Wedding Day

Ceremony

Drury Lane Events

Reception

St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church

Drury Lane Oak Brook

We’re so excited to celebrate with you! If you’re unable to make it to the church, you can watch the livestream of the ceremony on our church’s Facebook page. Search “Saint Athanasios Church” on Facebook and the video will begin streaming live shortly after 3 pm on Sunday!

Our Wedding

As told by Kellie: Those who know us know we were meant to be. In the Summer of 2017, I left my summer math masters class wondering if “biceps Bobby” was single or not. He must’ve had a similar thought because by the end of the summer we were hanging out and officially dating before the start of the Fall semester (much to the surprise of our colleagues/cohort members). Sharing our love of math and Game of Thrones got us started - we then shared TV shows (Bobby introducing me to Friends, and me introducing him to The Office and Parks and Rec). We now really enjoy spending time eating (and admittedly drinking whiskey) together. Even my cats came to accept him (and May even like him better than me). We can’t wait to begin a new chapter of our story! As told by Bobby: She was smart and cute. I asked her out. I asked her to marry me. Now here we are. I love her and I like her.

Our Story

If you prefer to call and book, you can call 1-800-445-8667 and ask for the Stilson Procopos Wedding block for the night of June 27. The hotel block link is linked below and easier to book online. This is CONNECTED to the reception hall- you won’t even have to walk outside after partying. Kellie and Bobby will be at this hotel.

Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Suites

Travel

Trees, children's garden and hiking trails span this beautiful park. Adults $16, children $11. Get tickets in advance. 15 minutes away from the venue/hotel.

The Morton Arboretum

Just like bowling - but.... golf!No need to bring your own clubs.Reserve a bay for $27 to $47 an hour (depending on the time). There is a $5 charge for new players. 30 minutes away from venue/hotel

Topgolf

Cozy wine shop with a new outdoor patio!Sip on wine, wine slushies, or ciders. Lots of non-alcoholic offerings as well.

Evolet Eve Wine Shop

Snacks and bubble tea! What could be better? 11 minutes away from venue/hotel

CHI TEA

Eating, shopping, movies. 7 minutes from hotel/venue.

Oakbrook Center

Indoor Shopping mall with a LOT of restaurants and options. 25 minutes from hotel/venue

Woodfield Mall

Things to Do

Taylor basically grew up as a third child in the Stilson family (or was it Kellie as a second in the Molln family?). Whichever way, Taylor has known Kellie since they were 4, has been that brutally honest friend everyone needs. She frequently enjoys sushi dates with the bride. Taylor currently works as an optometrist in Chicago. She can’t wait to see you all.

Taylor Molln

Dimitri Is Bobby’s cousin and has had the pleasure of knowing Bobby his entire life. Bobby and Dimitri will laugh in the face of danger, casually eating oreos while others prepare for impending storms. Dimitri works as a Financial Analyst in Aurora. He’s counting on being a great addition to the wedding party.

Dimitri Batitsas

Emily and Kellie have been the best of friends since 3rd grade (despite her cross country moves). Many would describe their interactions as kids as “ridiculous”, “irritating”, or even “hostile”. Kellie and Emily prefer to be thought of as “sisterly” because they love each other through so much. Emily works as an elementary school teacher in Georgia. She thinks this wedding SPELLS victory for both parties involved.

Emily Welch

Not to be outdone by his brother, Peter has also earned a place in this esteemed wedding party. “Quiet”, “reserved”, and “timid”; these words do not describe Peter, but Bobby will always turn to him for a laugh, Mario Golf, and advice! Peter works as a police officer in Sugar Grove. Peter is ready to protect and serve the couple on their special day.

Peter Batitsas

Kim and Kellie were paired together in a blind roommate situation at Michigan State. Luckily, they became voluntary roommates after being forced to spend life in their roughly 12 x 12 room. Kim and Kellie are known for such shenanigans as wearing a lot of matching clothing, dressing as a CATA bus for Halloween, and staying up way too late discussing what to bring out of the dorm during their next fire drill. Kim currently works as a nurse practitioner in Michigan. She’s ready to get your blood pumping at the reception!

Kim Wegscheid

Ian is a colleague of Bobby’s, teaching history at Sandwich High School. But, he’s more commonly known as “Bobby’s whiskey friend.” Bobby and Ian frequently solve world problems together while enjoying the finer things in life. He has also set unrealistic expectations for Bobby’s whiskey goals. He knows this wedding will be one for the books!

Ian Stewart

Alexi is Bobby's little sister and has helped Kellie develop a good sense of how to deal with Greek men, how to cook Greek food, and how to relax while watching Disney/Game of Thrones/reading. Alexi has already contributed to the couple by taking their GORGEOUS engagement pictures! When not refining her photography skills, Alexi works at the Sandwich Center. She's ready to serve up some fun at the reception!

Alexi Clark

Luke is Kellie's little brother and is slowly being welcomed into the whiskey world by Bobby. Just as Alexi knows too much about other members of the party, Luke was frequently tormented by Taylor and Emily while they devised games to play together (where it was impossible for Luke to win). He's developed a lot of patience from it and applies that patient hand to his work as a graphic animator/environment artist/programmer.  He's sure to keep everyone animated during the celebration!

Luke Stilson

Hayes will try to claim that he’s Bobby’s friend, but the truth is, he knew Stilly first. When Bobby and Kellie met, Hayes did not believe Bobby was really after Kellie- stating “I just overlooked him... literally.” But here’s his credit- without Collin pressuring Kellie to get her Masters with him and Ryan, Kellie and Bobby may never have met. 

Collin Hayes

Similar to Hayes, Ryan will always claim to be besties with Biceps Bobby (maybe they are?). He also needed Kellie to join the master program at AU... since she was already helping them at school with their homework. Ryan is currently a math teacher at South Elgin High School. His calculations say this will be a great match!

Ryan Carbonaro

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Ceremony 

Why a Sunday? Traditionally, marriages were performed as part of the service on Sundays! Is the date special? This is just two mathematicians having fun. 6, 27, and 21 are all divisible by 3, and the religious service is a binding union between the new couple and God (3). It’s also a very important number in the church- representing the Holy Trinity. You will see many things repeated 3 times throughout the service. Everyone is facing away from the congregation... good thing the backs of wedding dresses are pretty! The couple is facing the altar (facing East) to stand before God. The priest at times will also face this way when addressing God. Why are rings exchanged at the beginning? Originally, there was a separate service for the betrothal of the couple where rings were exchanged. This represents a promise to be wed, unlike in Western culture where the rings represent becoming wed. This is now part of the wedding sacrament for convenience. The Koumbaro will move the rings three times between the couple’s hands to signify that exchange of strength between the couple (the weakness of one will be compensated by the strength of the other). What is the role of the Koumbaro (best man)? He is essentially the sponsor of the wedding (in a religious sense). He plays a role in the exchanging of the rings and the crowns. He will also later be the godfather of the couple’s first child. The Readings and the Common Cup- There are two typical readings (one of the joining of two people and the other of the miracle of turning water into wine). The second reading will be tied into the sharing of the common cup. Each will take 3 sips from the unconsecrated cup, symbolizing the sharing of all that life will bring. Wedding Crowns (Stefana) - crowns are placed on their heads to symbolize the glory and honor bestowed on the couple by God. The bride and groom and crowned as King and Queen of their home which they will rule with wisdom, justice, and integrity. When is the couple wed? After the crowning. Why do they walk around three times? The couple walks around the table to take their first steps as a married couple in the presence of God, family and friends. No vows? There is no “contract” to the marriage in a Greek Orthodox Church. That is, rather than promising themselves to each other, God is present in the sacrament and unites the couple in one mind and weds them in one flesh. The sacrament is a union not a contract.

There are 3 main types of Greek dancing performed at Greek weddings (though even if you don’t know them- you are encouraged to join in and try your best!). During the Greek dances, it is customary to throw money (typically singles) onto the bride and groom to represent good luck and good fortune. The money is collected and given to the couple. Kalamatianos - this dance is typically led by the bride with her bridal party in tow. It is a fast paced, festive dance that moves in a circle while holding hands. Tsamiko - this dance is typically led by the groom (and previously reserved only for the men). It is usually slower than the kalamatianos, but the lead dancer can add more flourish. Zeibekiko - typically led by the groom or Koumbaro after the night has gone on... it is typically a solo dance where “anything goes”. Others are encouraged to kneel around the dancer and clap to the beat of the music.

Greek Traditions - What to Expect

Dear family and friends, We hope you and yours are healthy and safe during this time, and we appreciate all the love and support we’ve received from each of you. Although the COVID-19 crisis has created much uncertainty, as of now, we will be proceeding with our wedding on June 27, 2021. We understand that the situation is in constant flux, but based on the current CDC guidelines and the recommendations of our state, we feel that by the end of June will be safe to gather and celebrate. We will keep you informed if that should change, however, so please continue to check out our website for updates. Official update: every guest is still invited to attend both the ceremony and reception provided they do not have COVID and are not displaying symptoms. Facemasks are optional at both the church and the reception venue. Those wishing to maintain 6 ft of distance from other parties at the church, please let the ushers know. Please respect the choices of others during this time and know that if you do not feel safe attending, we understand this decision and will be sure to celebrate our union in some way with you in the future. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we cannot wait to be together with you in person! Love, Kellie and Bobby

Kellie & Harry (Bobby)

Kellie & Harry (Bobby)

Photos