Monica & Alex
Wedding Party
Daphne Sierra
Matron of Honor
It's rare nowadays to have a friend for life. Monica met Daphne in 3rd grade, and they've been as close as sisters ever since. Their love for animals and gymnastics bonded them immediately as kids. You could probably guess Daph was the gymnast, Moni the spectator! They've had a lot of adventures over the years, from numerous Keys weekends to high school proms to the best boat-n-BBQ days. Life wouldn't be what it is for Monica if Daphne wasn't by her side, helping create the laugh track. Monica was Daphne's MOH when she married Brian, and Monica couldn't imagine getting hitched without Daphne standing next to her.
Arthur Switzer
Best Man
Alex’s best man. A wonderful older brother. Their relationship has only strengthened over the years, from growing up playing guitars in the basement to heated tennis and golf matches at Affolter Park. You could tell who had the golden ear between the two of them, as Arthur's talent in the industry was slowly discovered. And in Alex’s case, his bad one was quickly found out. It’s Alex's pleasure to have Art there right by his side on his Wedding Day.
Meghan Hardy
Bridesmaid
Monica and Meghan became inseparable in 7th grade upon realizing their mutual obsession with Gavin Rossdale and Bush. Their shared love of music, football, dogs and random shenanigans has kept them stuck like glue through the years. They headed to University of Florida together for college after winning the Girl's HS Flag Football championship. Through loss & laughs, good times & bad... Meghan has always been Monica's life teammate. Secretly, Meg pays Moni to trap and let all lizards go at least 10 miles from her! In return, Meghan uses her height to fix all AC units and provide intense angry eyes. Long live David Arquette!
Eric Christopher
Groomsman
Alex first met Eric in kindergarten, and they have been friends ever since. The pair have memories that span DECADES from grade school, high school, college and now into their adult lives. Eric and his family always treated Alex like an extension of their big Italian family. Alex is extremely thankful to have Eric as a friend and Groomsman.
Alexandra James
Bridesmaid
Monica's sweet, beautiful baby cousin!! Also lifetime friends, this relationship started off a tad rocky when Moni was super jealous of baby Alex for stealing her Aunt Linda time. But Monica got over it, and soon they were posing for Sears portrait studio photos in matching Osh Gosh overalls. Much later in life, they were posing with ducky floats (as adults). So many adventures together! Alex is one of the strongest people Monica knows. Alex has always been strong-willed, smart and savvy in all situations. Her smile and laugh light up a room! Monica was honored to stand in Alex's wedding, and she's beyond excited to have Alex by her side. Family is everything!
Mike Whitey
Groomsman
Alex has know Mike since high school in T-Town Stompin'. During the peak of the Texas Hold 'Em Poker craze, every summer weekend while they were in college was always an adventure going to poker tournaments. Mike is always up for a round of golf, no matter the weather. And he's a guru when it comes to knowing the rules of golf, and sports in general. Alex is thrilled to have Mike by his side for the wedding.
Maureen D’Lando
Bridesmaid
Maureen was the new girl in the newsroom almost a decade ago. So naturally by the 3rd day, Monica asked the Chicago girl if she wanted to go out drinking on a boat after work. Maureen said "sure," and they've been tighter than a Bears-Lions game ever since! On a more serious note... Monica would not have functioned during her Mom's illness and after if it wasn't for Maureen's daily in-person support. Maureen has picked Monica up more times than she can count. Monica is so grateful for the bond she has with Mo and her family.
Adam Sandusky
Groomsman
Alex has known known Adam since freshman year of college at Grand Valley State University. Adam is an energetic, great teammate, and awesome friend who will be there when you lock yourself out of your house - at 1:00am - in January - in Grand Rapids. Adam's the guy who teaches you a proper kick serve, and what music is defined as true hip hop. Adam will make sure Alex boogies on the dance floor at the reception.
Kelly Acosta
Bridesmaid
Monica met Kelly when she first moved to Chicago from Miami, and they were paired together for a Tuesday night Euchre league. They became great friends instantly, both coming from (crazy) Midwest families. Kelly was one of the first people to hear about and meet Alex. Kelly is a good friend to a T - she is fiercely loyal and super caring. Kelly is fun to be around, and so witty. She's been there for Monica to share in all her good and bad moments since they met. Kelly is an incredible woman, and Monica is elated to have her standing in the wedding.
Derek Snyder
Groomsman
Derek welcomed Alex into his tight-knit Elmwood Park family shortly after the two met working together. Derek lives up to everything Chicago, between Da' Bears, smoking darts, and their memorable experiences at good ole' Aerotek. Derek is literally Mr. Fix it, and if he can’t fix it - he knows a guy! As Alex improves in his car, house and DIY project skills with his help, Derek could define Alex's improving handyman status by saying "If you told Alex to hang a picture, he’d end up with a crooked picture - and broken thumb." Alex is very grateful to call Derek his friend.
Brooke Sierra
Flower Girl
Our sweet niece Brooke will be three-and-a-half years old as she smiles her way down the aisle as our flower girl. Brooke just happens to be our Matron of Honor’s beautiful daughter. This little firecracker lights up all of our lives with her infectious smile & gorgeous baby blues!
Louie Switzer
Best Dog
The Mambo ~ The Louster Mr. Wiggle Nub Alex & Monica’s best boy is ready to shake his fine lil' Corgi booty at the wedding of his pawrents!!! Louie is their daily ray of sunshine outside of one another!
James Gonzalez
Father of the Bride
THE Papa Gonzo - PBG rec sports' #1 fan! James showed Monica that hard work and integrity are tops. Gonzo leads by example... treat people they way you want to be treated. Smile through the ups & downs. Be compassionate. Have fun while doing it. James helped instill Monica's great love for Detroit sports. And she must get that lead foot from all those motorcycle rides she got in the womb. It's been a tough year for Papa Gonzo, and he's thrilled to join his Moni in celebrating life and love on her Wedding Day.
Julia Switzer
Mother of the Groom
Alex's Mom Julia is the strongest person Alex has ever known. She taught him the core, important values in life. Julia gave Alex his love for tennis and the Tigers. Above all, Julia is a loving a mother and always supportive of whatever Alex is going through. From Alex's moving to down to Georgia years ago, to having a family and a profession now in Chicago... Alex knows he can always count on his Mom to be there for him.
Richard Lurz
Stepfather of the Bride
This special guy has been in Monica’s life for a very long time now. Richard married Monica’s mom, Nancy, back in July of 1994. He won Monica's heart by bringing over a classic NES console when he 1st met her (smart guy). Rich and Monica have gone through the best of times together, and the worst together when they lost Nancy to cancer in 2010. Monica couldn’t imagine getting married without Richard also by her side.
Phil Switzer
Father of the Groom
Alex’s Dad Phil was the original Mr. Fix It... but unfortunately that gene skipped a generation. Phil did grace Alex with his hairline instead. He taught Alex his love for golf, and showed him how to play what is now his favorite hobby. Alex has enjoyed many memorable cottage weekends and now visits in Florida with his Dad. Alex is thankful for all the lessons Phil's taught him in life. Possibly the highest lesson: S.O.L. Same old Lions.
Allen & Lynn Romain
Our Gracious Hosts
Alex and Monica came up with this crazy idea to get married on Al & Lynn's property around their engagement time. What stared as a joke (and a dream) turned into a reality when Al & Lynn said "YES" to the proposition. Monica spent summers growing up at their property in Brighton, and their home always felt like her second home. When Alex first visited their property, he felt them same sentiment. Alex and Monica express their biggest "thank you" to Al & Lynn for hosting their big day. It takes a village!