Charlie & Shelby
Wedding Party
Taylor Storm
Maid of Honor
She calls Bucktown, Chicago, home, where she lives with two roommates and a pet bunny, just minutes from her big sister and future brother-in-law. Taylor describes herself as adventurous, loyal, and dedicated, and says Shelby would sum her up in one word: “feisty.” Taylor can’t live without her mom’s homemade waffles, and Purple Hat is guaranteed to get her on the dance floor. When it comes to Shelby, her most-used phrase is “Patience, grasshopper!” If Shelby came with a warning label, it would read, “Not a morning person,” and if stranded on a deserted island, Shelby would definitely bring mint chocolate chip ice cream. Though they share countless favorite memories, the time they grew closest was during the 2020 lockdown, from living-room workouts and patio margaritas to nearly-injurious acro yoga, laughing so hard they swear that’s how they got abs. What Taylor admires most about Shelby is her unwavering determination: "The way she continues to grow, love deeply, strengthen her faith, and show up for the people she cares about, even in life’s hardest seasons." Taylor knew Shelby and Charlie were meant for each other early on, when Charlie happily tagged along on a shopping trip, hyping every outfit despite wandering the Gap, simply wanting to be wherever Shelby was. Her message for the happy couple: "Always stay in each other’s corners, be each other’s biggest cheerleaders, hype person, and best friend- I can’t wait to watch you flourish in this next chapter."
Hannah Wright
Matron of Honor
She calls Tampa, FL home, where she lives with her future hubby, Nick, and their two spoiled pups, Maverick & Millie. Hannah met Shelby in 5th grade at Marlin Elementary, and they’ve been inseparable ever since — now marrying their soulmates just months apart! Hannah describes herself as supportive, creative, and fun, and if she could eat only one food forever, it would be pasta. “No Control” by One Direction always gets her on the dance floor, and her motto is, “My vibe right now is just living life.” When it comes to Shelby, her most-used phrase is “Dude, right,” and Shelby would describe Hannah as emotional, crazy, and genuine. If Shelby came with a warning label, it would read, “Extremely loyal & mildly emotional,” and if stranded on a deserted island, Shelby would definitely bring her weighted Dino or Lola Blanket. Hannah's favorite memory with Shelby is their first One Direction concert at the KFC Yum Center with their moms. Hannah admires Shelby’s fierce loyalty and the way she shows up without hesitation. She first realized Shelby and Charlie were truly meant for each other after one of their first few dates with Charlie and his family — Shelby felt so comfortable and excited, it was clear he was the one. Her message for the happy couple: “The love you share is genuine, constant, and full of joy, and I feel lucky to know you both — and even luckier to watch this next chapter begin.”
Beth Koenig
Bridesmaid
She calls Dayton, OH home—until their move to San Antonio, TX in October—where she lives with her husband, Phil, their baby, Cannon, and dog, Scrappy. Younger sister of the groom, Beth first met Shelby on Charlie & Shelby's third date, when Charlie brought her to the Cannon family bar crawl in downtown Chicago. Beth describes herself as happy, personable, and enthusiastic, and nothing beats her mom’s spaghetti. Hotel Room Service by Pitbull is guaranteed to get Beth on the dance floor, and her favorite saying is, “Everything’s gonna be alright”—thanks, Kenny Chesney. When it comes to Shelby, her most-used phrase is probably, “I love Charlie’s sisters so much,” and Shelby would describe Beth as welcoming. If Shelby came with a warning label, it would read, “Requires a weighted stuffed animal for optimal sleep and happiness,” and if stranded on a deserted island, Shelby would definitely bring her Summer Fridays lip gloss. Beth's favorite memory with Shelby is attending the Nebraska vs. Indiana football game together (IU won, by the way!), and what she admires most about Shelby is her confidence. Beth first realized Shelby and Charlie were truly meant for each other when her brother called after their first date, saying, “I think I’m in love; I feel like a giddy schoolboy.” Her message for the happy couple: "Never go to bed upset, and always cherish each other along the way."
Tess Gischia
Bridesmaid
She calls Nashville, Tennessee home, where she lives with her husband, Billy, their son Jude (aka the cutest Ring Bearer), and their beloved dog, River. Older sister to the groom, Tess first met Shelby during the Cannon family bar crawl. She describes herself as non-judgmental and a good listener, and if she could eat only one food forever, it would be tomato soup with grilled cheese. Shut Up and Dance With Me is guaranteed to get her on the dance floor. Tess is also a talented artist, and her favorite saying is, “Everything happens for a reason.” When it comes to Shelby, her most-used phrase is probably, “I have the best future sister-in-law!!” and Shelby would describe Tess as giving “oldest sister vibes”—because they just get each other. If Shelby came with a warning label, it would read, “No warning label needed!!” and if stranded on a deserted island, Shelby would definitely bring her snuggly dinosaur. What Tess admires most about Shelby is that she’s an amazing listener, and Tess first realized Shelby and Charlie were truly meant for each other during their third date, when Shelby met their entire extended family. Her message for the happy couple: "I love you both and hope you never go to bed mad, always keep “dating,” and continue cherishing each other even after forty years of marriage."
Meg Walker
Bridesmaid
She calls Lincoln Park, Chicago, home, and first bonded with Shelby back in their AXO days at IU. Meg describes herself as positive, thoughtful, and competitive, and if she could eat only one food forever, it would be pasta. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by ABBA is guaranteed to get Meg on the dance floor, and she finds inspiration in her favorite quote by the Dalai Lama—which happens to be famously displayed in the women’s bathroom at The Graduate—reminding her that today is always the right day to live and love. Meg's also a talented potter and has her sights set on running a marathon one day. When it comes to Shelby, her most-used phrase is, “You’re one guy closer to meeting your husband,” and Shelby would describe Meg as endlessly supportive. If Shelby came with a warning label, it would read, “May need to sprint to the bathroom,” and if stranded on a deserted island, Shelby would definitely bring her Dino. Meg;s favorite memory with Shelby is skipping into “heaven,” which turned out to be a stunning Lake Michigan sunrise. Meg admires Shelby’s honesty most and first realized Shelby and Charlie were meant for each other when Shelby took Charlie to the ER after a marathon—only for him to pull off an incredible surprise proposal on their trip. Her message for the happy couple: "My heart couldn’t be happier for you both, and I hope your genuine, exciting, and everlasting love always stays rooted in friendship, no matter what life brings."
Alyssa Steffen
Bridesmaid
She calls Old Town, Chicago, home and formed an instant friendship with Shelby after Meg introduced them senior year at IU. Alyssa describes herself as spontaneous, ambitious, and outgoing. "Stir Fry" by Migos is guaranteed to get Alyssa on the dance floor, and her favorite quote is: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Alyssa frequently hears Shelby exclaim, “I can’t wait to become little old grannies together.” According to Alyssa, if Shelby had a warning label, it would read, “Warning: may spontaneously combust into a country ballad,” and her must-have on a deserted island would be her weighted Dino. Alyssa’s favorite memory with Shelby is strolling through Central Park during Shelby’s first visit to New York, and she admires Shelby’s intuition, “She understands without words, celebrates the good times, and lifts me up during the tough ones.” Alyssa first realized Shelby and Charlie were meant for each other the very first time she met him: “Five girlfriends, a bottomless mimosa brunch, and a chance to interrogate the boyfriend—every man’s worst nightmare! But not Charlie! He handled it with ease, showed genuine interest in getting to know Shelby’s people. Watching them together, I immediately saw the sweetness of their love and knew Shelby had met her match.” Her message for the happy couple: “You two are on the same team—work together, lead with love, and everything else will fall into place.”
Sophie Ericson
Bridesmaid
She calls River North, Chicago, home. Growing up close in age with Shelby, the cousins later became roommates themselves when they both moved to Chicago for their first “grown-up” jobs after college. Sophie calls herself goofy, kind, and “freakinamazingggggg,” with rice as her ultimate forever-food. Any song will get Sophie on the dance floor, and she has a hidden talent for singing “La la laaaaaa” and painting animals. Sophie's favorite saying is, “Around these embers gather our greatest treasures — family and friends.” When it comes to Shelby, Sophie’s always hearing her ask, “Sweet treat?” and guesses Shelby would describe her as silly. If Shelby came with a warning label, it would read, Caution: may bite, and if stranded on a deserted island, Shelby would definitely bring her yoga ball. Sophie’s favorite memory with Shelby is living together in Chicago, and what she admires most about Shelby is her thoughtfulness. Sophie first realized Shelby and Charlie were truly meant for each other after the Cannon family bar crawl. Her message for the happy couple: “You’ve chosen each other for forever, and I can’t wait to be by your side through this next phase of life, watching you continue to grow and prosper as a family. I admire you both so much and know you have an amazing future ahead!”
Julia Thomson
Bridesmaid
She calls Old Town, Chicago, home, where she lives with her cat, Gigi. Julia and Shelby found each other on Facebook while searching for a freshman-year roommate at IU, quickly forming a friendship that would last a lifetime. Julia describes herself as fun, sassy, and always a great time, with a bucket list that includes jumping out of a plane and a lifelong devotion to pasta. If “Apple Bottom Jeans” comes on, Julia's guaranteed to hit the dance floor, living by the motto, “The first person to lose is second place.” Shelby would call her a bestie through and through, and anyone who knows Shelby knows her most-used phrase usually involves figuring out her next workout class. From being freshman-year roommates crying over questionable boys in 2019 to laughing about it all now, their friendship has been full of growth, honesty, and heart. Julia admires Shelby most for her compassion and believes Charlie & Shelby's immediate connection proves love can happen in an instant—even on Hinge. Her message for the happy couple: "A lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness—I love you both so much, shebur."
Kaylee Price
Bridesmaid
She calls Elkhart, IN home, where she lives with her boyfriend, Ryan. The IU dorms brought Kaylee and Shelby together freshman year at IU, sparking a friendship full of laughter, late-night talks, and unforgettable memories. Kaylee describes herself as honest, spontaneous, and loyal, and if she could eat only one food forever, it would be a Crunchwrap Supreme. Club Can’t Handle Me by Flo Rida is guaranteed to get Kaylee on the dance floor, all while repeating her favorite phrase, “It’s all gonna be just fine.” When it comes to Shelby, her most-used phrase is, “This is the best day of my life,” and she thinks Shelby would describe her as unfiltered. If Shelby came with a warning label, it would read, “Don’t be alarmed; those tears are probably tears of happiness,” and if stranded on a deserted island, Shelby would definitely bring her weighted Dino. Kaylee's favorite memory with Shelby is hiking and four-wheeling in the Montana mountains, and what she admires most is the way Shelby brings what feels like 100 years of wisdom to every situation. Her message for the happy couple: "I hope your forever is filled with endless blessings, belly-hurting laughs, breathtaking adventures, and a love that only grows stronger with time—because whatever our souls are made of, I know yours are the same."
Mea Weabright
Bridesmaid
She calls Lakeview, Chicago, home, and after an introduction by Meg during their time at IU, she and Shelby formed an instant bond. Mea describes herself as optimistic, passionate, and just the right amount of extra. “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado is her dance-floor anthem, and her daily mantra is, “I believe something great is going to happen today!” When it comes to Shelby, Mea is often greeted with a simple “Sleepover tonight?” text. According to Mea, Shelby’s warning label might read, “Ms. Hazel will be hearing about this,” and if stranded on a deserted island, Shelby would absolutely bring her Lola blanket. A favorite memory Mea shares is their first girls’ trip, arms wrapped around each other in Central Park, finding matching Nanushka dresses, and dancing the night away with Meg and Alyssa. Mea admires Shelby’s gift for reading between the lines, celebrating her happiest moments, and grounding her in love without a word. She knew Charlie was the one on July 24, 2024, at 8:08 p.m., when Shelby texted, “Can’t wait to tell you guys about Charlie. I haven’t been giddy after a date in ages.” From that moment, Mea saw that Charlie was not just a gentleman, but the “blueprint,” a man who not only won Shelby’s heart, but honored the friends who held it first. Her message to the happy couple: “Your love is steady, comforting, and joyful, fully in, always. Even when challenges come, laughter returns, hearts stay open, and love prevails.”