Jeff Roehl is the oldest brother of the groom. Growing up, Chris always looked up to Jeff (not only because at 12 years older he was significantly taller than his baby brother). Even after Chris finished growing to 6'3" and could (relatively) see eye to eye, he continues to look up to Jeff in every way that matters. Chris had the honor of being Jeff's best man for his first wedding and was later privileged to officiate the wedding of Jeff and his bride, Gina, in 2021. Chris admires his brother’s kindness, compassion, humor, and unwavering willingness to be there for anyone in need.

Ellie Leach is Maggie’s younger sister. As such, Ellie has always been cooler than Maggie, introducing her to the latest and greatest music and cultural references, Since their pre-teen days, Ellie and Maggie have enjoyed time together in the kitchen, cooking for weeknight dinners, holidays, and Leach family parties. Maggie admires Ellie’s bravery, authenticity to herself, gastronomic prowess, creativity, and humor. Ellie played an absolutely pivotal role in Chris and Maggie’s engagement surprise, they are so excited to celebrate the wedding with Ellie!

Tyler Roehl is Chris’s older brother, and while Chris may now be taller, he still looks up to Tyler in many of the same ways he looks up to Jeff. Chris had the honor of serving as Tyler’s best man in 2023 and is continually amazed by how Tyler demonstrates love, especially in the way he loves his bride, Mary Kate, so deeply and intentionally. Chris and Tyler share a lifelong bond, shaped by playing games together, watching their favorite shows, and honing their amateur chiropractic skills on each other in exchange for TV remote privileges. Chris is thrilled to have Tyler stand with him and can’t imagine anyone better to be by his side on such a special day.

Melanie Stanko is the sister of the groom and the future sister-in-law of the bride. Growing up with Melanie as his older sister, Chris would often joke that they were twins, just 10 years apart. Not only do they share some similar features (one of the main reasons Chris grew his beard), but they also share a deep love of family, music, theater, games, and Disney. Over the years, Maggie has come to love Melanie as family. Whether it’s hanging out at family dinners, playing games, or always being the first to step up when Chris and Maggie need help (like moving in February!), Melanie is a model of selflessness, kindness, and love. Both Chris and Maggie aspire to emulate these qualities in their own marriage.

Nicky Todd Smit is one of the groom’s oldest friends. The two first met in the late ’90s at a community soccer club, during a time when both of their professional soccer careers seemed inevitable, until their mutual disdain for running drills (led by none other than Coach Smit, Nicky’s dad) got in the way. Reconnecting in junior high, Chris and Nicky navigated the ups and downs of their moody teenage years together, ultimately emerging as the best of friends, a bond that has only grown stronger over the years. A selfless, kind, and genuinely beautiful soul, Nicky is someone Chris is deeply grateful to have by his side for this special occasion.

Kiara Yee is Maggie’s first-ever friend. Kiara and Maggie have always enjoyed telling people they’ve been friends since before birth, as their moms were friends while pregnant.  Kiara often abbreviates her name to Ki or Kiki (yes, coined by Maggie). Maggie and Kiara's countless sleepovers and beach days created many sweet memories and inside jokes. In adulthood, Kiara’s career path led her towards the great outdoors, a direction that Maggie doesn’t fully understand, but will always celebrate. Maggie loves Kiara’s fierce loyalty, drive for excellence, care for others, and willingness to laugh. Maggie is thrilled to share this day with her very first friend. 

Ryan Mortenson is a college friend of the groom, whose friendship was sparked by chance when Chris asks to sit next to Ryan during a physics class on the second day of freshman year. Despite the little voice in Ryan’s head screaming, “No, no, no—please don’t ask to sit next to me!” he said yes—and the rest is history! Since college, Chris and Ryan have remained close friends, embarking on adventures across North America to watch the Blackhawks play (and often lose) in various NHL cities. Chris had the honor of being a groomsman in Ryan’s 2021 wedding and continues to be inspired by Ryan’s unwavering love and support for his wife, daughter, friends, and family.

Krista Rogers is Maggie’s best friend from college, and one third of the “Terrific Trio” (more on this later). In college, Krista and Maggie shared a home on Buttercup Drive and both worked running events for the Honors Program, where they had way too much fun organizing gatherings for the resident nerds. Krista has been a source of consistent encouragement, helping Maggie move from home to home multiple times, being a shoulder to cry on, and someone to call when there is good news. Maggie adores Krista’s boundless optimism, love for making magic, and deeply-rooted joy. It is a gift to share this day with Krista!

Patrick Leemann is one of Chris’s oldest friends from Disney. Having met while working at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, they really started to bond when Pat returned to Disney for a professional internship and needed a place to stay. As roommates, they quickly realized how much they had in common and became the best of friends. One of the highlights for the two was their Facebook Live show, Roommate Debate, during the 2020 pandemic. Playfully arguing with each other, drinking, and engaging with their amazing audience every other night about silly topics created a connection between them that will always be with them. Though no longer roommates, Chris and Pat remain great friends. Chris loves Pat’s incredible capacity for empathy, his thoughtful intentionality, and his willingness to create connections with everyone he meets.

Maddie Handler is Maggie’s best friend from college, and one third of the “Terrific Trio,” along with Krista Rogers. Maddie and Maggie met through the Southeastern University Honors Program, where their adjacent majors meant that they shared many classes together. Maddie’s outgoing nature and willingness to study created fast friends. As college continued, Krista, Maddie, and Maggie began the Terrific Trio, a friendship that evolved into a very active group text and yearly Christmas reunions. These reunions are full of annual traditions, like a visit to the Eternal Flame and a trip to Born and Bread. When the Trio is together, laugher is contagious and puns are abundant. Maggie values Maddie’s unabashed sense of self, affirming nature, relentless work ethic, and empathy towards others.

Jack Stanko is the nephew and Godson of the groom, Chris. Watching Jack grow up, Chris has been amazed by the incredible person he is becoming. Jack is smart, sweet, kind, and caring. He loves his family, friends, his cat, and—as is true for many 12-year-old boys—his Xbox. When he’s not gaming, Chris and Jack enjoy spending time together watching shows, playing games, going out to eat, and hanging out at Disney. Since moving back to Chicago, Chris and Maggie have loved having even more time with Jack. Maggie, in particular, is thrilled that Jack no longer has to introduce her to the restaurant hostess as “ My Future Aunt Maggie...Maybe” and can now simply call her “My Aunt Maggie.”

Petra Wasilkoff is a close friend of both Chris and Maggie. Chris first met Petra at Carl Sandburg High School, where they connected through shared extracurriculars like choir and theater. Their friendship extended beyond high school, with the two visiting each other and even traveling the world together. During Maggie’s visits to Chicago, and even more so after Maggie and Chris moved back, Maggie and Petra’s friendship grew stronger. Maggie was honored to serve as the sole witness at Petra and her wife Marissa’s elopement, where Chris had the privilege of officiating. Chris and Maggie deeply admire Petra’s unique perspective, infectious laughter, deep compassion, and unwavering kindness toward everyone she meets.

Doug is one of Chris’s closest friends from his time at Disney! They met while working for the Minnie Van service in the summer of '17 and quickly bonded over bike rides, bespoke firework creations, cooking experiments, and late-night YouTube marathons. Their friendship deepened during the pandemic when Chris, Doug, and Doug’s wife Jenn formed a quarantine pod, spending their days playing board games, cooking out, and going on long walks with their dog. Over the years, they've shared adventures across the country and have eaten great food, both on and off Disney property. Doug & Jenn have always opened their home to Chris in Florida, and their warmth and generosity mean the world to him. Chris is so thankful to have Doug’s steady friendship and big heart by his side on his wedding day.

Dani Vidal is Maggie’s best friend in Chicago! Dani and Maggie met after mutual friend Karli Cope suggested a coffee date shortly after Maggie’s transition to the city. They became fast friends through a shared love of Chicago adventures, good cries, game nights, and Friday night cooking sessions. Dani helped Maggie learn how to navigate “L,” has acted as a party cohost, and was instrumental in helping Maggie find her wedding dress. Maggie loves Dani’s generous spirit, thoughtful way of life, her deep capacity to love others, her encouraging nature, and her sharp wit! Dani is a key reason why Chicago feels like home, and Maggie and Chris are so excited to celebrate their wedding with Dani!!

Marissa McLean is a close friend of both Chris and Maggie. Chris first met Marissa five years ago during one of his visits to Chicago, and their friendship has grown ever since. Maggie met Marissa in the fall of '22 and immediately connected with her warmth, humor, and kindness. Marissa is someone who brings thoughtfulness, joy, and an incredible ability to make those around her feel valued. Her authenticity and compassion shine through in everything she does, whether she’s sharing a laugh, offering support, or simply being present in the moment. These are the same qualities that make her a remarkable officiant, and they are among the many reasons Chris and Maggie are so grateful to have her in their lives. When it came time to choose someone to officiate their wedding, Chris and Maggie didn’t hesitate. Having had the honor of officiating Marissa and Petra’s wedding at Disney World, Chris knows firsthand how deeply Marissa values the significance of marriage. Her ability to bring reverence, joy, and a deeply personal touch to every ceremony makes her the perfect person to stand by their side as they say their vows.