Shannon & Aaron
Wedding Party
Shannon O'Connor
Bride
Shannon works as a organ recovery coordinator for Gift of Hope. She also is a hard-working dog mom to a beautiful 6-year-old Siberian Husky, Kana, and 1-year-old husky, Reykja. Shannon enjoys everything horror and true crime related. She likes going hiking with Aaron, Reykja, and Kana whenever they get a chance as long as they can get outdoors. Shannon and Aaron enjoy traveling together even if they joke that Aaron like to take her on death marches.
Aaron Hammond
Groom
Aaron works for the Lincoln Park Conservancy and is currently attending NEIU for his Masters Degree. He can pretty much name any plant you see outside (if its pretty and you like it, its probably invasive). He enjoys breweries, biking, reading, and learning more about the environment. Aaron enjoys traveling. He actually had never been to a National Park before meeting Shannon. She bought him a passport for the National Parks which is a new project for him.
Amy Alessandri
Maid of Honor
Amy is Shannon's horror movie partner in crime. Usually once September hits, these two are inseparable because it is their time to SHINE! She is the Benson to Shannon's Stabler. They are obnoxious when together but have no shame in their game. Amy is a complete down-to-earth person and will walk to the ends of the earth for any friend of hers especially if there is pizza involved. You can usually find Shannon & Amy hanging out at home together watching terrible movies/TV eating junk food until they pass out while they talk about everything from people, dogs, and skin care. The million dollar question is why don't they have their own TV show yet?
John Mikosz
Best Man
John & Aaron met the first day of college, living on the same floor Freshman year. John has always been a dependable friend He is always down to grab drinks and food at any point in the day. His dream is to buy Huettenbar. John enjoys "The Bachelor," traveling to Greece, and drinking Manhattans.
Tiffany Blanchette
Maid of Honor
Tiffany has been one of Shannon's best friends for 16 years. She is one that does not sit still and always needs to know what is going on. She is always up for an adventure especially when Shannon was living out in Seattle and needed someone to come visit her for a few days. Tiffany might be a little hard of hearing but she is a great listener when you need a friend. Always up for a ridiculous giggle fest (much to the annoyance of Aaron).
Ebbie Ruiz
Groomsman
Ebbie & Aaron met through mutual friends freshman year of college and lived together for several years after college. Always down for an adventure whether its a two week trip to Turkey or just midnight Mountain Dew runs.
Lara Black
Bridesmaid
Shannon met Lara in college through a mutual friend and knew we were never going to be without each other. Lara was just a beautiful soul and amazing person to have around. Whether Lara was singing brilliant songs about how amazing her dad or penguins were, Shannon and Lara always had wonderful times. They always have to live so far apart but whenever they are together it was as if they were never away. Lara is Shannon's kindred spirit and one of the few friends that has ever threatened to stab another person with her ID for Shannon.
Rob Mayfield
Groomsman
Rob & Aaron met through mutual friends just after high school and have been friends ever since. An excitable Italian, Rob enjoys debates and everything Chicago.
Abby Neylon
Bridesmaid
Shannon and Abby met in college through a mutual friend and it was love at first sight. Abby is one of the best people that anyone can associate themselves with. Abby will ensure to make any person feel welcome in the room and is just an overall loving person. She is everything good that the world needs right now. Everyone needs an Abby in their lives.
Mike Pescetto
Groomsman
Mike & Aaron met through Rob Mayfield. Together with Rob and Danish, the four of them formed "The Fellowship." They enjoy their annual kayaking trip down the Kankakee River. Mike is always up for a discussion on IT or fine whiskey.
Allison Harms
Bridesmaid
Allison & Shannon met a few years back through hanging around the same group of friends. They worked as nurses on units next to each other and Shannon would frequently sneak over to Allison's unit to go hang out with her during the night shift. From there they delved into the life of sneaking airplane bottles of booze in their bras into comedy shows and the friendship has just flourished with their love of Vanderpump Rules. Allison is one of the sweetest and kindest friends you could ever ask for.
Danish Mohammed
Groomsman
Danish & Aaron met through Mike. Danish and Aaron enjoy going for bike rides together, including Critical Mass in Chicago once a month. Danish can often be found with John and Aaron getting a drink at their favorite bar. Danish enjoys checking out local doggos.
Katie Healy
Bridesmaid
Shannon and Katie met through work. Katie decided to have Ashlee and Shannon over after a work meeting and they all immediately bonded. Along with Ashlee, the three of them are inseparable. Katie always brings a positivity to everything she does. Whether they are having pool parties with all their pups or just hanging out in the OR, Katie always is an amazing friend to have around.
Tim McGrath
Groomsman
Timmy and Aaron have known each other since kindergarten. Most of Aaron's memories from high school involve Timmy in some shape or form. While they have lived apart most of their adult lives, they always find time to meet up and to catch up.
Ashlee Heid
Bridesmaid
Shannon and Ashlee also met through work at an event and bonded over discussion of their pups. After a pool day hangout at Katie's, the three of them have been inseparable ever since. There is never a dull moment around Ashlee. Whether, she is busting out her old crowns, trying to fit into the drawers in a hotel room, or just hosting the latest puppy pool party, Ashlee is always up for having a good time.
Hector Rios
Groomsman
Hector and Aaron met the first day of college at Loyola and have enjoyed many concerts, bicycle rides, and nerding out sessions ever since. He is the "Lou" to Aaron's "Stingray."
Patrick & Charlotte O'Connor
Ring Bearer/Flower Girl
Patrick and CC are so excited to be apart of Aunt Shannon and Uncle Aaron's big day! They already got to practice a little with the small ceremony last year but are ready to show off this year at the big event. Charlotte will be sporting her pretty dress and then you will more than likely find her out on the dance floor showing off her dance moves. Patrick is looking forward to exploring the great outdoors that weekend and checking out Starved Rock. I think it safe to say both are excited to try that wedding cake!
Allen Murphy
Officiant
Allen is a good friend of the bride and groom. He came into their lives when he started dating Shannon's best friend Amy a couple years ago. They wanted Allen to be the one to officiate their marriage since Allen is someone they view so positive and just loves love! Allen is an amazing person and loves all the puppy dogs of the world. Shannon & Aaron are so honored to have Allen as their officiant and their friend! <3