Amanda & Danny
Wedding Party
Elena Cantelmo
Matron of Honor
Elena and Amanda’s friendship had a rocky start in the 4th grade when Amanda copied Elena’s social studies project. Amanda is certain it was only one slide, but Elena maintains it was three. They became inseparable after becoming neighbors in the 5th grade. Once at Ursuline, the two drove to school together every morning and were consistently late due to an early Starbucks addiction- Taylor Swift’s Fearless, Bob Seger’s Greatest Hits, and Queen were commute favorites. Despite living apart for the past 9 years, the two have remained the best of friends!
Lexie Johns
Maid of Honor
Amanda and Lexie met freshmen year of college while attending The Ohio State University (GO BUCKS!) After joining the same sorority, Amanda and Lexie kicked off their friendship at their first ever TG (themed gathering) where they dressed up and wore incredibly tight and obnoxiously bright clothing. What started as a drunk bathroom chat, blossomed into a beautiful lifelong friendship. Lexie even takes credit for the night Danny and Amanda met again in Chicago after college (which Amanda and Danny never hear the end of). Lexie cannot wait to be a part of Danny and Amanda’s special day.
Nikki Hill
Bridesmaid
Nikki moved in with Abby and Amanda in Chicago as soon as she wrapped up her Masters program. She brought along a decorative plaque that she placed in the girls’ family room that read “girlfriends are the sisters we choose for ourselves” (for which she was teased relentlessly). Despite its cheesiness, the quote really does capture Nikki’s and Amanda’s relationship. They’ve stuck together at their bests and worsts, and that’s an irreplaceable friendship.
Abby O'Neill
Bridesmaid
Abby and Amanda were friends in high school, though they really became close when Abby got Amanda a job at McAlister‘s Deli - nothing bonds two people quite like a khaki uniform and all black, non-slip shoes. Their college years were spent visiting each other every other weekend and culminated in a month-long trip abroad. They moved to Chicago together and spent 4 years as roommates tackling more than a few life events side-by-side. Amanda is thrilled to have Abby by her side yet again.
Annie Morgan
Bridesmaid
Annie and Amanda solidified their friendship twelve (!!) years ago in “Introductory Spanish” freshman year of high school - Annie continued on to AP Spanish, Amanda did not. As beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside, Annie’s been a constant source of love and support for the couple.
Jennie Whisnant
Bridesmaid
Amanda and Jennie first met in the summer of 2015, but Jennie knew she was going to love this girl long before then. Jennie remembers the early stages of the couple’s relationship when Danny used to marvel over Amanda’s non-clingy nature, and Jennie knew he was going to marry her. Over the years, Amanda and Jennie have developed a beautiful friendship built on adorable dog videos, kitchen dance parties, and a shared love of white claws. Jennie can’t think of a more perfect partner for her brother, and is so excited to welcome her new sister into the Whisnant family.
Katie Rust
Bridesmaid
Katie and Amanda have traveled the road from Ursuline Academy, to Kappas at THE Ohio State University, and finally to Chicago! They’ve created some amazing memories over the years and pulled each other up when life threatened to be too much. Katie’s been a part of some of the couples biggest moments and has seen the way they bring out the best in each other. While Katie is excited to be standing at the alter for “their big day”, she’s disappointed to be missing the OSU game day. Go Bucks!!!!
Megan Miller
Bridesmaid
Megan and Amanda started as friends eight years ago when Clay brought her home to meet the family. Now sisters, they have a shared love of all things canine and Harry Potter, even when it drives Clay crazy (which they also enjoy). Megan is excited to welcome another brother in-law to the family!
Andy Gomez
Best Man
Andy and Danny met as freshman at Ohio State upon pledging Sigma Chi. They immediately became best friends, setting the stage for many amazing times throughout college. It became evident early on that the two shared a competitive spirit, once playing over 70 games of ping pong in one day. After two years as roommates in college, they lived together for 5 years in Chicago. The days of ice luges and binge-watching Entourage and Breaking Bad were slowly replaced by discussions of employment benefits and strategies for optimal mayonnaise production (Andy is an engineer for Hellmann's Mayo). During their time as roommates in Chicago, Andy also became good friends with Amanda, and got to see how great she and Danny are together.
Riley Paone
Groomsman
Danny and Riley’s friendship dates back to their infancy. Their mothers had been best friends for years, and Riley and Danny were born a week apart. The Paone household was a second home growing up for Danny, regularly hanging out, sleeping over, and eating all the snacks in the house. As time went on, Danny and Riley’s bond has never faltered despite the years spent in different cities. They regularly enjoy long conversations catching up on life and work. Riley is extremely excited to see what the future holds for Danny and Amanda, and is thrilled to be a part of their big day.
Bob Cirillo
Groomsman
Danny and Bob met in Sigma Chi during their time at Ohio State, though their friendship did not begin to take form until they lived together senior year in an 8-bedroom apartment affectionately known as ‘The Meat Factory’. This relationship was strengthened when they decided to pursue post-grad plans in Chicago as roommates and took a 3-week Eurotrip just after graduating. Chicago nightlife was navigated, polar vortexes were weathered, fiancees were met. Bob introduced Danny to the world of fine dining, and Danny taught Bob that it’s nice to have other clothes besides ones received for free in college.
Clay Miller
Groomsman
Clay and Danny met shortly after Danny and Amanda began dating. Despite Clay’s big brother role, the two hit it off quickly. They have since bonded over a shared love of sports, and have spent several Thanksgivings side by side fighting similar food comas in front of the TV, lamenting the influx of pass interference calls. While Clay admits that he has financially benefited from Danny's courtship of Amanda by winning money in Danny's fantasy football league two years in a row, he can still unselfishly admit that he is very excited for Danny to join his family. Clay enjoys Danny's company, thinks he fits in perfectly, and couldn't think of a better husband for his little sister.
Cole Miller
Groomsman
Cole first met Danny prior to Amanda and Danny dating. Cole was a senior in high school visiting his big sister for an Ohio State gameday, when they ran into Danny (back in town from Chicago) at the legendary O Patio. No one from the group has a crystal clear recollection of that night, but Danny remembers thinking it was awesome how well Amanda and Cole got along and how easy he was to talk to. Since then Danny and Cole have bonded further over a shared love of the Buckeyes and sports in general. Cole looks forward to Danny becoming a member of their family officially in September.
Morgan Viar
Groomsman
Morgan claims to have first noticed Danny out of pure fear of his athletic prowess on the handball courts of La Purisima Catholic school in 4th grade. Morgan was new to the LP playground that year, and noticed this dude could slice the ball with the best of them. He was not about to let a talent like that get away from being in his corner. The bond has solidified over the years through many laughs, movie quotes, and adventures. Dan supplies the dreams, Morgan supplies the memes in this buddy-cop, fairytale 20-year friendship that you and the family will assuredly enjoy.
Michael Cunningham
Groomsman
Michael and Danno met in preschool at La Purisima and years later lived together in Chicago. Their friendship has endured a lifetime. It was in grade school that Michael learned about Danny’s contagious sense of humor and tenacious love for kickball; in Chicago, Michael grew to understand Danny’s love for Amanda and the Buckeyes. Danny and Amanda have been trusted advisors to Michael, and he hopes that they continue to make sweet music in everlasting marriage. They are an inspiration to us all.
Eric Bokar
Groomsman
Danny and Eric met freshman year of college as pledge brothers when they were placed next to one another in pin order (further details have been redacted). They lived together for two years in college, and have both lived in Chicago for the last 6 years. Eric and Danny have enjoyed many escapades together, from the bourbon-soaked streets of New Orleans to the temples of Bangkok. If you’re ever looking for Danny on a Wednesday night and he’s not at home, you’ll likely find him at The Tap with his buddy ‘Ric, downing a few Nitro milk stouts.