Douglas & Madeline
Wedding Party
Jenny Allen
Maid of Honor
Jenny and I have been through every stage of life together - from kindergarten to college and beyond! In college we decided to have random roommates hoping to expand our friend group, but we ended up living together the next 3 years and again in Chicago after graduation. Jenny is a member of my hometown crew, with whom I chat daily. Despite living far away now, we still see each other often. Jenny is a loyal friend who will drop everything to help or hang out! Jenny has been one of our most frequent visitors and it's always a blast when she comes to town. Most recently she drove out to Boston with her fiance Bobby and their sweet pup Charlie. We look forward to their wedding next summer!
Benjamin Martin
Best Man
Ben has been my closest friend since preschool. Growing up, his home was like my second home. I still call Robin second Mom. We went through everything growing up together- puberty, adolescence. It seems like most of the 'growing up' has been done apart but each time we get back together, I couldn't be happier for him! Ben has a beautiful family now. His wife Jamee and him are raising two of the cutest kids - Anya and Everett. It won't be long until Everett finds his best friend in preschool.
Alyssa Payleitner
Bridesmaid
Alyssa was my very first friend in St. Charles - we became friends when we were just 4 years old! She used to come over in the mornings and we would watch Full House before heading to school. I have a terrible memory for things that happened prior to ~12 years old and I rely fully on Alyssa for filling me in on details and fact checking me. In fact, for this bio, I had her confirm how old we were when we became friends! Alyssa is another member of the hometown crew and I love her quips in our daily chats. Alyssa is a great friend with the best sense of humor and as said best by my mother "I just love that girl"!
Chris Shipton
Groomsman
Can't go back further than before we could keep memories. If there's anyone that could give Madeline a run for how much time we've spent together it'd be Chris. If Chris and I weren't together building forts, playing video games (even in 2020), then we were wracking up the long distance phone call charges from living 14 miles apart. Now we're a little bit more long distance but always look forward to getting back together... to play more video games. Chris has a little girl Cali, who's growing up way too quick herself, and is just about as cute as Chris as a kiddo.
Biz Raines
Bridesmaid
Biz and I met our freshman year of college and looking back I can't imagine my college years without her! We were roommates for our last two year of college and were partners in crime - getting margaritas together, sitting in the corner booth at legends together, skipping football games together and studying together (at least for a while before doing one of the aforementioned activities as a reward). Biz has remained a friend that I look to for advice on careers, cooking, travel and so much more. A great post-college memory is when her now fiance, Max, proposed to her on one of their trips to Boston. It was so fun to be there for that moment!
Daniel Delinski
Groomsman
Uncle Dan works for Uncle Sam. DMB concerts, Halo, Poker, movies, and music. Dan and I were close after Sophomore year of High School. That time in life where you start to have an opinion and drive to Walmart to walk around... it's fun. High School all the way through leaving for the Air Force, almost constantly together. When we get together now, we end up in trouble, because it still really is a fun time. Dan is a flight nurse and in the Army. He can do pretty much anything it seems. It's really awesome to see pictures of him with Kristen's kids, he is absolutely the coolest Uncle.
Catherine Gray
Bridesmaid
Cat started off as my coworker but now more than anything she's one of my best friends! Cat and I moved to Boston at the same time and she has made my experience here so much more than I could have imagined. We've traveled New England together - glamping, camping and most importantly eating and drinking through many a city. She's an easy going travel partner and great company. I also cannot forget to mention that she is the best sport in the world. She always says yes to any adventure or trip we can think up- we've even gotten her on skis a few times! She's so fun to be around and I'm so glad we have become so close - both in terms of our friendship and physical proximity as she became our neighbor in August!
JD VanRheeden
Groomsman
We shared a bus route. That's a bond in itself! A lot of time was spent hanging out at JD's (again with the Halo and Poker) as a kid. I think we've bonded even more as we've gotten older, talking about our thoughts about the world, and not remembering those thoughts in the morning. James and Alicia came to Boston one colllddd November and were the best sports running around town and freezing our arses off. It was great to spend time with them and get to have some fun together. I missed JD's bachelor party and suggested that we make it up by a little married couples vacation together some day... hope he holds me to that.
Clara Shelton
Bridesmaid
Clara is another member of the famed hometown crew. Clara and I met in Kindergarten but became especially close when her family moved in next door during 2nd grade. Our parents put a gate between our backyards that had to be fixed many times because of its daily use. I went on her family vacations, ate dinner at her house often (artichoke pasta!), and spent so much time at their house. In elementary school (which was less than 1 block away from our houses), we would call each other every morning to coordinate outfits and ask if we were going to walk to school together. You might recognize Clara from last year's wedding zoom - where she entertained the crowd with her violin before the ceremony! She's a woman of many talents and I'm so happy to call her my friend.
Jesse Long
Groomsman
Jesse Long. My first friend in college. We haven't spoken since... last night. Playing video games, shocking. When Jesse and I first met in college, we'd go to the bar, sit outside and argue politics. When everyone else graduated and it was just us left, we'd go to the bar and argue politics. We disagreed on a lot, but wow does he have some patience, and I think those conversations put me in a much better place. Jesse is in Chicago and as long as he doesn't move back to his small Illinois town, very much looking forward to spending some future times with him back in the Windy City!
Kayla Bringelson
Bridesmaid
Kayla and I were friends at first sight. She moved to St. Charles in 7th grade. On the first day of school we were taking attendance in gym class and locked eyes across the room - we immediately became gym buddies and have been friends ever since! Kayla moved to Nashville at the same time Doug and I moved to Boston. In most friend groups, people moving away might mean the group's relationships suffer but in our friend group it seems distance has made us even closer. We talk daily and try to find times to meet up with each other, one-on-one or all together. We've visited Kayla in Nashville, had a girls weekend in Florida, camped up in Maine and see each other when we are all home for holidays.
Zach Williams
Groomsman
So happy to have Zach as a Groomsman but it is so meaningful for Zach to have married us as well. Madeline and I had the same friend group in college but Zach has been there as we've really gotten to know each other over the past 5 years in Boston. If I'm being an idiot, he'll let me know, I think Madeline appreciates that. We can also be pretty stupid together singing, acting like we're 12, and Madeline lets us know. Board games, skiing adventures, and loud nights. Always a blast to get time with Spidah Zachy. When we move back to Chicago, it will be great to see everyone else more often... but we're going to have to find a way to convince Zach to come too.
Sandy Kelly
Mother of the Bride
Madeline: My mom is the most generous and kind person - she spends more time caring for our family and friends than doing anything else! She's also an admirable cook, gardener and bookworm. My friends found our house the best sleepover spot because of the homemade chocolate chip pancakes. I always look forward to the next time we will see each other. Doug: Your encouragement, belief in others, and value on education... it means the world to know you are my Mother-in-law!
Diane Shipton
Mother of the Groom
Doug: I miss my Mom everyday! Mom loves being a Republican (she'll even vote for President Trump). She's taught religious education and been a very active member of her church. So thankful for the value of integrity she has taught me. She may be an awesome fun Grandma now but she was a great Mom first! Madeline: I so enjoy spending time with Diane! She always has a great story to tell and it's commendable how much time she spends caring for others - her family always comes first and I'm so happy to be a part of it!
Mark Kelly
Father of the Bride
Madeline: My role model in so many ways! My Dad taught me all about balance. He taught me how to balance having a career and time for family. How to live a healthy lifestyle but enjoy a good meal. He's a great example of being easy going while having an opinion! He's the best! Doug: I look up to you more than you know! Your patience, approach, rationalism - I am so grateful to be a part of your family and have so much to learn from you.
Bill Shipton
Father of the Groom
Doug: Wild Bill! I think Dad has more fun these days than I did in college. Cards, Sunday Funday, Bonfires, singing and some Blatz. He may like to have a good time but just as much he has strong core values around his country, the commitment of family, and Jesus. As much as I may argue with the old man, I sure do love him and adore him. Madeline: I used to be scared of being Bill's Euchre partner but now that I know the game I look forward to it! My favorite times with Bill are around the fire (hold the fireworks) - I enjoy hearing his stories, songs and thought provoking questions!
James Evers
Ring Bearer
Everman! James is my (Doug's) Godson and go-to Fortnite partner. I can't wait to see friends and family when we get back to Illinois, but more than anything- I want to see James and his cousins as they grow up!!
Aria Evers
Flower Girl
Aria is my (Madeline's) goddaughter and James' youngest sister! It's been so fun getting to see her grow from a little baby to now a big sister. We love being in these kid's lives and look forward to being even more involved when we live closer!
Uncle David Shipton
Honor Attendant
Doug: Uncle David, We can't say thank you enough for hosting our Wedding last October. You are a very special person in our lives (hooray for Godfathers!) and we can't wait to see you!! Madeline: It's admirable how much Uncle David cares about family - reunions, trips, hosting backyard weddings, and even virtual Euchre tournaments. I'm so thankful you've come in to my life and are so involved in Doug's!
You!
The Destination Wedding Attender
We could write a paragraph about each one of you... but we have a party to plan! What a year, right? We missed all of you so much last year and are excited to continue this special day with you. We hope you have an amazing time in Maine - whether there for the day or a week! It's a special place for us and we are happy to get to enjoy it with you.