Kyra & JJ
Wedding Party
Rachel Buenaobra
Maid of Honor
One of Kyra's best friends from high school and one of the most generous, thoughtful souls. She's always the one to give a little gift "just because." She loves to travel and explore different cultures and cuisines. Her adventures have taken her to cities like Seattle and Chimney Rock in North Carolina, to all the way across the globe to places like France and Spain. Rachel graduated from Augustana College in 2018 and is currently working towards preparing for a masters in a physician assistant program.
Billy Cosh
Best Man
Billy “Automatic QB” Cosh is J.J.’s one and only brother and longtime backyard football rival. Always plays the role of “All-Time” QB and win-loss record still an ongoing dispute to this day. Best Man, Great Teammate, and always his choice for franchise QB. Graduated from the University of Houston where he met his wife Kelsey. He currently serves as the Offensive Coordinator for the University of Richmond. He and Kelsey have a longhaired dachshund name Dakoda aka Noodles.
Jessica Heinz
Bridesmaid
Jessica Heinz, aka "J-Heinz", is Kyra's longtime high school friend and the one who can do it all. She's an incredible cook - just check her out at @kitchenwithjess on Instagram to see all of her delicious recipes! She lives by the motto "Explore more, worry less", as is evident by her love for adventure and getting outside. Jess graduated undergrad from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), and after attended American University for her Master's graduate in Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy. Jess now lives and works in D.C., and enjoys all the city has to offer with her pup Mia.
Sam Womack
Groomsman
Sam “Road Dogg” Womack is JJ’s “battle born” buddy both on and off the field. They were football teammates at the Naval Academy and ended up serving/working again at their beloved Marine Corps unit 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion in Camp Lejeune, NC. Sam is known for his grilling skills and facial expressions. He currently resides in Mayo, MD with his wife Becca, their daughter Grace, pug Pepper, and Buster the Boston Terrier.
Elise Dassow
Bridesmaid
Elise aka "Ellis" Dassow and one of Kyra's college best friends at Marquette. Elise lived down the hall in our sophomore year dorm, and junior/senior year we shared an apartment with two of our other friends. We promise we weren't the ones to set the fire alarm off at the 2am in the morning! Elise has the best laugh and will make you laugh until you cry. She's taking on the world as she is in her third year at Creighton University School of Medicine. She currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona and will start her residency in the summer.
Drew Raucina
Groomsman
Drew “Kenosha’s Finest” Raucina and J.J. work together as scouts for the Chicago Bears and got their start together in the trenches as scouting assistants for two full seasons. No matter the obstacle, they found a way to get the job and managed to have some fun and entertain each other along the way. Drew is currently the Combine/NFS Scout for the Bears and lives in Kenosha, WI with his wife Diana and their chihuahua Nika.
Emma Berg
Bridesmaid
Emma is Kyra's cousin and the basketball star in the family. She has a killer 3 point shot and can put the game away! Anyone who meets Emma will tell you she is the kindest, sweetest soul who treats everyone with grace and compassion. It's no wonder she won the Outstanding Senior Award at her high school graduation - an all-encompassing award that embodies service, spirit, and leadership. Emma always has a smile on her face, one that makes it impossible not to smile back. Emma is a freshman at Augustana College and is on the women's basketball team.
Jeremy Strutzel
Groomsman
Kyra's younger brother and definitely the jokester in the family from a very young age. Watch any of our old family videos, and Jeremy is bound to have his face right on the camera lens making some funny face or noise. It's no wonder then that to this very day he does the best impersonations - watch out Frank Caliendo. He is a people person to the max, and has no problem engaging in conversation with absolutely anyone. Jeremy attended Marquette University (excellent choice) and is currently working in sales for American Marketing and Publishing in Schaumburg, IL.
Lauren Berg
Bridesmaid
Lauren is Kyra's cousin and without a doubt the most stylish 14 year old we know. She has a knack for all things fashion and has visions of working it into a career one day. Kyra was Lauren's confirmation sponsor in Spring 2021 - a special experience and memory we will never forget. She also loves to express herself through dance, something we saw in her from a young age when there would be spontaneous performances and recitals right in our very own family room. Lauren is a freshman at Carmel High School in Mundelein.
Camden Strutzel
Groomsman
Camden aka "Cam" Strutzel is Kyra's youngest and tallest brother, although most think he is the elder. Some things will never change! He shares the same sense of humor as Kyra, and he lives and breathes college football. He made up for his siblings' lacking an affinity for science and all things numbers by taking the path to attend medical school. Camden is currently a junior at the University of Dayton.
Brielle and Olivia Daetwyler
Flower Girls
Brielle and Olivia are second cousins on Kyra’s mom’s side. Brielle will be 7 in May and Olivia will be 5 in March. They live in in the Sunshine State with their parents, Gabby and Justin, and dog Mango. They’ll be the cutie patooties of the wedding!