Wedding PartyWedding Party
Eileen Daniels PlunkettEileen Daniels Plunkett
Maid of Honor
Eileen and Cori have been a package deal for as long as anyone can remember — if you see one, the other is never far behind. Growing up, she wasn’t just a best friend, she was basically a second sister. There were even times Mom and Dad grounded them together when they got in trouble — because if one was involved, the other definitely was too. From elementary school to high school, to joining the Air Force and traveling the world, they’ve done life side by side. They’re also known for having the exact same laugh — so if you hear it coming from around the corner, you genuinely don’t know which one you’re about to see. Some might say they’re a liability… but it’s always guaranteed to be a good time. Truly chosen sisters.
Carly Rebecca SanchezCarly Rebecca Sanchez
Bridesmaid
Carly has the biggest heart — a kindergarten teacher who’s somehow even more beautiful on the inside than the outside. She and Cori became friends at Bishop Noll volleyball after their dads (close friends from the Chicago Police Department) reunited at the first meeting and started laughing in the corner — and just like that, one friendship sparked another. Since then, it’s been last-minute trips, late-night talks, and even spontaneous flights to Japan. At this point, it’s less “best friends” and more built-in sisters.
Logan Elizabeth MyersLogan Elizabeth Myers
Bridesmaid
Logan is headstrong, effortlessly funny, and says exactly what’s on her mind. She keeps everyone laughing without even trying — and you would never guess it at first, but she’s most likely the best dancer in the room. Logan and Cori met at Air Force tech school after Cori sat next to her during a class they were both completely over. From that day on, they were instant chaos together — keeping each other entertained and probably distracting the entire class. Even when they were stationed apart, nothing changed. They still update, vent, and reunite like no time has passed at all.
Nikki Rose McDonaldNikki Rose McDonald
Bridesmaid
Nikki is the smartest and most athletic of the group — and definitely the most honest. If you ask for her opinion, you’re getting it. The first time she met Cori, she showed up to swim in a purple polo and a skirt — confident, unbothered, iconic. Cori, Nikki, and Eileen grew up running between houses in the Chicago suburbs, pool hopping and fully convinced their lives were basically Mamma Mia — just with less Greece and more humidity. Of course, Nikki went on to the Air Force Academy and became an officer — her favorite flex being that Cori and Eileen have to salute her in uniform. From high school to now, no matter the distance, Cori and Nikki’s friendship has never wavered — built on loyalty, laughter, and a bond that only grows stronger with time.
Megan Ann WhelanMegan Ann Whelan
Bridesmaid
Megan is never what you expect. Straight A’s, valedictorian, Notre Dame graduate — the résumé is intimidating. And yet, she’s somehow still the life of the party. She’s brutally honest (sometimes whether you’re ready or not), but she would do absolutely anything for the people she loves. Growing up, Cori and Megan were often on opposite ends of the spectrum — and Megan made sure to remind Cori that no matter what, she couldn’t escape being cousins because their dads were brothers first. But somewhere around high school, that cousin bond turned into a real friendship. Now it’s simple: they’d do anything for each other. Cousins by chance, best friends by choice.
Sarah Ann Scheer-LowmanSarah Ann Scheer-Lowman
Bridesmaid
Sarah has always been the funniest person in the room — effortlessly. Give her a minute and you’re laughing. But behind that humor is the biggest heart. She’s now an amazing mama to Carter and a devoted wife, and she carries both roles so beautifully. Growing up, Sarah and Cori were inseparable — texting on fake phones, dramatically saving Clara from Ryan’s “attacks,” and playing Polly Pockets for hours. Every trip to Papa’s ended with them begging for a sleepover. Now they’re grown, and Cori had the honor of standing beside Sarah on one of the most important days of her life — and now, Sarah stands right beside her. Some things change. Their friendship never did.
Shannon Whelan CarbonneauShannon Whelan Carbonneau
Bridesmaid
Shannon is the eldest of the girl cousins and has always been the steady, dependable one in the family. No matter the situation, she shows up — and she shows up fully. She’s someone Cori has always been able to call for advice, knowing she’ll answer the phone no matter what. Whether it’s a cousins’ night out or the annual Christmas at the Whelans’ house, Shannon is often the life of the party. She brings warmth, energy, and a guaranteed good time wherever she goes. Above all, she is deeply devoted to her family and unwaveringly loyal to the people she loves.
Clara HowellClara Howell
Bridesmaid
Clara is unapologetically herself in the best way possible. She’s effortlessly funny, incredibly hard-working, and one of the most loyal people you’ll ever meet. Confident and grounded, you truly never know what she’s going to say next — but it’s almost guaranteed to be hilarious. Clara and Cori always have a blast together, usually found laughing in the corner while observing everything going on around them. She’s honest, steady, and the kind of person who shows up fully for the people she cares about — bringing the perfect mix of wit, loyalty, and unforgettable energy wherever she goes.
Molly WhelanMolly Whelan
Bridesmaid
Molly is one of the most talented of the cousins — whether it’s in sports or through her creativity, she seems to excel at anything she puts her mind to. She’s incredibly smart, naturally athletic, and carries herself with a quiet confidence that stands out. As cousins, Cori has had a front-row seat to watch Molly grow into who she is today. From games to family gatherings, Molly consistently shows up with heart and dedication. She’s someone Cori is always cheering for — proud not only of her accomplishments, but of the driven, loyal, and genuine person she continues to become.
Morgan WhelanMorgan Whelan
Bridesmaid
Morgan is truly one of the sweetest souls you’ll ever meet. She always has a smile on her face and brings a light, easy joy into any room she walks into. She’s outgoing, kind, and the first to step up whenever her family needs a helping hand — no matter the situation. Even in difficult moments, Morgan has a way of lifting everyone’s spirits and keeping things positive. At family gatherings, Cori and Morgan can usually be found off to the side yapping away or playing dice, determined to take everyone’s money. Though she keeps things playful, Morgan is surprisingly mature for her age, balancing her bright personality with a steady and thoughtful heart.
Bella TranBella Tran
Bridesmaid
Bella is James’s little sister, and she is every bit as sharp and quick-witted as her older brothers. She’s incredibly smart, thoughtful, and always ready with a clever remark at just the right moment. Cori and Bella became close from the very first visit to Texas. From playing volleyball and watching anime to spontaneous coffee runs and jokingly spending James’s money on shopping trips, the two quickly formed a friendship that feels like it’s always been there. Cori feels incredibly grateful to not only be gaining a husband, but also a sister. Bella is someone special, and having her in the family is truly a blessing.
Ken TranKen Tran
Best Man
Ken is my middle brother, and he’s been there with me through every stage of life. Being only a couple of grades apart, I was always able to relate to him more closely, and because of that, I had a clearer picture of what I should be striving for—both academically and in life. While I was following in both of my brothers’ footsteps, Ken’s were the ones I could see most clearly. He seemed to excel at everything he did—whether it was school, extracurriculars, or just building friendships. I found myself naturally trying to follow that same path, and because of him, we even ended up sharing a lot of the same friends. Growing up, he was always someone I could look to for guidance, whether he realized it or not. Ken has also become the glue of our family—the one who keeps everyone connected and in the loop, no matter where life takes us. He’s always looking out for us, and in more ways than one, he’s made life easier for me (including making sure I’ll never have to worry about my dental issues again). He was my partner in crime growing up, and now it means a lot to have him by my side as I take this next big step in life. I’m incredibly grateful for everything he’s been to me—not just as a brother, but as a role model and a constant presence
Jackie TranJackie Tran
Groomsman
Jackie is my oldest brother, and we’ve truly gone through life together. Like most siblings, our early years had their fair share of arguments and rough patches, but as we’ve grown older, that’s turned into something much stronger. Now, even though we don’t always stay in constant contact, there’s an understanding between us—I know we think of each other, and that if either of us ever needed anything, we’d be there in a heartbeat. Growing up, Jackie was my first real role model. He set the standard for me—someone I looked up to as I navigated school, life, and all the important milestones along the way. He was also my own personal tutor whenever I needed help with homework, always stepping in to guide me and make sure I stayed on track. He was the first to step out on his own and figure things out, which I know couldn’t have been easy as the oldest. There’s no blueprint for that—you’re paving the way with just yourself and the support of your parents. That’s something I’ve always respected about him. He’s been a great brother to me through it all, and I’m really grateful for the relationship we have today. As life continues to move forward, I look forward to more time together—whether it’s holidays, visits, or just the moments we get to share as family. I can’t imagine my wedding without him being an important part of one of the most important days of my life.
Ryan WhelanRyan Whelan
Groomsman
Ryan W. is Cori’s middle brother, and I’ll admit—I was a little intimidated before meeting him. Cori definitely hyped him up, and he has a strong presence. But once I got to know him, I realized there’s much more beneath the surface. At his core, Ryan cares deeply about his family. His stoic and sometimes nonchalant demeanor can be misunderstood, but he has a thoughtful, unique perspective and carries himself with discipline and purpose. He naturally steps into a role others look up to—especially for Matthew—and does so without needing to say much. We’ve shared some incredible experiences, including a trip through Italy and Spain, and I look forward to many more—especially our next one as brothers. Even though he’s younger, Ryan shows maturity beyond his years. I’ve come to truly respect who he is, and I’m grateful to be gaining him as family
Matthew WhelanMatthew Whelan
Groomsman
Matthew is Cori’s youngest brother, and from the start, he’s given me a pretty good idea of what having a younger sibling is like. He’s got that classic little brother energy—quick with the comebacks, always keeping things interesting, and never missing a chance to give his sister a hard time. It’s been fun (and sometimes eye-opening) getting a glimpse of what that dynamic is like. But beyond that, Matt is incredibly sharp. He’s the brainiac of the family, definitely inheriting his dad’s love for history and curiosity about the world. He’s the one everyone jokes will be responsible for keeping his parents out of a retirement home—and honestly, I believe he’s got what it takes to keep Cori and me out of one someday too. I’m really grateful to be gaining him as a brother, and I’m looking forward to many more years of laughs, conversations, and memories together. It means a lot to have him be part of such an important day in our lives.
Joseph SpencerJoseph Spencer
Groomsman
Joey was the first person I met when I got to Okinawa, and from the start, he felt like an older sibling to me. He always had something to say—usually something sarcastic—and his sense of humor is one of a kind. Whether it was a quick joke or a perfectly timed comment, he could make just about any situation more entertaining. He’s easily the most adventurous of the group, always picking up new hobbies or finding something different to try—and he never hesitated to bring me along for the ride. Because of him (and Alex), I got introduced to a lot of new experiences… including my first drink. Naturally, it wasn’t anything normal—it was habu sake, which has a reputation for being pretty intense. That decision led to a wild night that, to this day, I don’t fully remember—but somehow, that just feels very on-brand for Joey. Through all the laughs, chaos, and unforgettable experiences, Joey has been a constant presence and a great friend. I’m really grateful for everything we’ve shared and excited to have him standing by my side on such an important day
Alejandro BenavidesAlejandro Benavides
Groomsman
I met Alex through Joey, and from the start, he felt like another older brother to me. Throughout a big part of my time in the Marine Corps, he was more than just a friend—he was a mentor. He taught me the ins and outs of navigating work, but more importantly, he helped bring me out of my shell and pushed me to be more outgoing and confident. Out in Okinawa, Alex and Joey were always up to something, making the absolute most of their time—and they always made sure I was included. Whether it was trips out to Osaka or going on a “Kin Crawl,” there was never a dull moment with those two. Alex has always been unapologetically himself—he’ll take liquor over beer any day—and if there was a trip to Coco’s for curry, you could count on an invite. I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance, his friendship, and all the memories we’ve shared. It means a lot to have him be a part of such an important day in my life.
Ryan OgleRyan Ogle
Groomsman
Ryan O. and I met in the same platoon, but we really hit it off when Alex and Joey invited me out to hang with them and get to know everyone. From that point on, we became a solid group—the “quad”—for Ryan’s entire time out in Okinawa. Whether we were traveling to Tokyo or Osaka or just spending time together, those are some of the memories I’ll always look back on. Ryan was more than just a friend—he was someone I could lean on. While others mentored me in work, Ryan had a way of helping me navigate the personal side of things. He always showed up when it mattered most, and you could count on him to be there for anyone who needed it. Funny enough, some of his most honest and insightful moments came after a few drinks—when, somehow, he always seemed to make the most sense. I’m really grateful for his friendship, his guidance, and the role he’s played in my life. It means a lot to have him standing by my side on such an important day
Esdras AlvarengaEsdras Alvarenga
Groomsman
Al and I met out in Okinawa on what started as just another night out with friends. On a whim, he invited me along—and that one moment turned into a friendship full of unforgettable memories. From hiking up Mount Fuji to cliff diving and exploring Tokyo together, we’ve shared some incredible adventures. Al also had a knack for blending in with the locals, always finding the best hidden izakayas and low-key bars for us to hang out and experience a more authentic side of Japan. But just as meaningful were the laid-back days—hanging out at the beach, working out, and even kicking back watching K-dramas. No matter what we were doing, it was always a good time. I’m beyond grateful for that random night that brought us together, and even more grateful to have Al standing by my side on one of the most important days of my life.
Jonah LutherJonah Luther
Groomsman
Jonah “Luther” and I go back to the very beginning of my military career. We met at our MOS schoolhouse, both arriving at the exact same time—2 a.m., straight out of MCT—with nothing to our names and no one even expecting us. Somehow, that chaos turned into us being roommates from day one… including the unforgettable welcome of a random pizza showing up to our room that first night. The schoolhouse days were a blur—late nights, a loud fan running constantly, and rock music blasting through my speaker. After I graduated, I figured that chapter had closed, but by pure coincidence, I ran into Luther again in Okinawa a few months later. At first, it was just the occasional hallway wave, nothing more. That all changed when we got sent on a TAD to the mainland together—just two Marines in a mix of Airmen, Soldiers, and Japanese military personnel. That trip really kicked off a whole new chapter of our friendship. Around that same time, I met Cori, and from then on, Luther and I were hanging out every chance we got—until Cori came into the picture and, as I like to joke, “stole me” from him. After that, it just turned into inviting Luther along to hang out with both of us. Through all of it, Luther has been there since the very start—through the early chaos, the unexpected reunions, and the moments that mattered most. I’m grateful for the friendship we’ve built over the years, and it means a lot to have him be part of such an important day in my life.
Kyle ReevesKyle Reeves
Groomsman
I met Kyle through Cori’s Maid of Honor, Eileen, and from the start, I could tell he was just a genuinely chill guy. It didn’t take long before we were doing the most random things together—like spontaneously buying matching shirts at Target that, somehow, we still haven’t managed to wear at the same time. Since then, we’ve shared a lot of great memories—trips, camping, and plenty of double dates just going out to eat and enjoying the simple things. Being out in Indiana, away from home in Texas, Kyle has become the closest thing I have to a best friend here. No matter what’s going on, I can usually count on him being around—ready to hang out, build something, or just relax with a Coors Light in hand. He’s also the kind of guy you can always rely on. If I ever need help—especially when it comes to fixing something around the house—I know Kyle’s the one I can call. I’m really grateful for his friendship and everything he’s brought into my life out here. It means a lot to have him standing by my side on such an important day.