Wedding Party

Deedee Platt

Maid of Honor

Friend of the bride since high school and closest thing to a sister she's ever had. She is a true partner in crime who is always down for a good time, even if it means driving back to Newfane from Rochester at 4 am to make it to work at 6. Multiple occasions when the bride was visiting home from college, Deedee would already be at the Vona's kitchen counter waiting. The groom knew from the start, if he married Meg, he was marrying them both. With the kindest soul and the sweetest heart, she is truly the best friend that the bride is lucky enough to have found in life and can count on to always be by her side.

Shane Barley

Best Man

Before they could even walk Shane and the groom were causing mischief. The closest thing to a brother Ryan has known. Was dubbed "Shane the brain" by the groom's father, a name that has stuck to this day. The two stayed thick as thieves all through elementary and high school despite Shane moving away from the groom's hometown. The two would spend weeks at a time at each other's houses every summer, doing all things boys do. The good times kept rolling when both the boys attended St. John Fisher and spent 4 more years inseparable. Shane and Ryan will continue to be best buds for life.

Nick Vona

Brother of the Bride & Groomsman

As older brother of the bride, he's earned the title of longest best friend. Nick not only helped Meg learn right from wrong, he taught her how to do the wrong thing and laugh if she got in trouble. Growing up with an older brother/ future lawyer definitely provided her with some useful arguing skills as well as several headbutts and a few stitches. From screaming at her on the sidelines of her soccer game, sitting through 8 years of dance recitals, and even putting her through weeks of crossfit, Nick has not only been her most influential support, but the best example of how to work hard to reach your goals. The bride would not be nearly as tough, dedicated, or strong willed as she is today without her number one fan. Even as a McDowell, she'll still be known as little Vona for life.

Leah McDowell

Sister of the Groom & Bridesmaid

The elder sister of the groom, she ruled the nest for 3 years until the groom was born. Leah was gracious enough to share her spotlight with her new baby brother. Leah and Ryan would bicker sometimes when they were younger but shared many laughs and inside jokes. They had a great childhood spending days on the lake in the summer with family and friends. Leah was super popular and everyone in school knew the groom as "Leah's younger brother." The groom was inspired and pushed by his sister's running talent and mimicked her laid back attitude. As the two grew older they became closer. Although they live far away now, when they meet up they joke just like when they were kids.

Lisa Knab

Bridesmaid

Met the bride on the first day of outdoor track season for Fisher's Track and Field program as the bride hugged Lisa within 5 seconds of being introduced. They bonded over grueling mat-push-pull practices, exciting away meet trips, team shenanigans, and their record breaking (and still holding) jump performances. Lisa has always been the person the bride turns to for advice and the biggest supporter of Meg and Ryan from the beginning. Although track brought them together, the love and support Lisa has shown over the years is what makes their relationship stronger than their best max squat.

Eric Riley

Groomsman

Despite growing up in the next town, Eric and the groom weren't good friends until later in college. The friendship was sparked when the groom spent the summer in Rochester living with Eric. Because they lived about a month in the apartment without electricity all the two could do was chat and hang out. They realized quickly that there were likely brothers separated at birth. Eric and the groom both love to fish and agree the best way to spend a summer day is on the lake fishing. They both turn to each other for advice and the groom has Eric to thank for supporting Meg and McDowell.

Jess Locke

Bridesmaid

Met the bride when Jess transferred to Fisher and joined the track team. Right away Jess fit into the "Jump Squad" and they have not stopped laughing together since. As roommates, their big personalities and common interests are what held their friendship together. Although they can no longer share a pair of glasses to see across the dining hall, whenever they do get together, they can pick up right where they left off.

Joel Miller

Groomsman

Joel and the groom met in Rochester the summer of their senior year of college. Joel taught the groom how to play the guitar, a lesson Ryan will always be thankful for. Joel is known for being the best at any game ever, including all bar and drinking games. And the groom feels particularly accomplished if he ever beats Joel at anything, especially cornhole. We will see who has lifetime most wins.

Michelle Hiczun

Bridesmaid

Bride's first friend at Fisher. College would not have been the same amazing experience without Michelle's kind and welcoming nature. With too many memories to even mention the college roommates we're inseparable for years, even hanging out everyday in summer in Lockport. Not everyone gets to find a best friend randomly in the hallway and instantly starting making lifelong memories. Their friendship is one that will continue to flourish throughout their lives.

Jake Popple

Groomsman

Jake and the groom have been best friends since 4th grade where the spent every Friday, AKA correction day, playing, as they never had any corrections. The two stayed best friends throughout highschool and college where they shared the same passion for science and running. The two did just about everything together from summer camps to courses. They didn't just push each other in the classroom, as they also were always neck and neck in track. Jake and the groom were roommates 3/4 years in school and spent hours on end talking about science, music, planning their futures, etc. The two have grown up together and the groom has Jake to thank for always being there. Despite the groom being a "better scientist" he is always impressed by Jake.

Kaitlin Perez

Bridesmaid

Met the bride in the education program in college. What started as just doing some classwork together, turned into being the best of friends, planning to take every class together, and sharing one set of textbooks. It is safe to say without Kaitlin, the bride would not have survived the allnighter projects and be half the teacher she is today. It was clear that they shared the same interests outside of school as well, and with a few mutual friends already, they never missed an opportunity to go out on the town.

Todd Christensen

Groomsman

This friendship started at hockey practice in 5th grade where the groom accidentally cut Todd's hand with his skate. All of the groom's best hockey memories have Todd on his wing. Too many road trips and jokes to count. Outside the rink, Todd and Ryan did just about everything together, with tubing being the #1 summer activity. The two buds have grown up significantly but love reminiscing about the simpler times.

Maria D'Addeo

Bridesmaid

First met the bride in grade school and not only did gymnastics together, but were part of the fastest 8th grade relay team in the diocese of Buffalo. Maria is the friend who comes over and immediately checks the cabinets for her favorite snacks. She has been an honorary Vona for more than 15 years and will forever be a part of our family. So lucky that the separation of high school buildings did not separate the two of them, and living in different states never has either.

Rob Caltavuturo

Groomsman

Rob and the groom met at Freshman orientation and became close friends Senior year of college. Rob is the funniest of the groom's friends and always keeps the laughs rolling. The groom appreciates Rob's easy-going demeanor and is lucky to have him as the coolest groomsmen.

Caroline Vona

Mother of the Bride

Elizabeth Metzger

Mother of the Groom

Andrew Vona

Father of the Bride

Gerard McDowell

Father of the Groom