Wedding Party
Lindsay Brand
Maid of Honor
Sam and Lindsay met in 7th grade in Tallahassee, Florida and were inseparable for several years. Life eventually took them in different directions until, by pure coincidence, they both found themselves living in Asheville, North Carolina—where their friendship picked up again as if no time had passed. Lindsay has a great sense of humor, brought out even more with Sam around. She’s also the steady voice of reason in Sam’s life, always knowing when to be firmly on her side and when to help her see another perspective. Lindsay is a wonderful mom to her daughter, Olive (5), and Sam feels incredibly lucky to have her standing beside her as Maid of Honor.
Sofia Romanowski
Bridesmaid
Sam met Sofia on a random evening in Asheville, where they exchanged phone numbers but didn’t reconnect until several months later when Sam sent a text that read, “Remember me? Want to be my friend?” (Honestly, how else are adults supposed to make friends?) Thankfully, it worked. Sofia is a deep thinker and a creative force, and conversations with her often turn into meaningful discussions about life, dreams, and everything in between. She’s also a wonderful mom to her son, Jasper (4). Sam feels so lucky to have Sofia in her life and standing beside her as a bridesmaid.
Angela Payne
Bridesmaid
Sam met Angela on the same random evening in a dingy downtown Asheville bar where she first met Sofia. Angela is always up for an adventure—whether it’s walking 20 miles, hiking up a mountain, or telling ghost stories on the way back down in the dark. At the same time, she’s the kind of friend who will truly listen when you need to vent. Angela has a kind, adventurous spirit and is a wonderful mom to her daughter, Naomi (3). Sam admires her deeply and feels so grateful to have her in her life and standing beside her as a bridesmaid.
Dr. Dale Simpson
Best Man
Dale and Dustin met around the age of 10, and from then on, they just kind of moved through life side by side. Whether it was in Boy Scout trips, skate boarding around town to long days on the wrestling mat, they built something early that felt more like brotherhood than friendship. Their connection was grounded in the simple things. And alot of it came from the things they shared—terrorizing the neighborhood, cheering the Chicago Bulls dynasty years, catching Chicago Cubs games, and spending as much time outside as they could. Though they have their separate paths in life, they can always pick up right where they left off. This is the kind of bond that sticks with you no matter where life takes you.
Brian Lichtenwalter
Groomsman
Brian and Dustin have known each other since… honestly, since whatever age they were in that picture—back when their biggest concern was probably snacks and not paying bills. They have always had the same taste in music, which is a blessing and a curse… because together they have been to more concerts then most bands have played in their career. But beyond all that, Brian and the whole Lichtenwalter family, are just solid people. The kind you don’t come across often. The kind you don’t just hang out with… you stick with. Through everything—good times, questionable decisions, and life doing what life does—the Lichtenwalters and the Porters have been there for each other from the start. And that’s something Dustin don’t take lightly…
Sean Foley
Groomsman
Sean and Dustin met as Logan Square locals and quickly became good friends, spending a lot of time together enjoying everything Chicago had to offer—from Chicago Blackhawks games on the West Side to Chicago Cubs games up north, along with plenty of concerts across the city. They shared a lot of great memories during those years. Things naturally slowed down when Sean met and married Dustin's sister, and together they built a life centered around their two amazing kids, Dustin's niece and nephew, Abigail and Colin. Even though life looks different now, those early days of friendship and the bond they built have always stuck—and will always be a part of who they are.