The Wedding Party

Maid of Honor – Megan Olesen

Best friend of the bride since grade school. She lived down the street and we were always getting into trouble, hanging out, and playing sports together. Separated in high school when her family moved to the city but reunited our first year at University of Lethbridge and inseparable ever since. She traveled to Australia with me, knows the most about me, always willing to get into trouble with me, is always an email or phone call away for advice, and shares many great memories!

Best Man – Mike Simpson

Best friend of the groom since 7th grade.  Hockey was a common interest that brought us very close.  We would play street hockey everyday after school then play against each other on the weekends on the ice.  A guy could not ask for a better friend.  Many trips to Ferris and Ohio State made the college years unforgettable.  Now we just spend our times going to Cubs Games, Golfing, Random Trips, and Dave Shows.

Maid of Honor – Lisa Barr

Sister of the bride. She has been there for me through my entire life. Although 4 years younger, she has grown up in the past few years to be one of my best friends. My travel companion, shopping assistant, softball partner, competitor, and my mini-me (just taller). Always challening each other to be better, but always able to relax and hang out. No matter what is going on in my life, she definitely knows my personality best and can lend a hand and help calm me down. She has become very close to Greg in the past few years and is really helping him get used to the small-town-life and Canadian culture.

Best Man – Brian Rallo

Brother of the groom. Growing up he was always one step behind – following me around, doing whatever he could to be part of the gang (ie: the trio). Even though he was younger, he was a cool little brother. He was always included in the road-hockey games - even though we forced him to be goalie. We grew up golfing together and challenging each other – but I guess I pushed him too hard, because I haven’t beaten him in years. He has been more than a brother, he has been one of my best friends. He has always supported me, and I love going home to play darts, have a couple beers, and just catch up.

Bridesmaid – Amanda Rallo

Sister of the groom. After first meeting 5 years ago, it was instant friendship. A few great trips to Ferris also included River Rock memories! She is always up for taking me shopping, hanging out, eventful nights out in the city, or just relaxing and watching girlie TV shows when we come to Chicago to visit. I am excited to live in Gurnee with her coming up in January! She is an amazing person, very close to Greg and has welcomed me to their family with open arms.

Groomsman – Frank Savino

Best friend of the groom. Part of the trio (Mike, Frank and I) – met on the streets of Gurnee, IL – always playing roller hockey after school. Being 2 years older than me, Frank always drove me to highschool and had my back – even though I was just a freshman. Although he moved across the country (to San Francisco), we have continued to keep in touch and he is always there to support me at my hockey games on the west coast. As the last of the trio to get married, it was my turn to take the plunge and get the three of us back together for another great party!

Bridesmaid – Carolyn Johnson

Friend of the bride. College roommates, workout partner, hockey girl, and inseparable at Ferris. From the first time we met we were friends. Through years at school with our hockey men, many late night parties, beer pong, and trips to River Rock – the memories are always a great laugh. Even after I moved to North Carolina, she was always excited when I came back to Michigan or Chicago and we never missed a beat. Always there for a good chat and advice – we have stayed close and are enjoying planning our weddings together this year!

Groomsman – Adam Welch

Friend of the groom. College teammate – Whether it be Sunday Funday, tubing down the Muskegon, Oakwood Townhouses for beer pong – we always found a way to have a great time!  Since I graduated, he has made unforgettable trips to Chicago for different occasions, been my summer workout partner, and has always had my back when I needed a place to stay.

Bridesmaid – Meghan McInerney

Friend of the bride. College dormmates – she lived down the hall but was always just a shout away. Many late nights sneaking in, breaking the rules of Brophy Hall, always a hockey supporter, and inseperable at Ferris. Always involved in the late night parties and trips to River Rock with Carolyn and me, many phone calls and trips in Helga – and always there to brighten my day. Megs is an amazing friend and we have only become closer as the years go by – and always my shoulder when I need her. We have stayed so close throughout the last 4 years and I am excited to be moving back up north to be closer again!

Groomsman – Darrel Hay

Friend of the groom. Steelies teammate – Took me under his wing my rookie season in Boise, showing me all the main attractions; Hannahs, Bistro, Mac N Charlies, and Sunday night at Suds. We were members of the 2007 Kelly Cup Champion team and ECHL All-Star teammates twice. Always up for some wings and beer at Hooters or some double cheese burgers at McDonalds. Spent most of my second year at his new house, with his life partner – Jake – sitting in the hot tub, sipping on some Crown, or creating the next musical masterpiece on Creative Tuesdays.