Rachel & Christopher
Wedding Party
Laurie Miller
Maid of Honor
Friend of the Bride Laurie and the bride met in pre-K (yes you read that right!) and attended school alongside one another until graduating from Niles West High School. They sang in the same choirs, played on the same sports teams and got into the same teenage shenanigans. They even worked their first jobs together as lifeguards for the Morton Grove Park District. Although they didn't always have the same friend group, their friendship never wavered. 25 years later, I think its safe to say no matter what season of life they may enter it will likely include each other!
Josh Strzelecki
Best Man
Friend of the Groom Josh and the groom first met at orientation the summer prior to starting college at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. After finding out they were going to be living in the same dorm building it quickly became clear that they would be nearly inseparable. They were roommates for most of their remaining college years (and a few years beyond that even) and on many nights, friends would only contact one or the other knowing that they would be hanging out together anyways. Despite not living together anymore, that connection continues through today with Badger tailgates, nights trading stories over glasses of whiskey and laughing through stand up comedy specials.
Megan Hufnagel
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride Meg and the bride met at their very first big girl job. In other words, the were both hired as licensed physical therapists by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now the SRALAB) at a Day Rehab program in River North. After only a few months of working together, they quickly developed an inseparable bond. This lead to daily adventures across the city to bike, bar hop, yoga flow, triathlon train, attend concerts or eat until they were physically sick. Although Meg has since moved back to her home town of Philadelphia, the bride and Meg continue to enjoy monthly dinner dates via Facetime. They regularly joke that they were dating long before Chris entered the picture.
Dan Bernlohr
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom The groom and Dan became friends while attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Their friendship started as competitors at a weekly beer pong league hosted by Dan's fraternity but became fast friends soon after graduation. Both took jobs in the Madison area allowing them to continue to live the college life but now with a real income. Many memories have been made cheering on the Badgers together, tailgating, traveling to away games, enjoying Captain and Diets, golfing and playing volleyball (to only name a few).
Taylor Molitor
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride Taylor and the bride attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana but did not meet until entering the Northwestern University Doctor of Physical Therapy program. In PT school they practically lived in the Northwestern Galter Pavilion, ate a substantial amount of soup box, drank an ungodly amount of coffee, as well as, trained for many races including the Chicago Spring Half Marathon. Now, they enjoy cheering on the Illini and Wildcat football teams, taking girls trips to places such as Austin and Myrtle Beach, and brunch dates with lots of dog-mom talk when Taylor returns home from San Diego!
John Manzuk
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom John and the groom first became friends playing softball together. After meeting during a night out, John was invited to be the ringer for the groom's team in a tournament. While his game has gone downhill since cranking home runs in their younger years, the competitive spirit lives on through less strenuous activities like bowling and golf. John's competitive spirit is only surpassed by that of the bride's.
Dorine Aziz
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride Dorine and the bride grew up in the same home town of Morton Grove and attended the University of Illinois for undergraduate studies....but had no idea each other existed until they both accepted admittance into the Northwestern University Physical Therapy Program. In PT school, they often studied together over countless cups of coffee, explored the city (when they weren't held captive by their books) and enjoyed various trips including a long camping adventure in the Smoky Mountains full of hiking and moonshine tasting, as well as, to Austin for some sunshine and BBQ. They now live less than a mile from each other in the city and enjoy coffee dates (without the school books), talking travel adventures and sharing fashion advice!
Matthew Lagona
Groomsman
Cousin of the Groom Being less than a year apart in age, Matthew and the groom spent much of their childhood doing many of the same things. From sporting the same pair of the latest Jordan's to playing on the same squirt hockey team, they grew up together. Along with the groom's brother, Adam, the three of them became experts at causing trouble and giving their parents headaches.
Katherine Chavez
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride Katherine and the bride met and lived together for a few short months during the bride's first clinical rotation in Albuquerque, NM. They instantly felt like old friends, bonding over their shared faith, love of music, dancing, physical fitness and similar interests. Since living together, they have made it a point to take weekend trips to visit one another or explore new places like Denver, Austin and Seattle. Even though they currently live miles apart and may not converse as frequently as they may hope, they always instantly pick up right where they left off.
Ryan Olen
Groomsman
Brother of the Bride Ryan is three years younger than the bride and has always been the more reserved one in the Olen clan (unless the Green Bay Packers are playing...). When Ryan and the bride were young, they used to enjoy playing soccer in the backyard, putting together "petting zoos" in the basement and watching Veggie Tales. Today, Ryan reminds his siblings to think before they speak, is kind, caring and never afraid to share a "good" dad joke/pun *eye roll*. He is the ultimate sports fan, with an incredible wealth of sport stats and trivia knowledge.
Adam Olen
Groomsman
Brother of the Bride Adam is the baby of the Olen bunch. Although 6 years apart, Adam and the bride have always had a close connection. At birth, the bride treated Adam like her very own baby doll. As they've grown and matured its clear that they share very similar personality traits, in which they both tend to be equal parts outgoing and confident, as they are emotional and prideful. Along with Ryan, they text and see each other consistently but most importantly, make it a point to travel to at least one Green Bay Packer away game together every season, the most notable trip being one to Atlanta for the NFC Championship game ( we won't discuss the result...). Side note: Pay attention to this one on the dance floor!