Wedding Party

Claire Vola

Matron of Honor

Claire and the bride grew up down the street from each other and have been best friends since 2001. From preschool, to Girl Scouts, to high school football games, to attending different colleges, they remained close friends.

Mallory Hannigan

Bridesmaid

The bride has known Mallory since college (est. 2014). The summer between junior and senior year, they spent almost if not every weekend together on a boat, in the city or at Bourbon St.

Cortni McCarthy

Bridesmaid

The bride and Cortni met at Western. Fun Fact: Cortni and the groom are second cousins (Matt and I did not meet through Cortni but discovered this on the 4th date). You'll most likely find Cortni ordering Vegas Bombs and convincing everyone around her to take one.

Ranju Welch

Bridesmaid

Ranju is the wife of the best man and has been close friends with the bride since 2018. They have bonded over the shenanigans displayed by Matt and Brick. Ranju will most likely request all the Beyonce songs during the reception.

Nicole Gagala

Bridesmaid

Nicole is the sister of the groom. Some would call her a rocket scientist and most would call her 'Colie'. You can find Nicole trying to catch the ring bearer.

Rebecca Reiser

Bridesmaid

Rebecca is a cousin of the groom and a beloved dog mom of 2. Becki and her husband frequently camp, you can find her campin' out near the bar.

Bricklin Welch

Best Man

The groom met Brick freshman year of college at UIC and lived together for a decade. Matt and Brick have frequently managed to stay up until 5AM drinking despite guidance from their significant others. You'll catch Brick discussing the latest conspiracy theory or quoting Joe Rogan.

Andrew Maybach

Groomsman

The groom met Andy in 1999 growing up in Plainfield and spent the better part of their childhood skateboarding (videos are available on YouTube). You can catch Andy with a glass of Whiskey doing the stanky leg.

Oscar Carvajal

Groomsman

The groom met Oscar in 2012 through the best man. You can catch Oscar drinking a pint of Fireball in a nearby alley.

Steven Hilk

Groomsman

The groom and Steve have been close friends since 1996 and spent the better part of their childhood skateboarding and playing sports (videos are available on YouTube). From living across the street together to living in neighboring states, they have continued to remain close friends. You'll must likely find Steve drinking a Miller Lite on the dance floor.

Cameron Jordan

Groomsman

The groom met Cam in 2010 and they lived together for three years. Cam enlisted in the air force and Matt would frequently visit wherever he was stationed. You'll find Cam raiding the snack table.

Steven Sala

Groomsman

The groom met Steve in 2015. They lived together for a year before Steve moved to North Carolina. You can catch Steve accompanying Oscar in a nearby alley drinking a pint of Fireball.

Michael Soldani

Groomsman

The groom and Mike met in grad school at SAIC studying Architecture. They lived together for a year in Logan Square before Mike eventually moved to NYC. You'll find Mike walking Gio, the best dog, down the aisle.

Nathan Gagala

Ring Bearer

Nathan is the nephew and God son of the groom.

Sue Ahnell

Mother of the Bride

Drink of choice: Tangueray and Tonic

Erick Ahnell

Father of the Bride

Drink of choice: Vodka and 7-UP

Robert Hamaker

Father of the Groom

Drink of choice: Bourbon neat

Cathy Hamaker

Mother of the Groom

Annette Hamaker

Step mother of the Groom

Drink of choice: glass of red wine

Gio Hamaker

Best Dog

You'll probably find Gio right next to dad and begging for treats and butt scratches during cocktail hour. Don't forget to say hi to Gio!

Matthew Gagala

Officiant

Matt is the groom's brother-in-law and an avid fan of the Colorado Avalanche and Penn State Nittany Lions.