Parents of the Bride
Lindsey couldn't have asked for better parents. Growing up, Lindsey’s parents would often balance their roles, based on what their children needed – Dad served as the sports coach and #1 fan, the cook and academic tutor, and most importantly with little girls, the shoulder to cry on with arms outstretched to reinforce security in times of need; Mom took a different, although equally critical, approach. Mom always knew what to say in times of need and taught Lindsey logic, critical thinking skills, and how to be an independent, albeit sassy, woman finding her voice in the world. Most importantly, Mom and Dad taught Lindsey what unconditional, unwavering love looks and feels like. Lindsey couldn’t have asked for better parents to teach her about life’s most precious lessons.
Parents of the Groom
Aaron's parents have always been his biggest supporters. Growing up, Dad was the coach for Aaron's youth teams and Mom was always the team mom and loudest fan. Even through high school, they hardly ever missed a game or meet regardless of the distance. Through challenging times and difficult decisions, Aaron can always rely on Mom and Dad to be there to listen, offer support, and give just the right advice. He would put them right up there against anyone for the title of Greatest Parents a Son Could Ask For.
Maid of Honor
Lindsey cannot remember a world without Sally in it. Sally and Lindsey became best friends before memories could even form. From spending days in daycare with each other, navigating grade school together, or being the go-to person to rely on, Sally has always been there. Sally and Lindsey used to joke that if they found each other later in life, they certainly would not be friends as the two couldn’t be more drastically different people. However, their differences taught each other that "different" doesn’t always mean "bad", that life is more fun with a challenge in perspective, and that love knows no boundaries. Lindsey is beyond thankful to have such a caring, goofy, loyal, and spontaneous friendship that has withstood the tale of time.
Best Man
Tyler and Aaron met in graduate school at Eastern Illinois University where they worked in the same residence hall complex and shared a mutual love for the Dallas Cowboys. Through two hectic years Tyler and Aaron laughed way too much, shared in each others challenges, and solved life's problems over games of pool. Tyler is the exact kind of guy you'd want in your corner through any situation. He's honest, determined, and he'll go to bat for the people he cares about. Aaron is beyond thankful to have a friend like Tyler.
Bridesmaid
Emily and Lindsey met their freshman year of high school where they quickly kindled a friendship over track and volleyball. Emily is Lindsey’s high school best friend and is exactly the person Lindsey needed in her life to navigate the hardships of high school with. Often, coaches and teachers would comment on their friendship as many couldn’t determine who the brains of the after-school shenanigans were. While Emily was Lindsey’s go-to companion for everything in high school, and even then afterwards, Lindsey doesn’t think she would have survived all these years without her. Emily is outgoing, protective, loyal, spontaneous, and exactly the friend Lindsey has needed. Lindsey is extremely grateful that Emily walked into her life in high school and never left.
Groomsman
Nate and Aaron met at The University of Wisconsin and not long after that they were packed in a van together on a 30-hour-each-way road trip to Pasadena, California. They share a love for competitive sports which led to many hours together on a racquetball court, where Aaron has yet to win a game. Since graduation, this has translated to playing Spikeball, Mario Kart, and other games whenever they get together. Nate is a very generous and welcoming friend who will go out of his way to make time for others, and Aaron is very grateful to have Nate as a friend.
Bridesmaid
Elise is Lindsey’s older sister and biggest cheerleader. Growing up, Elise had one primary goal – to teach Lindsey how to have a backbone. Lindsey was quite passive and rarely found her voice as a child. As such, her sister set out to teach Lindsey how to stand up for herself, and during the times Lindsey faltered in her lessons, Elise would be the force to reckon with. In high school, Lindsey remembers going to a concert with her sister. One man decided to slap Lindsey in the rear, to which Elise quickly turned around and chewed the guy a new one for disrespecting her sister. Elise is loyal, quick witted, fiercely protective, and extremely family oriented. Lindsey couldn’t have asked for a better sister in her corner to cheer her on and teach her how to navigate through the world.
Groomsman
Adam and Aaron met during their time at Valparaiso University when they lived and worked in Lankenau Hall together. The time spent together in "Lank" built a solid foundation for a wonderful friendship. Adam and Aaron have spent many hours watching Jeopardy! and late night tennis. You wouldn't believe the excitement in the room when they saw team USA win the gold medal in curling at the Winter Olympics! Adam is brilliant, caring person who looks for the best in people and is always willing to put others before himself. Aaron is very proud to have Adam standing by his side on his wedding day.
Bridesmaid
Julie and Lindsey first met three years ago when Lindsey went back to work at Valpo. Julie and Aaron had met through a volleyball league, where Aaron invited Julie to trivia night with the coworkers, prior to the start of Aaron and Lindsey dating. As a mutual friend of both Aaron and Lindsey, Julie has witnessed the entirety of Lindsey and Aaron’s relationship and has been a key factor in their relationship. Julie was the friend that convinced Aaron to ask Lindsey out, and then was the friend to convince Lindsey to “go for it”. Julie has witnessed the relationship’s highs and lows, and has been Switzerland through it all. Julie is a phenomenal listener, a great friend, and is always up for an adventure.
Groomsman
Jake and Aaron met in Valparaiso, IN at a bowling alley with mutual friends and they've been hanging out together ever since. Whether it's going out for dinner and drinks, playing a board game, or just sitting around talking, Jake is up for it and he brings an open mind to every situation. He is a calm, down-to-earth guy who will show up for whatever you need without question and without taking credit. Aaron is extremely excited to have Jake as a groomsman.
Usher
Chris is Lindsey's younger brother and life buddy. Growing up, Chris always knew the exact right moment to walk in on Lindsey during difficult moments, and was a listening ear during her many difficult relationships. He additionally had a sixth sense of when a guy wasn't right for Lindsey. For example, Lindsey remembers her senior year of high school, where Chris took shots at her prom date and boyfriend with an airsoft gun while he walked to the door to greet Lindsey for prom night. While Chris wasn't always one for words, he knew his sister well and knew when a guy wasn't right for her. Lindsey and Chris have some sort of unspoken understanding of each other - one that the other can always rely on. Thank you to my buddy for always having my back in life.
Wedding Advisor
Jordan is Aaron's older sister, so they met on the day he was born. Aaron has had a fighter in his corner ever since. Jordan is fiercely loyal and won't back down from a challenge as Aaron found out in junior high when they would battle for the TV remote after school. Jordan has a big heart and a huge focus on family. She is always the one to plan their next adventure, whether it's inviting Aaron to run another Tough Mudder together or suggesting they get tickets to go to a Wisconsin Badger game. Aaron and Lindsey are both very grateful to have Jordan's insight and guidance as a Wedding Advisor, and they appreciate all the helpful tips she has already provided.
Usher
Luke is Lindsey's Brother-In-Law on paper, but if she is being honest, Luke is Lindsey's big brother. Luke and Lindsey's sister, Elise, started dating when Lindsey was 16, and he stayed a part of the family ever since. Luke has seen Lindsey grow up through *most* of her awkward life stages and has supported her like an older brother through it all. While not always the most outspoken with his thoughts and opinions, Luke has always done well at stepping in with dating or brotherly advice as needed. Lindsey is grateful to have Luke in her life and is beyond thankful to have witnessed Luke and Elise's love in life, as they have and continue to role model what genuine and healthy love looks like. Thank you Luke, for being a role model, friend, and brother.
Officiant
Aaron met Allyssa at a hospital in 1997 when their dad brought Aaron and Jordan to meet their new baby sister. Aaron wasn't ready for a new sibling, and it took many years of growing pains for him to realize what a gem life had given him. Allyssa is a perfect combination of brilliant and witty, and she can make Aaron burst out laughing at any moment. She is just as spontaneous as her brother and is up for any adventure life throws her way, including being asked to be the officiant for this wedding ceremony. Aaron and Lindsey are both thrilled to have Allyssa in this role and they look forward to sharing their vows under her direction.
Day-Of Coordinator
Rachel is Lindsey’s Sister-In-Law and younger sister by heart. Lindsey’s brother, Chris, started dating Rachel years ago and kept her a secret from the family for quite some time. Once Rachel was finally introduced to the family, it was an instant connection for Lindsey and Rachel. Rachel is sassy and opinionated (which keeps Chris in line) but she is also an extremely supportive sister and friend. Immediately following Lindsey and Aaron’s engagement, Rachel stepped in to provide unwavering support and guidance in helping Lindsey plan for the perfect day. Rachel is caring, spunky, sassy, fierce, and the best little sister Lindsey didn’t know she wanted but is happy she received. Day-of operations are in the great hands and Lindsey couldn’t be more excited to have Rachel in this role.
Vocalist
Lindsey first met Carrie in undergrad at Valpo when Lindsey got involved in Dance Marathon. Carrie served as the Assistant Dean of Greek Life, Leadership and Volunteer Programs where she served as an Advisor to Lindsey during her time as Chapter President of her sorority. In time, Carrie became a positive role model, close mentor, and irreplaceable friend. Carrie aided Lindsey through one of her most difficult roles and darkest times in undergrad, which led Lindsey to identifying her career field working with fraternities and sororities herself. Carrie was a monumental character that greatly impacted Lindsey in her collegiate personal development and someone that Lindsey cannot image life without today. Lindsey is thrilled to have Carrie play an important role in her big day as vocalist.
Ring Bearers
Liam and Kellen are Lindsey's nephews who couldn't be more excited to officially call their favorite play buddy "Uncle Aaron". These two firecrackers keep everyone on their toes and are sure to keep the dance floor going on our wedding night. Aaron and Lindsey love them very much and are going to be waiting with baited breath as they walk down the aisle to deliver the wedding rings.