Wedding Party
Liz Gillette
Matron of Honor
Liz is Kathryn's older sister. They are only a year and a half apart so they occasionally got on each other's nerves as kids, but as adults they've grown to have the kind of special friendship that can only be shared by sisters. Kathryn has always looked up to Liz's intelligence, ambition, and sense of adventure. She's good at everything she does, which is equally impressive and annoying. She has been Kathryn's biggest supporter through major life events like grad school and wedding planning. Liz lives in Seattle with her husband, Tim, and their brand new baby, Theodore. She loves to make Kathryn jealous by constantly sending her idyllic pictures of herself hiking on the west coast.
Alex Bird
Best Man
Alex is Patrick’s middle brother and they are 21 months apart in age. Alex has lived in Denver since 2018 is responsible for getting Patrick into the craft beer scene. He is a yoga and handstand master and is even making his own custom handstand boards in his garage. At first glance he seems quiet, but if you really listen to him, he can surprise you with witty one-liners. Patrick has always appreciated Alex’s passion for discovering new hobbies, and they often rub off on the people around him. On the weekends, Alex enjoys going hiking and paddle boarding with his dog, Gus.
Jeffrey Bird
Best Man
Jeff is Patrick’s youngest brother, but probably the most mature. Having previously lived in Chicago and Denver, Jeff most recently made the move to Boston. Even though he is the youngest, Patrick has always admired Jeff’s discipline, drive, and work ethic. He has always been a great brother no matter how far away he is from Chicago. Jeff has recently become a father figure to Marvin, his girlfriend Helena’s cat. You can most likely find him at the gym, buying new clothes, or out hunting for the best Lobster Roll on the East Coast.
Katie Nielson
Bridesmaid
Kathryn first met Katie in second grade when she moved in two houses down. It was magic from the moment they first played imaginary baseball in Katie's front yard and they've been besties ever since. Katie is the sole reason Kathryn was able to swing a B in high school calculus. They spent countless hours in Katie's basement eating double-stuff Oreos and watching Singled Out and scary movies. Katie lives in Washington, DC with her husband, Mike, and their adorable son, Ben. Katie has been a constant rock in Kathryn's life and they can always get together and laugh over jokes from cheesy 90s movies as if no time has passed.
Zaib Kurishy
Groomsman
Zaib and Patrick met while playing baseball in Libertyville when they were 14 years old. Zaib was the kid who was always cracking jokes and making people laugh. Patrick was immediately drawn to Zaib’s funny personality/nature and ability to lighten the mood. Having been close friends with Zaib for almost 20 years, Patrick knows that he can always count on him. Zaib loves a challenge, which is why he started multiple businesses in the automotive industry. But most recently, Zaib is taking on a different challenge: He just had his first child with his High School sweetheart.
Abby Nackley
Bridesmaid
Abby is one of the most kind and selfless people Kathryn has ever known. They met in kindergarten and Abby has been a loyal friend ever since. Abby has always been the "leader" of their friend group because she's the best at initiating girls trips, surprise parties, and secret Santas. Her house served as the location of countless after-school Mario Kart competitions and sleepovers. Abby has an excellent memory for long-term inside jokes and the most infectious laugh around. If you ever want to have a spontaneous dance party in a random parking lot, Abby's your girl!
Reid Behrens
Groomsman
Reid and Patrick met in 2009 when Patrick moved to his first apartment in Chicago. It took some time before they became close friends because Reid can be sort of an acquired taste. But once you get to know him, Reid is a great friend who is always supportive and wants nothing but the best for the people he cares about. Reid currently resides in Western Springs with his wife and 2 children. Reid’s unique skills include snacking, winning rare beer lotteries and the ability to fall asleep just about anywhere.
Monique Theogene
Bridesmaid
Monique became Kathryn's first Chicago friend right after college in 2006. They bonded while working in the trenches at the Chicago Sun-Times and Kathryn knew Monique was special when they went to a piano bar and jointly harassed the pianist until he played Proud Mary. Monique is a great listener and always gives excellent life advice. She's notorious for keeping Kathryn out very late because time passes so quickly when they're together. When she's not learning computer programming, brewing her own beer, or seeing the latest movie at the AMC, Monique can often be found contentedly dancing by herself in the corner at a party.
Brent Hawkinson
Groomsman
Patrick and Brent first met in Chicago in 2012 because Kathryn and Sarah (Brent’s girlfriend) were already friends. After several late nights out at the bars and the bowling alley, they quickly became close and started hanging out on their own without the ladies. Brent is very loyal and will do anything he can to help a friend in need. If you are looking for Brent you will mostly likely find him out on the disc golf course, at the park with his dog Rooney, or making awesome beer for Half Acre Beer Company here in Chicago.
Sarah Boulton
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Kathryn met in 2009 when they worked together at a medical office. They locked eyes from across the reception area and they knew it was friendship at first sight. Sarah (aka Wonka) has the most silly sense of humor and makes a mean vodka cocktail. Sarah introduced Kathryn to a slew of lovely ladies from her alma mater, the University of Michigan, and over the years they've had a grand time going on international trips, camping, bowling, and just hanging out with their dogs. A lot of people think Sarah and Kathryn look like sisters, which is fitting because Sarah has become like a sister to Kathryn.
Vivian Swary
Junior Bridesmaid
Vivian is Kathryn's oldest niece. She is 12-years-old and wise beyond her age in so many ways! Vivian is a pro at baking and cooking. She once made the most beautiful beach-themed cake for Kathryn's birthday, which included an octopus and edible beach ball. Vivian has become a phenomenal figure skater in just the past few years and is already landing many double jumps, which makes Kathryn extremely proud and jealous at the same time. Both Kathryn and Pat love spending time with Vivian because she hilarious and loads of fun!
Sebastian Swary
Hype Beast
Sebastian is Kathryn's oldest nephew and he's extra special because he made her an aunt for the very first time. Sebastian is 16 and can now drive a car!! He is an all-star player for the Columbus Crew SC Academy and is on his way to becoming a professional soccer player. Sebastian is quite witty and created this very unique role at the wedding just for himself (although Kathryn and Pat are still trying to figure out exactly what a hype beast is).
Andy Swary
Officiant
Andy is Kathryn's oldest brother. He's a lawyer and Executive Vice President, General Counsel at Finance Fund, so he's kind of a big deal. Kathryn has always looked up to Andy as a mentor, role model, and all-around top-notch older brother. He was a History major and could tell you everything you never needed to know about medieval Benedictine monks. Even though he no longer plays in a band or rides motorcycles like he did in his younger days, he's still a pretty cool guy and Kathryn and Pat are so excited and honored to have him marry them.
Greta
Dog of Honor
Greta will not be in attendance at the wedding but we had to include her in the wedding party because she's so dang cute! Her hobbies include barking at the neighbor's cat, chasing the laser pointer, eating frisbees, and leading the pack at doggy daycare.