Mary Kate & John
Wedding Party
Bethy Ward
Maid of Honor
AKA - SeaStar Relationship - Since Day 1 Bethy is my big sister and best friend. Growing up we shared a room and now as adults we've chosen to share an apartment. Bethy has shown me the ropes in all of life's important things - running Disney marathons, baking Christmas cookies, practicing YouTube dance moves and embracing her love of Diet Coke - but most importantly she's always been a steadfast presences of encouragement and advice. I would not be who I am without her love and support. Make sure you join her "flossing" on the dance floor!
Steve Collaro
Best Man
AKA - The Good Fella Relationship - 2000 (21 years) To quote one of the greatest movies Good Fellas. "This guy, he's great and you can really trust him, he's a Goodfella." Grew up with this guy through high school, worked with him at the carwash, started a Lawncare business with him, and stood up as his best man. Honored to have him do the same.
Cyndi Becker
Bridesmaid
AKA - PIC (Partner-in-Crime) Relationship - 1995 (26 years) Friends since peewee softball days and every day since, Cyndi's got your back. She's a fierce friend and willing to be the world best wing-woman to meet your future husband after a Cubs game. Living with Cyndi these past few years has confirmed what I've always known - she's incredibly hard working, loyal, and quick to laugh...uncontrollably!
Marcus LuMaye
Groomsman
AKA - True Grit Relationship - 2008 (14 years) We started working at FHP together in 2008. We became friends shortly after and roommates a year later. Whether it was work, rugby, or a night out on the town, I have found myself in some sticky or tricky situations. Right, wrong, or indifferent Marcus was there to level the playing field or hedge it in my favor. It takes True Grit to have been my friend and roommate.
Emily Bayci
Bridesmaid
AKA - The Supervisor Duration - 2008 (13 years) Emily and I met at our freshman year college dorm Weston and later became roommates in apartment #7. Emily started off as the friendly dorm "Supervisor" which ensured we had enough study snacks but quickly evolved into friends who scouted out free campus lunches, joined a Bible study, challenged each other to mac-and-cheese eating competition and ultimately she still challenges me to become the "best versions of ourselves" to this today.
Andrew Roach (Drew)
Groomsman
AKA - NOLA mate Relationship - 2011 (11 years) Not knowing one another, Drew and I were both shipped off to New Orleans (NOLA) for work. Instantly becoming friends, both in and outside of work. We decided to be roommates 2-3 month into NOLA, when Jimbob kicked Drew out of the apartment because cool-aid and chocolate syrup or something (just kidding Jim). One of the best things that came out of my time in NOLA was my friendship and memories created with Drew.
Lindsay Valentino
Bridesmaid
AKA - Jokes Relationship - 2004 (17 years) Lindsay and I met playing defense for the Prospect High School volleyball team and before long I would find myself laughing over Linds' back row commentary. Not only could Lindsay succeed at stand up if she tried but she's wildly creative - she's built a piñata Halloween costume, sells on Etsy, raps wedding speeches, and sews free COVID face masks. Lindsay always uses her talents for the good of others and as a recipient of her good deeds, I am excited to have her and her jokes a part of our big day.
Brad Hommes
Groomsman
AKA - Team Hawaii Relationship - 2000 (21 years) Brad and I met when we both joined Team Hawaii for Diving (highschool dive team). We formed a strong bond defying the coach and refusing to wear a speedo (man thong). Instead, we wore Hawaiian swim trunks. Fast forward to college, we were roommates in two of my rehab projects. One of which requiring us to shower/bathe in the lake for a week. Dealing with those living conditions, I knew a friendship was forged for life.
Colleen Zavodny
Bridesmaid
AKA - Blankie Relationship - 1990 (31 years) Cousin Colleenie and I may not appreciate each other's opposing views on whether teddy bears or blankets are better, we both can agree that we must win at game-night at all costs. Colleen is the best celebrity gossip/Harry Potter/British royalty trivia teammate you can find but she's even better as a life teammate. She's your number one fan, supporting and encouraging you to reach your goals and always with a laugh along the way.
Tom Ward
Groomsman
AKA - The Judge Relationship - 2018 (3 years) Where to start with my soon to be brother-in-law... Its tough because I saw Tommy as the older protective brother. The first couple times meeting Tommy felt like I was on trial being judged, maybe because he's a lawyer. However, after settling in and getting to know him, I found out he is just as lighthearted and easy going as I am. Now we are like two peas in a pod and I see Tommy as friend & brother.
Katie Morley
Bridesmaid
AKA - The Adventurer Relationship - 2018 (3 years) John's sister Katie is an adventurer - she's swam with sharks, she's hot at the Vegas craps tables and by day she's an aerospace engineer. With a life resume like that, no doubt I was a little nervous to meet her. But I had no need to be, we're cut from the same cloth, Disney fans, wine enthusiasts, and most importantly we take being the "youngest siblings" with pride.
Adam Moecker
Groomsman
AKA - The Speedo Relationship - 2000 (21 years) Just like Brad I met Adam in high school during diving. However, Adam did not join Team Hawaii and decide to fall in line and wear the speedo, earning him his alias The Speedo. Despite different colleges, moving across the country (Texas & Nola) adam has remain constant. No matter the gap in time from meeting up, we pick up like it was yesterday. Never skipping a beat.
Jessica King (JJ)
Bridesmaid
AKA - The Cubs Fan Relationship - 2005 (16 years) JJ and I met playing softball in high school and even though we clash since she's a die-hard Cubs fan, she's truly a wonderful friend. Our relationship really took off at the University of Illinois playing for the club softball team, exploring frat park and seeing the Avatar movie at an off campus theatre (which resulted in JJ identifying my assailant who punched me outside of Panda Express). Thanks to JJ there's always a new adventure in the making.
Mike Morley
Groomsman
AKA - The Rock Relationship - Diapers 1986 (35 years) A long long time ago, before I can still remember....... Mike has been there since I was in diapers, from playing ninja turtles to acting like adult children to this day. Mike is family, steady as a rock. He's been around since the beginning and will be there at the end.
Jackie Owens
Bridesmaid
AKA - The Traveler Relationship - 2004 (17 years) Jackie and I met playing volleyball in high school and then quickly almost every other extra-circular. I am most thankful for our relationship post high school where I had the opportunity to visit Jackie to almost every place she's lived since - Michigan, Wisconsin, Ireland, Boston and finally back to Illinois! Even though we've spent years a part, we've felt close through her prayers, hour long calls, and random happy snail mail deliveries.
Johnny Barkowski (JJ)
Groomsman
AKA - The Mountain Man Relationship - 2012 (10 years) While working on the Duvic Pump Station in New Orleans, JJ and I became car pool partners. "Where is the pump station?" you may ask - at the end of the world! It's at the tip of the Louisiana Boot about an hour and 45 minutes commute one way. While being trapped in the car together for so many hours the only choice was to become buds. Enjoying the long crazy conversations. I started to see him as a younger brother that is a nature loving, tree hugging, wannabe mountain man.
Nicole Montoya
Bridesmaid
AKA - The Nights Watch Relationship - 2018 (3 years) The Night's Watch!!! Known by all! Folklore has it, from a young age Nicole protected her brother (John) from The Sand Throwers at the Beach, like The Night's Watch protecting everyone from the Whitewalkers at the Wall. To this day she still stands the night's watch over her 3 children Noah, Evie, and Ollie. Hence earning her the name The Night's Watch. I look forward to joining The Night's Watch with her.
Noah Montoya
Ring Bearer
AKA - Crazy Mac 1 Relationship - Since Birth (6 years) The first recruit to CRAZY PARTY TIME. Noah shows no signs of fear, accepting any challenge. Even walking down the aisle as a ring bearer (Challenge Accepted). Challenge him to a dance off at the reception. Also, Look at his picture.... Future Braveheart!!!! So Folks, keep your eyes open for this greatest showman at the Church and on the dance floor.
Evie Montoya
Flower Girl
AKA - Crazy Mac 2 Relationship - Since Birth (5 years) The second recruit to CRAZY PARTY TIME, only due to age. Evie is shy at first but, once she gets to know you, she blossoms like a flower earning her Crazy Mac title.
Rocco Skibola
Ring Bearer
AKA - Wreckin Rocco Relationship - Since Birth (5 years) The son of Dennis Skibola and the Grooms Godchild. Another ring bearer with No Fear. In true fashion like his father, he will enter the room like a tornado and his presence is know. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, he is a blast and ball of energy!!!
Caitlin Ward
Jr. Bridesmaid
AKA - Qaitlin Relationship - Since Birth (12 years) If you're in ever in need of a laugh or a heartfelt hug, Caitlin is your go-to girl. This Miamian is quick with a punny joke or generous act of kindness. After many cookies-&-cream ice cream filled summers with Mema and Grandpa, Aunt Mary Kate has finally picked up on a few of Caitlin's killer dance moves. Look for this gorgeous young lady leading the dance floor to the latest TikTok dance craze!