Katie & Ryan
Wedding Party
Emma Graves
Maid of Honor
We've known each other for, well, all of Emma's life. Emma is the smartest, funniest, and most loyal person I've ever met. From playing "barbs or polls" (Barbies or Polly Pockets) as kids, to attempting to do her makeup in high school, to wheeze laughing about God-only-knows-what, Emma is the best sidekick one could ever ask for and I'm so excited to have her stand next to me!
Chris Necka
Best Man
Chris and I have known each other since 2010. We met building sets for our high school theatre, but where we really killed it was on the stage performing together. We had the amazing opportunity to write and direct a one act play together titled "Dream Date". Some of our other highlights were playing basketball, Crew Ball, playing video games like NBA 2K, Tony Hawk and Call of Duty, and watching "Whose Line is it Anyways?" till 3am. I am so excited to have him stand next to me!
Jesse Ocanas
Bridesman
Jesse and I met each other in first grade at 21st Century Preparatory School when we both had Ms. Smith. We've grown up together from elementary school trips to the zoo, to middle school dances, to high school football games, to being adults figuring out life in Chicago. Jesse is always there when I need him and is the best hype man a girl could ask for. It simply wouldn't be my wedding without him here standing beside me.
Kelli Jozaitis
Bridesmaid
Kelli and I have known each other for as long as she has been alive. As my only sibling and partner in crime, she has been such a joy to go through life with. I have enjoyed being her biggest fan as an amazing softball pitcher, volleyball setter, and shooting guard in basketball.
Felicia Muhammad
Bridesmaid
Felicia and I met in college at Valpo in, ironically, math class. We both were English and Secondary Education majors and had lots of classes together, and we immediately hit it off. Between working together as RAs in Brandt Hall, to sorority dance parties, to staying up late writing papers, Felicia and I quickly became best friends, and I can't wait to have her stand up with me.
Zach Lentino
Groomsman
Zach and I met in 2012. He was my OSL (Orientation Student Leader). Before I knew him, I had seen him in Little Shop of Horrors at Elmhurst and thought to myself, "this guy is so cool", and that I needed to be friends with him. I have been blessed to share the stage with him in choir and theatre. Off stage, we got to know each other more through our fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha. Our highlights include slaying zombies in Call of Duty, eating too much Taco Bell, and defeating dragons in DnD with Katie and Kira.
Beata Wnek
Bridesmaid
Beata and I met through Ryan and Mike, and quickly became good friends. She's a kind soul with a huge heart, and I've loved getting to know her. Between couples trips to Michigan and Madison, brunch dates, and our shared love of thrifting, she's quickly become someone I couldn't imagine our day without! Fun fact: Beata is the one who took me to get my nails done before Ryan and I got engaged... and she played it off so well I had no idea!
Mike Wnek
Groomsman
Mike and I have known each other since 2016. When we weren't lifting weights and smashing spirits in Super Smash Bros, we were commonly seen at Flight 112 (RIP) in Elmhurst. This man can quote Tommy Boy almost better than myself. "If you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I have spare time." But "I mean you can do. It's like taking your dog to church."
Kira Binder
Bridesmaid
Kira and I met when she started dating Zach, and I immediately loved her! She is so spunky, fun, and kind, and I am so thankful that Ryan's friendship with Zach brought her into my life! Between girls days out exploring Andersonville, discussing in-depth our recent trash TV addictions, and playing DND with the boys, Kira is a wonderful friend and I can't wait to have her stand with me on our wedding day!
Christian O'Kelley
Groomsman
Christian and I have known each other since 2014. This guy introduced me to disc golf, board games, and of course, barbershop music. When I first met Christian, I heard his original compositions and knew I need to be in a quartet with him. Our first quartet was Four Play which was featured in my senior recital. We more popularly are known now as Ryan's Goslings.
Julia Graves
Flower Gal
Julia is my 2nd youngest sister, and is so similar to me that it's scary sometimes. Although she'd never admit it, she is protective of her sisters, and thus, her demeanor when meeting Ryan was cold at best. I'd like to think she's warmed up to the idea of having a brother-in-law. Although she's no longer a child, Julia will always be my little sister and it just feels right for her to be a flower gal along with Claire.
Claire Graves
Flower Gal
Claire is my youngest sister, and has honestly always been Ryan's biggest advocate. When Ryan and I were first working together, Claire actually had Ryan as a counselor in her group at Lutherdale, and when I asked Claire what she thought of her counselors, she said, "Ryan is just so cool" and went on and on about him. So, it's only fitting that she be in our wedding. Although she is no longer a baby, Claire will always be my baby sister, and she will be an amazing flower gal with Julia.