Wedding Party
Colin "OD" O'Donnell
Best Man
One of Ben’s very first friends going back to the days of preschool, Colin is the trusty voice of reason. Colin and Ben’s friendship is the stereotypical guy relationship involving various forms of competition, intentionally riling up one another to get a laugh and behaving in ways that make their (future) wives question their choice in spouse. Tony Soprano would compare him to Gary Copper; the strong, silent type. Ben would describe him as a sarcastic pragmatist. Regardless of your personality assessment, there’s no questioning that Colin is a class act and a great friend to have.
James "Jimmy" Shields
Groomsman
James is a bit of a modern renaissance man, having semi-professional careers as a frat bro, body builder, cyclist, rock climber, rower, Paulie’s personal dog walker and accountant. James once wrote a letter to the IRS on Ben’s behalf after they claimed he owed an extra $20,000. The letter was so impactful, he hasn’t paid taxes since. A buddy of Ben’s that has been around for as long as Ben can remember, James has been the friend that was there to support regardless of the circumstances. One of those friends that you can get into a bit of trouble with, but it's deemed acceptable by your parents.
Elio "El" Zomparelli
Groomsman
Brother of the bride, Elio is exactly what you hope for in your in future wife’s brother. It’s evident in the way Daniella talks about Elio that he took the big brother role with pride as they grew up together. Elio is genuine, thoughtful, witty, and always a good time to be around. Ben has increased his golfing frequency from 2 to 5 times per year in hopes improve enough to play a round with the two Elio’s without making a fool of himself.
Mike Kroll
Groomsman
Mike, the husband of Sam, sister of the bride. Sam and Mike started dating soon after Daniella and Ben. Given how close Sam and Daniella are with one another (figuratively and literally), Mike and Ben quickly realized that they too would be spending a lot of time together. It didn’t take long for true friendship to form between the future brothers in law. Conversation evolved from discussions around football and beer to game planning engagements and coordinating transportation to family gatherings. We are all fortunate that Sam and Mike chose each other. He plays the role of husband, father, brother and family man effortlessly.
Kyle "The Juiceman" Brubaker
Groomsman
A lover of dogs, connoisseur of juice, and a self proclaimed “glue guy,” Kyle was Ben’s neighbor at their old apartment building, The Parker, back in 2017. Kyle introduced Ben to a group of lads that Ben is proud to call his friends today. The group grew as, one by one, they found women that felt sorry enough to marry them. “The Broads” have formed their own sub-faction, which has allowed the group to remain close and subsequently travel the world together. It’s safe to say we would not be celebrating Ben and Daniella’s marriage in Tuscany if it were not for Kyle. I hate to admit that Kyle is correct in calling himself the “Glue Guy.”
Bryce "Bruce" Hensley
Groomsman
Bruce enjoys the simple things in life such as a plain hotdog, a bright colored sport coat and T-shirt combo, or starting his day off by filing a law suit against your local municipality (tax dollars well spent.) Ben and Daniella are Bryce's go-to couple for a double date (the last four young ladies were all keepers.) Bryce is one of the hardest working guys you will ever meet. Someone you can turn to for a bit of advice or a laugh. Bryce has been a trusted friend for the past 5 years and the biggest supporter of Ben and Daniella’s relationship.
Jason "Jay" Larson
Groomsman
Jay is the neighbor that makes you appreciate neighbors. Ben and Jay can often be found walking their French Bulldogs around the West Loop, having an early morning coffee while Daniella sleeps for another 2 hours, enjoying an ice cold cruiser at this hot new bar that just opened called Parlor Pizza, or holding court down the road at Black Barrel. Jay is always there to lend a hand whether it be watching Paulie for a weekend or accompanying Daniella on a late night dog walk when Ben is at work and our friends from the halfway house down the street are on the loose.
Andres "Dre" Pena
Groomsman
Dre and Ben became friends in high school. Dre was the cool “foreign” kid that also happened to know some public school girls (a huge deal when you are 14 and spent the last 11 years in a small Catholic school). Ben and Dre stayed close in college. As their schools were only an hour apart, a couple of visits to either of the schools would take place each year. Dre moved back to Chicago a few years ago with his now wife, Hannah, and the boys have been back at it ever since. Ben and Dre share an appreciation for a “fire” restaurant, cooking some “bomb” food, and discussing “dope” style.