Wedding Party
Katelyn Malone
Bride
Meet the bride! Katelyn is 26 years old and graduated from East Alton Wood River High School, class of 2016. She is a proud graduate of the Child Development Program at Lewis and Clark Community College. Katelyn has been very dedicated to helping the development of children with her job in Special Education at Lewis and Clark Elementary. During her free time, she loves spending time with her son Atticus, coaching cheerleading, constantly beating Tyler in Mario Party #GoBirdo, exercising, listening to live music, game nights with friends, and wedding planning! She is extremely excited to celebrate the love she has for Tyler with all of you and dance the night away with her family and friends!
Tyler Lafferty
Groom
Meet the groom! 29 years young with the heart of a 12 year old. Graduated from East Alton Wood River High School, class of 2014. After high school, he continued his education at Western Illinois University (Go Necks) where he received a Masters in Science in Parks and Recreation. He has devoted his career to improving and enriching the lives of all of his surrounding communities through youth programs and events. In his free time, he loves his deep educational conversations he has with his son Atticus, he enjoys coaching, officiating, and trying to beat Katelyn in Mario Party #GoWario. He plans to be on the dance floor celebrating our big day and drinking all the margaritas on our honeymoon in Mexico!
Kailey Connour
Maid of Honor
This one of a kind friendship all began in high school P.E. and has continued to grow into a sisterhood years later. Moving in together was the jump that made their friendship become family. From matching tattoos, drunk laser tag fights, and spontaneous girls trips to wherever they feel, Kailey has always been the one to go with the flow and ask questions later. No matter what adventure is in store, these two are always laughing and making memories that will last a lifetime. #WheresTheRum?
Rikki Lafferty
Best Man
The easiest way to get Tyler to say yes to just about anything is if there is food, Busch Light, and if his brother Rikki can come. When they are together it is guaranteed to be a good time! Tyler and Rikki have never needed much as long as they had each other. If Rikki is not on the dance floor look to the bar, he is probably getting another round. If you are looking for someone say yes to your ideas smart or stupid, Rikki is that someone. He has been going along with Tylers half brain ideas his entire life.
Alexus Lanham
Matron of Honor
Katie and Alexus have not known each other a long time, but they instantly clicked and became incredible sisters! When Katie met Alexus for the first time, Alexus was taking Tequila shots and doing the full out dance to WAP in the middle of the dance floor at her wedding. Katie knew in that moment they would get along wonderfully. Katie is honored to have Alexus be her Matron of Honor for her big day and hopes to see a reenactment of WAP at her wedding!
Nate Billings
Best Man
Not sure if kids still have races on the playground anymore or not, but just know they don't want to see 8 and 9 year old Nate and Tyler. Nate is the definition of the jack of all trades. The stories Tyler and Nate have are endless. From swimming in the Wood River creek, selling Katie and Tyler their first home, to now being the Godfather to their son Atticus. When people say "I know a guy!", Tylers guy is Nate. He can do it all.
Kayla Barczewski
Bridesmaid
Sometimes friendships form out of the most unlikely situations, and that is how Katie and Kaylas friendship all started. Katie remembers when she first met Kayla, Kayla had zero voice and was newly dating her friend Sam, who would become her future husband about a year later. These two became extremely close and its remained that way ever since. Kayla has always been a constant in Katies life. While being super mom to her three gorgeous children, Kayla has always made time for Katie and her wild ideas. There is no doubt that if Katie ever needed something Kayla would be just a phone call away.
Mike Howell
Groomsman
Sadly Mike and Tyler never got to play soccer together at Western University. However, Tyler says he has never met someone that matches his energy as fast as Mike did. The first time Tyler and Mike hung out Tyler knew right away that they would become best friends. If you are ever looking for a beer bong, Mike is your guy! Pump it up!
Micah Jones
Bridesmaid
Sure, most people know Katie and Micah have become such great friends through her friendship with Tyler. But, little does anyone know Katie actually met Micah before her and Tyler began dating. Micah, being the social butterfly she is, commented on Katies outfit one night while they were both at a bar in Edwardsville, and BOOM a friendship began. Micah is someone Katie will always call if she needs advice, too vent about anything, ask ANY astrology question, or just to go get a drink. This friendship is new, but one of Katies favorites.
LeRandy Warren
Groomsman
Larry and me spent more time together in high then anyone else. If you saw me, you saw Larry. My brother from another mother. I am guaranteed when hanging with Larry to get in trouble. The best thing about it is who is ever going to mess with Larry? Answer: No one!” Larry is the guy you always want on your team. Never let him keep score because you will always lose. If you need an enforcer look no further!
Mackenzie Englar
Bridesmaid
This friendship is one of the friendships Katie holds dear to her heart. Mackenzie and Katie met in Kindergarten and have remained best friends since. They have created memories through the several sleepovers, multiple vacations, and both band and cheerleading camps throughout their middle school & high school years. Katie got the wonderful honor to be a bridesmaid in Mackenzie’s wedding, now it’s her turn to be a bridesmaid in Katie’s wedding.
Brady Long
Groomsman
My first year at Western we had identical schedules. I never gave him a choice when it came to being friends. I pretty much told him, “hey I’m Tyler we are new best friends.” Brady was always my friend I could count on. When it came to playing pick up basketball or drinking until 5am talking about nothing. If you want someone he is down my guy Brady is him. If you are missing a bottle of Jager it was also him.