Jenn & John
Wedding Party
Ashley Zawila
Maid of Honor
Ashley and Jenn's friendship began on Pinterest before they even started their freshman year of college. Ashley and Jenn "repinned" each others pins all summer long before getting to Valpo and finding out they had a class called CORE together. During one of the first few weeks, Jenn worked up the courage to ask Ashley to get dinner together one night and she said no. Ashley later asked Jenn to dinner, and they were best friends ever since. Ashley and Jenn could be found at Gamma Phi Beta events together, or out at the fraternity houses on a Saturday night. The two would sit in one of their dorm rooms and talk for hours. She was a big part of Jenn's life when John entered her life, which means a lot to Jenn. Ashley's always been a true and constant friend through the best and worst times.
Evan Grover
Best Man
Evan and John met in the freshman dorms of Valparaiso University eight years ago. They shared common interests in video games, partying, the same fraternity, and being cool. They would then become roommates the following two years. They would spend many hours playing video games together throughout school. Evan has been John's closest friend for eight years now. He has been constantly involved in John's life whether it be just hanging out or meeting up for events and celebrations. John can always count on Evan whether it is to lend an ear in a stressful time or to play Snappa on a sunny day. Evan has played an integral role in John and Jenn's relationship from the very beginning and is someone they've formed many memories with.
Juliette Lafon
Bridesmaid
Juliette has been Jenn's best friend since the second grade. Juliette initiated the friendship on the playground by asking Jenn if she wanted to be her "today friend" because Juliette's best friend was gone that day. Jenn and Juliette quickly went from being only friends for that day, to best friends for life. Jenn and Juliette were known for only hanging out with each other- rollerblading in town, sleepovers at each other's houses, and anything their mom's wouldn't want them to be doing. Jenn and Juliette can laugh for hours about the memories they share. No matter the time that passes, Juliette and Jenn pick up right where they left off.
John Stewart
Groomsman
John Stewart is another Sigma Tau Gamma brother of John's. Both John's can count on the other to have their back at any given time. John Stewart uniquely shares the same amount of excitement for making things, building robots, and being a "mad scientist" as John. John has had some fun times at John Stewart's family farm in Indiana; shooting, ATVing, and floating down the lazy river. John Stewart conveniently lives a few miles away from John's family cottage as well. The two can spend hours tinkering with projects together. Boredom is nonexistent between all the shenanigans with these two.
Jackie Clites
Bridesmaid
Jackie is Jenn's step-sister. Jackie and Jenn have been in each other's lives for over ten years, when Jenn's dad and Jackie's mom began dating. Jackie is the sister that Jenn never had growing up as an only child. Jenn would enjoy third-wheeling Jackie's hangouts with her friends or dates with her now husband. Jackie has always been there to give advice and pave the way as the older sister. She is thankful to Jackie for bringing her two young children into her life as well. The two always stay up on each other's lives during their bi-weekly family dinner tradition. Jenn is eternally grateful for Jackie introducing her to Valpo, where Jenn ended up meeting John. Fun fact- Jackie is Jenn's double sister because she's a Gamma Phi Beta, too!
Brendan O'Connell
Groomsman
As John's older brother, Brendan is someone he has always looked up to since childhood as a hard worker and someone he depends on. John and Brendan are known for messing around with some friendly competition. Growing up they enjoyed hanging out with neighborhood kids or family friends, paint balling, and eventually going out to the bars together was the norm. Brendan and John both went to Valparaiso University and had a short overlap to give Brendan the chance to "show him the ropes" and give him guidance on college life. Post college, they both lived back at home for a few years and would often find themselves playing pool or video games in the basement of their parents' home. One thing that will never change is their love for fishing and hunting at their family cottage in Wisconsin.
Allison O'Connell
Bridesmaid
Allison is John's sister, Jenn's soon-to-be SIL. Allison is someone Jenn goes to for advice that she can trust. Jenn appreciates that Allison is always just a text away for an opinion- especially when it comes to wedding planning! Allison has been supportive of Jenn throughout the planning process, and was there to share a few tears while trying on wedding dresses. Allison and Jenn also share similar degrees in the mental health field and can relate to each other's difficult work they do on a daily basis. Jenn is looking forward to having Allison continue to be a part of her life!
Ryan Spierowski
Groomsman
Ryan is Jenn's stepbrother. Ryan and John share a common interest of paint balling. Ryan used to help run Living Legends, and when he found out that John was planning to go with a group of friends, he pulled strings for their admission and free paint. John remembers this weekend as one of his top weekends, and Ryan played a large role in making that happen. Ryan is a hard working guy with a great sense of humor. He's not afraid to tell you how it is. Jenn and John are looking forward to Ryan being a part of their big day.
Kelly Verthein
Bridesmaid
Kelly is Jenn's "Big" in Gamma Phi Beta. Kelly was like a big sister to Jenn at Valpo, but in reality more like a second mom! Kelly would be there for Jenn at the drop of a hat. Kelly has the biggest heart, is the best listener, and has the most spunk out of anyone Jenn knows. John says he wishes he had as much energy as Kelly has 24/7! Jenn and John love how obsessed Kelly is with their cat, Kozmo. Kelly is the most strong and resilient person that John and Jenn know, recently surviving a car accident that very easily could have killed her and not letting it stop her from living her life to the fullest and caring for others as a nurse!
Chris Rogers
Groomsman
Chris is someone who has always stuck around throughout John's life. John met Chris in high school and they both joined the baseball team. The two spent many hours throwing the ball around and traveling for the legion team. Growing up, they enjoyed fishing on their friend Jackson's lake, hanging out with their mutual friend Pete, and playing catch. Chris can always be found with a smile on his face and quick on his feet with a joke. Jenn was welcomed with open arms by Chris when she entered John's life.
Breezy Scheffer
Bridesmaid
Breezy AKA Rooms is a G Phi sister of Jenn's. Breezy and Jenn lived in a 11'x13' room together for two years and somehow managed not to rip each other's hair out. An average Thursday night in the dorms consisted of Jenn waking up to the latest gossip that Breezy heard in the bars as she turned 21 well before Jenn. Breezy has always been a confidant for Jenn to share her own secrets with as well. Jenn appreciates Breezy for being a true and constant friend throughout her life, always showing up to important events. Breezy very coincidentally grew up 15 minutes from John's family cottage in WI, so the two annually float along the lake together sharing their life updates.
Chris Henning
Groomsman
Chris is a friend that Jenn met early on in her freshman year and was in her close group of friends. Chris and Jenn would coincidentally go to John's fraternity house before even knowing him. Jenn and John started hanging out and John quickly adapted Chris as a friend of his own. They often challenged each other in Edward Fortyhands. Chris and John got along so well that they even roomed together for two years of college. While roommates, they enjoyed waking up early to work out together and even having time to spare to game together before class. Chris and John will forever laugh about the time that John read "breast" out loud instead of "beast" in class. To this day, the two enjoy watching Lord of the Rings together and drinking 40's.
Katelyn Matos
Bridesmaid
Katelyn is one of Jenn's oldest friendships, going all the way back to middle school days. They would spend their weekends getting dropped off at Deer Park to "see a movie", but were really running around meeting all the boys. The two would always hope and pray to have gym class at the same hour, and if not, their moms would make it happen. Jenn and Kate were glued at the hip when forced to run up the hill and chased by the gym teachers in golf carts. Every time with Katelyn is a great time and will make Jenn laugh hysterically. Katelyn has been an everlasting friend for Jenn, and has been nothing but supportive and excited for this time in the couple's life!
Alex Segall
Groomsman
Alex is Jenn's cousin. Jenn grew up as an only child and Al played that "brother role" for her. Alex visited the couple at Valpo many times and was there in the very early stages of "hanging out" before the two started dating. Jenn and John spent many post college weekends visiting Al in Chicago and adventuring the city. Alex is known for befriending all of their friends as a very personable guy. It was a no-brainer to include Alex as an integral part in the proposal as a photographer and very special person in Jenn's life. He killed it at hiding below deck of the sailboat and not letting some sea sickness ruin the surprise!
Matt Szmurlo
Usher
Matt is Jenn's cousin and John's friend, soon to be cousin-in-law?! Matt and John share a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The two can spend hours nerding out together about the latest and greatest 3D printing techniques and their newest inventions. Jenn and Matt are only 6 months apart, so they always shared a lot in common. There's an iconic picture of Jenn "helping" boost Matt up a playground ladder at the age of 3. Matt always surprises Jenn with the most unique frog gifts that are cherished.
Eric Kramer
Usher
Eric has been a friend of John's for over ten years. John and his older brother grew up hanging out with Eric and Eric's older brother. John and Eric enjoyed playing video games, hunting, and fishing in Wisconsin together. Eric is someone that can always be counted on to show up for support during life's big events and will be the most enthusiastic person there always! Eric genuinely welcomed Jenn with warmth and excitement for Jenn and John's relationship at the time.
Alyssa
Flower Girl
Alyssa is Jenn's niece. She can be found wearing a dress, playing Barbies, and enjoying any sweet treat. Cutest attribute is the way she says her brother's name, "Germy".
Everleigh
Flower Girl
Evie is John's niece. She can be found smiling at everyone or making a huge mess with her food. Will stop crying at the first sound of Baby Shark. Cutest attribute is the way she screams with excitement.
Jeremy
Ring Bearer
Jeremy is Jenn's nephew. He loves his stuffed monkey "DeeDee", playing hide and seek, having John chase him with RC cars, and fire trucks. Cutest attribute is the way he constantly follows his big sister around.