Has known bride since: 1999
Nationality: German
Currently living in: Cologne, Germany
Occupation: Diploma-Psychologist, on her way to becoming the best psychotherapist I can imagine

Silke about Bettina:
Bettina and I met in October 1999, when we started college at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. Surviving numerous psychology classes and many months of grueling oral exams tested and strengthened our bond. Both Bettina and I spent a year abroad in the US (Bettina in Amherst, MA; I myself in Champaign, IL) from fall 2002 to fall 2003, and went on a rockin' post-Christmas Thelma & Louise roadtrip in Florida. In early 2005, we again embarked to the US at the same time, Bettina working on her thesis at the University of Maryland, and me working on my thesis at the University of Illinois. Bettina was the first to get an excited phone call from me about "this cute guy in my Rueda class..." Throughout the years, even when separated by many miles, Bettina has always remained my best friend, my soulmate who I can confide in and trust. I cannot imagine anyone else as my maid of honor.

Has known bride since: 2002
Nationality: Malaysian
Currently living in: Champaign, Illinois, US
Occupation: Graduate Student in Human Development and Family Studies at University of Illinois

Silke about Lyndal:
Lynnie and I met during a psychology class when I was an exchange student at the University of Illinois. The in-class exercises we had to endure actually sparked an amazing friendship that I'm truly grateful for. Lyn and I have been there for each other during many ups and downs. She provided me shelter at the "Holiday Lyn" (aka her apartment) when my lease had run out and I was literally on the street. Lyn is the kind of person who would do anything for a friend. She threw so many tearful goodbye parties for me — and finally gave up and realized I would always come back to Champaign in some shape or form. Finally, in spring 2005, we found the loves of our lives at almost the same time.... Having Lyn as my bridesmaid is simply bagus! (Malay for "wonderful/excellent")

Has known bride since: 2002
Nationality: German
Currently living in: Mountain View, California, US
Occupation: Graduate Student in Personality Psychology at Stanford University

Silke about Birgit:
Birgit and I met while both of us were planning our year of exchange in the US. Amazingly enough, that year, while Birgit was in California and I was in Illinois, we grew closer just through sharing our experiences via email. After we returned to Germany, our lives started unfolding in eerily similar ways: We both went back to the US to work on our master theses, we went through our final oral exams together in Germany, both of us got accepted into PhD programs at our universities of choice in the US, we both got engaged around the same time (both to wonderful guys from the US), started our PhDs, and are now in the process of planning our weddings — yes, Birgit will also get married in 2008! Aside from that, we have also been mistaken for sisters. I think that says it all. Birgit, "monster love pushers" to you!

Has known bride since: 2002
Nationality: Australian
Currently living in: New York, New York, US
Occupation: Senior Graphic Designer at Serious USA

Silke about Rachel:
Rach and I met in August 2002. We had just moved into the same residence hall to start our study abroad adventure in Champaign and became fast friends. She was one of my rocks during my thrill ride on exchange. Being the avid traveler that she is, she came to visit me for a month in Germany over Christmas 2004. We went to Munich, Berlin, Strasbourg, France, and beautiful Venice, Italy, together... A truly memorable trip. Rach has taught me to seize life and live it, and to not let opportunities pass me by. Since summer 2006, she has been living and working in the Big Apple. Rach has many talents: Not only is she an excellent cook, she is also a wonderfully creative graphic designer - she even graciously offered to personally design our wedding invitations, which we gleefully accepted! Big thanks to my Mini-Me for being my bridesmaid!