The Groomsmen
James winters (best man)
James met Brett in college, when each of the pair were still foolish enough to believe they had the chops to make it as professional actors. Before coming to their senses and switching majors, they cross-dressed, sword-fought, sang, danced, drank copious amounts of alcohol, and naturally become best friends. Currently, James is a new father and an urban planner focusing on transit in the Indiana portion of Chicagoland.
Ben Backsmeier
Fellow groomsman Chris Trimble introduced Ben and Brett when Ben was still in high school. Since then Ben has graduated from both West Point and the University of St. Andrews, commanded an infantry platoon in Afghanistan and lived in such adventurous spots as Japan and East Africa (that last one is mostly Brett's fault). Ben now resides in the Chicagoland area with his dog Snicky and works as a VP at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Dylan Fisher
Born and raised on the golden shores of sunny Southern California, Dylan now lives north of the Wall (Helsinki, Finland) with his girlfriend and dog. When not playing Skyrim, Dylan can be found galavanting around the world in search of good beer, even better food, and novel experiences. Dylan first met Brett in Islamabad, Pakistan. Together, they conspired to promote the unrelenting awesomeness of the world's greatest film, Conan the Barbarian, and single-handedly ensured, for the first time in Pakistan's history, the peaceful transition of power from one civilian government to another (though they refuse responsibility for all following events).
matt morgan
Matt Morgan is married to Angela and they have five beautiful children. Matt has had the privilege of knowing Brett since 2001 and is excited to witness his union with Lara.
shane o'neill
The true origins of Shane's existence are unknown, though scientists estimate the genesis to have taken place in Detroit, MI. Currently, Shane is in Chapel Hill, NC in UNC's JD/MBA program. Shane spends most of his time wondering why he hated himself enough to undertake a dual graduate degree program. Occasionally he drinks Scotch to help dull the pain. Brett and Shane met a long time ago, in a strange land known as Washington, D.C. They served together in the Army's Old Guard at Fort Myer. When they weren't wearing wool suits in August, and trying to stay upright while generals talked about their childhood instead of retiring, Brett and Shane were getting in car accidents on I-75 in Toledo.
Chris trimble
49 and drop dead gorgeous, Chris is happily married with three amazing kids. When you meet him in person, he will likely begin the conversation with "I AM...a Penn State alumnus and proud Philadelphia Eagles fan." He enjoys spending time with his family, church youth group, and occasionally tossing dice as a tabletop war gamer.
Fred Uebele
Fred and Brett first met as aspiring theatre artists (stop laughing!) during their undergrad at UIC. Some 12 years later, Fred now finds himself in NYC working in lighting for cable news (CNN) and on the occasional theatrical endeavor.
hasnain valika
Hasnain is a tax consultant currently living in Houston, TX (but grew up in the great(est) city of Chicago). When Hasnain isn't focusing on making rich corporations richer, he enjoys video games, watching football (soccer), and being lazy. Hasnain had the pleasure of spending his undergrad years at the University of Illinois at Chicago with Brett while continuously convincing him to one day run for President. #Thurman2032