The Wedding Party (Big and Small)
Emily
Maid of Honor
“Melody’s sister Emily,” as she used to introduce herself in preschool, will be Melody’s Maid of Honor. Melody is glad their relationship didn’t peak back when they used to play “Monkey and Monkey Trainer” in the mid 1990s. Emily lives in Israel with her husband and two sons.
Katherine
Bridesmaid
Melody is so excited that Jake’s sister, Katherine, will be standing with her on their wedding day. Katherine lives in Munich, Germany, with her husband and adorable cat.
Sarita
Bridesmaid
Law school peer turned best friend, Melody is honored to have Sarita by her side on her big day. Sarita, originally from New Mexico, moved to Chicago for school. From Torts class to “co-parenting” with Melody through the Magic Kingdom, Sarita has more than earned the title of honorary aunt / “Tia” to Melody’s littles.
Regan
Bridesmaid
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Melody met Regan on the first day of orientation at Chicago-Kent when Regan was sitting right in front of Melody in the auditorium, and the rest is history! From study dates during finals to holiday meals and kids birthday parties, Melody is so grateful to have “Auntie Regan” in her world.
Kathryn
Bridesmaid
One of Melody’s most cherished law school friends from her 1L section, Kathryn, was born and raised in Chicago. Kathryn may be a few years younger than Melody, but Melody swears she’s decades wiser. From kiddo birthday parties to endless breakfast dates to the best suburb study partner, Melody is beyond thrilled to have Kathryn by her side for the big day.
Matt W.
Co-Best Man
Matt, who lives in California with his wife and beloved dog, has been Jake’s best friend since kindergarten. Although Matt’s family moved away in 8th grade, the two stayed in touch and have remained close ever since. Jake is so happy to have Matt by his side (and actually up at the front co-officiating!) as he says “I do.”
Matt M.
Co-Best Man
Matt and Jake started as neighbors and became best friends when they met in the third grade. Matt lives with his better half and two daughters in the Chicago suburbs. When the two aren’t catching up over a drink or enjoying a game night, they’re competing against each other in their joint Fantasy Football league.
Nick
Groomsman
Jake is thrilled to have his first cousin, Nick, by his side for his big day. Just two years older than Jake, the two have been close all their lives. Nick lives in Arizona with his fiancé, daughter, and two dogs.
Chris
Groomsman
Jake and Chris went to high school together. While the two share too many memories to count, one of the most special ones was doubtlessly when Jake officiated Chris’s wedding to his amazing wife, Stef. The happy couple lives with their beloved dogs just a 20 minute drive away from Jake and Melody!
Tim
Groomsman
Jake and Tim are best friends from college. Most of their memories from Western Illinois took place in the library, of course. When the two weren’t studying, which was rare, they enjoyed going to shows, watching football games, and gaming. Tim lives with his dog in western Illinois.
Kevin
Usher
Married to Jake’s sister Katherine, Jake is thrilled to have Kevin as part of the usher team. Kevin is a loving cat dad and doing amazing things in Germany for EY on an international job posting.
Nati
Usher
Nati, or “Nat-dog” as Melody affectionately refers to him, is married to Emily, Melody’s sister. Nati is an engineer by day and a chef and rabble rouser by night. Originally from New Jersey, Nati lives in Israel with Emily and their two sons.
Dita
Daughter of Honor / “Flower Kiddo”
Dita, age 9, is a proud Fourth Grader. She is vivacious, outgoing, quick-witted, and an amazing big sister. She runs an up and coming slime business on the school bus, and her favorite activity is making goodie bags for her classmates. She is so excited to welcome Jake into our family.
Gabey
Son of Honor / “Flower Kiddo”
Mr. Gabey is a delicious, sweet Kindergartener who rides the bus with his sister. He loves Barbies, anything rainbow, and Paw Patrol. He sings “Happy Birthday” every time he washes his hands, and as far as four year old boys go, they just don’t make them more lovable than this kid. He can’t wait to break it down on the dance floor and especially loves “special time” with Jake.
Noam
Son of Honor / “Flower Kiddo”
Mr. Noam is the mischievous one of the bunch. 3 and a half years old, this little pipsqueak has a personality bigger than his little toddler body. He is clever, energetic, and tells the silliest “knock knock” jokes. Noam loves dinosaurs, copying his brother, and snuggling his “moo moo.” In addition to gaining a Nana and Papa in Jake’s wonderful parents, Noam loves his “Deke” (his special name for Jake because he can’t say Jake yet).