Madeline and Dana first met on the ice, training under the same coach, at the young age of 10 years old. Although Madeline's goofy spirit on the ice was a stark contrast to Dana's more disciplined approach, they grew closer as the years progressed. Through countless long training days together, their bond of sisterhood grew strong, supporting each other at their lowest of times and celebrating each other's personal skating successes. Though skating careers and acadamics separated them by continents after high school, they remained true friends and even were able to have the rare opportunity of living with each other in Geneva, IL during the post-pandemic years. Madeline's creativity, passions in life, and strong morals inspire Dana every day. Madeline has never missed a big moment of Dana's life, and therefore Dana couldn't imagine this day without her as her matron of honor!

As cousins, and with both Kevin and Bryce only growing up with sisters, Bryce is the closest thing Kevin has ever had to a brother. With them also being closest in age among their cousins, they quickly bonded at family events and gatherings. From late-night sleepovers playing Halo as kids to visiting each other at the Univeristy of Iowa and in Milwaukee, Bryce has always brought the fun. Kevin admires Bryce's ability to live life by the seat of his pants without a worry in the world, even if it means missing a train or almost a flight. His hard work ethic and loyalty is also incredibly commendable. He would do anything for his family, no matter how far away he is in New York, such as coming home frequently for birthday and holiday celebrations. Bryce has never missed a big moment of Kevin's life, and therefore Kevin couldn’t imagine this day without him as his best man!

As Kevin's twin sister, Dana met Melissa quickly after Kevin and Dana started dating. Kevin coordinated a double date night to introduce them, and after a great dinner and fun night out at a local piano bar, Dana recognized Melissa's fun and outgoing personality and genuine closeness with her brother. Melissa's kind sense of acceptance of Dana as a potential part of the Biestek family was appreciated early on. Dana and Melissa grew even closer as memories were made on family vacations, at Biestek events, and during countless friend gatherings, sporting events, and concerts. Supportive, loyal, and reliable, Melissa is more than just a future sister-in-law to Dana; she's a true friend.

As Dana's younger brother, Alex shortly met Kevin after he started dating Dana in 2022. From the beginning, it was clear that family was something both Dana and Kevin valued deeply. As a result, bonding with Alex was essential—and the two hit it off right away. Alex is a fun-loving guy with a witty sense of humor, and their shared passion for sports, particularly the Cubs, has led to some unforgettable moments together. Whether it’s enjoying a game or just hanging out, Alex has welcomed Kevin into the Sivak family with open arms, and that sense of warmth and inclusion has meant the world to Kevin. Alex is more than just a future brother-in-law; he’s a true friend.

Dana first met Lauren in 2014, when she heard her brother had asked a girl out to Benet High School's homecoming dance. From that dance on, the rest was history, as she eventually became Dana's sister-in-law. Lauren's creativity, sense of style, and sweet nature are just some of the qualities that helped her fit right in with the Sivak family. Her love for travel, fine dining, quality coffee shops, and Sunday farmer's market runs are just a few common interests she and Dana share.

Kevin first met Hunter in 2016 through his twin sister, Melissa, in good ol Muscatine, Iowa. Right from the start, it was clear he was a great time, and when he and Mel started dating, it was obvious how happy he made her. Hunter is funny, fun-loving, and genuinely caring—he fit right in with the Biestek family from day one. Kevin is proud to call him his brother-in-law, and they always have a blast together. He’s the kind of guy who can put a smile on anyone’s face and would do anything for his family.

Dana and Laura first met in 2010 as neighbors in their dorm building during their freshman year at the University of Delaware, sharing in their joint interest and passion for dietetics. Their bond grew strong as they held co-leadership positions for the Nutrition and Dietetics Club on campus and endured late night study sessions for their shared science classes. Laura has been such a supportive friend over the years to Dana, despite living timezones apart. Dana and Kevin have been able to make it out to Delaware twice thus far to visit Laura and her family, adding to the incredible memories shared. A kind and bright soul to many, Laura inspires Dana daily.

Ken and Kevin first met at Iowa in 2012 during one of their math classes. Although they only hung out a few times back then, they reconnected post-college when he showed up at a party at the bachelor pad (BP), and he’s been part of the crew ever since! Ken is the life of the party, and his high energy can match Kevin’s any day. He’s always felt like an honorary bachelor pad roommate, and adding him Kevin's hometown friend circle has created even more fun memories. The honorary BP bar tender or grill master for annual golf outing and Friendsgiving events, Ken is a great planner, with creative and talented skillsets in the kitchen.

Dana and Melinda first met on the ice, training under the same coach, at the young age of 10 years old. Dana always looked up to Melinda (literally and figuratively) for her infectious smile, hard work ethic, and graceful style on and off the ice. Their friendship continued well into their high school years, and even in college where they both attended the University of Delaware together and got to be suitemates for 2 years! Although distance has separated them in miles following college, it has not affected their tight-knit bond and unique ability to always pick back up where things left off. Melinda will continue to be a life-long friend in the years to come.

Kevin first met Matt back in 2011 at the Newman Center at Iowa, and it didn’t take long for a strong friendship to form. Their shared love of Iowa Hawkeye sports—especially basketball and football—meant countless hours spent cheering on the team, creating memories, and making unforgettable inside jokes. From the college days and beyond, Kevin and Matt always had each other’s backs, and some might even say they had a bit of a bromance going on. Through every phase of life, one thing has remained constant: every time they get together, it feels like no time has passed at all. Whether it’s reminiscing about the good ol’ days or catching up on life, they always have a blast together.

Sarah and Dana first met in 2016 when Sarah was hosting a collegiate skating workshop in the Chicagoland area for U.S. Figure Skating (USFS). Sarah had invited Dana to speak about collegiate skating and inspire high school skaters to consider a similar path. Little did they know, about 2 years later, Dana would be walking in to the USFS building where Sarah still worked. In search of a place to live with a quick move to Colorado Springs, they quickly realized their past connection and Sarah offered the possibility of Dana moving into her and her boyfriend (noe husband) Mike's home. Soon thereafter, their shared interests of hiking, skating, and love for their dog Cooper turned their "housemate" status into more of a true friendship. This was further strengthened during many COVID work-from home days and late-night competitive Catan games. Sarah is a kind, caring, and genuine friend to all. We couldn't imagine this day without her by our side!

Sean and Kevin go all the way back to kindergarten in 1997, where they bonded over craft-making activities in Mrs. Fennessey's class. He’s been one of Kevin's closest friends ever since. As Crystal Lake natives, they’ve shared countless laughs, shenanigans, and memories that stretch from grade school into high school, college, and beyond. Kevin was lucky enough to have Sean as a bachelor pad roommate for five years, where they had some unforgettable times they’ll look back on forever cheering their sports teams to victory, such as the lifetime memory of the Chicago Cubs winning the world series. If you ever catch Kevin on his phone, he is likely not texting Dana, but rather he is probably texting Sean about some sports-related score, play, or trade that just recently happened. He’s always been there for Kevin and is gauranteed to be a life-long friend.

Jo and Dana met in the first few weeks of their freshman year of high school when they were assigned to work together on an English project, and quickly Dana admired her work ethic, creativity, and archiving/crafting skills. Since then, they continued to support each other during their college years and as they embarked on exciting new career journeys thereafter. Whether living in NYC or Seattle, Jo has always been a loyal and reliable friend to Dana. Kevin and Dana were even able to make a trip out to visit Jo and her family in Seattle last year, adding to the incredible memories shared.

Mike and Kevin met back in college in 2012 through Melissa, and they bonded right away over their shared love for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago sports teams. They’ve been there for each other through all the highs and inevitable lows of being fans! They've made incredible memories at the bachelor pad parties, sporting events, nights out in the city, and various concerts. Mike is one of the funniest and most reliable friends anyone could have— oh and if you think you could beat him at sports, movie, or pop culture trivia, you are wrong! He is always there when you need him to lighten the mood or help you through a difficult decision.

Janae and Dana first met during their freshman year of high school, when Joanna introduced Dana to her best friend Janae. Dana quickly admired Janae's sense of humor and style, as well as her genuine, happy-go-lucky personality! An avid fan of Harry Potter, Schitt's Creek, Taylor Swift, and a cat lover, Janae has supported Dana through her toughest times, bringing comedic relief via lyric or movie/tv show quotes. Her kindness and passion of helping others inspire Dana every day. In the last two years, Kevin and Dana have shared great times together when visiting Janae and her fiance in Michigan.

Kevin first met Tommy back in 2010 on their dorm floor at Iowa, and they quickly became friends thanks to his laid-back, easygoing personality. He was such a natural fit that they ended up living together during their Junior and Senior years, and he continued as a roommate in the legendary bachelor pad for eight years post-college! Over the years, Tommy’s been more than a friend—he’s been like family, and they’ve shared countless good times together. A fantasy baseball league guru, avid Hawkeye fan, and a statistics major, the two are bound to be discussing all-things sports when they get together! We couldn’t imagine this day without him standing by our side!

Stephanie and Dana first met through Kevin and Tommy when they shared the news that they were going to start dating at a game-night get together with some friends. Stephanie, a long-time college friend of Kevin and Melissa's, quickly caught Dana's attention due to her high competitiveness with card/board games and her fun-loving personality. Between many late wine nights, book club events, and shared love for their dogs, Dana and Stephanie became instant friends. Stephanie is one of the most loyal, hard-working, and positive people Dana knows, and you can always count on Stephanie to brighten the room!

Danny and Kevin go all the way back to kindergarten in 1997! From grade school and high school to youth group, they’ve stayed close through it all. They’ve got a library of inside jokes that they still quote to this day. Even though he lives in Indiana now, every time they get together it feels like no time has passed. As a master of board games and video games, Kevin could never beat Danny growing up. Even last year when Kevin and Dana visited him and his family, Danny still won every board game they played! Danny is a fun-loving guy, a man of strong faith, and someone you can always count on.

Audrey and Dana first met on the ice, training under the same coach, when they were in gradeschool. Dana looked up to Audrey for her hard work ethic on the ice, and bright, bubbly personality off the ice. Despite living in separate states since high school, the two have remained close friends, catching up on the phone during long commutes or when Audrey is home for the holidays. Audrey has always supported Dana through the difficult decisisons of life. Audrey's ability to quickly problem solve, willingness to discuss deeper thought-provoking topics, and genuine loyalty make her an admirable friend.

Adam and Kevin go way back to high school, where they first met in 2006. Their friendship really took off through their time together in youth group at St. Thomas and in high school, where Kevin would spend every weekend at Adam's making bonfires and playing guitar hero. They would cruise around town together, blasting music with no care in the world, laughing until they would cry. Oh, and if Kevin isn't texting Sean, he is likely texting Adam about daily fantasy football and the next-best investing strategy. Adam is one of the most loyal friends Kevin knows—he would drop anything to help the people he cares about.

Kevin first met Luke at Iowa in 2014 when he started dating their friend Karena, and he’s been part of the crew ever since. Luke is the kind of guy who can fit in with any group, and his energy can match Kevin's any day! They’ve shared a lot of great times together, especially bonding over their loyalty to the Hawkeyes. You could say Luke's swagger has worn off on Kevin, in addition to his love for Corona Lights and Guinness - but not yet Malort! Be sure to look for him on the dance floor, bringing the energy all night long!

Tom and Kevin go back to high school, where they first met in 2006, and they’ve stayed close ever since. He’s something of a fantasy baseball guru and, much to Kevin's dismay, manages to beat him every year in their league! In 2021, Tom became the last of the bachelor pad roommates, fitting in with the crew right away. Tom is an avid Notre Dame fan and has even gotten Kevin and Dana to a few games to cheer on the Fighting Irish (as long as they aren't playing the Hawkeyes, of course)!

Kevin first met Billy in 2021 when he started dating our good friend Tina, and though they’ve only known each other for a few years, it feels like a lifetime of memories. From day one, Billy fit right in with the crew, and they quickly bonded over their shared love for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Billy is the kind of guy who would do anything for his friends—his loyalty is unmatched, and he’s always there when it counts. It’s that genuine, unwavering support that makes him such a great friend and an essential part of Kevin’s life.