Wedding Party
Julie Hilker
Maid of Honor
Julie is Mary's amazing older sister. One could not ask for a more supportive, caring, better human to be their sister. And ohhhh does she have some Mary stories to tell. Thank her for Mary if you have a chance, Mary has put her through a lot! ;) Julie is an AP Biology and 9th grade biology teacher in Macomb, County MI. (She is an incredible teacher!). Mary is so very thankful for her sister, and it makes her all emotional when she thinks about how lucky she feels to have her as a sister!
Hailee Loch
Bridesmaid
Hailee is Tom's oldest daughter! (She and Ethan are twins!) She is an amazing person in every single way. Mary was lucky enough to get to know Hailee well over the last 2+ years and feels so lucky to be a part of her life!! Mary loves seeing Tom and Hailee interact, as their love and bond is so strong. Recently, Hailee moved to Maryland to start a new job, and she is rocking it!! We love Hailee!!
Chrissy Kowalski
Bridesmaid
Chrissy is Tom's awesome sister. Her warm and friendly demeanor welcomed Mary into Tom's family right away. Chrissy is very generous and positive, and she loves to spread kindness. Chrissy is a talented epidemiologist here in Michigan. Mary feels very lucky to soon call Chrissy her sister-in-law!
Krista Lewicki
Bridesmaid
Mary met Krista when she was in the 5th grade at their Dad's soccer game :). Their friendship just grew stronger throughout the years, they even roomed together in college, the epitome of Best Friends Forever! Krista is an incredible person who has supported Mary always. Get Krista and Lucy and Mary together and laughter will fill the rooms forever! Mary is so thankful for the amazing role Krista has played in her life.
Lucy Prior
Bridesmaid
Lucy and Mary have been friends since 2nd grade!! After meeting each other in Elementary school they just continued to hang out, play lots of basketball, share many laughs (also not be allowed to sit next to each other in class...!), and be there for each other. Lucy has been such a great friend to Mary for so many years, she is a wonderful person, and Mary is so thankful to still have that bond with her.
Kristina Patel
Bridesmaid
Mary will never forget the first day she met Kris, the first day of her first teaching job in Chicago, IL. It was at a school meeting, where they soon discovered that not only would their classrooms be right next to each other, but they both went to Michigan State University!! From there, their bond never failed. They had many adventures, supporting each other in and out of the classroom! Mary and Kris, and their partner in crime, Kelly, have stories for years! Mary is not sure what she would have done had she not met Kris so early on in Chicago, she is an incredible person.
Hannah Nofal
Bridesmaid
Hannah and Mary met teaching at Perspectives in Chicago. From Hannah's first day on the job, her and Mary bonded through student stories, teaching practices, and most of all on how to live life. Hannah has a grace and classiness about her that just brings people in. Hannah is a wonderful soul, with a great listening ear and a knack for fun and adventure. Mary is so thankful for Hannah in her life and for all of her support and friendship!
Jennifer Hamers
Bridesmaid
How lucky was Mary to find that an amazing life long friend awaited at Mason Middle School when she accepted her current Assistant Principal position there. Jen was also the first person to know that Tom existed, when Mary wandered in her office to tell her, and she thought at least one person should know she was going to dinner! Jen is such generous, loving, and truly kind individual. Jen has been there for Mary through so many moments and she feels so very blessed to call Jen Hamers such a close friend!
Jeanie Murphy
Officiant
Oh how Mary smiles when she thinks about meeting Jeanie Murphy right when she moved back to Mason, MI, 6 years ago. Jeanie and Mary taught 5th grade side by side at Alaiedon Elementary school for 3 years. During that time Jeanie was incredibly instrumental in what Mary calls "bringing me back to life." Jeanie is an incredible teacher and an incredible human, who just has a magic about her. She was also one of the first people to meet Tom! Tom and Mary were so excited to ask Jeanie to marry them and be the officiant at their wedding. They knew she was the perfect person, and if you have ever met her, you know why too ;). Thank you, Jeanie!!
Penny Loch
Jr. Bridesmaid
Penny is Tom's youngest daughter, she is an awesome person! Penny loves sports, is a great student, is very creative, and is truly hilarious! She is also a big Lions fan! Mary feels so very lucky to be a part of Penny's life. We love Penny!!
Etta Hilker
Flower Child
Etta is Mary's niece, and the child that Mary an Aunt for the first time!! Mary will never forget the amazing feeling she felt when she held Etta for the first time. Etta and Mary have spent countless hours together laughing, cuddling, and playing in Mary's Harry Potter Closet. Etta loves horses, is a great helper, and is an all around great kid! Etta is so very special to Mary and Mary is so excited to have Etta be a part of her wedding! We love Etta Marie so much!!
JJ (James Jeffery) Hilker
Ring Bearer
Little JJ is Mary's youngest nephew. He was born the day after she moved back to Michigan, and she forever be grateful for the peace holding him during his first months of life gave her. JJ is full of energy, life, and sweetness. He is also super helpful! JJ gives the family A LOT to laugh about, we say "JJ" a lot. We love JJ so much!
Eric Chu
Best Man
Awesome lifelong best friend (since 2nd grade) of Tom!
Frederick (Freddie) Hilker
Ring Bearer
Freddie is Mary's adorable nephew. He gives the most amazing hugs, and Mary is sad that soon he will be too tall for her to pick up! To know Freddie is to know a very special human with a wonderful soul full of love. Freddie loves the basics of life, and he is so appreciative of the little things in life. We love you so much Freddie!
Ethan Loch
Groomsman
Ethan is Tom's oldest son! (He and Hailee are twins!). Ethan is an incredible person, with a beautiful heart, caring soul, and a very smart brain! Ethan is also a huge Lions fan :). Mary also loves hearing Ethan and Tom talk about the Lions, their love for each other and the Lions is something beautiful! Ethan finishes Law School this summer!! He has done an awesome job and we are so excited for him and his future adventures. We love Ethan!!
Brian Kelly
Groomsman
Awesome cousin and friend of Tom!
Riley Wells
Groomsman
Awesome cousin and friend of Tom!
Myron Kebus
Groomsman
Awesome friend of Tom!
Roy Yanong
Groomsman
Awesome friend of Tom!
Carolyn Richards
Groomswoman
Awesome friend of Tom!
Thomas Hilker
Groomsman
Awesome younger brother of Mary and friend of Tom!
Eric Loch
Junior Groomsman
Eric is Tom's youngest son! He is an amazing kid with a kind heart, who loves soccer, reading, and the Lions! Eric also embraces and appreciates the simple things in life, we love when Eric announces how excited he is for a cozy night in, in our cozy house! We love you Eric!!