The Girls in our Wedding Party...
Heidi (Meyer) McClain: Matron of Honor
Heidi and Jessica have known each other since 1993, when Heidi’s family moved into the Stately Oaks neighborhood, where the Gliwa’s were living. The girls went to Providence Catholic High School together, worked at Gloria Jean’s Coffee together, and spent more time together than apart throughout their high school years. Even though Heidi lives in Elgin now with her husband, Shawn, their darling little daughter, Alissa, and their three cats, Jessica and Heidi still remain best friends.
Kara (Chavez) Coyle: Bridesmaid
Kara and Jessica met in 2004, when they started teaching together at Lockport Township High School’s Freshman Center in the English Department. They had neighboring rooms, and the same planning period. Commiserating through their first year of teaching together, they became inseparable. Even though their classrooms were moved in the building, they are still classroom neighbors, and love to shake things up at LTHS. Kara lives in Bolingbrook with her husband, Andy, and their two beagles.
Angelika Helmbold: Bridesmaid and Sister of the Groom
Angelika is Thomas’ younger sister. She moved to the USA in 2001 and currently resides in San Diego, CA.
She is currently pursuing a degree in child psychology. Jessica met Angelika for the first time at a 4th of July
celebration in Atlanta in 2004. She had just returned from working in Holland for a year. Angelika loves to
work with children – we offered our future kids to her, she declined.
The Guys in our Wedding Party...
Manfred Mueller: Best Man
Thomas and Manfred met in Georgia back in 2002. It all started with a random search online by Manfred for a German speaking person also living in Alpharetta, GA. Manfred initiated contact from Germany several weeks before starting an internship at a German company in Alpharetta. When Manfred arrived in the USA, he finally met Thomas for the first time. They have been great friends ever since and have toured the South together. Manfred currently resides in Germany and works as a liaison for an International Financial firm and will be flying in specifically for the wedding. Jessica has never met Manfred so we look forward to the introductions.
Gabriel Guevara: Groomsman
Gabriel is the partner of Angelika Helmbold (Bridesmaid and Sister of the Groom). Gabriel has been a good friend of the Helmbold family and met Jessica almost right from the beginning. He also resides in San Diego, CA. Gabriel works as a mortgage consultant for a local bank in San Diego. They have both visited Chicago for New Years celebrations in the past and are looking forward to celebrating our special day with us.
Jermaine K. Bell: Usher
Jessica met Jermaine while attending Loyola University Chicago. They worked for the Student Transitions Program there together during their summers, and worked with the Campus Life Union Board in event programming throughout the school year. Jermaine graduated with a degree in Theater Arts, and still lives near Loyola. He has started the Rogers Park Theater Ensemble, and continues to pursue his love of acting and directing.
Joe Hosea: Usher
Jessica and Joe attended Loyola University Chicago together. They also worked together on the Campus Life Union Board, and at Illuminations Candle Store in Water Tower Place. Joe graduated from Loyola with a degree in Theater Arts, and is now living near St. Louis, Missouri. He is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Teaching Secondary Education, with a focus in Theater and Speech.
Other Important Members of our Wedding Day…
Father Mike Cronin, from St. Patrick's Parish, will be officiating our marriage ceremony.
Mrs. Linda Abrams and Mrs. Diane Maier will be our honorary hostesses at the reception hall.
