Kelly & Dave
Wedding Party
Colleen Hourihan
Maid of Honor
Colleen is Kelly's younger sister. They grew up together in Elmhurst, IL, where their parents still live today. Growing up together, Colleen & Kelly were each others best and worst friends (as sisters will be). As they got older Kelly realized just how special it was to have Colleen in her life. Now, as adults they are each others biggest supporters, and best friends! Colleen was lucky enough to meet Dave early on, she actually met him during their 3rd date! Colleen went to college at Western Michigan University, and her grad school campus was in Grand Rapids! (So if you need any recommendations on where to go, she's your girl!) Colleen now lives in Schaumburg, IL.
Chris Birk
Best Man
Dave and Chris became friends Senior Year in high school and later became roommates freshman year of college at Tarkington Hall - Purdue University. (You will start to see that Purdue theme - Boiler Up!) There have been many memorable moments from the Birk's basement on weekends or school break, The Lake, countless concerts, Ireland trip, and of course debating sports. Chris splits time between Minneapolis and Chicago. And yes he does get the question at least once a night, "Did you know you look like Mark Wahlberg?". When you see Chris around, make sure to ask him his thoughts on who is better, Manning or Brady... Chris lives with his girlfriend Maya and their dog Loki.
Kate Mellone
Matron of Honor
Kelly and Kate met before they were even born! Their moms met in a prenatal exercise class. As kids they spent a lot of time going on adventures with their moms and younger sisters. Kate and Kelly went to different elementary and middle schools but it didn’t stop them from reconnecting freshman year of high school. During college Kate transferred to Illinois State University to join Kelly and be roommates for junior and senior year. Being friends for 32 years is a very special thing, Kate & Kelly don't take it for granted. It has allowed them to learn to read each others minds (you don't want to play Catch Phrase against them). Kate now lives in Lombard, IL with her husband Jim, their son Luke and dogs, Madison & Ivy. Kate and Jim are expecting their second in the spring of 2020.
Chris Stocker
Groomsman
Dave met Chris before Purdue as Chris was dating Dave's sister, Katie. It didn't take long for these two to become friends. Bonding over Purdue Sports, Colts (and Packers), and the Indy 500. There have been many memories in the years Chris has been around. Jane Dobson has loved him from the moment he cleaned her out of chicken fingers at a Purdue/IU tailgate. That story has been told in the Dobson family at least once every holiday season... (Oh yes, it was also the first time he met the parents). Chris has been a friend and brother to Dave for much longer than when it became official on 12/18/2010. It's fitting that Dave & Chris do a Twins Day-Twins Game, ask him for the most recent picture! Chris is from Indianapolis, IN. He currently lives in Minnesota with Katie and their dog Walter.
Kelly Wagner
Bridesmaid
Kelly H met Kelly W freshman year of high school during gymnastics (which was not Kelly H’s best sport). The Kelly’s have been a package ever since. Kelly W went to college at University of Illinois, not too far away from where Kelly H was at Illinois State. After undergrad Kelly moved to Florida to pursue her degree at University of South Florida. Kelly moved back and finished her masters at the University of Illinois at Chicago. During high school Kelly and Kelly dreamt of living in Chicago together in an apartment filled with the coziest couches, lots of books and a place to host all of their girlfriends. Although they were never actually roommates, Kelly has loved having Kelly living in Chicago at the same time. Kelly now lives in Wrigleyville with her boyfriend Jeff.
Pete Lang
Groomsman
Dave and Pete met at Purdue University, Sigma Nu Fraternity. Peter is a very quick witted man who always likes to catch you slipping up saying something incorrectly, normally with sarcasm, the look he will give you is like his picture (he is very proud in that picture). Pete and Dave have lived with each other in multiple locations in Chicago and the places are always better with his humor. Pete is always ready to go to a ballgame, a concert, or any bar to catch a game. Pete is from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and moved to Chicago directly after college.
Katie Stocker
Bridesmaid
Katie is the older sister of Dave. Being the oldest, she has had to put up with him the longest. It was never easy dealing with David when he was younger, as he would pick on his sisters non-stop (and still does). Growing up in the Dobson household meant you were spending your weekends at some sort of sporting event mainly in gymnasiums. While that was exhausting, this is how David and Katie really started to bond over their love of all things sports, mainly volleyball and The Packers. When they are together both of their goofy sides get magnified and when Katie met Kelly for the first time they seemed like they had known each other for years. Both of them have bubbly personalities and smiles that brighten the rooms. Katie lives in Minneapolis, MN with her husband Chris and dog Walter.
Matt Knox
Groomsman
Dave and Matt met at Purdue University, Sigma Nu Fraternity. As you can tell by the picture, Matt is the proud father of Jimmy Oz and also somehow a proud White Sox fan (so is Kelly)... As you will see with the rest of the groomsman, Sigma Nu was the start of many long lasting friendships. Matt and Dave enjoy going to baseball games and concerts together, it's always nice to have another person to stand at the back with and still see the band. Matt also is responsible for encouraging Dave to move to Chicago, Wrigleyville, to become roommates. As you will see at the reception, Matt loves to throw a couple of dance moves out there on the floor that will make you laugh heavily. Matt is from Auburn, IN and currently lives in Zionsville, IN with his wife Kristen, son Jimmy, and dog Summer.
Julie Dobson
Bridesmaid
Julie is the younger sister of Dave. As it was with Katie, Julie was picked on by David growing up. Julie got the worst of it as she was smaller, but that didn't last for very long as both of them were inseparable while growing up. They shared a room and bunk beds and their father, coined their nickname together, the katzenjammers. They spoke their own language and still have a special bond that will carry throughout their lives. Julie always brings so much energy and love into any room she goes to. As it was with Katie, Julie and Kelly had a bond immediately as they were already sisters. It seems very fitting that both Katie and Julie would be standing up as they are all excited to become officially sisters. Julie lives in Indianapolis, IN with her cat Shorty and dogs Bailey and Vince.
David Graham
Groomsman
Dave and David met at Purdue University, Sigma Nu Fraternity. Dave and David became friends by passing each other in the halls of SNU by saying "Hey, Dave!", "Hey, Dave!"... Yes it was that easy. Dave has been a close friend for quite some time and even joined in on the last full Dobson family vacation in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. The duo set off fireworks illegally, but the neighbors cheered so they were in the clear. David is quite the comedian and will most likely hold court at some point over the wedding weekend. If you need to find this show, just look for the crowd of people laughing at Dave and bingo! For those that didn't go to Purdue, Dave also has a hidden talent - he can break dance! Dave is from West Lafayette, IN and now lives in Chicago with his wife Megan and dog Pickles.
Kasey Ganger
Bridesmaid
Kasey is Kelly’s God-Daughter, and her cousin, Suzi’s daughter. As “Fairy God Mother” Kelly has loved watching Kasey grow up into the young lady she is today. Kelly and Kasey both love to play games, cook, bake and organize. Kasey is a girl scout and loves to do crafts. If you have any questions about how to make slime, Kasey is your girl! Kasey is growing up too fast and is keeping us all on our toes. Her keen sense of sarcasm will be sure to make you laugh! Be sure to wish Kasey an extra special Happy Birthday if you see her at the wedding (she turns 12 a week after the wedding)!
Matt Thorpe
Groomsman
Dave and Matt met at Purdue University, Sigma Nu Fraternity. For starters, those close to Matt don't call him by his first name (sorry, Liz), they call him Thorpe or the Thorpedo. Thorpe is one of the kindest men you will ever know and has an infectious laugh that you will immediately recognize. Dave and Thorpe lived together in college outside of the fraternity which was memorable in its own right. Thorpe is a Bears and Cubs fan which makes it all the more impressive to be friends with Dave (Packers and Cardinals). Thorpe always brings life into any situation, his personality will transform the room and have everyone laughing. Just watch out for Thorpe and Pete together, you must have your A-Game in sarcasm ready! Thorpe lives in St. Petersburg, FL with his fiance Elizabeth.
Jake Edwards
Ring Bearer
Jake is Kelly’s cousin, Suzi’s son. Jake will be turning 3 in March, and is so excited to walk down the aisle to see his best buddy, Dave. Despite the difference in size, Jake and Dave’s bond is very strong. One of Jake’s favorite phrases is “Where’s Dave?”, and he will be sure to ask anytime he wishes that Dave were around. Jake is a big fan of high fives and playing catch. Kelly & Dave get to spend the most time with Jake during their yearly trip to South Haven, Michigan with Kelly's family. Jake is Kasey’s little brother, and you are sure to see her trying to corral this little ball of energy all around the wedding!
Rob Chase
Groomsman
Dave and Rob met at Purdue University, Sigma Nu Fraternity. Robert is the creator of the group, he can build anything with his hands and also has had the most recent house for the group to get together. He was kind enough to bring in 4 other guys (Dave, Pete, Birk, Gerry) to live in his house in Chicago, and it is while Rob and Dave lived in this house that they met their wives to be! Rob has a heart of gold and infectious personality, if anyone ever needs anything, Rob is the first one to see what he can do. During the year Dave lived at Rob's house, there were countless laughs, plenty of Zours, and the return of Beer Die (a SNU favorite). Rob lives in Chicago, Illinois with his fiance Eve.
Justin Jones
Officiant
Justin and Kelly met sophomore year of high school, and have been best friends ever since! He is one of the most outgoing people you will meet, and his positive attitude is sure to put you in a good mood. You will surely hear one of Justin's trademark stories if you find him during the wedding weekend. Justin really knows how to make sure everyone is included and having a great time. He moved to Chicago a few years after college, not too long after Kelly. He was one of the first friends Kelly introduced Dave to soon after they started dating in 2017. Kelly and Dave can’t wait to have Justin officiate their wedding and they know he will do a great job, they are only slightly curious about what he will say :) !