Sofia & Ken
Wedding Party
Taia Butler
Maid of Honor
We met our sophomore year in college through a mutual friend--we were going to be roommates in our very first apartment (although technically it was a house). We've basically been inseparable since, even when we lived apart for almost 4 years, we talked every single day. She is hilarious, witty, and is one of the kindest people the bride has ever met. The hunk in the photo next to Taia is her very talented boyfriend, Evan, who designed all of our wedding stationary!
Danny Marolis
Best Man
Best friend of the groom since they were tiny tots--he lived down the street from Ken and they spent the majority of their childhood getting into trouble and running around the neighborhoods of Wheaton, IL.
Vicki Ireland
Bridesmaid
Vicki and the bride met in college in a summer class--after working on a few projects together, they realized that they were destined to be friends forever! Now, they live within a mile of each other and regularly frequent sushi happy hour at their favorite spot, Hapa Sushi. Vicki is so fun, loves to hike and be outdoorsy, and is a cat-lover, like the bride!
Jessie Gatena
Bridesmaid
The bride's step-sister on her dad's side, Jessie is the big sister the bride never had growing up! She always had the best clothes, so hand-me-downs were always the best gifts! Jessie was always there to give advice and support and she is continuing that by standing by Sofia's side on the big day. To the right of Jessie is the bride's step-mom, Carolyn, and her step-brother, Trevor.
Kaci Bailey
Bridesmaid
Kaci is one of the groom's most best friends in the whole world, they met at the groom's alma mater, Southern Illinois University--Sofia fell in love with Kaci right away after they met for the first time and when she and Ken were deciding who was going to be in the wedding party, Kaci was a no-brainer! Fun fact: she is one of the coaches of the Women's Basketball team at George Mason University in Virginia; she has a little pup named Oakland, who happens to be the only dog the bride and groom's cat has ever bonded with.
Lexie Preston
Bridesmaid
Also the bride's step-sister! Married to Trevor, the bride's step-brother, Lexie is super fun, bubbly, and outgoing and mama to one of the cutest little girls on this planet. The bride can always count on Lexie for help and advice, whether it's for wedding planning or just life in general--Sofia is beyond honored to have Lexie stand next to her on her wedding day!
Sierra Macis
Bridesmaid
Responsible for the meeting of the bride and groom (she gave Sofia the nudge she needed to go meet Ken in person), Sierra is always sure to make a lasting impression with her contagious laugh and her ability to be the life of the party in ALL situations! Sierra and the bride met each other when they were working at Lululemon in Baltimore; the last few months before the bride and groom moved away, Sierra and Sofia (and Boogie, the cat!) were basically roommates!
Lon LeClair
Groomsman
The groom's boss at SRS and also really good friend of the bride and groom. Lon hired Ken out of business school into the global capital markets group that he ran at the bank, which kickstarted many years of hard work and friendship. Sofia and Ken often spend time with Lon and his wife, Christi, usually at one of the many dinner parties hosted by the bride and groom!
Russell Preston
Groomsman
A long-time friend of the groom's--they met in Gainesville, FL and have remained best friends ever since. The bride and groom often visit him in New York, usually where they all attend a boxing match at the Barclays Center!
Scott Gust
Groomsman
Scott was Ken's professor at Southern Illinois University (also gave Ken his first "A" of his college career)--since the days at SIU, Scott and Ken have become best friends and talk every single day, even though they are miles apart. Scott has been instrumental in every decision regarding jobs and just life in general since 2004. We are so lucky to have him by our side on our most important day!
Keith Newcomer
Groomsman
Brother of the Groom, Keith, is the oldest of the Newcomer bunch. He and his wife, Charlotte, live in Africa (I know, awesome) along with their 3 kids, one of which is going off to college this year! Ken and Sofia are so grateful to have both Keith and Charlotte celebrate the big day with them!
Mark Newcomer
Groomsman
Also brother of the groom! Mark is the next oldest after Ken (the youngest) and he and his wife, Arianne, live in Texas with their adorable 4 kiddos, all under the age of 7. The bride and groom even did a "Camp Uncle Ken and Aunt Sofia" trip where they watched all 4 kids so Mark and Ari could get away for almost a week! We are beyond thrilled that Mark and Ari are going to be here in Italy to celebrate with us!