Michaela & Matthew
Wedding Party
Caitlyn Dalbke
Matron of Honor
Caitlyn has been my ride-or-die since college, when a spring break trip sealed the deal on our friendship. We’ve racked up endless memories since—from wild NYE parties to quiet nights in—usually with my Matt (she’s a Matt fan - her husband shares the same name 😉) trailing behind us as the honorary third wheel. She’s part therapist, part cheerleader, and 100% essential to my life—and this day.
Joe Unger
Best Man
Joe is my younger brother by five years and lifelong partner in crime. We've gone from Monopoly feuds and Mario Kart marathons growing up in Cleveland to late-night chats over beers living in Chicago as adults (even as neighbors in a Lakeview 3-flat for a few years!). Joe’s the kind of person who can balance a spreadsheet, play guitar, and still find time to make everyone laugh, especially his 6 nephews and nieces whom he and his wife Jenny frequently babysit. I'm proud to have him by my side on this day.
Chelsi Battiato
Matron of Honor
Chelsi has been my best friend since we were five years old, which means she’s seen me through every awkward phase, every milestone, and every questionable fashion choice. From middle school videos that had us in stitches to high school speeches and countless halloween/NYE/birthday/summer parties, she’s been by my side for it all. She’s the kind of friend who will always show up with creativity, humor, and a Taylor Swift playlist ready to go. Even now, with me in Chicago and her in Arizona, our bond hasn’t wavered.
Alex Nixon
Best Man
Alex and I first met in summer gym class for honors students prior to freshman year at St Edward HS. We quickly bonded over our lack of athletic prowess that led us to other shared pursuits... newspaper, robotics, Model UN, and quiz bowl! Our trivia partnership is so finely tuned that Alex's wife Chelsea discovered we had our own sign language of facial expressions on one of my visits to Atlanta. Alex remains one of my closest friends, and we still answer each other's questions on all of life's big decisions. I'm really glad he's here by my side for this one.
Mariah Dowell
Bridesmaid
Mariah and I have been friends since freshman year at ISU, where our shared major—and failed spin-class pledge—was just the beginning. We’ve studied, led, and laughed our way through everything from CPA exams to chaotic conferences. Smart, kind, and endlessly thoughtful, Mariah always makes sure everyone around her is having a great time, which is exactly why everyone loves being around her.
Matt Skowronski
Groomsman
Matt and I met in honors classes at St Edward HS, quickly bonding over our shared love of friendly competition. That only continued with our university choices of Ohio State and Notre Dame, fueling endless but spirited college football debates. After college, we reunited as neighbors in Cleveland’s Warehouse District with many a night at Johnny’s Little Bar downing award-winning Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold. We also compare notes on every Michael Symon cookbook, the Gospel of cooking. Matt is loyal, adventurous, and always up for a great meal (from omakase to Pequod's Pizza), and I’m glad to have him by my side today.
Katharina Delp
Bridesmaid
Katharina and I met in Germany in 2024 when we both swapped countries for work—me heading there, her later coming to Chicago. In just a few short months, she became family. We spent holidays together, road-tripped to Canada, explored each other’s hometowns, and laughed endlessly about the quirks between American and German life. Katharina is kind, grounded, and wise beyond measure—the kind of friend you want beside you for every new adventure (or translation mishap).
Steve Quirk
Groomsman
I met Steve in 2019 through Alex when he moved from Atlanta to Chicago for a new job, and we quickly became fast friends. We bonded over our shared love of baseball analytics and a run of dominance in the Chicago bar trivia scene. A fellow foodie, Steve’s always down to try anything—from Billy Goat Tavern classics to Michelin-star tasting menus. He brings humor, curiosity, and thoughtful insight to every situation. I’m grateful for his friendship and glad to have him by my side today.
Becca Spreier
Bridesmaid
Becca officially became my sister-in-law in 2023 (and will be Matt’s soon) but she’s been part of our crew since long before that. Some of our favorite memories together include brewery hopping, music festivals, and the infamous Mississippi Valley Fair incident where she and my brother ditched my mom with strangers so I could join them in the pit (still laughing about it almost a decade later). Both Matt and I rely on her to make us laugh or to help out in difficult moments. We’re lucky to call her family.
Keaton Spreier
Groomsman
Keaton is Michaela’s older brother. We fittingly first met at a brewery in April 2023 and quickly bonded over our shared love of beer, football, and experimenting with new ways to cook meat. Our group chat with his wife Becca is fittingly named “Beer Football Chat + Michaela,” as Michaela doesn’t share quite the same enthusiasm for those things as the rest of us. Whether comparing fantasy football standings or trading updates on our sourdough starters, Keaton brings humor and energy to every conversation. I’m excited to soon call him family and have him standing with me on this day.
Brooke Mumma
Bridesmaid
As cousins, Brooke and I grew up side by side, from Christmas tree farm adventures to family vacations to the endless phone calls. She’s equal parts brilliant, funny, and unshakably even-tempered—the kind of person who could win a debate and then crack you up in the same breath. Even though we don’t see each other as often now, we always pick up right where we left off—usually laughing.
Addison Spreier
Flower Girl
My niece and goddaughter… she’s definitely going to be the star of the whole day. ❤️❤️