Stephanie & Iliia
Wedding Party
Stacy Ko
Matron of Honor
Stacy and Stephanie met in graduate school when they worked under the same advisor. Stephanie cherishes their "dessert dates" at The Cafe when they could help each other slow down, bond over similar cultural experiences they share, and find humor in the challenges of their graduate school adventures.
Natalie Carrera
Maid of Honor
Natalie is Stephanie's younger sister and co-maid of honor with Stacy. Stephanie, Natalie, and their brother Michael always smile and laugh about their memories of living in England. Stephanie remembers Natalie requesting some "rock n' roll" music during their taxi ride on their first day of school.
Vladimir Krastev
Best Man
Vlad is Iliia’s older brother and Best Man. Iliia has looked up to his brother ever since they moved to the U.S. when Iliia was six years old. Vlad’s friendship, support, and guidance have continued to be consistent factors in Iliia’s life.
Michael Carrera
Groomsman
Michael is Iliia’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. The two first bonded while watching the final season of Game of Thrones. They have continued to develop their relationship while exploring Chicago's vibrant restaurant scene.
Adriana Alvarez
Bridesmaid
Adriana and Stephanie met at a gathering among friends and really started connecting at a wedding where they sat at the same table. Adriana inspires Stephanie through their meaningful conversations about culture, familia, and what it means to be a Latina navigating many systems. They share a deep appreciation for food and wine.
Chelsea Estacio
Bridesmaid
Chelsea is one of Stephanie's first friends she made when she moved back to Naperville from England. They were in choir together and have continued to support each other throughout life's changes and challenges. Chelsea was also Iliia's close friend in high school and kept each other in check while they attended Illinois State for college.
George Janacek
Groomsman
George and Iliia met in the fifth grade through mutual friends when they were unexpectedly left alone at Bacci’s Pizza and had to get to know each other. They spent the time talking about music and video games and realized they had a lot in common. Iliia appreciates all of George’s recommendations and looks forward to many more concerts together.
Emily Brock
Bridesmaid
While Stephanie and Emily met in high school, their friendship deepened in college when they lived together. Stephanie has always appreciated Emily's lightheartedness yet down-to-earth energy. To this day, they laugh at and with each other wholeheartedly as close friends.
Izzy Tenbrook
Bridesmaid
Izzy and Stephanie met in graduate school when they both believed in an important cause - providing services to marginalized students in culturally sensitive spaces. Izzy helped Stephanie to begin an informal consultation program at Iowa State for students to feel empowered to talk about their emotional wellness. Stephanie and Izzy deepen their friendship through regular facetime dates.
Ryan Felgenhauer
Groomsman
Ryan and Iliia met in the fifth grade when Iliia decided to wear his new Star Wars t-shirts the first three days of class. Ryan, who also liked Star Wars, noticed this and complimented Iliia on his excellent taste. This was the beginning of a 20+ year friendship.
Kevin Estacio
Groomsman
Kevin and Iliia first met in the third grade during a science extracurricular club when Kevin’s method of precisely measuring the weight of a given object in gummy worms was to bite off half of a likely expired (and filthy) piece of candy. The two, along with George and Ryan, have stayed close despite everyone having moved apart in middle school.