Lauren & Matthew
Wedding Party
Marissa Burger
Matron of Honor
Marissa is Lauren's longest friend whom she met in middle school. There's too many memories to keep track of, but some of her favorites are: their high school sleep overs, surprising Marissa in Wisconsin Dells for her birthday, bar-crawling through Chicago as the Rugrats, and drinking wine while binge watching Love Island and Married at First Sight! Marissa has been an amazing friend to Lauren over the last 12 years, even though they attended different colleges (3 hours apart) for 4 years and Marissa lived over an hour away from Lauren for a couple years after that; she's always made their friendship a priority. As a huge part of Lauren's life, she couldn't pick a better person to stand along side her and Matthew on their wedding day!
Christopher Duda
Best Man
Christopher is Matthew's older brother, who has been through a lot with Matthew. As they were growing up they played with Nitro RC Cars, baseball and rode bikes, well, Matthew rode the bikes while Christopher fell off his. One of Matthew's most memorable times with his brother was snow boarding in the Alps, and traveling through Europe together. One of their other adventures was moving Christopher across the country, which turned into a fun road trip. As they got older, they became more independent but they continued to keep in touch and catch up every week. Christopher has been a big part of Matthew's life, and couldn't ask for a better best man.
Olivia Rivera
Bridesmaid
Olivia is Lauren's youngest sister, who has always been there for Lauren and any of her accomplishments. She was always on the side lines at each of Lauren's soccer games and she was there to see Lauren graduate from high school and college. Olivia has grown into an independent young woman, and will continue the soccer tradition in our family and I'm excited to watch from the sidelines now. Some of Lauren's favorite memories with Olivia include; making a video dancing to the Chelsea Dagger song which was featured in an Chicago Blackhawks NHL fan video in 2015, watching her soccer games, and traveling to Myrtle Beach to visit our grandparents. Lauren wouldn't be able to get married without her sister by her side!
Matt Wingfield
Groomsman
Matthew met Matt in high school while life guarding and teaching swim lessons. But, their friendship didn't begin until 4 years later, shortly before they started working at New Lenox Fire Protection District. From that point on they began working many shifts together, always getting on each other nerves, and joking around with one another. Some of their favorite memories are going four wheeling, fixing up their vehicles and grabbing a drink at Bulldog Ale house when getting off shift, sometimes waiting for Lauren to get off work to pick them up. Matt has been a great friend to Matthew, he's helped him move 2 times, he's always willing to come over and hangout with Matthew AND Lauren, but he really comes over for Walter. Their wedding day wouldn't be complete without Wingfield by his side.
Kylie Towler
Bridesmaid
Kylie is Lauren's second youngest sister. She always has a smile on her face and never fails to make Lauren laugh when they're together. Lauren is also proud to see her sister grow up and to be on her way to college next year! Some of Lauren's favorite memories with Kylie are; skiing/snowboarding in Oregon, and watching Kylie fall into a ditch.. drinking limoncello in Italy, and baking Christmas cookies every year. Even though Lauren and Kylie don't see each other often, they seem to pick right back up where they left off. She is another big part of Lauren's life and couldn't imagine her wedding day with out her there!
Max Janik
Groomsman
Max and Matthew met while they were fire cadets at New Lenox where they experienced their first live burn together. They both had aspirations to become firemen and did a lot of studying. They spent their free time talking about old cars, and enjoying bon fires and pool parties at Max's house. While working for NLFPD Matthew and Max would purposefully pick up over-time shifts so they could work together. Some of Matthew's favorite memories with Max are, going to Cedar Point, going on vacation to a cabin in Wisconsin and surprising Max with a guys trip for his 21st birthday. They continue to be the best of friends and hang out whenever they get the chance. Max will keep everyone laughing on wedding day.
Brittany schade
Bridesmaid
Brittany is Lauren's closest cousin, who she grew up doing everything with. With their families being so close, literally a block away, they got to see each other all the time. A lot of mischief was done when the 2 were together, but some of Lauren best memories are with her cousin. They spent most of their time, playing with barbies, hide-n-seek, kickball and as they got older, lots of shopping. Lauren will always be grateful to have a cousin so close to her, and now that they are older, maybe they won't break anymore house fans or broom sticks. Lauren's wedding day wouldn't be complete without Brittany by her side, and she's very excited for her to be standing up in the wedding!
Mark Bjorklund
Groomsman
Matthew also met Mark during fire cadets and they quickly became friends. They hung out a lot out side of their cadet program, often times with Max as well. They have been to many Black Hawks and White Sox games together, and one of Matthew's favorite memories is going to the Stanley Cup Parade with Mark. A few years back, Mark shared devastating news with Matthew; Mark was diagnosed with cancer and would be undergoing treatments. Matthew visited Mark in the hospital as often as he could, even on shift while he would write his reports at the hospital. The best day they spent together was Mark's last day of chemo when he nearly rang the bell off the wall. Mark and Matthew catch up whenever they can and he can't wait to have Mark stand by his side on their wedding day.
Ellen Duda
Bridesmaid
Ellen and Lauren met at the Duda house shortly after the couple started dating. Ellen has been very welcoming to Lauren and always makes her laugh. She has enjoyed getting to know Ellen and the family and is happy to call her a sister-in-law. Some of Lauren's favorite memories with Ellen include, ice skating and venturing around Chicago, getting dinner with Ellen and Walter in Roscoe Village, and spending pool days in the Duda Oasis. Lauren can't wait to officially become apart of the Duda family, and having Ellen by her side on wedding day will make it much better!
Kyle Burger
Groomsman
Matthew met Kyle through Lauren and their best-friendship was instant. From day one they have been able to joke and laugh for hours entertaining themselves, while staying out of Lauren and Marissa's hair. One could argue Lauren and Marissa are the 3rd wheels during all their get-togethers. Some of Matthew's favorite memories with Kyle are living together, especially on the days when Kyle would "work from home" and they just played video games all day, and vacationing to Florida, St. Louis and Wisconsin dells. Even though their friendship started only a few years ago, they act like they've known each other for a life time. Matthew can't wait to have Kyle next to him on his big day.
Katy Rees
Bridesmaid
Katy was Lauren's first college roommate at Monmouth College. The two were inseparable, from going to soccer practice together, watching sponge bob in the dorms, and eating every meal together in the cafe. Lauren couldn't have made it through freshman year of college without her. Since graduating college, Lauren and Katy have remained long distance friends and see each other on birthdays and holidays, and always catch up on the latest gossip. Lauren's favorite memories with Katy are going to Orlando with her family during Christmas break, Wednesday night GNO at Saddle Up, and dancing on the penny bar. Lauren can't wait to have Katy by her side on her wedding day!
Sam Howard
Groomsman
Sam is one of Matthew's younger cousins who he grew up very close too. They spent many summers together, half the time in Waverly, IL and the other half in New Lenox. Matthew will never forget their mischievous times together including the time they played football in the house and broke a light fixture, and they learned their lesson after Aunt Debbie had them replace what they broke. Some of Matthew's favorite memories with Sam are visiting him at college, exploring the City Museum in St. Louis and fight night in the basement of the Duda House. Even though they live 4 hours away from each other, they continue to stay close. Each time they see each other, they pick right back up where they left off. Matthew is grateful to have Sam apart of their wedding day.
Megan Altfillisch
Bridesmaid
Megan and Lauren met each other at Monmouth College, they both were on the soccer team. Their friendship blossomed junior year of college and the rest is history! Junior and senior year, the 2 were roommates and despite their disagreements on air temperature and pickles, they became the best of friends. Some of Lauren's favorite memories with Megan are; watching TLC together in their dorm room, going to Wisconsin Dell's for Olivia's birthday, and all the Wednesday nights spent at the Bijou for 50 cent rum and cokes. After college, they've remained friends from a far, and catch up whenever they can. Lauren couldn't be happier to have Megan standing by her side on wedding day!
Missy Breshnahan
Groomswoman
Matthew and Missy starting working together on the ambulance in 2017. She made the work days much more enjoyable with her jokes, and loud music even though she made fun of Matthew's terrible singing. They quickly became best friends always having each others backs in and out of work. Matthew learned a lot from Missy while working with her at New Lenox and will always be grateful. When they weren't running calls on the ambulance, they spent a lot of their time talking in the fire house bay and could spend hours out there. Missy was one of the first people to know about the engagement and see Lauren's ring. Matthew is very thankful to have a friend like Missy and can't wait to have her be apart of their wedding day.
Megan Bennett
Bridesmaid
Lauren met Megan in 2016 and it was fate. Megan has been a great friend to Lauren from the start. As one of Matthew's best friends, she welcomed Lauren with open arms ever since they met at Embers Tap House that summer. Even though Lauren has only known Megan for a few years, it feels much longer. Some of their favorite memories are, their friendcation to St. Louis and Clearwater, Tuesday night Bingo at Embers and the VFW, and going to the Cubs parade in 2016 after the Cubs won the world series. Even though Megan is busy being a new mom, she continues to show how caring she is by checking in on Lauren and Matthew's life and keeps them updated with all the cute baby pictures! Lauren is so excited to add Megan to her bride tribe and can't wait for her to be there for their wedding day!
Justin Bennett
Groomsman
Matthew and justin first met during little league baseball when they were young boys, and they became friends during freshman year of high school. They swam and played water polo together. The two of them spent a lot of time on their bikes, summer or winter you could find them riding around town. As they’ve grown up, they’ve continued to stay close, Matthew stood up in Justin’s wedding in 2016, and he’s glad that Justin can do the same for him. Some of his favorite memories with Justin are; going to Wisconsin Dells, taking trips to Florida and St. Louis, and having him tag-a-long on Duda family vacation. As one of his longest friends, he can’t wait for Justin to be apart of his wedding day.
Grace Chapman
Junior Bridesmaid
Grace is Matthew’s younger cousin and they are two peas and a pod when they see each other. When Matthew visited his aunt and uncle in Germany in 2011, he spent a lot of time with Grace and they grew very close. Matthew would take Grace to the park and keep her company as she played with her dolls. Now when Grace comes to visit the Dudas, she’s at Matthew’s hip mostly poking him and goofing off. Lauren has grown to know Grace and got to learn the names of all her Littlest Pet Shop animals! Matthew and Lauren are excited to include Grace in their wedding.
Matthew Towler
Groomsman
Matt is Lauren’s younger, not-so-little brother. Like his sister kylie, he always has a smile on his face! Lauren played a lot of Mario Brothers, and Super Smash Bro’s on wii with Matt along with ghost in graveyard with all the neighbor kids. Lauren is very proud to see her brother grow up, and is also playing soccer! Matt seems to be a popular name in the family, and has been a sport about being 1 of 3 Matts now! Lauren and Matthew can’t wait to have Matt standing by their side on wedding day.
Ryan Schade
Usher
Ryan and Lauren grew up doing everything together, with them only being a few months apart, whatever one cousin was doing, the other would follow. From playing legos, making forts, constructing hammocks under bunk beds, to playing kickball and ghost in the graveyard all summer long. Lauren is glad to have such a close cousin like Ryan, and the couple are very excited for Ryan’s help on their wedding day.
Adam Howard
Usher
Adam is another younger cousin of Matthew who he was close with growing up. Matthew would visit his cousins in central Illinois and you could usually find him, Adam and his brother Sam hanging around town, riding bikes, taking turns playing Sims and playing football in the yard. Adam will be a great addition to Lauren and Matthew’s wedding day.
Keegan Duda
Usher
Keegan is one of Matthew’s many cousins, they did a lot of wrestling in the basement as little kids. They’re also big Sox fans and worked at the stadium together for a few years. They get to see each other every holiday and family gathering. Lauren and Matthew can’t wait for Keegan to stand up for them on their wedding day.
Tyler Yost
Usher
Matthew and Tyler met senior of high school during life guarding. Tyler helped Matthew through EMT and Paramedic school and they continued to stay close. They get together as often as they can. Matthew is glad Tyler can be apart of his wedding day.
Walter Duda
Dog of Honor
Walter is Matthew and Lauren’s puppy who has been the best companion they could ever ask for. Because he is the goodest boy, they couldn’t imagine their wedding day without him there.