Susie & Mike
Wedding Party
Caryn Jendro
Maid of Honor
Susie's sister and co-mastermind behind Mike's big question! Susie and Caryn grew up close (they shared a room together for 10 years!) and they're still thick as thieves. They share a love for most things except black olive pizza and Adele. Be prepared for lots of snort-laughing at the wedding, as they are both prone to this particular guffaw. Even though Caryn is the younger sister, Susie admires and looks up to her for all her confidence, strength, and fierceness. Caryn has been our biggest fan since day 1 and we are so glad to have her in this position of honor for our special day.
John Schlemmer
Best Man
Seen here doing one of his trademark happy dances, John has been a close friend of Mike’s since college. There, the two quickly bonded over a mutual love for all things Nintendo. Since then, he and Mike have shared countless memories - including one where Mike was HIS best man! Mike is thrilled to have the Luigi to his Mario at his side on his big day. (No, you can’t have Mario, John - I’m the shorter one.)
Adam Smith
Bridesman
If Susie were actually Frodo then Adam would be her Samwise. As intrepid companions for over 11 years, Susie and Adam have always been there for each other. Susie's favorite thing about Adam is how thoughtful he is--the handwritten notes he always gives her on her birthday are an annual favorite. Also he's always down for a LOTR extended edition marathon. And he always makes sure we win Harry Potter trivia. ADAM IS AWESOME!
Adam Knight
Groomsman
Mike was first introduced to Adam and his awesome sideburns in college. But it was more than facial hair envy that drew Mike to him. He’s also a genuinely kind dude - and a fellow animation enthusiast. This Disney diehard is as thoughtful as they come. Which was made evident when he and his wife, Jessie, gave us our first housewarming gift. Talk about a Knight in shining armor!
Charlie Hayes
Bridesman
Charlie and Susie became fast friends several years ago when they met at work. Charlie is always willing to go out of his way to spend time with us and there's never a dull conversation when he is around. We can always count on Charlie to try new restaurants or explore weird places. He also has a great selection of pickles and bizarre beverages, and doesn't get angry when we raid his fridge when he hosts Game of Thrones night. Charlie is not great at helping Susie with hair styling advice, much to her dismay... but we do love the way he says 'SCIENCE!'
Lisa DeCarli
Groomswoman
Lisa has always been more sister than cousin to Mike. The two of them grew up together - spending countless hours imagining dinosaurs, writing/producing Halloween plays, and co-founding a lab where they studied the fascinating properties of ground up landscaping rocks. Spoiler alert - it does nothing. In more recent years, Susie and Mike have enjoyed bonding with Lisa and her husband Tony over a new, more grown-up hobby… board games!
Abby Hunter
Bridesmaid
Susie and Abby met at a Cubs game when they were little kids. Susie spilled her drink all over Abby's new dress and they departed on weird terms; they didn't meet again in person until high school. (Abby would spend the next decade plotting her revenge.) After living in close proximity for a while at boarding school they realized they had a lot in common and became roommates and besties! Despite that fated day of their youth, Susie and Abby have kindled a special relationship.... and Abby never did exact her revenge!
Zach Bremen
Bridesman
Strangely enough, Susie and Zach went to college together but were never great friends until he came back from living in Florida several years after graduation. Weird! What a shame too, because their friendship was like wildfire the second he moved to Chicago. Zach is a fountain of advice and support, has a great sense of humor, and is the strangest jew and vegetarian we have ever met (he eats a lot of bacon). Really looking forward to Zach tearing it up on the dancefloor at our wedding. Copa Cabana, anyone?
Vince Smolucha
Officiant
Vince was Susie's boss for a handful of years at Ogilvy. Susie's immediate reaction was 'GET THIS GUY OUTTA HERE, I DON'T NEED NO BOSS' but then a few hours later Susie and Vince were an unstoppable force. Vince treats Susie like a daughter. He's there for Susie when she needs his advice, or a paper towel to clean up her spill, or a reminder to tie (or put on) her shoes. Few people are more kind or invested in our happiness and success than Vince, so him being our officiant is a no-brainer. He is also very funny, so it should be a fantastic ceremony!