Patrick Bayly & Kayla Susko
Our People
Erin Bucci
Bridesmaid
I met Erin the first day I started at Jim Thorpe High School. I was so nervous to be at a new school, in a new state, and there was Erin in the band room wearing a cross country jacket and on crutches (?). I couldn’t even tell you what we talked about, but I joined the XC team and Erin became like a sister to me. I got so used to hearing “Bucci and Susko” in high school because we were inseparable. One of the funniest memories is when I was on crutches with shin splints and Erin was carrying my books between classes. We were in the elevator laughing so hard that I peed my pants. Erin let me wear her gym clothes, and we were obviously going to be late to class, so we went to the office for a signed excuse (that they of course were not going to give us). Even though we went to different colleges and ended up in different states, we’ve found ways to stay connected, including lots of phone calls, FaceTimes, and trips to 4 states and a new country together!
Katie Himlin
Bridesmaid
I wouldn't know Katie if it weren't for a mutual friend seeing me in West Commons at Penn State and asking "do you need a roommate?" From there, Katie's parents were pulling me into the mini van driving down Shortlidge Ave to check out a rental. A memory that sticks out to me is when we were at the Phyrst trying to find each other (which means making dolphin noises) and then I saw Katie getting kicked out. We obviously rallied together and were appalled she was getting “kicked out for being herself” lol it’s special to have someone who you know has always been and always will be on your team, and that’s Katie! We got close at Penn State, but we've grown closer since graduating. Through life’s ups, downs, moves, ski trips, and career milestones, she's always helped me appreciate what's in front of me and has been the biggest cheerleader when I have a goal or need a push (like down a tree run).
Gianna “G” Bucci
Bridesmaid
There’s a digital camera photo somewhere of G, Erin and I where G’s arms look like they disappeared. We must have laughed for hours lol and we fall right back into that giggling every time we see each other. Still, G is v competitive and it’s one thing I love about her. From being willing to check out a Solidcore class in the burgh to trying to beat me at a cycling class, G will always be ready to heckle and whoop my ass. She’s also always there for a phone call that most likely involves random thoughts, jokes, deep thoughts, and sports talk. And through the fun, she’s also always there to listen and offer support.
Scott Bayly
Best Man
I first met Scottie when I was 2 years old. He came out the womb screaming and hasn’t shut up since. He’s the more sociable, less athletic, and worse looking Bayly boy, but he cares a lot about our family and would be there for me whenever I asked. My favorite memory is our hunting trip in Montana a few years ago, even though we didn’t come home with an elk. It’s really cool to see him starting his own business (hit him up for animal/human taxidermy needs), and I’m happy to have him stand next to me on the big day.
Gavin Bailey
Groomsman
Call him Gav with a misspelled last name. He’s the chillest of the 3 groomsmen and the meanest on the keys. I met Gav when he let me stash all our alcohol during a dorm hall raid by campo, and I love that he’s always down to get outside. I’ll never forget the WA/ID backpacking trip when he introduced my dad to a forty.
Lucas Polito
Groomsman
I met Luke, or as I call him, Lickass Polito, freshman year of college in res hall B. We roomed together for a few years after that, bonding in Perkins and lighting dumpster fires in Colony. Then we graduated, and Booch (Erin) stole him away. Lucky for me, Booch had a best friend (it’s Kayla) who came in ~8 years later to fill the void. Kayla here. I am obligated to love Luke, but thankfully I do anyways. Mostly when we’re watching some random show in silence and it’s perfectly peaceful.
Aidan Gilrain-McKenna
Officiant
Aidan’s the first person I met at Penn State! Because we technically met when we were scheduling classes the summer before. From recording the most absurd sustainability video and loaning him socks for fencing in college to now officiating my wedding, I’m so thankful for Aidan’s friendship at every step. Now it’s Pat’s turn – Aidan is Kayla’s coolest friend. He’s one of the most caring people I’ve ever met and genuinely interested in the lives of everyone he meets, which makes him a quick friend. I haven’t even spent that much time with him, but I’m always excited to see him. And to try to beat that insanely hard elephant level of LOTR for PS2.
John Slocum
Officiant
The picture is of John and Kayla, but he’s my friend first. We met sophomore year of college when he lived nearby in Park Point. We ended up sleeping together (on side-by-side floor mattresses) the following year. Over the years, John has become a very close friend who I can always count on. One of my favorite times with John was when we took a road trip from the great state of Ohio to Park City and the camper van broke down in Wyoming. POV change because it’s Kayla now. One of my favorite memories is John visiting Pittsburgh before I lived there, but I was in town. We went on a bar crawl with Pat’s roommate at the time (shoutout to Jesse) and his friend from Tennessee. Thinking about the uber ride to our first bar will always make me laugh, because we were already unhinged. John is one of the most genuine people and usually the first person I suggest we call when we hop in the truck for a long drive. I’m so happy to have him as one of our officiants and to consider him my friend now too.
Kim
Mother of the Bride
My mom passed her goofiness, volunteerism, and love of sports on to me but unfortunately not her green thumb! I know I can always count on my mom for encouragement when I’m struggling with something and a laugh. One of my favorite memories with my mom was a Florida vacation when we had the top down on a convertible and sang along to Will Smith’s greatest hits. Or when we we taped our faces up (there’s really no other way to describe it).
Andy
Father of the Bride
My dad’s the reason I love getting outside and have ~some~ video game skills! One special thing about my dad is how he will be genuinely interested in whatever Ian or I care about. Like coming to my first sprint triathlon on Fathers Day or all the midnight book and movie releases he took me too. There have also been countless long car rides where I shared every detail of whatever book I was reading, most likely Harry Potter! I always know he’s there to support me.
Aki
Stepmom of the Bride (or “my Aki”)
Aki’s been in my life since I was 2 years old. I’ve always known her as a bad ass, and she’s passed along her determination and resilience to me over all these years. Even some of her cooking skills, but I’ll never be able to replicate her bolognese. My favorite memories with Aki are the times we get outside together and get to talk about life, work, and goals we have. There was a girls night out in New Orleans that makes the top too!
Ian
Brother of the Bride
Ian is my super caring younger brother. I’m always impressed by how much he knows about what he’s into too and that he even likes me after the many fashion shows and photo shoots I put him through as a kid. My favorite memories with Ian are the times he visited me in Michigan, including a concert, soccer match, riding scooters, and playing games at Whichcraft! Or the time we went to the shore for a quick bday getaway. It’s cool to think about all the places we may end up and that we get to share those places with each other.
Grace
Ring Bearer
Grace is Kayla’s little cousin, and she’ll be giving my ring to Pat on our wedding day!
