Madli & Christopher
Wedding Party
Andrew Valade
Best Man
Andrew is Chris's only brother. He likes to tout the fact that he is the older brother (without saying by 2 min). However, as we enter our 30s, we're not sure how much longer that joke will last. He no doubt has a unique character and likes to be the loudest one in the room He is also the best person we know at both getting along with anybody and making sure everyone feels included. We are excited to have such a loyal, caring, stubborn, loud personality as our best man on our wedding day.
Merit Vahtra
Maid of Honor
Merit is not only Madli's younger sister, she is also an embodiment of boundless confidence and unwavering determination. One of the things we admire most about Merit is the inspiring drive that has led her to pursue entrepreneurship across countries! As we stand on the threshold of this new chapter in our lives, we feel incredibly fortunate to call Merit both a sister and maid of honor.
Nicholas Bageris
Groomsman
Nick first met Chris in 7th grade in "General Music" class. While the common appreciation for old time rock started off the relationship, it was the Spartans and general sports love that kept it more than a one semester bond. The friendship grew stronger in high school as Chris and Nick played baseball together all 4 years. Nick always puts others first and that is not more true in this relationship. Although, Chris gave him his favorite number (7) when picking jerseys for baseball. Following that, the two were college roommates on the banks of the Red Cedar (quite literally at times when it flooded up towards our Shaw Hall dorm room). We are honored to have such a classy, generous, smooth, loyal man to be a groomsman on our wedding day.
Danielle Valade
Bridesmaid
Not only is Danielle Chris' triplet sister, but she is also a true friend who's become an integral part of both our lives since moving to Chicago. Her warm heart and genuine kindness have illuminated their journey, turning mere acquaintanceship into a treasured bond. As we approach our wedding day, we are overjoyed to have Danielle by our sides as a bridesmaid.
Jonathan Robinson
Groomsman
Jon (not John... what is a silent H anyway) and Chris met in Mr. Michalski's 6th grade class. An ultimate rivalry was born as Jon supported the boys in maize (highlighter yellow) and blue (Michigan State's rival). However, the relationship between Chris and Jon is more similar to Michigan State/Notre Dame (known as the "Respect Rivalry"). Jon's competitive nature and unwillingness to give up is truly remarkable and was admired greatly by Chris throughout their relationship. We are very much honored to have such a loyal, highly moral, passionate, friend as a groomsman for our wedding.
Erika Ito
Bridesmaid
Erika and Madli initially crossed paths in the same 5th-grade classroom. However, it wasn't until three years later that their friendship truly blossomed. What began as an invitation to the beach unfurled into an unexpected series of sleepovers prompted by the fiercest storms and flooding Wilmette, Illinois had ever witnessed. In the midst of these extraordinary circumstances, laughter emerged as their constant companion. It was then that Madli realized she had found a true friend for life in Erika. She has the best sense of humor and has had Madli's back since day one. We both look forward to Erika joining us on our wedding day.
Daniel Rathburn
Groomsman
Daniel is Chris's cousin, but we view him more as a friend. Throughout his life, he has gone by different names Dan/Daniel (he will give you some elaborate story as to why), but he will always be Danny to us. Danny's friendship with Chris has been consistent throughout their lives and the two were also college roommates. The best word to describe Danny is "character" in which both meanings of the word apply. Danny's personality is something Hollywood writers could only dream of, and one that is memorable to everyone he meets. The second is his strong principled beliefs he instills in his life. We are excited to have a vibrant, fun-loving, loyal man as a groomsmen on our wedding day.
Stefanie Roti
Bridesmaid
Madli's friendship with Stef began in 5th grade. It has since blossomed into a lifelong bond filled with laughter, shared memories, and endless adventures involving hack-sacking, girl bands, and spontaneous road trips to visit Erika in Madison, WI. With her radiant red hair and a heart of gold, Stephanie brings a unique brand of joy and silliness to every moment we've cherished together. We are incredibly excited to have her join us on our wedding day.
William Wojcik
Groomsman
Will and Chris met Freshman year of college at Michigan State as the two went in "blind." Will was the perfect roommate - always open to experiencing new things, organized, and having a calm, consistent demeanor (with the exception of playing Madden on Xbox, which showed Will has a little edge to him!). Will and Chris's bond is strongest and most unique in their love for old school rock! Chris brought Will into his high school friend group and eventually into the fantasy football league (ultimate regret as he is a consistent dominate force!). The two remained close throughout college and lived together after graduating for two years in Royal Oak, Michigan. We are lucky to have a consistent, loyal, all around good person as a groomsman in our wedding.
Natalie Vompa
Bridesmaid
Natalie is a friend whose presence has graced Madli's life for over two decades. Their bond was nurtured at Joekaaru, the Estonian summer camp where countless sunsets and shared memories created a canvas of lifelong friendship. From camp pranks to navigating the halls of the University of Toronto together, their connection only grew stronger. Natalie's humor is like a beacon, casting warmth and laughter in every moment they share. Her ability to listen, to truly understand, is a treasure that has fortified their friendship throughout the years. It is an honor to have her stand with us in our wedding.
Nicholas Safadi
Groomsman
Chris and Nick met in 6th grade playing CYO basketball for St. James. The relationship truly flourished later in high school and continued strong into college. Despite Nick joining a fraternity, he always made time to see his boys from Novi. Nick and Chris also spent an extra year at MSU to pursue their career as CPA's and earn their Masters in Accounting. Chris always looked to Nick for his thoughts on career interests, personal finance goals, and overall well-rounded friendship. When Chris moved to Chicago in September of 2019, this now Chicago veteran (moved there right after college) welcomed Chris with open arms and has become one of Chris's closest friends. Be sure to see Nick on Saturday because we all know he will be already home in Chicago by 7am the next morning. We are honored to have a driven, loyal, inspiring friend as a groomsmen on our wedding day.
Kairi Vaikla
Bridesmaid
Introducing one of Madli's dearest friends and bridesmaid, Kairi – a friendship that stands the test of time and transcends the boundaries of years. Their journey began as children, around the age of 6 at Joekaaru summer camp. Little did they know that this meeting would ignite a lifelong connection, cemented by countless summers and cherished memories. We are overjoyed to have Kairi by our side as we approach our wedding day. Kairi's presence on this special day symbolizes not just her and Madli's history, but the unwavering friendship that has grown and flourished over time.
Sean Mcniff
Groomsman
Sean and Chris met in 7th grade in Mr. Cemate's homeroom class. Sean's love and knowledge for sports impressed Chris, even though he's a New York fan J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets. If you need some help or insights on fantasy football or have questions about Dave Matthews (I think he is nearing triple digits concerts attended), Sean is your guy. Sean is a friend that you can always count on and always thinks of others first. We are honored to have such a loyal, reliable, passionate friend be a groomsmen on our wedding day.
Lianne Dimambro
Bridesmaid
Lianne is a remarkable friend who first stepped into Chris' life through the corridors of a shared workplace at Deloitte in Detroit. As destiny would have it, her move to Chicago in 2019 gave Madli the opportunity to know her better, opening the door to a friendship that radiates kindness, selflessness, and unwavering support. We are profoundly grateful to have Lianne stand by their side on their special day.
Oskar Vahtra
Groomsman
Here's to Oskar – a brother, a groomsman, and a source of inspiration whose unique beat adds a special rhythm to the upcoming celebration. While his path may diverge from the norm, his distinctiveness, unyielding determination, and knack for carving his own unique path in inspiring. As we prepare to celebrate our wedding day, having Oskar as a groomsman is an honor that goes beyond familial ties. It's a tribute to his spirit, his achievements, and the shared moments that have woven our stories together.
Erin Wrenn
Bridesmaid
Meet Erin, a true gem in Madli's life's journey, discovered through the beautiful web of mutual friends. From the very moment their paths crossed, a connection sparked. It's been a friendship filled with laughter, camaraderie, and shared love for the 90s and RuPaul's Drag Race. As we eagerly anticipate the celebrations of the upcoming year, we are filled with gratitude and excitement to have Erin stand by our side.
Feliks Vahtra
Groomsman
Feliks, the brother of Madli, extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to Chris, embracing him into the Vahtra family. Feliks is a kind, thoughtful, level-headed man that has a passion for DJing. Sadly, he declined our invitation to perform on our wedding day. Fortunately, he agreed to stand with as a groomsmen and we couldn't be happier.
Viktor Bones Valade
A Godsend
Although he may not be physically present on our special day, we would be remiss if we didn't introduce our treasured son to you all. Viktor blessed our lives in July of 2023 and has been an integral part of our family since day one. Here's to hoping we can sneak him into the reception ;)