Wedding Party
Aparna Bindiganavle
Bride
John Grossi
Groom
Mrs. Suguna Bindiganavle
Mother of the Bride
As the loving wife of Shreenivas, and mother of the two beautiful children they raised, Vinai and Aparna, Sue and Shreenivas have raised and provided Aparna with all of the tools, love and enthusiasm necessary for her to evolve into the intelligent and virtuous woman she is. Sue is a role model the couple has deep love, respect and admiration for, having inspired them with her delightfully charming disposition, charitable nature, expert judgement, commitment to family, and ever-flowing love and support.
Dr. Shreenivas Bindiganavle
Father of the Bride
As the loving husband of Suguna ("Sue") and father of the two beautiful children they raised, Vinai and Aparna, Shreenivas and Sue raised and provided Aparna with all of the tools and enthusiasm necessary for her to evolve into the intelligent and virtuous woman she is. Shreenivas is a role model the couple has deep love, respect and admiration for, having inspired the couple, with his intellectual curiosities, profound rationality, passion for assisting those in need, and ever-flowing love and support.
Mr. Victor Grossi
Father of the Groom
As the loving husband of Katharina and the beloved father of their three charming sons (i.e., John, Vic and Andrew), Vic has raised and provided John with the love and enthusiasm necessary to develop into the virtuous man he is. Vic is a role model and never-ending source of love, encouragement and support for the couple. As someone who inspires the couple with his intellectual curiosities, passion for service and emphasis on living a life of integrity, charity and purpose, we are grateful that Vic will join us in celebrating this special occasion, as we merge our loving families into eternal union.
Mrs. Katharina Grossi
Mother of the Groom
Kathy is a role model and endless source of love, insight, support and happiness for the couple and inspires us with her delightful disposition, commitment to family, insight into the human psyche, and ever-flowing love and support. We are tremendously excited that Kathy will celebrate this special occasion with us, as we unite our families in eternal union.
Vinai Bindiganavle
Man of Honor
While the physical presence of Aparna's older brother, Vinai, will be deeply missed on our special day, we are honored by his spiritual presence in celebrating our special occasion with us as our "Man of Honor". Son of Shreenivas and Sue, and older brother of Aparna, Vinai's memory serves as a testament to the power of love and goodness in this world. His spirit lives within the hearts of the couple and will perpetually inspire the couple with a legacy of peace and joy. The couple feels Vinai's presence - always vigilant and always looking out for us - and wish to honor his memory and celebrate the love, direction and happiness he brings into our lives.
Andrew Grossi
Officiant
As John's brother, "equally best man" and our "wedding officiant", Andrew will bring an intimate perspective to our ceremony. He has observed the groom's growth and development witnessed the extremely special relationship the bride and groom have cultivated together since meeting one another. His love and enthusiasm for the couple will be reflected in a heartfelt and emotional ceremony, filled with energy, warmth and cheer. We are deeply excited about the important roles Andrew will play in contributing to the unforgettable and eternally special memories we create on our special day!
Vic Grossi
Best Man
As the groom's brother and our "equally best man", Vic has grown up with the groom, sharing countless sentimental memories together. Vic's relationship with the wedding couple will enable him to elaborate upon the couple's uniquely special characteristics and personalities as well as the couple's beautiful relationship together. We are excited about the personal touches he will contribute to making our special day even more heartfelt and significant.
Ed Osharow
Groomsman
Having known John since kindergarten, growing up, studying and playing sports together, Ed brings a wealth of memories and a deep understanding of the groom's character to the wedding party. Ed will be a source of laughter and camaraderie throughout the festivities. As someone who has developed a family of his own, with his lovely wife, Wan Ju, and their two darling children, Layla and Leo, Ed will also bring his supportive temperament and maturity to the wedding party on their special day. He will also be called upon to share a toast during the reception, reflecting on his longstanding friendship with the groom and offering his wishes for the newlyweds' future together.
Will Pina
Groomsman
As John's soccer teammate and longtime friend, Will "Chilly" has a profound understanding of the groom's character. Will brings people together in celebration of life's significant moments, aids others through tough times and honors the accomplishments others make in overcoming challenges. As a business owner, husband to his lovely wife, Jessica, and father to their charming daughters Isabella and Giuliana, Will's leadership qualities have inspired John throughout the years. We are honored for Will (and Jessica) to share our special occasion with us. It is also quite possible that Will may raise a glass to toast the newlyweds multiple times throughout the reception!
Ray Zhang
Groomsman
As a longtime friend of the bride who has also formed a special bond with the groom from the inception of their friendship together, Ray will be a significant member of our wedding party. Ray and his lovely wife, Sydney, possess a strong understanding of the couples' personalities, and will undoubtedly continue to be present for the couple as cherished friends for years to come. As the husband of his lovely wife Sydney and the father of their two beautiful children, Ryley and Kenley, Ray brings an honest, supportive and celebratory perspective to the wedding party.
Justin Campbell
Groomsman
As a cousin-in-law of Aparna's who has formed a special bond with John, Justin will be a significant member of our wedding party. Both Justin and his lovely wife Rekha, possess a deep understanding of the couples' personalities and will undoubtedly continue to be present for the couple as beloved family members and friends throughout their lives. Justin brings a wealth of insight and perspective to the wedding party, with his honest, light-hearted, mature and supportive personality. Justin's diligent work-ethic, commitment to family and focus on living with purpose inspire the couple and are additional reasons why we are excited for Justin to celebrate with us, on our special day.
Jonathan Kasen
Groomsman
Jonathan ("Jonny") is a cousin-in-law of Aparna's who has also formed a special bond with the groom, John. Both Jonny and his lovely wife Anjali, possess a strong understanding of the couple and will undoubtedly continue to be present for the couple as beloved family members and friends. Jonny is a loving husband to Anjali, and father of their two beautiful children, Jai (i.e., one of our cherished ring bearers) and Padma (i.e., our lovely flower girl). As such, Jonny and his family will bring a wealth of perspective to the wedding party: a perspective that is honest, nurturing, light-hearted and supportive. For these reasons, among others, we are tremendously excited for Jonny to be part of our wedding party.
Rekha Iyengar
Matron of Honor
Rekha is my cousin, but more like a sister to me. We have grown up together and she has been an enormous amount of support throughout my life. Loving wife to Justin Campbell (groomsman), she has been a role model to me in countless ways. Her calm and rational nature, paired with her sense of adventure and discipline are a few of the many reasons that I look up to Rekha so much, and am deeply honored to have her by my side as the Matron of Honor.
Anjali Iyengar
Bridesmaid
Anjali is my cousin, but more like a sister to me as well. She is also Rekha's older sister. Anjali has been guiding me my whole life and is someone I look up to and respect very much. She is mother to two beautiful children (Jai and Padma, our adorable ring bearer and flower girl), and loving wife of Jonathan (Jonny Kasen- groomsman). Not only does Anj have incredible style, but her intelligence and goofy, fun-loving personality is one of the many reason that I am so grateful to have Anjali at my side on our wedding day!
Jyotsna Singh
Bridesmaid
Jyotsna (Jojo) is my cousin, but also so much like a sister to me. As kids we would visit each other often and spend weekends in Virginia or Illinois, and even took a surprise trip to Hong Kong together. As adults, we continued to visit each other throughout college and beyond. Loving wife, and mother to two beautiful boys (Tre and Harry- our adorable ring bearer/flower child), Jojo's fun personality, along with her carefree spirit and intelligence has always made me feel like she was my partner in crime. I am so excited to have Joey at my side as I embark on this next journey.
Jennifer Strojin
Bridesmaid
Jen and I met in 2005 while she was visiting a mutual friend at the UW-Madison campus. The countless brunches, laughs, lake houses, trips, Sunday Fundays, sushi and ramen nights, lake walks, and karaoke nights that have taken place the last 18 years has meant so much. We have seen each other at our worst and at our best. Jen has been an incredible friend to me; always there to support, listen, and offer sound advice. I am so lucky and excited to have her by my side as a bridesmaid!
Kelly Tobakos
Bridesmaid
Kelly and I met in 2013 and became fast friends. Our friendship started off based on our mutual love for wine and cheese, which soon led to girls nights out, candle making, shopping, ugly Christmas onesie parties, and so much more! Our 10 years of friendship has gone by so fast. I was incredibly honored to stand up in Kelly's wedding a couple years ago, and have always admired her sense of humor, laid back personality, quick wit, and incredible style. She is one of the coolest moms I know and am grateful to have her by my side on our special day!
Stephanie Casler
Bridesmaid
Stephanie and I met 10 years ago through a mutual friend. We quickly discovered we had many similar interests and spent so many weekends hanging out, cooking, shopping, eating out, going to Cubs games, and talking. Even after Stephanie moved to Ireland for her job, we stayed in touch and remained close friends. She has always encouraged me, and reminded me of my worth. She is the most well traveled person I have ever met, and is living her best life. Her quick wit, sense of humor, extreme intelligence, incredible piano skills, and genuine nature are just a few of the reasons that I am so grateful to have her by my side as a bridesmaid.
Amanda Ellsworth
Bridesmaid
Amanda and I met years ago while enjoying some football games together at our favorite local bar. Once we realized we were both avid tennis players, we were soon enjoying time together on and off the court! Amanda has been an amazing friend to both myself and John. She was there the night we met, and since then we have had many fun days together in Roscoe Village! We are honored to have her by our side on this special day.
Kristen Bethell
Bridesmaid
Kristen and I met one summers night when I heard her loudly singing a Spice Girls song at the top of her lungs and it caught my attention. I introduced myself, instantly knowing that we would be great friends, and I wasn't wrong! We've traveled together, hiked together, laughed together, and cried together. From that first Spice Girl moment on, Kristen has been an incredibly special person in my life and I am honored to have her stand by my side as a bridesmaid.
Padma Kasen
Flower Girl
Padma is Aparna's niece, and daughter of Anjali and Jonny Kasen. Younger sister to Jai, she doesn't let her younger sister status slow her down. She is smart, goofy, and little miss independent! She loves to ride her scooter and keep up with her older brother Jai. We can't wait to see her walk down the aisle as our beautiful flower girl.
Jai Kasen
Ring Bearer
Jai is Aparna's nephew and son of Anjali and Jonny Kasen. He is an amazing big brother to Padma, and is always kind, patient, and sensitive. He is the most goofy, loving, and outgoing kid. He loves to dance, and we can't wait to see his moves on the dance floor! We are honored to have him walk down the aisle as one of our handsome ring bearers.
John (Tre) Vincent
Ring Bearer
Tre is Aparna's nephew and son of Jyotsna and John Vincent. He is outgoing, has a big personality, and a great love and talent for basketball-just ask him about his double dribbling skills! He is big brother to Harry and is teaching him the ropes. We can't wait to see Tre walk down the aisle as another one of our handsome ring bearers.
Harrision (Harry) Vincent
Flower Child
Harrison (Harry) is Aparna's nephew and son of Jyotsna and John Vincent. Younger brother to Tre, he is naughty, full of life, and knows he is cute enough to get away with it. He loves hanging at the beach, dancing, and talking to "Alexa." We can't wait to see him accompany Padma down the aisle as her escort and flower child.
Enzo
Best Dog
While this special member of our wedding party needs no introduction, we are excited to introduce our little guy to you all! Appi adopted Enzo (aka, "Mr. Wiggles) from a shelter in Wisconsin in 9/2021 and from that day onward, he has forever changed the lives of the bride (and groom). Born on a ranch in Texas, Enzo embodies the spirit of a rancher and provides the couple with non-stop entertainment, comfort, laughter and love. His specialties include stealing hats and footwear, soccer goalie, playing hide and seek, and wiggling his whole body every time we come home! We are delighted to have our little guy by our side, celebrating this special occasion with us.