Wedding Party
Kaela Zabinski
Maid of Honor
Sister of the Bride My not-so-little, little sister. While I may have long since given up my status as the taller sister, I will never stop being the prouder older sister to Kaela. Just 15 months apart, we did everything together growing up, from matching hairbows to princess dress ups to mud-filled adventures and endless sand castles. After college, our bond only grew stronger—she’s my confidant, my fellow dog lover, my favorite hiking partner, and the steady to my loud-and-outgoing. We might be opposites in some ways, but we balance each other perfectly. Through every season, she's been my biggest supporter, my sounding board, and my very best friend. I couldn’t imagine life—or this day—without her by my side.
Jess Bolton
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride Jess and I have been side by side since day 1. Literally, standing next to each other in line the first day of Kindergarten thanks to the last names "Boldt" and "Bolton". From the start, we were inseparable. From our childhood marathon sleepovers (sometimes for weeks at a time!), to inventing our own language to taking on college together at Miami to exploring the jungles of Costa Rica and now to this next exciting chapter. Jess might just be the world’s slowest—and most artistic—cookie decorator, but she’s also the kind of friend who’s stood by me through it all, in big moments and everyday laughs, for over 25 years. I’m so lucky she’s still by my side for one more unforgettable adventure.
Kami Hutchings
Bridesmaid
Sister of the Bride I met Kami when I was in 6th grade and although she may have been the older sister I didn't ask for, she was the sister and best friend I didn't know I needed. Kami has always inspired me with her adventurous spirit and knack for turning strangers into friends with no destination too far and no adventure too wild; including moving to Spain and most recently New Zealand. I'll never forget visiting her in Spain, making memories I’ll treasure forever (bed bugs and all). Where ever we are, Kami’s curiosity and courage inspires me to open up. From Europe to South America, we’ve traveled, dreamed, and grown into sisters who challenge and support each other. She’s fiery, fun, and I admire her for the endless love and energy she brings to my life.
Teagan Hutchings
Bridesmaid
Sister of the Bride I first met Teagan back when I was in 6th grade and our parents brought our families together. Even as the youngest of us four older girls, Teagan has always been the role model when it comes to putting family first. Her heart is pure gold. She’s incredibly sweet and caring, but always down for a friendly competition. Growing up, her nickname was "Tiggers" for a reason as she's a bundle of energy and the best hype person you could hope for. We’ve laughed our way through getting lost in the neighborhood for hours, hiked everywhere from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Ushuaia, Argentina, and shared a love of animals and family. Teagan has an incredible gift for making everyone smile and is pure goodness inside and out.
Sarah Fletcher
Bridesmaid
Sister of the Bride I was 12 when Sarah was born. A pint-sized, red-headed bundle of energy who quickly turned my world upside down, in the best way. From the start, she’s been pure adventure and a constant source of joy who completely stole my heart. Watching her grow has been the greatest privilege. She’s transformed into such a strong, resilient young woman who meets the world with courage, curiosity, and an unwavering kindness. Some of my favorite memories are when she’d toddle into my room, just two years old, wearing nothing but a diaper and my Ugg boots, grooving fearlessly to whatever was blasting from my iHome. I can’t wait to see her bring her moves to the wedding dance floor!
Molly Boldt
Bridesmaid
Sister of the Bride I was 13 when Molly was born. With four much older sisters, Molly grew into the perfect blend of all our best traits. Molly is strong-willed in all the best ways, always eager to explore, question, and stand up for herself and others. But at her core, she’s the kind of person who leads with empathy and brings people together. When our poor pup tore her ACL, CJ and I had to live at my dad's house for a few months. During that time, CJ and Molly grew incredibly close. I've never laughed as hard as watching them bake cookies together. He truly became the older brother she never had. I’m endlessly proud to be her big sister and so grateful she’ll be by my side for one of the most important days of my life.
Katie Mueller
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride Katie and I met in Kindergarten more than 25 years ago! In fact, she is the reason that I even met CJ (see “Our Story” for the scoop)! Since I met her, Katie has always been the rock-steady, snack-loving, dance-party queen I can always count on. She's the most loyal person you could ever meet and we have always bonded over the undeniable fact that the key to a woman's heart is through her stomach (hello, never ending Jamba Juice and Noodles runs). From the endless summers at Six Flags to gossiping about first crushes to the countless driveway dance parties to lake house adventures, Katie has been there for it all. Dependable doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’m so grateful to have her by my side on this next adventure!
Shelby Villarreal
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride Shelby and I met through our shared love of music and dancing at Summer Camp Music Festival almost a decade ago! She has been my EDM dancing queen ever since. Shelby has a magical way of encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and into new adventures. We’ve camped beneath the stars with the bass thumping in the distance, chased waterfalls on hikes across the country, failed at book club, gotten a little competitive over board games, and brunched throughout the city. Her Halloween obsession is legendary. She even got CJ to a few haunted houses! Shelby’s love for all things wicked and spooky is only matched by her flair for spunk and adventure. She always brings out the bold in everyone around her. I’m so grateful she danced her way into my life!
Riley Worley
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride Riley and I started our careers as doe-eyed interns together at Deloitte. From those first nervous days and through late nights at the office, we found our common ground: bonding over our shared love for competition, trivia and scavenger hunts, dive bars & PBRs, sense of fashion (or historical lack of), sand volleyball, puzzles, and, of course, plenty of tea. What started as a professional connection quickly deepened into a real, lasting friendship, filled with laughter, support, and countless inside jokes. I never imagined meeting my best friend at work, but I'm so lucky I did. Even though the sunnier shores of California called her home, I know I just have a reason to visit the West Coast more often now!
Natalie Red
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride Although Natalie and I technically met through Travis and CJ, we clicked so fast you’d never guess it. People constantly mistake us for sisters. No joke, I’ve been mistaken for Natalie more times than for my own siblings, like when the food vendor at that festival simply refused to serve me because he thought I was her! Natalie’s truly been part of every chapter: my ride or die, my true confidant. Our conversations easily last for hours, brunches always turn into all day affairs, and there’s no one I’d rather people-watch at farmers markets with or try a new workout with (shoutout to Hannah Eden and Pilates). She’s always there, whether it’s sharing music, exploring new places, or laughing at inside jokes only we understand. She’s the friend I can count on.
Cindy Depenbrock
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride I met Cindy freshman year of college at Miami, but by the time we were off-campus roommates junior and senior year, she had become my rock, my partner in crime. Growing up, I was always the "Mom" of the friend group. Cindy is the one friend I actually call "Mom." She’s dependable, responsible, and caring, and, I’ll admit, not afraid to give a little tough love when I deserve it! But I've had the best adventures of my life with her from exploring Oxford, Ohio and the uptown bars and hockey games to river rafting to Jungle Jim's escapades to the best themed parties. Our college house, affectionately called Mint Green Condition, was full of laughter and love (with CJ’s frequent, spirited visits). I’m so lucky to call such a thoughtful, steady, and adventurous soul my forever friend.
Eleanor Peterson
Junior Bridesmaid
Niece of the Groom Eleanor is my niece, the youngest of my sister’s kids, and the only girl in a house full of brothers — which explains a lot. Tori has been in her life since day one, and it’s been amazing watching Eleanor grow up with so much personality and confidence. She’s funny, strong-willed, and never afraid to speak her mind, and she brings a ton of energy and spunk wherever she goes. Whether she’s swimming in the pool with her brothers down in Florida or playing golf with her dad, Eleanor is always all-in and having a blast. One of my proudest moments will always be becoming her godfather, and I’m honored to have her as part of our wedding day.
Matt Callahan
Best Man
Friend of the Groom Matt and I met during orientation during our freshman year at Bradley University when we ended up living on the same dorm floor. I still remember walking down the hall on day one trying to figure out who was playing acoustic guitar like he was trying to win “Most Interesting Person on the Floor.” Turns out it was Matt, and we hit it off immediately. Matt has always been the kind of friend who shows up no matter what — good times, bad times, and everything in between. He’s someone who will push your thinking, tell you what you need to hear (not just what you want to hear), and isn’t afraid of an uncomfortable conversation if it means doing the right thing. Between countless college nights, video game marathons, and being the lucky beneficiary of his elite cooking, I’ve got more memories with Matt than I can count — and I couldn’t imagine anyone else being my Best Man.
Tim Machnik
Groomsman
Brother of the Groom Tim is my brother, so I guess he technically met me the day I was born — he was already 10 years old, and I’m pretty sure he immediately realized I was going to be his favorite (and only) brother. Even with the age gap, Tim has always been one of the most loyal and solid people in my life, and I’ve looked up to him way more than he probably even knows. He’s genuinely inspiring for how he chases his dreams and handles life, and if I can be half the man he is, I’ll know I did something right. Some of my favorite memories with Timmy will always be the times he let me play Rainbow Six on the N64 downstairs in his room — even though I’m 100% sure he did not enjoy it the same way I did, because I was definitely the reason it took us forever to beat a level. I’m proud to have him standing next to me on the big day.
Cooper Machnik
Groomsman
Nephew of the Groom Cooper is my nephew, so technically we met the day he was born — and since he was the first of my sister’s four kids, he’s been around for basically all of my middle school and high school years. Cooper has always felt less like a “nephew” and more like the little brother I never had. He’s hilarious, a seriously good drummer, and one of the most driven people I know — even when life keeps throwing curveballs at him, he just keeps pushing forward. I’ve got a million great memories with him, from his first steps to backyard lacrosse practice to all the holidays over the years, but honestly the best part has been watching him grow up and figure life out. I’m proud of the man he’s becoming, and I’m pumped to have him standing with me on my wedding day.
Hilary Dethmer
Groomswoman
Friend of the Groom Hilary and I met my freshman year of high school, and honestly, I don’t know if you’d even call us friends at the very beginning. But over time, she became one of the closest and most important people in my life. We’ve been through so many different phases over the years, and no matter what life has thrown at us, our friendship has stayed strong—especially during the hardest times, when she’s always been someone I can turn to. Hilary is full of life and love, and she’s genuinely one of the happiest people I know; that kind of energy is contagious. She’s the type of person who lifts people up, never puts them down, and shows up at a moment’s notice—if I needed someone at 3AM, Hilary is that person. She also loves to travel, especially anywhere with islands and water (her true happy place), and I couldn’t be more grateful to have her standing with me on such a big day.
Travis Red
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom Travis and I met in Sigma Chi at Bradley University, and if I’m being honest, we started off as enemies. Like… “this guy sucks” enemies. But thanks to Sam (another groomsman and the glue of our friend group), we went from barely tolerating each other to becoming actual brothers. After college, once we all ended up living near each other in Chicago, that friendship leveled up fast and Travis became one of the people I saw and counted on the most. Travis is the definition of trustworthy — if you tell him something, it’s locked in a vault forever and never brought up again. We’ve had more great memories than I can even list, from wild college nights to music festivals and bachelor trips for pretty much everyone in our crew. I’m pumped to have him standing with me on my wedding day!
Matt Zambelli
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom Matt and I met through Tori, since he’s been one of her water polo friends going all the way back to high school. Over time, he went from “Tori’s friend” to our friend — the kind of guy you just know is going to be in your life for the long haul. Matt is absolutely the life of the party and always down for something, whether it’s brunch, a night out, a concert, or whatever random plan pops up next. He’s also a huge traveler, and every summer somehow turns into a new adventure in some far-off place like it’s no big deal. More than anything though, he’s the kind of friend who shows up, stays involved, and makes sure people feel included as life gets busier. And one of my favorite things ever is hearing Matt’s version of a night’s events… because somehow it never matches anyone else’s story — but it’s always the best one.
Conner Garrison
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom Connor and I met as fraternity brothers in college, and he quickly became one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. He’s been there for me through some of life’s toughest moments — whether it was picking me up when I needed it or being honest enough to knock some sense into me when I deserved it. Connor is loyal, fun, and deeply cares about his friends and family, and he’s had a huge influence on my music taste over the years, including introducing me to Summer Camp Music Festival, where we’ve made countless memories together alongside our friends. Some of my favorite weekends and stories trace back to those trips, filled with great music, late nights, and friendships that only grew stronger over time. He has a way of making any situation lighter and bringing a calm, easygoing energy that puts everyone at ease, and people naturally feel comfortable around him. Some of my favorite memories with him will always be our spring break in Panama City Beach with Austin, Cam, and Dylan — a trip where I learned a lot about friendship and the kind of people you want beside you in life.
Mark Klomes
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom Mark and I met in college through the fraternity, even though he was a couple of years younger than me. From the start, Mark has always been one of the most genuine people I know — in the way he shows up for his friends, the way he pursues his passions, and just who he is at his core. He’s the kind of friend where no matter how much time passes, you can pick right back up where you left off like nothing changed. Mark is funny, adventurous, and always chasing the next experience, whether that meant moving out to Colorado to spend more time outdoors and snowboarding or hopping on his motorcycle for the next ride. Some of my favorite memories with Mark are the countless college nights and trips where you never quite knew what the plan was — only that it was guaranteed to turn into a great story. Those are the kinds of friendships that make life more fun and a lot more memorable. I’m grateful to call him a friend and excited to have him standing with me on this day.
Sam Dick
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom Sam and I met in college — yeah, another fraternity story. He was close friends with Travis, and since Travis and I didn’t exactly get along at first, Sam and I didn’t talk much early on either. That changed during my sophomore year when I moved into the Sigma Chi house. Living together forced us into the same orbit, and it didn’t take long before we became friends — and that friendship only kept growing from there. Sam is one of my closest and most trusted friends. He has a rare ability to stay impartial and calm, even when he’s personally involved, and he brings a steady presence to just about any situation. He’s funny, fiercely loyal, and underneath it all, incredibly smart. Sam has shown up for me time and time again over the last 12 years — always there when I need him. We have been through a lot of life's phases together: college, wild nights in our early 20s, settling down, and building lives with the people we love — and through all of it, the friendship hasn’t changed one bit. I’m proud to have him standing next to me.
Austin Tyler
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom Austin and I met while pledging the fraternity in college. He was the local kid from Peoria, which meant he already knew the lay of the land and all the best spots in town — something the rest of us definitely benefited from. From the start, Austin could talk to anyone and fit in with every group, which made him someone everyone naturally gravitated toward. Austin is just an all-around great guy. He’s funny, loyal, and has a huge heart, backed by a work ethic that never really turns off. He’s always been the go-to person in our friend group — whether you need someone to confide in, someone to have your back, or honestly just a partner in whatever chaos the night brings. We’ve shared more wild nights and stories than I can probably remember or safely retell, including unforgettable trips like Panama City Beach with Conner and plenty of late-night adventures that probably sounded like a good idea at the time. Some of my favorite memories with Austin come from all the different experiences college gave us — the kind of moments that turned friends into lifelong brothers. I’m grateful to have him standing with me on this day.
Coming Soon
Groomsman
Matthew Fletcher
Usher
Brother of the Bride Matthew was born only 6 months before I met CJ, my freshman year of high school! The day he was born, I was over the moon to finally have a brother in addition to my 5 sisters. Like the rest of my siblings, he has long since surpassed me in height, but I am the luckiest person in the world to be his older sister and role model. Matthew’s big heart shows in the way he loves his dogs, his passion for football and baseball, and the fun we have together, from family beach vacations to playing video games. Although to this day, Matthew still hasn't lived down accidentally breaking CJ's sunglasses as a baby, we are so incredibly honored to have him as a part of our next big adventure!
Steven Peterson
Usher
Nephew of the Groom Steven is my nephew and my sister’s son, and he was born during football season — which honestly feels like fate, because the kid lives and breathes football, just like I did. He’s always full of energy, always ready to compete, and he’s got big goals with dreams of making it to the NFL someday. Steven is the kind of kid who brings excitement wherever he goes and keeps everyone on their toes in the best way. I’m excited to have him as an usher and to share such a special day with him and the rest of our family.
Gunner Peterson
Usher
Nephew of the Groom Gunner is my nephew and the youngest of my sister’s boys, which basically means he’s grown up tough, hilarious, and always ready to jump into the action. He loves football, wrestling with his older brothers, and doing anything that involves competition. Gunner’s also a big video game guy — especially MLB The Show… even if that usually ends with him taking another L from his uncle. Some of my favorite memories with him are whenever I’m down in Florida and we’re all hanging out in the backyard pool, just having a good time. I’m pumped to have him as an usher and part of our big day.
Theo Lukasz
Ring Bearer
Nephew of the Bride Theo came into this world as a laughing, bundle of joy and he has not stopped since. Just like my brother did, Theo stole my heart, the moment I met him in the hospital and held him the first time. Trust me, there is no stopping this kid! He was running before he was one. He is always full of energy and spirit and searching for his next adventure, just like his mama, Teagan! I am certainly biased, but CJ and I are so lucky to have the cutest ring bearer in the world!!
Will Riedl
Officiant
Cousin of the Bride Will isn’t just my cousin, he’s been my lifelong co-pilot and, fittingly, our officiant! Growing up, while all the other cousins wanted to play school, I would purposely get in trouble to be sent to the "principal's" (i.e., Will's) office, and we would create a new game. From being the ring bearer and flower girl in our Aunt Katy's wedding (see pic) to negotiating on behalf of all the cousins for mini bikes to spearheading countless ghost in the graveyard and kick the can games, it's always been Will and I on the same team. Will’s quick wit, razor-sharp mind, and unfailing sense of humor have made every stage of life more memorable. Having him help us tie the knot truly brings our story full circle.
