Jackie & Jake
Wedding Party
Bobbie Burnett
Mother of the Bride
My mom has always been my emotional rock, she has supported me through everything, and through all the bad always reminded me of the good. I have a connection with my mother that many other people don't have with theirs, and I am so grateful to have that bond. I have always felt like I could be open and honest with her about everything, so she knew pretty quickly that Jake was the one for me because she could tell by just how I talked about him. I am so lucky to have her with me on this special day.
Greg Westin
Father of the Bride
I always told myself that I wouldn't marry anyone until they made me laugh like my father could. I guess it finally happened... and thank God, because I am sure my dad is tired of telling me jokes. I have been thinking about what song I am going to dance to with my dad on my wedding day since I was a little girl. And I am still struggling with coming up with a song because all father-daughter songs as great, but none of them encompass the bond that my father and I have. Hell, we might just sway back and forth on the dance floor to nothing and tell each other jokes the whole time. I guess you'll find out.
Elena Gamboa
Mother of the Groom
Having a mom that will readily open a can of whoopass on anyone who gets in her family's way is priceless. She has always set her children up for success, perfectly balanced by also allowing us to pave our own way. I know I will strive to master the art as a future parent, and as with so many things in my life, I will look to my mom as a role model. I cannot thank her enough for always making her family a priority and being our dependable ally in so many critical moments.
Gabriel Gamboa
Father of the Groom
I've never heard my dad brag, so I'll do it for him. He's overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges since he was a kid. He learned to adapt to any situation, take matters into his own hands, and fight for a better future. He quietly gives endlessly to his loved ones. After work, he'll make us a five star dinner. On his days off, he'll work towards crafting us a more beautiful home. My dad has given his children opportunities that he didn't have, and I share his quest for continued betterment.
Ginger Westin
Honor Attendant
My grandmother has played a huge role in my life, not only with providing me with her nose and southern wit, but also with her kindness, support, and love. I have aspired to give the world as much love as she has given me and I try my best, but damn it's a lot of love. I am so grateful that she is here today and will be a part of this celebration with me. I know she has been looking forward to this for a long time.
Ron Burnett
Father of the Bride
Ron came into my life when I was 16 and stepped up to be the father he didn't have to be, but chose to be. He loves Noah and I as much as he loves Christian and treats us all as if we were his own. I am incredibly lucky to have such a great relationship with my step-father and I am very excited and blessed to be able to have two fathers walk me down the aisle.
Lauren Zelaya
Maid of Honor
Lauren has been my best friend for over a decade. I first met her at a pool party and right away knew that she was going to be an important person in my life. We have been close every since. We have been through so much together over the past twelve years and I am so excited for her to play such an important role in my wedding, because she plays such an important role in my life
Ty Zacker
Best Man
They’ve been called “the power couple”, “the cutest couple”, “the dynamic duo”. When they first met they probably didn’t expect as much, but they’ve lived together and grown together. They dream of growing old together, still laughing and going on adventures together. Sorry Jackie, I'm talking about Jake and Ty! I wouldn't be who I am without my BFF and will never understand why this intelligent and charismatic person tolerates me. But for that, I'm grateful. Good guy Ty.
Catie Matamoros
Matron of Honor
Catie and her husband moved into our condo building a few months after Jake and I moved in. I had seen her in the hallway a couple times and always tried to make small talk, to which Catie would promptly shut her front door and lock the deadbolt. Finally after a few months, I think she realized I was pretty harmless, and now we have tea together every Wednesday night at her place. The deadbolt is no longer an issue because I have a key to her unit... yeah we're that close.
Luke Gamboa
Groomsman
My guardian angel cannot set my path, fix my faults, or sculpt my form. He can illuminate my perils, be my mirror, and guide my hand. I was born immeasurably rich to have Luke as my guardian angel, my thought partner, my brother.
Samantha Cossen
Bridesmaid
Sam and I bonded over our shared interest in music... specifically Taylor Swift. Sam was sitting in front of me in one of our grad classes and I noticed she had a 13 written on the front of her hand in permanent marker. Any Swiftie would have known that that meant she had just gone to a Taylor Swift concert. I of course had to say something to her, it's not often I find a fellow Swiftie. The rest is history.
Luke Landeros
Groomsman
Our friendship was born in a high school class about "bidness". Through countless bonfires, late night adventures, and travel Luke has time and time again set the example for optimism, confidence, and I've noticed, under the radar, this guy is always acting with extremely high integrity. He does so effortlessly, and I'm not gonna lie, I still don't thoroughly understand this man! Where this guy goes, good times and Danza Kuduro follows. Double L... good man.
Armana Ansari
Bridesmaid
Armana and I met at work and boy do I know how to make a good first impression. The first day on the job, I was training her, and during our lunch break we walk into the break room and I open the fridge and just start ranting about how no one takes care of anything around the building. I started throwing out lunches and half emptied pop cans left and right as I made her hold the trash can for me. I am surprised she came back the next day. I was pretty forceful the first day we met and was pretty forceful on pushing my friendship onto her after. But in a time of need, she dropped everything to be there for me and I have been appreciative of her presence in my life ever since.
Ryan Snowberger
Groomsman
Oof. Where do I begin? Lol in all seriousness, Ryan is gentle, hospitable, dependable, attractive, generous, old-man, easy-going, trustworthy, warm, loving, nurturing, (yawn)... zZzZzZzzz… Oh right right. Well, if I had to sum it up – Ryan ages like fine wine. Though pure and amazing to begin, he somehow keeps getting better. Niiice guy!
Haile Richie
Bridesmaid
Haile is the younger sister I never had. If we had rushed a sorority, she would have been my little and I her big. Instead we met after college, at work, and shared an office. Officemates4lyfe. We bonded over our similar childhood traumas, stressors at work, and how close we lived to one another (5 minute drive). It's like looking in the mirror with this girl. I am blessed to have found her and to be able to celebrate with her as we continue working in the same field and accomplishing all our goals together.
Jonathon Binkley
Groomsman
If I had to describe Binkley in just two words, I'd say: “Make’s his own rules”. And with that, I'd scrap the old rules in favor of his any day. A no-nonsense fellow.
Victoria Welschot
Bridesmaid
Victoria, or V as I call her, was my second officemate at ERC after Haile left. We connected almost immediately and aspire to have as much patience and kindness as she does. I love her sense of humor and that even in the most stressful times, she can always make me laugh. I think it is important to have friends who can make you laugh, especially when you want to do anything but. I am so lucky to have her to talk therapy about, vent about first world problems, and try out new great restaurants around the Chicago-land area. Every two weeks we try to get together to have dinner and I love the effort she puts into our relationship.
Tony Gallo
Groomsman
Early in the friendship, Jake & Ty pulled a silly prank on Tony. This inadvertently led him to reveal his true character - a mean, heartless, no good coward. Just kidding, exactly the opposite of that. Tony's incredibly kind and accommodating response to our mean prank (when we hardly knew him yet) revealed that Tony happens to be a pretty swell guy!
Christian Burnett
Ring Bearer
Christian is a party animal and will definitely lose the rings so I'm not really sure why we gave him this job... keep an eye for some shiny gold circles lying around.
Tori Gamboa
Flower Girl
If you think YOU have the coolest sister in the world, sorry not sorry, you're wrong. One day we're treasure hunting, and the next we're calling aliens. At this very moment, Tori is probably sourcing the most beautiful flowers from lands far far away.
Noah Westin
Usher
He may or may not tell you where to go, he may even tell you to go take a hike... we are at Starved Rock.