman
A friendship that most parents would wish never happened, haha! Rob and Mark met after he moved to MN. Rob being considerably older and not wiser, was a perfect person for Mark to have plenty of great nights with. Outside of teaching Rob how to skate and eventually play hockey, they have guided each other through thick & thin. Although they only call each other “losers”, they both know they can lean on the other, even with the distance between IL and MN.
Zach Olson
Groomsman
Mark & Zach met in 2001 when they were both playing hockey for the worst team in the state, Sibley. At the time, Mark was only in 8th grade. Zach was nice enough to take him under his wing. What a poor choice Zach made. From prank phone calls on the bus to being in each other’s weddings, the two learned plenty about life together. Over the years, the two don't see each other nearly as often as “the good ol days”, but nobody would ever know.
Kevin Potter
Groomsman
Some things just click! Mark met Kevin shortly after his move to Chicago and these two hit it off immediately. Like the rest of his core group of buds, the jokes back and forth never seem to run out. Mark has Kev on speed dial to help do any manual labor that could require him to swing a hammer. Kev has Mark on speed dial for a jar of salsa here and there. Since Mark and Julie started dating, Kev has always been part of the two’s story. From snowboarding trips to nights on the town, Kevin is the best 3rd wheel ever!