Wedding Party

Samantha Stutsman

Maid of Honor

For years, all I wanted in the world was a little me that I could dress up and teach to dance. Then when I was 10 years old, the universe gave me Sam. They say some sisters are like two peas in a pod, but we aren't even the same vegetable. Samantha is strong, athletic (I only like to think I am), and funny. I have adored Samantha from moment my mom placed her in my arms. I still tried to put her in dresses (she'd only wear ones with horses or dinosaurs) and teach her to dance, but she wasn't having it. She was my dream come true and I am so proud of the incredible young woman she has become. I am honored to have her standing by my side.

Jeff Kleinhenz

Best Man

Jeff and I met in the fourth grade and since then there are few people on this earth I would consider not just one of my friends, but a member of my own family. I don't care what anyone else says (just kidding, man). We've been through a lot over the years (good times, bad times, and times I can't mention for fear of penalty of law) and I'm happy to have him with me on the most important day of my life.

Amanda Crowe

Maid of Honor

While I begged my parents for a sister when I was young, I definitely already had one in Amanda. I met Amanda when we were 8 years old after we moved to O'Fallon. I was new to school and a little nerdy, and Amanda was pretty and loved by everyone (not much has changed). Like something out of a movie, she took me under her wing and we became inseparable. Countless sleepovers and shared family vacations made her part of our family, and I part of hers! Amanda has been by my side for over 20 years, so it is only natural that she be by my side on my wedding day. Our beautiful flower girl is Amanda's daughter (it's hard to miss the resemblance)!

Michael Ceperich

Best Man

Remember when I said there were few people on this earth I'd consider family? Well, Mike is one of them. We first met in high school through our mutual friend, Jeff. The funny thing is we didn't like each other one bit. I'm not sure he even likes me to this day, but here we are. All jokes aside, Mike is someone I can always count on for a brutally honest opinion. Whether we're seeing a concert, lamenting about the Sox, or sitting in silence watching a Bears kicker shank a game-winning field goal, there's never a dull moment when we're together.

Michelle Horan

Bridesmaid

Michelle and I met in high school and she danced her way into my life. Michelle, Amanda, and I were pretty much attached at the hip, whether it be dance practice or sleepovers (that we would definitely never sneak out from). I had to give a class presentation once on how to make s'mores and I horribly burnt the marshmallow so when I asked for a volunteer nobody would even make eye contact. But Michelle raised her hand and eagerly ate that abomination. She has always been in my corner and that is how she is with anyone fortunate enough to call her a friend. She is beauty, brains, and a bottle of champagne. She is the life of every party she walks into and I'm sure this one will be no different.

Rob Connolly

Groomsman

Rob and I met in college and were roommates for half that time, and then some. We've also done a good bit of traveling together, both in the States and abroad (ask him about the time we left our bags in Manchester on our way to Cyprus). We share a lot in common, including our love for baseball and respective commiseration for the Sox and Twins. We also share the same birthday and a mutual love for Ferris Bueller's Day Off (Save Ferris). Catch my man here shuffling on the dance floor with a drink in his hand.

Lacey Bunch

Bridesmaid

Lacey was the first friend I ever had as she came bursting into my life when I was one and I just haven't been able to get rid of her. Literally, her birth interrupted my first birthday...rude, right? (Joking, Lace!) Any time my mom and I would drive back to Quincy to visit family, my first question was always the same, "Will Lacey be there?" From Spice Girl performances at Thanksgiving that nobody asked for to running through the corn behind our grandma's house, my favorite childhood memories always include Lacey. My whole life, Lacey has continued to keep me from taking myself too seriously. She is delightfully goofy and incredibly selfless and those that know her count themselves lucky.

Curtis Stutsman

Groomsman

I met Curt five years ago, when Audrey first introduced me to her family. I'm sorry Aud, but the "cool" gene must have skipped a generation. Brains, charm, natural good looks—this kid has got it all. He always manages to make me laugh (usually at Aud's expense—again, sorry Aud), and I wouldn't be surprised if he was the next Elon Musk (or James Bond villain, for that matter). In all seriousness, Curtis is destined for great things and I am happy to have the privilege to call him my brother-in-law.

Lauren Pellegrene

Bridesmaid

It doesn't take much to make me nervous, but I was so nervous to meet Lauren. She is Jason's older sister and I know how protective I am of my little brother, but my friendship with Lauren has been effortless from the beginning. My text message thread of ridiculous things we find on the internet and office quotes is the highlight of my day. From that first rooftop lunch in Chicago 5 years ago, there has not been a day that she has not gone out of her way to make me feel included. One of the greatest days of my life was when I became a godmother to her and Jon's son, Gianluca (if there is any man who pulls me away from Jason on the dance floor it's this little heartbreaker). I can't imagine not having Lauren by my side and it means the world to me to get to call her my sister-in-law.

Jon Pellegrene

Groomsman

Jon is my brother-in-law and someone I can't picture not standing-up with me on my wedding day. We've been family for a long time and not only is Jon one of the nicest guys I know, but he's also a great father and husband. He's also probably a bit nuts to get himself involved with us Olivas, but hey that's on him. I stood-up in Jon's wedding so it's only fair that he stands-up in mine, right? Just kidding (or am I?).

Stephanie Lo Ceperich

Bridesmaid

Sometimes you meet a friend as an adult and you cannot believe that you had not met them sooner. That's exactly how I feel about Stephanie. Jason and her husband Mike (one of Jason's Best Men) stood with Jeff (Jason's other Best Man) at his wedding four years ago so Stephanie and I drove together. Within a few minutes of driving, we started to realize we had so much in common. We immediately bonded over our love of Hamilton, Disney, New Girl (Prank Sinatra, anyone), Christmas...honestly this list could go on forever. So many of my favorite memories of living in Chicago have involved Stephanie (the annual Lo Ceperich Holiday Party is the hottest ticket in the city). I swear Stephanie is my kindred spirit and I am so happy to have met her and to have her with me on my wedding day.

Erik Anderson

Groomsman

Erik and I probably would have never met if he didn't lie on the freshman roommate survey by saying he was "neat." Still, that didn't stop us from living together for just about every year in college. I think the reason why this has worked out so well and for so long is that he's virtually the opposite of me. But not in a bad way. Erik challenges me to see things differently and I'm made better for it, but more importantly, for having him as a friend and groomsman.

Avery Kate Vincent

Flower Girl

Gianluca Pellegrene

Ring Bearer