Wedding Party
Violet Okon
Maid of Honor
Violet is Zoe's middle sister and is a maid of honor! She has always been Zoe's best friend and growing up so close in age they share all their childhood memories together. Violet is vibrant, hilarious, and sparks so much joy in everyone who enters her orbit. She loves spending time with her friends and her rambunctious dog, Louie. Violet is currently in Elmhurst's Speech Pathology Masters program and plans to use her degree to work in speech therapy for children with communication disorders.
Liam Nord
Best Man
Liam is Tyler's younger brother and built-in lifelong best friend. Growing up together, the two spent numerous hours playing catch in the backyard, competing over just about everything, and developing the kind of brotherly connection where they can usually tell what the other is thinking without saying a word. Whether it was playing golf in Hawaii, battling over ping pong on their Alaskan cruise, or just spending time together at home, some of Tyler's favorite moments have always included Liam. Liam is happiest when he's golfing, fishing, playing soccer or volleyball, or simply spending time with friends. Tyler feels fortunate to have his brother standing by his side on his wedding day.
Willa Okon
Maid of Honor
Willa is Zoe's youngest sister and is a maid of honor! Since the day Willa was born she has been the most precious thing in Zoe's life. From being Willa's big sister and babysitter to being her best friend and number one fan, having Willa in the world has made every day brighter. Willa is brilliantly smart and active as she spends the majority of her time running track and dancing competitively for her studio, EDS. She is on the senior dance team and also teaches classes of her own to the younger girls!
Andrew Jones
Best Man
Andrew and Tyler met back in the second grade, but the two became inseparable during their high school years. Their friendship has been shaped by summers spent together, a shared love of sports, and the kind of bond that comes from growing up alongside one another. One of Tyler's favorite memories of Andrew is the summer that Andrew practically lived at his house, becoming a part of the family in the process. Over the years, Andrew's loyalty, sense of humor, and steady friendship have meant a great deal to Tyler — he's proud to have Andrew standing beside him on this day.
Natalia Nord
Bridesmaid
Natalia is Tyler's sister and is the youngest sibling of the three. Zoe and Natalia first met in 2018 and it has been an honor to see her grow up into such a beautiful girl. With their family, they have all enjoyed many amazing vacations together, most recently to Alaska, Disney, Hawaii, and Gulf Shores! Natalia is incredibly talented and athletic, playing school and travel softball. She has interests in hair and makeup styling and has been enjoying spending time with their new puppy Ruby.
Andrew Padilla
Groomsman
By the end of PT school, it was hard to find a class, study session, or round of golf where Tyler and Andrew weren't together. As lab partners, the two spent endless hours getting through exams, long practicals, and everything else Northwestern could throw at them — usually while talking about baseball or football at the same time. Some of the best memories came during from late nights at the library, especially when Do-Rite chicken sandwiches somehow became part of the routine. After 5 years of friendship, Tyler is thankful that his first friend in PT school became one of his closest friends beyond it.
Alexandra Chaplin
Bridesmaid
Alex and Zoe met at Saint Louis University freshman year and went on to be roommates throughout college. They have travelled together to Madrid, Paris, and across Italy- collecting so many memories along the way. Alex is extremely hardworking, thoughtful, and has great taste- she knows a good espresso martini! Alex now lives in Naperville and works at Northwestern CDH in the Labor and Delivery unit. She is dog mom to Archie, a golden doodle who is a real life teddy bear.
Jayme Bertish
Groomsman
Jayme has been one of Tyler's most trusted friends since the two met through high school baseball during sophomore year. Easygoing, funny, and always up for golf or talking St. Louis sports, Jayme quickly became someone Tyler genuinely enjoyed being around both on and off the field. One of the memories they'll always share is winning a district championship together and celebrating with a dogpile on the mound — with Jayme stuck at the bottom of it. Over the years, Jayme's steady friendship and laid-back personality have made him someone Tyler could always count on, and he's excited to have him standing beside him on this day.
Rebecca Barrie
Bridesmaid
Becca and Zoe met during interviews for a nursing position at Lurie Children's PICU in 2021. Becca was confident, humorous, educated, and owned the room then, and nothing has changed to date! They have worked in the PICU together over the past 5 years and have grown closer every year for it. They enjoy spending time together going to pilates and coffee shops in Lincoln Park. Becca is active in planning her wedding this September and going to Elmhurst for her MSN degree.
Paul Mikuzis
Groomsman
From freshman year at Saint Louis University onward, Paul has been one of Tyler's closest friends. After meeting through the same pledge class, the two later became roommates and remained close long after college. Known for being outgoing, social, and always up for a good time, Paul has been at the center of the Tyler's favorite college memories — especially the countless Mardi Gras celebrations in Soulard. No matter the occasion, Paul has a way of making every night more memorable; Tyler is excited to have him standing by his side on this day.
Kiera Aldridge
Bridesmaid
Kiera and Zoe met in grade school and have been engrained in each other's lives and families since. Growing up together included swimming in Kiera's pool, half sleepovers, weekends at the lake in Indiana, garage sales, girl scouts, block parties and spending all major holidays with each other. Kiera has been a sister to Zoe, Violet and Willa and has brought a heartwarming sense of family between our parents and hers, Mary and Rich. Kiera is the most empathetic and loving girl, currently living in St. Petersburg, Florida with her dog Shae and is attending graduate school for social work through University of Kentucky.
Patrick Dionosio
Groomsman
Tyler and Patrick met during PT school at Northwestern, where their friendship quickly grew through long days in class, studying together, and spending time around Chicago. Easygoing and always up for talking baseball or football, Patrick quickly became someone Tyler could always count on for a good conversation and a good time. Some of Tyler's favorite memories with Pat came from playing softball together and nights out at the Fieldhouse — along with occasionally making sure Pat stayed awake during lectures. Tyler is grateful for their friendship over the past five years and is honored to have Patrick standing beside on this day.
Madelyn Taylor
Bridesmaid
Madelyn and Zoe met at orientation at Lurie Children's PICU 5 years ago and have been close friends ever since. From learning how to be a nurse to being in charge of the unit together, it has been a blessing to have Madelyn by her side. They spend time together working out, eating out and enjoying the city. Madelyn shines as bright as the sun and is very active, well spoken and undeniably cool. She is currently in a DNP program through Rush University in Primary Nursing Care!
Luke Hertzler
Groomsman
Luke and Tyler met on the McKelvey playground shortly after Luke moved from Turkey to St. Louis, and they've been close friends ever since. Over the years, their friendship has revolved around sports, overly competitive fantasy football leagues, and endless hours playing a game they invented called "Ping Pong Baseball". While they may never agree on the Bears vs. Packers rivalry, they've always shared the kind of friendship that picks up right where it left off. Tyler is proud to have Luke standing beside him on his wedding day.
Lauren Vaikutis
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Zoe met freshman year at SLU in the nursing program, only to find out they have lived 5 minutes away from each other in Westmont and Clarendon Hills their whole lives. The invisible string! They spent college years as roommates and now live downtown in Chicago nearby one another. Days off work are often spent together walking the lakeshore path and exploring the best bars and restaurants of the city. Lauren is a nurse at Northwestern Hospital in the CTICU and is incredibly wise, ambitious, humourous and brings joy and comfort to everyone around her.
Joshua White
Groomsman
Josh and Tyler first met through baseball in elementary school, but the two lost touch until high school, when Josh seemed to find his way to first base nearly every game and conversations made the two realize their lost connection. From there, the friendship quickly picked back up and has stayed strong since. A lifelong Cardinals fan and Tyler's trusted scramble partner, Josh and Tyler share countless memories attending baseball games and on the golf course. Tyler is grateful for Josh’s friendship over the years and excited to have him standing beside him on this day.
Thomas Clark
Usher
Tommy is Zoe's cousin and is also the son of her Godmother, Nadine. Tommy was the first person Zoe babysat for when they first moved to Clarendon Hills. They spent lots of weekend nights and summers playing, going to the pool, and making up fun games. Tommy has grown to be incredibly smart and talented in all his interests, including golf and lacrosse. He is one "funny guy"!
Sabina Clark
Usher
Sabina is Zoe's cousin and is also the daughter of her Godmother, Nadine. Since Sabina was born she spent so much time with Zoe and her sisters playing, shopping, and having summer fun. From decorating her nursery to having family dinners and talking about her friends, volleyball team, and travels, it has been a gift to see Sabina grow into such a beautiful, smart and completely sweet girl.
Pastor Paul Jay Pfotenhauer
Officiant
Pastor Paul was the pastor of the Okon family's home church, Bethel Lutheran in Westmont for 25 years. Pastor Paul baptized all three sisters, completed their communion, and has been a close family friend to Dana and Nicole. So many memories are shared of VBS, mission trips, and bible study groups. Zoe and Tyler are grateful to know the Pfotenhauer family, including Pastor's wife Raechel and their three children. Pastor is now working at Messiah Lutheran Church in Minnesota and is generously travelling to St Louis to officiate the wedding.
Addison Bertoletti
Flower Girl
Addison is Zoe's cousin and recently celebrated her 1st birthday! She is the youngest cousin in our family and is growing in her milestones of babbling, walking and keeping up with her big brother Austin. Addison's mother, Amanda, was the flower girl in Zoe's parent's wedding, so having her be apart of this role in our special day means so much to us.
Robert Bollam
Ring Bearer
Robbie is Tyler's cousin and is 7 years old. Robbie likes learning and going to school and enjoys playing with their dog, Winnie. He loves to go in the backyard garden at the Nord's house and watch Phineas and Ferb.
Charles Bollam
Ring Bearer
Charlie is Tyler's 5-year-old cousin, little brother to Robbie. Charlie loves to run and play and especially has fun exploring the property at Steve's cabin in rural Missouri. He loves Disney and had a blast this year on their family cruise.