Bianca & Mat
Wedding Party
Jennifer Addison
Matron of Honor
Jennifer and Bianca first met in Texas in 2006 and instantly bonded, becoming sisters. The two shared several experiences including concerts and trips. Both families moved to San Diego in 2009, coincidentally only blocks away. Jen was Bianca’s rock when she was first diagnosed with Epilepsy, helping her through many challenges and obstacles. After Bianca moved back to IL, their friendship remained strong. The two can be found laughing on the phone, even if at each other. Jen has the gift of making people smile and can always lighten up a room. She’s smart, thoughtful, and enjoys visiting new sites. She is a Navy Veteran and wife to Jim, retired Marine/Navy. She has two sons: Aaron, and Evan who recently enlisted in the Navy. Thank you traveling and sharing in this special time with us!
Andrew Parks
Best Man
Endless Connection Pt 1: Andrew and Mat were introduced by their mutual friend, Adam, in 2004. Andrew was a singer for a band called "Endless Mike", who were in need for a new guitar player. The two instantly hit if off. Shortly after - Andrew, Adam, and Mat got an apartment together at NIU. Through 3 years of living together, Andrew and Mat formed an unbreakable bond due to their mutual love for video games, music, and late nights watching bad movies and laughing until they passed out. Andrew is one of the most artistic, talented, and smart (can you say, trivia night?) people Mat has ever known, and the two have always been there for each other. Mat was honored, and privileged to be a Co-Best Man at Andrew and Katerina's wedding, and is the Godfather to their lovely daughter, Harper.
Nina Elfring
Bridesmaid
Bianca cannot remember the exact moment she met Nina, just that she liked her immediately. Bianca has always looked up to Nina for so many reasons: she is level-headed, relaxed, smart, and has a great outlook on life. She also has fantastic decorating skills. Nina has been an amazing help throughout the wedding process, helping Bianca pick out her dress, talking her through a veil fiasco and so much more. Nina is not a fan of photos but has a great smile - Bianca cannot wait to see the wedding photos! Nina is married to Mat and adorable son, Abel.
Mat Elfring
Groomsman
Endless Connection Pt 2: Mat (Elfring - as he will be referred to in the rest of this description) was the drummer of the aforementioned band "Endless Mike". Elfring and Mat had met in 2003, and instantly did not like each other. Elfring described Mat as being a "jock", and Mat had no idea what to make of Elfring. Nevertheless, the two were paired by mutual friends, and Mat's joining of the band that Elfring was a part of. Through the years, the two have grown closer, and even more so as adults. Sharing love for music, wrestling, cooking, and again - bad movies. Elfring has become somewhat of an inspiration to Mat on how he has grown his professional career, how he has been as a husband to his wife, Nina, and most recently how he has been as a father to his son, Abel.
Cynthia Penne
Bridesmaid
Bianca had no sisters growing up , just a brother and two older female cousins. The cousin directly older than her was Cindy. Cindy was the closest thing that Bianca had to a sister growing up, so naturally they played like sisters, fought like sisters and shared secrets like sisters. When the two were little, Cindy called Bianca a “brat” (hey, they were kids!) but don’t be fooled, the two grew much closer at they got older. Bianca is so proud to see what a wonderful mother Cindy is to her three daughters, Charlize, Maria, and Josephine and wife to husband Ryan. Cindy always looks for the positive in life and keeps her faith strong. She has made a great family and career for herself. What a way they have come since playing with worms!
James Whelan
Groomsman
James and Mat met in 2005 as part of a Sunday rec-league Softball team. Instantly, it was apparent that James was the type of friend that Mat wanted to have. Funny, outgoing, and not afraid to be himself, James embodies what a confident & successful person should be. The "Nice Guy James Whelan" meme that circled the internet was no joke. Always there to lend a hand in helping you move (5 times, by Mat's count), or to lend an ear when you need a friend, James has always been right there. James has also been in inspiration to Mat in how he has handled both his professional and family life. He is a wonderful husband to his wife, Meghan, and a model father to his kids Jackson, Benjamin, and Abigail.
Crystal Lundeen
Bridesmaid
Bianca first met Crystal in the 4th grade at St. Peter’s School in Aurora. Bianca can still remember seeing Crystal in her plaid maroon uniform jumper, pink collared shirt, ruffled socks and short bob haircut. Little did Bianca know, Crystal was the spice to Bianca's life - the Rachel to her Monica/Phoebe, if you will. The two girls have years of countless memories, from sleepovers, to birthday parties, even New Year's in Miami for Bianca's Quinceanera. Crystal is a beautiful, thoughtful and overall terrific woman. Over the years, Crystal has become a wife to husband Brian and a mother to daughter, Ellie. Although Crystal currently lives out of state, she has traveled back to Illinois to share in this special day with Bianca. What happened to 4th grade maroon plaid uniforms?
Jeff Modjeski
Groomsman
Jeff and Mat had met several times between 2003-2004, but did not connect until 2005 as part of Sunday rec-league Softball. Jeff and Mat hit it off pretty quick, as shared love for video games, and computers steered their conversations. Mat would spend hours hanging out at Jeff's work, "The Cave", where Jeff would work on computers and help grow Mat's knowledge of how they work. The two would soon find themselves working part-time as the same restaurants/bars, where their friendship would grow even stronger. Mat always felt welcomed in the Modjeski household, as a pseudo-adopted member of the family, as he has formed friendships with each of Jeff's siblings and parents. Jeff is an amazingly smart and talented friend, and a wonderful father to his two kids, Kaden and Tegan.
Katerina Parks
Bridesmaid
Bianca met Katerina as she is married to Mat’s best friend, Andrew and the mother to Harper, who is Mat's sweet and funny goddaughter. The two ladies have enjoyed many cookouts, game nights and friend-events together and currently reign as champions over Andrew and Mat in Code Names. One of Bianca’s fondest memories of the two is a post-wedding celebration where Katerina asked Bianca to shotgun a beer at a hotel after-party. This ended in the bathtub (as to not mess up the dresses). Bianca loves how Katerina is creative and has inspired her to be more easy-going and carefree. Both Katerina and Bianca enjoy finding treasures at the local Good Will and creating DIY’s. A special thank you to Katerina for all her help in the wedding planning!
Will Ash
Groomsman
Endless Connection Pt 3: Will and Mat met through the same band as Andrew & Elfring, as Will was the bass player for the group. Will had also attended NIU during the same period as Mat. During that time, as Mat's roommates (Adam & Andrew) would frequent the local bar scene, Will would hang back with a pre-21 year old Mat most nights. The two would spend countless hours playing NBA Ballers, watching the White Sox, and writing songs. Will and Mat would be connected musically for the better part of 12 years, playing in multiple bands together and writing several songs - the two have always understood each other's style with music. Will has also grown into a great family man, as a husband to his wife, Chrissy, and father to his two kids Abby and Charlie.
Michael Belec
Officiant
Mikey Belec has been a close friend of Bianca and Mat's throughout their entire relationship. Mikey is one of the most selfless, and kind people the couple has ever known. Extremely talented in music and art, there is no one the couple would rather officiate their special day.