Catherine Gaughan
Joseph Fasanella
Catherine Gaughan
Joseph Fasanella
October 16, 2026
Schedule
Friday, October 16, 2026
Ceremony
4:30 pm
3601 N Lavergne Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Reception
6:15 pm - 11:15 pm
3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Travel
Hotel
The Westin Chicago River North
The cutoff date to make reservations will be September 25, 2026. The link above should take you directly to the hotel block.
Wedding Party
Coleen Battiato
Maid of Honor
Coleen and the bride have been BEST FRIENDS FOREVER since the womb. The best twin sister, co-pilot, and friend any girl could ever ask for. Coleen and I have been through every aspect of life together (even the same college- GO HOOSIERS!) so having her stand by my side on MY WEDDING DAY as my Maid of Honor only makes sense. Coleen makes you feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Everyone should have a Coleen in their life. To have Coleen on your team makes your life a little easier and brighter! Although we have very different personalities, there is one thing now that we have in common; marrying our Italians. Chef kiss to our Grandpa Frankie; I think he would be proud! That's Amore!
Cara Johnson
Bridesmaid
The Bride's oldest sister who wished for a little sister for years. Her dream came true when Cara got 2 sisters at almost 7 years old. She has been another mom and the BEST/Greatest big sister to both Catherine and Coleen since July 1993. Although we are almost 7 years apart Cara has made it her goal to continue to share her wins and life adventures with her little sisters in every aspects; themed outfits, college tailgates, dating, traveling, wedding activities (Maids of Honors) and maybe the best title to date AUNT. Cara is the best big sister anyone girl could ask for. Happy to look up to her as an example as a daughter, sister, wife, mom, and friend. It's an honor to have her stand by my side as I marry the love of my life.
Alexis McGlothlin
Bridesmaid
St Jude 56 B girls basketball team has to be credited for this friendship. Alexis and Catherine have been making memories from Grade School days to High School days to some of the most FUN (tailgate) days at Indiana University together since 2005. Alexis has been the best "triplet" Catherine and Coleen could ever imagine. Everyone needs an Alexis in their lives. Having shared so many SPECIAL moments in life with Alexis means she is stuck with us (Coleen, Danny, Keaton, I and now Joe) for life right? It was an honor to stand by her side in November 2024 as she married the love of her life Brant. Only makes sense she is up on the alter with me on October 2026.
Katie Lynch
Honorable Bridesmaid
Katie, Coleen, and Catherine met in 4th grade when the twins transferred to a different catholic grade school St Jude. We met at a sports summer camp before the school year started. We were BFFs from that day on. When Katie got home from camp, she told her mom that she just met her new best friends "They have older siblings too!" Little Lynch and Little Gaughan(s) were "stuck like glue" from 4th grade to junior year of high school. Katie and Catherine happened to have Freshman year English class together; one day in September 2008 in English class their lives were forever changed with a note from the front office; Katie was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. Katie was the bravest and brightest light during her treatment (Live, Laugh, and Love was the motto she continued to live by during her cancer battle). She always lived her life to the fullest; on May 20, 2011, Katie lost her battle at the young age of 17th to cancer. Katie was the best friend a girl could ever have. I am blessed to have know her and honored to continue to share so many life events with her by my side. Catherine and Joe will be donating to Katie Lynch's Foundation to continue her legacy when the scholarships that have been set up in her name. Katie's Walk is an event that has raised funds to provide numerous scholarships for high school and college students as well as provide much needed assistance to families struggling with cancer. LOVE YOU MORE Little Lynch!!!
Aaron Harris
Best Man
Aaron and I have been friends since we were six—meeting in first grade in Ms. Duncan's class. We’ve hit every kind of Chicago outing together: Cubs games, summer concerts at Northerly Island/Salt Shed, movies at the AMC where the popcorn somehow costs more than a Bears ticket. He knows way too much about me, which is exactly why he’s standing up there with me.
Mitch Ryan
Groomsman
Mitch and I have been friends since first grade in Ms. Duncan’s class, long before our AC/DC cover‑band era proved we were basically T.N.T.—loud, chaotic, and probably a fire hazard. We’ve hit countless Chicago games, concerts, and adventures, and he’s always the first to say yes to whatever wild idea comes next. Every crew needs a “down for anything” guy—Mitch is ours.
Jamie Drost
Groomsman
I met Jamie my senior year of high school, and we’ve been chasing fish, deer, and good times ever since. If we’re not out on the water at sunrise, we’re at a concert by sunset—usually still arguing about Chicago sports. He’s the guy who can track a buck better than the Blackhawks can track the puck these days, and that’s saying something. Wouldn’t want to head into this day without him.
Mitch Simmon
Usher
Mitch and I have been close friends since high school, bonding over poker nights, questionable golf swings, and a shared talent for talking trash. He’s also the only guy I know who can turn a simple grocery run into a VIP experience—Catherine and I have him to thank for some legendary Aldi discounts. He’s always down for a good time, and I’m lucky to have him in the lineup.
Drew Bulson
Usher
I met Drew playing football in fourth grade, and we kept lining up together all the way through high school. Some of my favorite memories aren’t even from the field—they’re from cruising around in his doors‑off Jeep, poker nights that went way too late, and golf rounds where we insisted we were “dialing it in” any day now. After all these years, he’s still one of my closest friends, and I’m grateful he’s standing with me.
Gallery
Things To Do
Lincoln Park Zoo
FREE all days; check their website for hours
Lincoln Park Farmer's Market
Saturday mornings this FUN activity is hosted by Green City Market :) one by Hotel Lincoln and the Lincoln Park Zoo on N Clark Street ; this one gets busy so if going earlier would be better it opens at 7am; one by Lincoln Park High School in the parking lot on Armitage and Halsted
The Wiener's Circle
Chicago Hot Dogs; if you have never been it's worth it; they wouldn't have our sign up but fun to see and true Chicago experience
Glascott’s Saloon
A favorite spot for both of us before we even met! Sometimes it's better to get Athenian Room at the bar.
Athenian Room
A great GREEK restaurant that is attached to Glascott's. CASH ONLY but there is an ATM on the Glascott's side. It is Tina Fey's favorite Greek restaurant in Chicago
Pequod's Pizza
Always been a Lincoln Park staple; got more popular due to the tv show "The Bear"; make sure you make a reservation if not you can chill at the bar next door Becks
Zeitlin's Delicatessen
New Jewish deli (October 2025) in our neighborhood; actually know the owner through an old coworker; it is next to Beck's and Pequod's Pizza
Ranalli's Pizza Bar - Lincoln Park, Chicago
Catherine lived above Ranalli's when her and Joe first met. When the weather is NICE, this patio will be busy/packed. Jumbo chicken tenders and HOT Honey Soppressata pizza are 2 must haves if you go to Ranalli's
North Avenue Beach
Closest beach to Lincoln Park AND also the Lincoln Park Farmer's N Clark Street Market to enjoy your treats from the market
Wrigley Field
Cubs Baseball and Bar Hopping. I believe our 4th date was a Cubs game (even though a last minute change to our 2nd date itinerary almost had Joe meeting some of my family member 4 days after we met) The neighborhood has really changed around Wrigley if you haven't been since 2016 then it is worth going to just point out the changes; PLEASE don't skip the wedding if the CUBS are making a run in the playoffs
Architecture Tour Boat
First Lady is boat option; even if you have been to Chicago 100 times; this is always worth it
Lakefront Trail
When the weather is nice you can see the CITY being VERY ALIVE on the Lakefont trails with runners, walker, bikers, or people enjoying the beaches or green spaces along LAKE Michigan
Riverwalk Downtown Chicago
New restaurants, ice cream shops, bars, boat rentals; the River walk has been updated the last 5-10 years to create a really fun atmosphere
Cindy's Rooftop
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, or Cocktails (be sure to make a reservation)
Eataly
Casual Italian food experience; Italian market vibes; there are a couple restaurants within Eataly; might need a reservation
FAQs
Question
WHEN ARE RSVP'S DUE?
Answer
Please RSVP by September 1, 2026
Question
ARE PLUS ONES AND/OR CHILDREN ALLOWED?
Answer
Due to the size of our venue and guest count, we kindly ask that you do not bring additional guests unless they are included in your invite or RSVP form. We love your little ones, but we’ve decided to make our wedding an adults-only celebration. We hope this gives everyone a chance to relax, let loose, and enjoy the evening with us!
Question
WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO EAT EITHER OF THE ENTREES CALLED OUT ON THE RSVP FORM?
Answer
Please include your dietary restrictions on the form, and we will work with the venue to provide an appropriate meal for you.
Question
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
Answer
We'd love to see our family and friends dress up with us! So, we are asking that all of our guests dress in semi formal attire. A suit and tie or a cocktail dress is perfectly appropriate. Most importantly, we want you to feel confident, comfortable, and ready to celebrate with us!
Question
WILL THE WEDDING BE INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?
Answer
Our ceremony is planned at 4:30pm (venue is a Catholic Church-inside). Cocktail hour 6:15 pm at Chief O'Neill's Beer Garden and Restaurant. Dinner will be served in the Beer Garden (outside there will be some heaters if needed) and dancing will take place in the inside and outside of the space.
Question
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR THE CEREMONY?
Answer
As the ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4:30, we request that everyone arrive at least 15 minutes prior.
Question
WILL THERE BE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
Answer
TBD
Question
WILL THERE BE PARKING?
Answer
Yes- St Bartholomew Catholic Church (Our Lady Of The Rosary Parish) has a free parking Lot. 3601 N Lavergne Ave, Chicago, IL 60641, United States Yes- Chief O'Neill's has free parking around the restaurant. We STRONGLY suggest to Uber or carpooling 3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
Question
WHERE SHOULD REGISTRY GIFTS BE SENT?
Answer
Most registry websites should auto-populate our address, but if any issues are encountered please reach out to Joe or Catherine.
Question
WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Answer
Please reach out to Joe and Catherine with any additional questions!