Laura & Timothy
Wedding Party
Taejah Vemuri
Maid of Honor
Taejah and Laura met on the first day of graduate school, and Laura never had anyone else sit to her right the entirety of their program. You could say Taejah was literally Laura's "Right Hand Woman." Before COVID, Tuesdays were their friendship date days, and they would usually explore some new coffee shop or restaurant together. Taejah has been a continual source of fun, support, sisterhood, and love since day one!
Robin Saffir
Maid of Honor
Robin and Laura met in graduate school and became fast friends. For the first year of friendship, Laura and Robin loved going to bars and social gatherings, and slowly grew to appreciate movie nights and cooking in pajamas together. For three years, Robin and Laura lived only two-blocks away from each other, and worked in the same suite at the same therapy practice...they were quite literally inseparable. Robin is a friend that will make you laugh, tell you the truth, advocate for you, and love you deeply. Robin made sure Tim knew the first time she met him that "we are a package deal." Luckily, he agreed to her terms.
Erin Herndon
Bridesmaid
Erin and Laura met on Erin's 21st birthday. Laura remembers loving Erin, but we're not sure if Erin remembers meeting Laura at all that night! They "re-met" due to a fortuitous double date... the dates didn't last, but Laura and Erin's friendship did! Over the years, the two have gotten to see each other grow, learn, accomplish dreams, and have gotten to cheer each other on the whole way! Erin is Laura's go to yogi, running buddy, and recipe guru.
Kaileen McGourty
Bridesmaid
Kaileen (Kai) and Laura met through a mutual love of rock climbing. More specifically, Laura met Kai's husband Andy through her dear friend Betsy, who are her forever climbing partners. When Andy and Laura got to know each other better, he informed her that "You and my wife are almost the same person. You will love each other." Andy is a wise man, and he was not wrong. Kai brings out Laura's truest, quirkiest, happiest self. Kai, Andy, Laura and Tim have had many game nights, instructional dinner parties, and climbing dates.
Nicollette Oceguera
Bridesmaid
Nic and Laura met at UIC and became fast friends. They enjoyed sipping coffee together, going on walks, and talking for hours on end about countless things. After graduating, Laura moved to Los Angeles for work, and a few months later, Nicollette moved to LA too. They got to spend time exploring their new neighborhoods together, eating lots of delicious LA healthy food, going on hikes, and braving LA traffic to get to one another. Laura moved back to Illinois, and the thing she misses most about LA is Nic! Luckily, Nicollette is not only a friend, but a sister Laura never had. Every time they get together, it's like no time has passed at all.
Abby Evans
Bridesmaid
Abby and Laura met in Sunday School in Kindergarten (?). This friendship has actually gone through sickness and through health. Abby has been a mentor, source of support, and constant friend for Laura. In healthier times, Laura and Abby have traveled to Israel, Germany, Sweden and Iceland together. Abby is Laura's favorite international travel partner because she is adventurous, curious and easy-going. They've traveled, hiked a continental divide, run races, and take Spanish classes together. Laura considers herself lucky to have a long-time friend that is still such a source of support, fun and adventure!
Matthew Ahern
Best Man
Matt is Tim's brother. He is 6 years older than Tim, and has always been there for him. As typical brothers, they got in trouble together, fought with each other and love each other. Matt introduced Tim to scuba diving, and they have gone on many deep sea adventures together since. Matt also was the one who encouraged Tim to become a Journeyman Lineman. They worked side-by-side for about 4 years and always had each other's backs. Tim couldn't imagine this day without Matt by his side.
Drew Kissel
Groomsman
Drew and Tim met while working at The Highlands of Elgin Golf Course, and they've been friends ever since. They have a lot of good memories together, including a "bro cruise" to the Caribbean, being roommates for a year, and golfing numerous beautiful golf courses, including Erin Hills. Drew encouraged Tim to follow his dream of owning a Shelby GT 500. Drew introduced the couple (Casey and Ryan Klockowski), who later introduced Laura and Tim! Two couples owe Drew a lot!
Brandon Ludwig
Groomsman
Brandon is Tim's oldest cousin on his mom's side. Brandon and Tim spent a lot of Tim over their childhoods at Grandpa Ludwig's house. They swam, played games, and caused a ruckus. Brandon and Tim paintball together and now are in the same linework industry. They've been close their whole lives. Tim was honored to stand up in Brandon's wedding and knew he wanted Brandon as part of his important day.
Bryce Ludwig
Groomsman
Bryce is also a cousin on Tim's mothers side. Branden and Tim would pick on Bryce growing up until Bryce got too big for Tim to do that anymore. The roles changed a bit. To go along with Bryce's big stature, he also has the biggest heart. Bryce and Tim spent a lot of time at Uncle Mike's house playing video games, board games and when a little older, card games.
Jeff Holden
Groomsman
Tim met Jeff through Laura on the first day that they became "officially boyfriend and girlfriend." Jeff is a social butterfly. That is something that Tim and Jeff have in common, so they became fast friends. Jeff and his fiancé, Elizabeth, have been a source of fun and laughter in Tim and Laura's life for many years.
Lance Taylor
Groomsman
Lance is the classic picture of a southern gentleman. He is caring, polite, kind, and thoughtful. He is always interested in what people have to say, and makes everyone he meets feel welcome. We spent one New Year's with Lance and his fiancé, Erin, in Charleston, SC, where we got to know each other a bit more at a wine bar. We are STILL looking for the meaty Syrah we tried there. Lance and Tim share the same hatred for 'Bama football. Tim couldn't imagine a nicer friend in his life.
Nancy and Bob Cox
Parents of the Bride
Nancy and Bob have really influenced so much of who Laura is today. Laura has always valued how kind, thoughtful, and open-minded both of her parents are. Nancy and Bob instilled a love of travel, adventure, and learning about new cultures into Laura through their many trips both nationally and internationally. If you know Bob, you know he is a daredevil, a quality that Laura has inherited. Bob and Nancy love to read and learn, and instilled that thirst for knowledge into Laura. It would be easier and faster to name the differences that Nancy and Laura have, than to name all of the similarities. Laura's favorite thing about her mom is her caring heart. Nancy loves unconditionally and wholeheartedly; a quality Laura hopes to also embody. Nancy and Bob have been great "second parents" to Tim in the years that they've known him. Bob and Tim love talking about anything scientific or mathematical. Over Thanksgiving in Kansas City, Bob and Tim worked on Calculus homework together every night of their trip. Nancy has been so inclusive in family activities, and made it clear that she always wanted Tim around to celebrate traditions. Tim couldn't be happier with his in-laws, and can't wait for the experiences yet to come.
Sandy and Mike Ahern
Parents of the groom
Sandy and Mike have helped shape Tim into who he is today. Sandy jokes that she carried Tim, but that he was born a carbon copy of Mike. Tim would beg to differ! Tim prides himself in being similar to Sandy in his kindness and love for family. Sandy has always pushed Tim to be the best version of himself, while simultaneously being an unconditional support. Mike and Tim have a lot in common. Mike taught Tim how to engage with others and told him to always ask questions, read the room, and be humble. Sandy and Mike have made Laura feel welcomed and loved since the first time she met them. Sandy always made sure Laura had gifts to open on her birthday, Hanukkah and Christmas, and Mike always made sure there were vegetarian options at every family meal. Laura feels like she's won the "in-law jackpot!" They have been supportive and loving of the couple for their whole relationship.
Andy Kaplan
Officiant
Andy and Laura met through a mutual friend and a mutual love of rock climbing. Soon, Laura and Andy introduced their partners, Tim and Kaileen, to the mix. The result has been an incredible, fun, supportive, adventure-filled friendship! Andy is an energizer bunny, who makes every moment fun. He has been a thoughtful friend, expert rock climbing "beta" (advice) giver, travel buddy, and golf partner.