Meet the readers!

By now, you've met most of the wedding players, but Lynne and Matt wanted to be sure to introduce two people who be doing one of the most intimidating jobs at the wedding.

Lynne's Aunt Carol will be doing The First Reading. Carol is Lynne's mom's sister, seen here on the far right. (Lynne is shown practicing her pose for when Matt tells one of his famous jokes.) Aunt Carol has been a really important person in Lynne's life, because even though she lives far away - with her husband, Rick, in Raleigh, North Carolina - she has always made a huge effort to spend time with Lynne and her sisters. She usually visits at least twice a year, with one of those visits falling on either Christmas or Thanksgiving. In fact, the Seago girls often comment that Christmas just doesn't feel like Christmas if Aunt Carol isn't there. Typically, Aunt Carol is known for snapping her fingers a lot, singing the old "Milk for Mom" commercial whenever she looks in the refrigerator, and (one of Lynne's Dad's favorite moments) talking in a tiny voice from the back of her throat. She's also very sweet and super helpful - she even flew in five days early to help Lynne and her mom get ready for The Big Day. Lynne and Matt are very excited to have her participate in the wedding, despite her worries that everyone will see her reading glasses. ;)

The Second Reading will be done by Matt's friend Nathaniel or, as some of you have come to know him, Kramer. Nathaniel and Matt have been great friends since the first week of college. Nathaniel lived in the dorm next to Matt, but it wasn't long before he busted through the door without knocking (hence, the nickname) trying to see if anybody had any sody. Since then, Matt and Nathaniel have created all sorts of mischief, including traveling to the MicronPC.com Bowl, building a haunted house in their basement, dying their hair blond and trying out for the Amazing Race - twice. Plus, Nathaniel - a biomedical engineer - lived with Matt for three years, which should qualify Nathaniel for sainthood, at least. Nathaniel and Matt have kept in close contact since college. Matt was honored to be in Nathaniel's wedding two years ago, when he married the lovely and talented Karrie. They recently moved to Indianapolis. You can be sure whatever zaniness goes on Saturday, Nathaniel will be in the middle of it. It wouldn't be the same if he wasn't.

(And were you aware that today, July 7, is Nathaniel's 30th birthday? It is. Wow, he is an old, old man.)

The Gospel Reading will be done by Rev. Robert Rizzo from St. Hubert's Catholic Church.

Now, of course, you're wondering: what readings did they chose? Well, Lynne and Matt want to keep some surprises for the big day, to make sure you show up at the church.

Did you know that Mr. Hanley will be quizzing everyone when they get to the reception, making sure they were at the ceremony? So pay attention or no soup for you!

The Church: Woodridge United Methodist

All right, here's some important information: Lynne and Matt have chosen the church where they will be married!

The ceremony will take place July 12, 2007, (in case you forgot!) at Woodridge United Methodist Church in, of course, Woodridge. (see map)

Outside view of Woodridge United Methodist Church.

Lynne and her family have gone to this church since they moved to Illinois. The pastor is the very nice, very cool Rev. Linda Misewicz-Perconte. Lynne and Matt met with her and she gave them the thumbs-up. Matt and Lynne have some books to read, some classes to take, but the pastor thinks they're on the right track. That's a relief.
(Of course it's totally irrelevant to the wedding, but Matt can't resist mentioning that the pastor is married to former second baseman Jack Perconte.)

This is what you'll see at Matt and Lynne's wedding on July 12, 2007.

This is what Matt and Lynne will see on July 12, 2007.

Except, hopefully, some people will show up. Yes, that's Lynne hiding in the back.

Lynne and Matt are also thrilled that the pastor from Matt's church, St. Hubert's in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, will also be participating in the ceremony. Father Robert Rizzo will be co-officiating the wedding. (No information is available on whether he's related to any professional athletes.)

Before Lynne and Matt asked, there were some nerves about whether both churches would be willing and able to participate in the ceremony. It's important to Lynne and Matt that both faiths from both families be part of a very important day. But you know what? Neither church hesitated about being there. Now that truly is a blessing.

We hope all of you will be able to join us on The Big Day.