Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church

Ceremony

Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago

Cocktail Hour

Reception

After Party

Our Wedding

It is hard to believe it all started with an Instagram DM of “Hey!” After our first date, we knew we had found something special. Being students at the University of Kentucky, we had a fun filled social life, but we discovered that we had some other things in common. We rooted for the Green Bay Packers, enjoyed the same kinds of music, and both had a green thumb. Shortly after we began dating, the pandemic started. We spent the first five months of our relationship long distance, so Facetiming countless hours a day was our main way of communication. Peyton drove out to visit Lily in Chicago several times during the pandemic. However, fast forward to August of 2020, we were finally living in the same town of Lexington, Kentucky again and spent everyday together trying to make up for lost time.&nbsp;Through a combined love of traveling, trying new restaurants, a great group of friends, and above all — we became each other’s go-to person, navigating life together. During our 5 years of dating, we have traveled to 12 U.S. states, 2 countries, and have made countless memories, often alongside our wonderful family and friends. Together, we’ve discovered that the best adventures are the ones we have created with each other and are truly grateful for our relationship. Join us on May 31st as we say “I Do” and kick off the next phase of our life together. We are SO excited to share this day with those who have been a part of our journey! ﻿February 9, 2020: Where it all began!February 21, 2020: First day we officially began dating!February 29, 2020: Traveled to Nashville, to watch the first ever Nashville FC soccer game.August 9, 2020: Picked up Theo in Tennessee!January 9, 2021: Spent a weekend in Pigeon Forge, TN.February 6, 2021: Went to our first Ski Day at Perfect North (Peyton’s first day at Ski School!)July 3, 2021: Spent the weekend in Downtown Chicago.July 22, 2021: First Thursday Night Live date in downtown Lexington.September 4, 2021: Spent a week in South Carolina.November 14, 2021: Went to a Packers Game!March 5, 2022: First FC Cincinnati soccer game.April 10, 2022: First time eating at Korean BBQ (we go monthly now!)April 22, 2022: Spent a long weekend in Dallas, Texas.May 25, 2022: First Louisville FC soccer game.June 3, 2022: First Cincinnati Reds game .July 3, 2022: Spent an extended weekend in Asheville, North Carolina.July 8, 2022: First concert together!September 20, 2022: Went to our first pumpkin patch together.October 21, 2022: Our first time together at the horse race track.December 9, 2022: Went to Las Vegas together for the first time.January 21, 2023: Spent a long weekend in Fort Worth, Texas at the Stockyards.February 8, 2023: Captain (Mr. Thumbs) was adopted from the Humane Society!April 14, 2023: First time looking at Engagement Rings!May 11, 2023: Traveled to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico for a long weekend.August 19, 2023: We got engaged at Keeneland!September 7, 2023: Another trip to Las Vegas!September 30, 2023: Celebrated our engagement with friends and family in Illinois.October 13, 2023: Spent a long weekend in McKinney, Texas.December 8, 2023: Spent a date night at Buffalo Trace event “Toast of the Trace”December 26, 2023: Visited the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.December 30, 2023: Had floor seats for Tyler Childers concert at Rupp Arena.March 10, 2024: Attended the Drake and JCole concert at Rupp Arena.March 28, 2024: Our first time in Hot Springs, Arkansas for a long weekend.May 19, 2024: Enjoyed our time together taking our engagement photos!June 20, 2024: Long weekend in Aruba.July 5, 2024: Went to Riverbend Ampitheatre to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers.July 25, 2024: Bought our first car!August 3, 2024: Baptized Rowan Kate and became her Godparents!August 16, 2024: Enjoyed our time together taking our second set of engagement photos!August 28, 2024: Visited Evan &amp; Rhiannon in Denver, CO.September 14, 2024: Went to the Kentucky vs Georgia game!October 19, 2024: Visited the Pumpkin Patch with the Cocanougher family!November 26, 2024: We did our wedding tasting at the Hyatt Lodge!December 26, 2024: We visited the U.P. of Michigan to see Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Frank.January 31, 2025: Bachelor/Bachelorette Trip in Las Vegas!

Our Story

Lily considers Lauren to be both her sister and best friend. They met when they were twelve years old through mutual friends, before their parents introduced them to one another. They have been stepsisters for eleven years. They discovered they had the same LEK initials, were both born in September, in the same grade in school, and raised in the Greek culture. They grew up playing sports together, going to sleepaway camp, vacations, and have many family memories. Lauren has her Masters in Applied Mathematics and Lily would not have passed statistics without her help. Lauren is always there for Lily, as she confides in her, and has been especially helpful during the wedding planning process. Lily is delighted to have her sister as her Maid of Honor!

Lauren Kangas

In first grade, Avery and Peyton met while being in the same class. Quickly becoming good friends, they realized their grandparents lived across the street from each other. Once they made that realization, Avery and Peyton saw each other every Sunday. They played travel soccer all throughout their childhood, would go to the pool from sun up to sun down daily, and loved getting pizza from the GOAT Giovanni’s. After high school, Avery and Peyton attended UK and eventually lived off campus together for four years. They have had many great times and Avery has always been there for Peyton. Avery has a photographic memory and has an encyclopedia of knowledge with his quick wits. Which is no surprise, as he has his Doctorate of Pharmacy. Peyton is honored to have Avery as his Best Man!

Avery Guerrero

Melina and Lily met during COB rush at the University of Kentucky, where they chose to be in the sisterhood of Delta Gamma. Lily had messaged, in the new member group chat, asking if anyone wanted to get Chipotle after a meeting. Melina responded and the girls instantly clicked, as they were both from the suburbs of Chicago, raised in the Greek culture, and had mutual friends from high school. They lived in the same dorm freshman year, where they looked forward to going to The 90 dining hall for dumpling Monday’s. Melina is a very hardworking and determined friend who is currently attending Palmer College to obtain her Doctorate of Chiropractic. Lily is thrilled to have Melina as her Koumbara!

Melina Reiter

Riley is Peyton’s younger, taller brother. They were inseparable during their childhood; playing soccer, exploring Herrington Lake, and hanging out with friends. Riley and Peyton attended Saint Peter and Paul’s church and complemented each other in most cases. However, Riley and Peyton are opposites with some things. Riley loves fruits while Peyton loves candy. Riley is the neat freak and Peyton is not so much. Riley is one of the most thoughtful people and always willing to go the extra mile to make people happy. Riley is also very hardworking and willing to give the shirt off of his back to help others. He is the goofball of the group, always doing things to get people to laugh. Peyton is fortunate to share his wedding day with his brother!

Riley Cocanougher

Kianna and Lily met during their freshman year at the University of Kentucky through their sorority, Delta Gamma. The girls' friendship instantly began at a social gathering to the song UCLA, and it has become “their song” ever since. Kianna and Lily discovered early on that they are from the suburbs of Chicago, visit the U.P. of Michigan, and enjoy the healthcare setting. Kianna is one of the most caring, kind, and compassionate people Lily knows, and is always there for her. Kianna is currently living in Nashville, Tennessee where she will be graduating from Vanderbilt University with a Master of Science in Nursing this upcoming May. After graduation in May, Kianna will continue her education towards her Doctorate of Nursing in Summer 2025! Lily is thrilled Kianna will be standing by her side at the wedding!

Kianna Reinert

Although Preston and Lily are stepsiblings, Lily loves him as her brother. When they were young, they enjoyed skateboarding around the cul-de-sac, playing on the sports court, and skiing in Wisconsin. Every fall, the task of raking leaves haunted them. Instead, they made large piles and jumped in while Jason yelled at them. One of Lily’s favorite memories with Preston was watching the Seahawks play the Packers at Lambeau. However, this might not be Preston’s favorite memory because Russell Wilson threw five interceptions during that game that helped the Packers win. Lily is proud of Preston’s accomplishments, as he is completing his senior year at Indiana University, and excited to have him as a Groomsman in her wedding!

Preston Kangas

Yiyi and Effie, as they were known to each other as toddlers, are cousins. They spent their first many years of life growing up together. Lily and Stephanie’s birthdays are only two months apart, so they learned how to crawl, walk, and talk around the same time. They loved to play dress up but often forgot to remove outfits before putting on new ones. This made it difficult for the girls to move around, but capturing those special memories in pictures was hilarious. Lily and Stephanie spent some of their childhood in the U.P. of Michigan swimming and snowmobiling. They both have a love for the outdoors, as Stephanie lives in Bend, Oregon. These plant loving girls will enjoy another special memory together at Lily’s wedding!

Stephanie Chionis

Spending time with Kosta is easy. He is kind, always smiling, and has a bubbly personality. Kosta is laid back and brings a sense of calm to family gatherings. Peyton is especially thankful to have Kosta around during family time, due to the nature of the Kangas bunch. Lily and Peyton have enjoyed Chicago outings with Kosta and Lauren. Just don’t let Kosta talk you into a dealer’s choice cocktail at Love Street! Kosta is always willing to go with the flow and down to try something new. During the siblings weekend at Indiana University, Lily and Peyton got to experience his fantastic dance moves. Be sure to find him on the dance floor at the wedding! Lily and Peyton are happy to have Kosta as a groomsman!

Kosta Tafreshing

While drinking espresso martinis, Lily and Mackenzie's friendship began to form. They were introduced to each other through Peyton and Avery and bonded from there. They enjoy hanging out at someone’s house, having lazy pool days, and eating at Texas Roadhouse. Mackenzie is a master at creating charcuterie boards and a great host for friend gatherings. Both girls had the privileged task of helping with each other’s surprise wedding proposals. These are special memories that will last a lifetime. Mackenzie is someone that Lily can confide in and know she will give honest insight and helpful feedback. Lily can’t wait to make another memory with Mackenzie as she stands by her side next May!

Mackenzie Collett

Jonathan and Peyton met in 3rd grade after being assigned to the “worst class ever” to come through Woodlawn Elementary School (30 boys, 3 girls). They quickly became best friends after playing soccer together and hanging out weekly. Jonathan and Peyton did everything together; playing sports during the summer, bonfires, or cliff jumping to name a few. After high school Jonathan and Peyton attended UK, where they were roommates for four years during college and would make daily Speedway runs to grab snacks and beer. Jonathan is one of Peyton’s best friends. He is the jokester of the group, who never fails to make someone laugh. He also has a serious side, as he is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Peyton is excited to have Jonathan as a groomsman by his side at the wedding!

Jonathan Carman

Their love of reality tv shows, McDonald’s soda runs, and making artsy projects helped Lily and Rhiannon form their friendship. Their sweet dogs, Delilah and Theo, are even buddies. Rhiannon is an easy going person with many talents. She is a hard working and focused individual who is completing her residency as a Pharmacist in Denver, Colorado. Lily and Rhiannon have spent time going to concerts, traveling to Nashville, and shared a footlong “community” corndog in Gatlinburg. Lily hopes Rhiannon finds her way back to Kentucky after her residency and looks forward to sharing her special day together!

Rhiannon Montgomery

In second grade, Evan and Peyton became friends. They spent most of their summers together running around Evan’s neighborhood playing games or traveling to Missouri to visit friends. Evan and Peyton became closer in high school, but the friendship truly blossomed in college where they became the best of friends. They attended UK together, went to football games, and had a tradition of running to Canes after the games. Evan is the handyman of the group, always being able to fix anything and has a plethora of random supplies that might come in handy. Evan never fails to make Peyton laugh with many of his antics. Peyton is thrilled to have Evan as his groomsman!

Evan Wilson

During their freshman year at the University of Kentucky, Lily and Emily met and became roommates in the 5113 from their sophomore through senior year. While getting to know one another, they discovered each were football fans. As an avid Packer fan, Lily didn’t hold that against Emily who roots for the wrong team. Emily was the chef of the townhome. She made a weekly menu that consisted of home cooked meals. Lily was grateful to have Emily as a roommate and friend. Emily was married in June of 2023 and Lily was her bridesmaid. Thankfully, Lily and Denise have relied on Emily’s wedding knowledge and support. Lily can’t wait to celebrate her big day with Emily as her bridesmaid! 

Emily Ulanowski

Addison and Peyton were selected for the same travel soccer team in 5th grade. Soon after playing together, Addison transferred to Peyton’s middle school and they became friends. However in college, they merged their friend groups; attending football games, concerts, and social gatherings together. Addison has great business sense and the prodigy of Pittman Creek. He is very hardworking and strives to be successful. Addison is always willing to hang out and grab food or drinks. He provides the energy needed to get the group going. Addison is a caring individual and Peyton can’t wait to celebrate with Addison as a groomsman!

Addison Coffey

Natalie and Lily became roommates during their sophomore through senior year at the University of Kentucky. They lived on the third floor of their townhome, enduring three years of many flights of stairs at 5113. They looked forward to their Monday night Bachelor episodes, shopping runs to T.J. Maxx, and going through Culver’s drive thru for cheese curds. Lily and Natalie prepared for their Fantasy Football League by spending days prior researching players and taking countless notes in hopes of drafting a winning team in the championship. In 2022, Natalie and Lily graduated from UK’s College of Health Sciences together. Natalie has completed graduate school and obtained a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology. Lily is appreciative of their friendship and looking forward to Natalie standing by her side at the wedding!

Natalie Meredith

While attending UK, Steven and Peyton were suitemates. Peyton was locked out of the bathroom the very first night of freshman year. After that long night, Peyton confronted Steven about the situation and from then on they became good friends. Steven and Peyton went to The 90 everyday, the pantry, and then back to Steven’s room where he lost at Smash Bros every night to Peyton. After freshman year, Steven and Peyton kept in touch and would see each other every week. Steven is the wildcard of the group, always having the craziest stories, but also one of the nicest people you will meet. Peyton is happy to have Steven as a groomsman on his big day! 

Steven Rowland

Rowan Cocanougher

Parker Chionis

Bridal Party

HORS D'OEUVRES

Brisket Skewer (DF, GF)Bacon Wrapped with Smoked Peach BBQBruschetta (V)Goat Cheese, Tomato, Basil, Red Onion, Balsamic Vegetable Spring Roll (DF, GF, V)With Sweet Chili Ponzu SauceCrispy Shrimp TempuraWith Sweet Chili Ponzu Sauce

SOUP & SALAD

Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup (DF)Lolla Rossa &amp; Hydro Bibb Salad (GF, V) Heirloom Cherry, Cucumber, Red Onion, Goat Cheese Mousse, White Balsamic Vinaigrette

ENTREE CHOICES

Beef Short Rib (DF, GF)8oz Zinfandel Blackberry Braised Roasted Chicken Breast (GF)Parmesan Crusted with Rosemary SauceRisotto (V)Lemon, Roasted Tomato

SIDES

Brussels Sprouts (DF, GF)With Sriracha GlazeMashed Potatoes (GF)Roasted Garlic

DESSERTS

Wedding Cake Banana Cake with Hazelnut MousseAssortment of Pastries and Cookies

LATE NIGHT BITES

Cheeseburgers in ParadiseChicago Style Hot Dogs

Late-night bites will be served at 10:30 pm!

Airport Information

The reception is conveniently close to O'Hare and Midway, so you will have the flexibility to choose which airport you would prefer to fly into!Drive from O'Hare to the Hyatt Lodge: 20 MinutesDrive from Midway to the Hyatt Lodge: 33 Minutes

Lodging Information

Location of Cocktail Hour & Reception Drive to Ceremony: 8 Minutes

Drive to Ceremony: 8 MinutesDrive to Hyatt Lodge: 5 Minutes

Chicago Marriott Oak Brook

Drive to Ceremony: 8 MinutesDrive to Hyatt Lodge: 7 Minutes

The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection

Drive to Ceremony: 11 MinutesDrive to Hyatt Lodge: 7 Minutes

Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center

Drive to Ceremony: 6 MinutesDrive to Hyatt Lodge: 7 Minutes

Hyatt House Chicago / Oak Brook

Travel

The invitation that you received in the mail, is an invitation for all events listed on the homepage! The only RSVP we require is a response for the reception to collect your meal choice for dinner.

Q & A

Lilys Hometown! -- Boutiques & Restaurants Restaurant Recommendations: Egg Harbor, Fuller House, Il Poggiolo, Nabuki, and Il Mio (Next Town Over, Clarendon Hills)

Village of Hinsdale

Local Outdoor Mall -- Shopping & Restaurants Restaurant Recommendations: Perrys Steakhouse and Grille, Roka Akor, Antico Posto, Gibsons Bar &amp; Steakhouse, RH Rooftop Restaurant, Pinstripes, and Ditkas

Oakbrook Center

Estimated Drive from Hyatt Lodge: 45 Minutes Restaurant Recommendations: Maple & Ash, Gibsons Bar &amp; Steakhouse, BLVD Steakhouse, Avli River North, Summerhouse Santa Monica, and TAO

Lily & Peyton