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Nick & Hilary

June 22, 2019 • Sandwich, IL

Nick & Hilary

June 22, 2019 • Sandwich, IL
Brad Winter
Brad Winter - Best Man
I met Brad in High School via Daniel during lunch period in my Junior year. Through absurd, random noises we would make to talking about movies; Brad became one of my best friends on a level of awkward man hugs and random banter. Whenever I would come home on leave from the NAVY, Brad alongside my other best friends would always be there for tall glasses of beer, acoustic jams, and playing Rock Band at his mom's house. Brad has ventured alongside me in our quest to become filmmakers. He and I constantly bounce ideas off of one another and when I eventually make Indiana Jones 10, he and I will still be working together. Brad is a highly artistic dude that has stronger than oak friendship values. We've both dabbled in different forms of art from making music together to discussing film on a podcast. He's there for you in person or phone and those qualities truly come out whenever you're around him. Ask me in 2003 if this lovely guy would be my best man? I dunno, hop in a DeLorean, gun it to 88 mph, and see for yourself. You'll find that there was no question about it.
Hannah Gilkey
Hannah Gilkey - Maid of Honor
Daniel Cura
Daniel Cura - Groomsman
Daniel and I met in Middle School during band class. Yes, we were band nerds. We were awesome band nerds. Daniel was a couple grades lower than me but that didn't stop us from cracking jokes about our band director and purposely messing up songs with a wrong note or two. Our friendship has been forged in love that we're not just friends, but brothers. When I joined the military, it was difficult to leave family and friends behind. Daniel was one of those friends that would always call me to see how I was doing. When I would come home on leave, he would be one of the first if not THE first to call me up and make plans. I'm so fortunate to have such highly talented friends in my life. Daniel is one of the most talented and motivating individuals I have in my life. The man started his own business this year and he is crushing it in the Tampa Bay area. No matter the time of day, Daniel is always there to talk without any hesitation. Daniel and I have had some great conversations about life and where we're going. It is such an honor to have him up there with me on such a special day.
Mallory Gilkey
Mallory Gilkey - Maid of Honor
Prisma Rodriguez
Prisma Rodriguez - Bridesmaid
Cesar Alejandro Mata
Cesar Alejandro Mata - Groomsman
I met Cesar when I got out of the military in 2011 through Daniel. Daniel and I were both looking to move out as was Cesar. So three of us got together and moved in to a three bedroom apartment. We lived in said apartment for three years and over those three years, Cesar became just like Brad and Daniel. A brother. From extensive Mario Kart nights to flaming beer pong balls, Cesar and I's friendship blossomed quickly. Like Daniel and Brad, Cesar is another man with a huge heart and strong friendship values. I have a lot of fond memories of playing Nintendo and going to concerts with Cesar. When Daniel, Cesar, and I left the apartment it was the end of an era but the beginning of a new one that was truly beautiful. Cesar and I were on the fast track when it came to becoming one of my best friends. I often go back to our NERF war days in the apartment and think on how this dude became part of my life through foam bullets wizzing by my head. I'm completely overwhelmed with gratitude that I met Cesar and that he will be part of the most important day in my life.
Trevor Pratt
Trevor Pratt - Groomsman
On July 5th, 1995 my brother was born.I was born in 1986 and that give us a solid nine years difference in age. Growing up, we weren't the closest of brothers but that changed once I left home. When the two of us are in a room together, it is one 100% obvious that we are brothers. We laugh at the same nonsense and are pretty much inseparable. Trevor is one of the funniest and most entertaining people to be around because he is just a barrel of fun. There's absolutely no way you can't have a good time when Trevor is in the room. Trevor is another talented guy who's ear for music is exceptionally rich. Play Trevor a song once and he's learned it within a couple of hours on the guitar. Trevor and I love video games and we have had our fair share of playing online together as well as in person over a few beers. Not only is the man gifted in music but good lord is he gifted on the ice. At a young age, Trevor has always impressed me with his skating/ hockey abilities. I'm even jealous at times that he can move so good on roller blades/ ice skates. I'm proud of the man Trevor has become and I'm even more proud and humbled to have him standing up there with all of us clowns.
Leah McKee
Leah McKee - Bridesmaid
Eddie Brennan
Eddie Brennan - Groomsman
I met Eddie through a mutual friend of ours, Nick Perez, while home on leave. One night in South Tampa at the bars was all it took for Eddie and I to become best friends. Eddie is the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back and maybe even the pants off his legs if you needed it. I don't know about the pants part but you know what I'm getting at. Eddie is an incredibly fun guy to be around. If you're looking for an even keeled individual who just loves being in the moment, Eddie is that guy. Beach, boating, tailgating, pool outings, kegorator. Very few words to describe fun time with this guy. After moving out of the apartment with Daniel and Cesar, I was uncertain where I was going. During my transition, Eddie offered me a room in his house while I found a place. Without me asking, he just offered me to live in his house. It has been an absolute pleasure over the years to see he and his wife Cristina grow together and be a part of their big day. We've talked for years of visiting Chicago together and tearing up the city. And now we'll get to. But as men on a different path.
Marilu Heldreth
Marilu Heldreth - Bridesmaid
Alexia Stalpes
Alexia Stalpes - Bridesmaid
Brian Harl
Brian Harl - Groomsman
Brian and I are pretty much the same person, he being the calmer one. He's a doppleganger without looking like me. I met Brian through my soon to be lovely wife. I had the pleasure of meeting Brian, his wife Marilu, and Hilary's friend Jane as I sat next to my beautiful lady playing a board game we absolutely love called Forbidden Island. Brian and I instantly hit it off that night as we both talked of Stephen King, horror films, tabletop board games, and music. Brian became another brother within such a short amount of time. I cherish our board game nights, horror movie nights, and swapping music we've written back and forth. Brian is an extremely skilled piano player who gives me chills every time he sends me something he's conjured up. I owe a great deal to Brian in terms of faith and being in a strong, healthy relationship, He and his wife have been instrumental in the portrayal of a wonderful, loving relationship. He's also been a role model in how to be a spiritual leader for your significant other in which I owe him greatly for. I am humbled and thrilled to have Brian be part of my wedding.
Christine Pratt
Christine Pratt - Bridesmaid
Jason Sowell
Jason Sowell - Groomsman
Everything about Hilary and I is because of this guy. Jason was instrumental in Hilary and I meeting. If it weren't for him and his birthday party, Hilary and I would not have met. I met Jason through Daniel while home on leave. I believe it may have been at a concert in Ybor City and I remember he was very keen on these drinks that were made of pineapple juice and Malibu. I went back to San Diego, tried it myself, and thought the guy was on to something. Since then it's been nothing but friendship on a huge nerd level. The dude loves Batman and Star Wars. I love Batman and Star Wars. It was truly meant to be. One New Year's Eve I went to put air in my tire before heading over to Jason's. The stupid air plug snapped off my tire and I went back home, unable to go to Jason's. The dude ended up calling a cab for me to come over just so I wouldn't spend New Year's Eve alone. That's the kind of guy Jason is. And that's the kind of I've surrounded myself with throughout these years. It's only fitting that a man like that would bring a woman like Hilary around. There's isn't enough gratitude I can express to Jason for Hilary and I meeting. The biggest thanks I can give is having him be part of Hilary and I's special day. Thank you.
Mary Szymanski
Mary Szymanski - Bridesmaid
Garrett Gilkey
Garrett Gilkey - Groomsman
When I met Garrett, it was at the CineBistro in Hyde Park. Jason invited me to go see a movie and it just so happens the lady I had a crush on was related to this guy. So when I met him, I rose from my seat to shake his and he urged me to not stand. He sat a few seats down and order a nice glass of wine and I believe a steak. Could be wrong on that food order. At any rate, I thought this viking dude was pretty friendly. Then I started dating his sister and it came time to go over to his house and somewhat meet him again. Garrett was the friendliest and most approachable when I entered his home. Garrett is extremely giving and gives fantastic hugs. Even if you do have to get on your tip toes. I love conversing with Garrett about what's going on in his life and when I found out he's an Alien fan, I knew he had some good taste in movies. When Garrett comes around he's always very warm and cares about what's going on with you. I'm super excited to have him as a brother and to be in he and Hilary's family. Garrett is a gentle giant that is genuine and highly intelligent. You can really glean a lot from him and I look forward to many more times spent with him.