Melody & Jake
The Wedding Party (Big and Small)
Emily
Maid of Honor
“Melody’s sister Emily,” as she used to introduce herself in preschool, will be Melody’s Maid of Honor. Melody is glad their relationship didn’t peak back when they used to play “Monkey and Monkey Trainer” in the mid 1990s. Emily lives in Israel with her husband and two sons.
Katherine M.
Bridesmaid
Melody is so excited that Jake’s sister, Katherine, will be standing with her on their wedding day. Katherine just moved back from Munich, Germany, and lives in Wisconsin with her husband and adorable cat, Milo.
Sarita
Bridesmaid
Law school peer turned best friend, Melody is honored to have Sarita by her side on her big day. Sarita, originally from New Mexico, moved to Chicago for school. From Torts class to “co-parenting” with Melody through the Magic Kingdom, Sarita has more than earned the title of honorary aunt / “Tia” to Melody’s littles.
Regan
Bridesmaid
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Melody met Regan on the first day of orientation at Chicago-Kent when Regan was sitting right in front of Melody in the auditorium, and the rest is history! From study dates during finals to holiday meals and kids birthday parties, Melody is so grateful to have “Auntie Regan” in her world.
Kathryn O.
Bridesmaid
One of Melody’s most cherished law school friends from her 1L section, Kathryn, was born and raised in Chicago. Kathryn may be a few years younger than Melody, but Melody swears she’s decades wiser. From kiddo birthday parties to endless breakfast dates to the best suburb study partner, Melody is beyond thrilled to have Kathryn by her side for the big day.
Matt W.
Co-Best Man
Matt, who lives in California with his wife and adorable son, has been Jake’s best friend since kindergarten. Although Matt’s family moved away in 8th grade, the two stayed in touch and have remained close ever since. Jake is so happy to have Matt by his side (and actually up at the front co-officiating!) as he says “I do.”
Matt M.
Co-Best Man
Matt and Jake started as neighbors and became best friends when they met in the third grade. Matt lives with his better half and two daughters in the Chicago suburbs. When the two aren’t catching up over a drink or enjoying a game night, they’re competing against each other in their joint Fantasy Football league.
Nick
Groomsman
Jake is thrilled to have his first cousin, Nick, by his side for his big day. Just two years older than Jake, the two have been close all their lives. Nick lives in Arizona with his fiancé, daughter, and two dogs.
Chris
Groomsman
Jake and Chris went to high school together. While the two share too many memories to count, one of the most special ones was doubtlessly when Jake officiated Chris’s wedding to his amazing wife, Stef. The happy couple lives with their beloved dogs just a 20 minute drive away from Jake and Melody!
Tim
Groomsman
Jake and Tim are best friends from college. Most of their memories from Western Illinois took place in the library, of course. When the two weren’t studying, which was rare, they enjoyed going to shows, watching football games, and gaming. Tim lives with his dog in western Illinois.
Ayla
Signing Ketubah (“Witness”)
Ayla, who lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters, has been one of Melody’s best friends since the 6th grade from their days together at Camp Ramah in Canada. Ayla is one of Melody oldest and most cherished friends, and she will also be co-officiating the ceremony, up by Melody’s side as she says “I do.” All who know Ayla know that she is a superhero by day, giving her pure heart to make the world a better place through her work and personal life, literally every day.
Stefanie
Signing Ketubah (“Witness”)
Stefanie, born and raised in New York, has been one of Melody’s best friends since they went to college together at Indiana University. She is married to her amazing husband, Mike, who is also one of Melody’s most dear friends. Melody and Stef have too many precious memories to count, but suffice it to say, each one gives the other a run for their money in being raging “Type A” over-achievers who love school and “To Do” lists more than is socially-acceptable.
McKenzie
Signing Ketubah (“Witness”)
McKenzie has been one of Jake’s very close friends since they met back in high school, and Jake and Melody couldn’t be happier to have her by their side, for this big moment but also for each small moment along the way. McKenzie lives in the Chicago suburbs where her and Jake grew up with her lovely husband, Brent, and their sweet new baby girl, Sienna.
Jim
Signing Ketubah (“Witness”)
Jim or, as Jake has always known him, “Jimmy” has been on the scene since the two met back in high school. From playing together on the football team to many a memory through college and since, Jimmy (and his beautiful wife Shannon) are dear, loyal friends. They also have the acclaimed title of being the very first friends that Jake introduced to Melody!
Kevin
Usher
Married to Jake’s sister Katherine, Jake is thrilled to have Kevin as part of the usher team. Kevin is a loving cat dad and just wrapped up his international job posting for EY in Germany.
Nati
Usher
Nati, or “Nat-dog” as Melody affectionately refers to him, is married to Emily, Melody’s sister. Nati is an engineer by day and a chef and rabble rouser by night. Originally from New Jersey, Nati lives in Israel with Emily and their two sons.
Dita
Daughter of Honor / “Flower Kiddo”
Dita, age 9, is a proud Fourth Grader. She is vivacious, outgoing, quick-witted, and an amazing big sister. She runs an up and coming slime business on the school bus, but when she’s not making slime, she likes dancing, playing with her brothers, making bracelets, and helping her Mom with her law school studying. She is so excited to have Jake in our family.
Gabey
Son of Honor / “Flower Kiddo”
Mr. Gabey is a delicious, sweet Kindergartener who rides the bus with his sister. He loves Taylor Swift, anything rainbow, and Paw Patrol. He usually sings “Happy Birthday” when he washes his hands, although sometimes likes to mix it up by singing the “ABCs,” and as far as five year old boys go, they just don’t make them more lovable than this kid. He can’t wait to break it down on the dance floor and especially loves “special time” with Jake.
Noam
Son of Honor / “Flower Kiddo”
Mr. Noam is the mischievous one of the bunch. Newly four years old, this little pipsqueak has a personality bigger than his little toddler body. He is clever, energetic, and tells the silliest “knock knock” jokes. Noam loves dinosaurs, copying his brother, and snuggling his “moo moo.” In addition to gaining a Nana and Papa in Jake’s wonderful parents, Noam loves his “Deke” (his special name for Jake because he couldn’t say “Jake” when they first met).