Who's Who
Mallory Stiffler
Bridesmaid
The puppet-master of this entire affair.... Mal met Jake in high school in 2002 and they've been traveling in the same crowd ever since. Mal and Casey met through MAC in 2008 and became fast-friends. She introduced the 2 in 2011 and worked hard over the next 6 years to get them back in the same room and now here we are. Mal is the life of the party and always the first one to start dancing (and usually the only one to start doing round-offs). Her number 1 priority is making sure everyone around her is happy and comfortable so you can always expect her to bring you a glass of wine when your cup is empty or give you an unprompted hug while she tells you she loves you. Mal is a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air dressed in faux fur and lashes and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Lauren Parente
Bridesmaid
"Parento" entered Casey's life in 2006 at MAC and has been in her life ever since. The chill friend that is always down for a relaxing night in with a glass of wine, Lauren first introduced Casey to city-living when they moved to Chicago together in 2010 despite their families pleas to stay at home. It was then that they first learned what a true city centipede was and how to deal with terrible landlords which has bonded them for life. No matter how near or far, Lauren has been constant in Casey's life for 13 years and that'll never change.
Sandy Thinnes
Bridesmaid
Sandy and Casey first met at MAC while working in different depts but their love affair really took off when they started working side by side as Trainers. Sandy is not only a friend to Casey but also plays the role of "P.I.C." (not sure what that is? You're not alone.), UFC widow (when we temporarily lose our spouses to UFC nights and have to emotionally support each other while they watch the fight), onesie partner, charcuterie architect and cat sitter. Sandy is a cosmic loving, snack eating, book reading, wellness obsessed, dynamic Latina with infinite love and patience. Never a dull moment, they have laughed together endlessly, missed a flight to NY (that was on Case), have shown up wearing the exact same outfit to work countless times and even plan to honeymoon together in April.
Gaby Aldana
Bridesmaid
Gaby and Casey have been in each others lives for 10 years and their friendship continues to grow each day. To Casey, Gaby is a confidant, friend, co-worker, fashion consultant (she once talked Casey out of wearing dog pants to a social event -true story), her urban dictionary and personal goon squad. People describe Gaby as gregarious, funny, fun, smart, spontaneous, loyal, generous, fashionable, classy, a social chameleon and someone who will help you get lint off your back. No matter what, these 2 will always keep the other on their toes. Gaby promises to always explain what a Dub is to Casey or keep reminding her who the members of The Wu Tang Clan are and Casey will make sure to keep her up to date on Pixar movies and drinks you can order for your dog when you're out running errands.
Jon Stiffler
Groomsman
Jon and Jake have known each other since sophomore year of high school and were introduced via Brett (also known as B-Buch). They first met virtually on the battlefields of Counter-Strike -- Jake complimented a long-distance kill Jon had in the tunnels of de_dust (IYKYK) and it was then that they knew they'd be friends for life. Jon's worn many hats in Jake's life. Friend, roommate, parent, brother, sister, teacher, student, grandparent. These days, mostly comedic relief and the target of random 90's culture-themed gifts. The vast majority of people would describe Jon as 'loud' and is credited with partial creation of the nickname, Jake Baby. A name that would follow him through the rest of his life.
Joe Hann
Groomsman
As Jake's older brother, Joe says Jake was introduced to him shortly after his birth as "definitely not a threat to your role as the center of attention...we promise." Joe's main role in Jake and Casey's life is that of a Travel Agent - planning all family vacations from lodging to dining to activities to naps. Others describe him as sarcastic and cynical but also.... nice. To best describe them together, once in Austria at an escape room with friends, the game operator said "Your entire group ran around frantically but made no progress. These two guys (pointing at Jake and Joe) just stood there looking around, then looked at each other, and without saying a word, went and solved all the puzzles together in the final few minutes. You should thank them for saving you." Two peas, one pod.
Brett Buchanan
Groomsman
Brett met Jake 22 years ago in an online pro wrestling chat room which pretty much sums up their friendship. Brett considers himself a friend and devout Gary follower (Gary is one of our cats) and believe that others would describe him as "The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be." When thinking of his time with Jake, Brett recalls when "He once put a 10 hour video of a 5-second looped Star Fox quote on in my room while I was sleeping to ruin my soul." Brett (and his long blonde locks) haven't been the same since.
Kyle Callaghan
Groomsman
Kyle and Jake met in high school and quickly became friends through their interests in soccer, video games, and weekly trips to the flea market. Over the years, Kyle has been Jake Baby's confidant, Bad Movie Night brother, & roommate and says people would describe him as a good boy - like a faithful old dog who's just a good boy. In the past 20+ years, they've managed to make a few memories - like working together in an empty tax storage warehouse in Rockford, IL over the summer and blaring 'Return of the Mack' 50x in a row while inventing soccer-based games with a ball made of tape. Or beach days ( referred to as "Beach Days Best Days" ) -but most memorably their roommate shenanigans that consisted of Kyle seeing how many ways he could find to annoy Jake which still continues to this day.
Steve "Q" Clay
Groomsman
Steve's knowledge of Jake started when Brett met him in an AOL Chat Room in 2000. Their paths crossed in school, but he finally KNEW Jake when he moved into an apartment with him and Jon. When he showed up with pro wrestling posters and the softest hands this side of the Mississippi, Steve knew it was going to be a good year. They share a love of movies, wrasslin', music and tracking down obscure pieces of media. Friends describe Steve as "handsome", "charming", "talented" and a generally calm & even keeled person. Steve's vision of Jake is of him kicked back on the couch wearing Macho Man pants with a wry smirk on his face as some 90s pop song plays in the background as well as Jake's ability to bestow meaningless nicknames that are so good that they last forever. Case in point - "Q".
Chris Dowling
Groomsman
Chris and Jake met while their moms were picking up their siblings from preschool. Chris was the kid crying and being difficult and in true sympathetic fashion, Jake's mom, Karen, approached his mom to offer support which came as an offer for Jake to be his prospective friend. At that age, he didn't have a choice and the rest is history. Chris describes Jake as the friend that never changes despite time and distance and Chris can be described as "particular". When thinking about Jake, Chris remembers as a kid when he'd signed up for summer camp & commit to a week of fun, but then couldn't get on the bus when it came time to leave (or would call to get picked up shortly after) so he's keeping his fingers crossed for 4/2 and is hoping that we don't have another summer camp situation.
Jason Kwon
Officiant
Jason met Jake through a mutual friend while attending one of his famous dance parties in his old apartment and Jake's soft hands left a lasting impression on him. As Jake's roommate when him and Casey began dating, Jason played a major role in helping to calm Jake down before and after his first few dates with her and even helped him get his first bouquet of flowers for Casey when he was stuck late at work. Jason is best described as "cheesy and delicious" and is convinced that Jake loves his dog, Kevin, more than he loves him. Jake has taught him his finger "no-no" dance and has introduced him to so many movies including his favorite one (The Fall) and Jason has taught Jake how to make a good first impression - by playing Shawn Michaels "Sexy Boy" whenever you enter a room.