Liv and Matt’s Wedding
Wedding Party
Ollie Serino
Maid of Honor
Ollie, she is one of the most intentional and loving friends anyone could have. I have been blessed to be friends with her since high school and she has loved me and supported me over the years. She is thoughtful, selfless, kind and has the biggest heart a person could have. I am so thankful to have her in my life and be able to call her one of my best friends. A characteristic of love that I have learned from Ollie that I hope to take into my marriage with me is intentionality. You cannot love and not be intentional. Ollie has showed me that love is not something that happens unintentionally but it takes thoughtfulness and action. Being intentional shows commitment and love which are two words that describe Ollie as a friend.
Tommy Wingen
Best Man
Tommy will be one of my best men, which is one of the many titles he has taken on in our lifetimes. Growing up, he was my playmate, tutor, coach, and roommate (sometimes I made him let me stay in his room). Now, he is my mentor, financial advisor, friend, and someone I look up to in many ways, especially in regards to his relationship. Despite living in different states, Tommy and I still stay in touch, texting about the Cubs, country music, and just life. I have seen up close the way that Tommy lives life and it is something I always have tried to replicate. He is incredibly skilled at everything he does. He has patience with everyone. But most importantly, he shows love to me and my family. I am beyond excited to have him as my best man and experience this next chapter with him by my side. What Tommy brings to the head table: Fire country music playlists, immense Cubs knowledge, a killer mustache, a good sense of humor, and the ability to make the people around him smile.
Macy Spielman
Matron of Honor
My girl Mace, also known as my big sis, is the coolest person you will ever meet. She is such a light and a gift in this world. She is someone that I look up to in the ways of how she loves the Lord and how that loves overflows to everyone around her. You can't know Mace and not the Creator. I cherish her friendship and all of the wisdom she has given me over the years. A characteristic of love that Mace displays is the joy that can be found in it. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. That is Mace! She is someone who is constantly filled with joy and has taught me to rejoice in the Lord.
Sam Wingen
Best Man
Sam will be my other best man. Sammy and I somehow made it through childhood alive after our many fierce competitions in Nerf basketball, Mario Kart, NBA 2K, and more. Now, we bond through our engineering experience at UIUC and fun events in Chicago. Sam has always been there for me and I always trust him to give me wise answers when I ask for his advice. He is a true joy to be around and always makes any time a good time. I am fortunate to have two loving brothers like Sam and Tommy, and I am blessed to be able to have Sam as another one of my best men as I know he will be dependable and supportive through it all. What Sam brings to the head table: Illini Sports Fanhood, logic and reasoning, a beer in his hand (probably), an outgoing personality, and the wisdom/support that is always needed.
Caroline Cochran
Bridesmaid
Caroline, only referred to as Cara, has been in my life since 5th grade. We used to sit under the stars on her swing set and talk about all of the adventures we were going to have when we were older. She has the sweetest heart and the kindest soul. I am so inspired by the love she has for her friends and everyone around her. Cara cares so deeply about everyone and is truly a world changer. A characteristic of love that Cara has and I am learning to take with me in my marriage is selflessness. Love is not self-seeking and neither is Cara. Her heart of service has taught me the importance of putting others needs above my own.
Mitch Kelley
Groomsman
My college roommate for all 4 years will be another groomsman. Mitch and I became very close in high school and we have only gotten closer. He is a hilarious, athletic, kind-hearted, goofy guy who I am blessed to be friends with. He is so selfless and will drop what he is doing to help me out at any moment. I have so many cherished memories with him and I cannot wait to make more throughout this season of life. What Mitch brings to the head table: Spikeball skills, a plain and simple appetite, great jokes, Clash Royale dubs, probably some embarrassing stories of Matt as his roommate, and an incredibly selfless way of life.
Molly Dever
Bridesmaid
Molly is someone I aspire to be when I grow up. She is one of the most loving, fun, spontaneous people I have ever met AND she is always down for a good time. Molly is the coolest person I know and someone who I look up to in so many ways. Her strength is inspiring and her love of life is contagious. You know its a good day when Molly is in it. A characteristic of Molly that displays love and something I am hoping to bring into my marriage is her ability to see the good in everyone. Love keeps no record of wrong and neither does Molly. She lives a life of grace and sees the best of those in her life.
Kevin Lui
Groomsman
Watch out ladies, Kevin is here and ready for some wedding cheer. That’s right, Kevin will be my groomsman as well and that sparks trouble. Kevin and I became close in high school and spent so many random nights driving to get ice cream and just enjoying life. He is one of my current roommates in college and living life with him is such a blessing. He never fails to make me laugh. I love his humor and personality. I know he will be an amazing person to have by my side for this wedding and I cannot wait to see him embrace his role. What Kevin brings to the head table: A sophisticated taste, impeccable charisma with Moms, good laughs, Ultimate Frisbee talent, instructions on how to cook a frozen pizza, and true care for others.
Kyla Smith
Bridesmaid
Kyla is the friend that everyone wants in their life. I was lucky enough to meet her in college and have been blessed to be able to call her a friend since. She is one of the funniest people I have ever met and never fail to laugh when I am with her. She is also one of the most selfless people I have met and would drop anything to help a friend. She is constantly thinking of others and is a great living example of Christ. A characteristic of love that Kyla has that I hope to take into my marriage is patience. Kyla has taught me the importance of patience through her calm, never easily-angered, and grace-filled love.
Nathan Hill
Groomsman
While Nathan was once my brother Tommy’s baseball teammate, he is now one of my groomsmen. Nathan is like another older brother to me. He is so knowledgeable about anything and it is so easy to talk to him about anything. There is so much I could learn from him, not only his handyman skills but also his calm and patient personality. I am blessed that he can be a part of me and Liv’s wedding and I am excited to call him my brother-in-law! What Nathan brings to the head table: Deep knowledge about marine biology, craftsmanship, unmatched board games/trivia skills, medical capabilities should an emergency occur, approval to marry his little sister (thankfully), and complete kindness towards all around him.
Ellie Johnston
Bridesmaid
Ellie and I have been together since Pre-K. She has been my girl since day one and I am so grateful for her friendship. Ellie is a spunky, fun, loving friend who will always give it to me straight. She is always there to listen to me and support me in all life situations. We have literally been through it all! She is someone I can always count on and go to when I need an honest, loving, and trustworthy friend. A characteristic of love that I have learned from Ellie and hope to take into marriage with me is humility. Love is not boastful but filled with humility and grace and so is Ellie. She is someone who is very humble, and will never boast about her self but of those around her.
Alex Kaminsky
Groomsman
Alex Kaminsky was once my basketball teammate and is now my groomsmen. Alex, or Allen as we call him, has been such a great friend to me since middle school. I am so thankful for that basketball team bringing us together because Alex is so kind-hearted, caring, supportive, and fun to be around. He goes out of his way to show me his friendship. Alex will be an amazing groomsman and I know he will go above and beyond the expectations. What Alex brings to the head table: Normal-sized ears, mutual Jon Bellion appreciation, a Boston accent, a welcoming personality, and endless ways of showing love to others.
Jaci Tubergen
Bridesmaid
When Jaci first got to BG I thought she was quiet and shy and then I got to know her (in the best way). Jaci is someone who is funny, sarcastic and will tell ya how it is. She is a ride or die for life. She is kind, easy going and a great listener. Jace is someone I am so blessed to call a friend teammate, plane and bus buddy and someone who is like a lil sister (especially with how much she steals my clothes). A characteristic of love I learned from Jaci is kindness. Love is kind and so is Jace. She is always willing to be there and go the extra mile for those around her! Through her kindness taught me the importance of listening to those around you and always be willing to lend a helping hand.
Dylan Cazarez
Groomsman
Dylan and I got close in high school but even closer in college. He is also my roommate in college and he is so generous in everything he does. He shares anything and everything and makes sure all the roommates are well taken care of. Dylan has one of those personalities that puts everyone around him in a good mood. I respect the way that Dylan keeps his spirits high everyday and I know he will be one of the most generous and fun groomsmen out there. What Dylan brings to the head table: Thoughts on financial planning, Spanish music playlists, League of Legends strategies, and a never-ending positive attitude towards life.
Lexi Fleming
Bridesmaid
Lex, or Big Lex (the only name Matt refers to her as) is someone I’ve been blessed to call a teammate and roomie for the past few years at BG. Lexi is someone who cares so deeply and would do anything for her friends. She is always a hoot and a half and never fails to cheer me up or put a smile on my face. She is fun, goofy and lights up any room she walks into! A characteristic of love I learned from Lex and hope to take into my marriage is self discipline and hard work. Love always perseveres and so does Lex. She taught me it is not always easy and it takes showing up everyday and putting in the work even if you don’t feel like it.
Michael Doehring
Groomsman
Michael was once my college small group leader and now is one of my groomsmen. He taught me so much in the past few years and has helped me grow in my faith in many ways. I am blessed to have become such close friends with Michael as that has only brought me closer to God. Michael is an incredible friend and shows his love for others with so many acts of kindness. I know Michael will continue to show me his friendship by being one of the most faithful groomsmen I could ask for. What Michael brings to the head table: An energy drink (probably), a decent beard, plenty of allergies, unconditional friendship, and a love for Jesus that I hope to imitate.
Alfonso Mack
Officiant
Fonnie and his wife Catherine have both been two very influential people not only in our relationship with each other but also in our individual relationships with the Lord. We would not be the couple we are without them and their kind, loving and generous hearts towards us. Their love for one another and their love for the Lord has been such a gift to watch and to learn from. We are so blessed and excited to have Fonnie be the one to marry us on our special day. One of the many things that Matt and I learned about love from Alfonso and Catherine and hope to take into our marriage is how love is a choice. They taught us that love is not only a feeling but it is choosing to love someone and put their needs above your own, even when it’s hard or when you don’t feel like it. They taught us that love isn’t always like the Hallmark movies but it’s being committed to love the other person more than yourself and to keep God at the center.