Wedding Day

St. Mark Catholic Church

Ceremony

IronWorkers Banquet Hall

Reception 

Our Wedding

By the time they matched, both of them were&nbsp;semi-retired&nbsp;from dating. Hinge was more of a time-killer than a love-finder, and the options? Yikes. But one fateful night, Courtney stumbled across a strong jawline and thought, “Okay, not bad.” She hit him with a heart (and has not stopped reminding everyone she made the&nbsp;first move&nbsp;since). David sent a very respectful, thoughtful message… and then Courtney took two weeks to respond. Classic. But when she finally did, things clicked instantly—probably thanks to her go-to icebreaker:&nbsp;“What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”(Because, obviously, small talk is for amateurs.) The convo got good. Family came up. Courtney claimed she looked&nbsp;nothing&nbsp;like her sister and sent a sibling pic to prove it. That’s when David hit her with the bombshell: “Wait... you’re Zack Smith’s sister???” Apparently, David had played baseball with her brother for years. Naturally, Courtney texted Zack for a scouting report:“Was he actually good?”Zack confirmed: legit ball player. Courtney allowed the flirtation to continue. While visiting her college BFF Ashley during that first weekend they chatted, Courtney spent most of the weekend ignoring the outside world and giggling into her phone. David had her full attention. First date? David showed up with flowers (points), they crushed Rachel’s, and watched sports on Halloween obviously. The real test, though? Meeting Remi, Courtney’s dramatic, emotionally complex rescue dog. Instructions were clear:&nbsp;Don’t look at her. Don’t touch her. Don’t even think about being a man near her. Somehow… David passed. That was the moment Courtney said, “Okay, this one’s different.” From there, it was game over. Instant obsession. From cooking meals together to forcing David to do trivia nightly… they were inseparable. Then came Lola. David’s daughter and Courtney’s new musical partner in crime. The two became besties instantly (shoutout&nbsp;Annie and Zombies&nbsp;for the bonding), and it was clear: this messy little crew just worked. Family and friends from both sides agreed. This wasn’t just a good match. It was&nbsp;the&nbsp;match.

Our Story

Photos

Courtney’s sister and lifelong ride-or-die. Their matching tattoos say it all: “I’ll keep you wild, I’ll keep you safe.” The third member of the David + Courtney trio and an expert in hype phone calls and understanding all Courtney’s weird references. She’s also mom to Giuseppe, who may love David more than anyone else (but Courtney is his godmother—don’t forget it, kid).

Nelly Ellis (Smith)

Less than a cousin, more like a brother. Hot dog slinger, mail carrier, die-hard Bills fan, and proud dad of many (shoutout to saintly Kathy for keeping it all together). He’s got too many stories about David - most unfit for public consumption. Let’s hope he keeps the speech PG… or at least under 10 minutes.

Nick Pilat

Quite possibly the nicest human on Earth—and somehow still the only one who can match Courtney’s 47-texts-in-a-row energy without blinking. Always ready for a dance party, a dramatic It’s All Coming Back to Me Now moment, or an Elton John singalong with full emotion. Fashion icon, hostess legend, and the Audrey to Courtney’s Marilyn. Never judges, always hypes, and makes being sweet look like a superpower.

Cassie Dumke (soon to be Matalonis)

David’s older cousin and respected WNY baseball staple. Ron was the one who asked David to join the team he played on with Zack—clearly a decision he questioned every time David shook off his signs (the batters were thrilled). When Courtney asked her dad about David, he didn’t miss a beat: “Ron Pilat’s cousin? Great guy, Ron Pilat.” Proud Twins fan, longtime youth baseball mentor, and even if he’s happy, you won’t know it. 

Ron Pilat 

Courtney’s college bestie, mistaken-for-a-sister, and founding member of the “don’t ask, we’re not telling” squad. Boss mom with a cool-ass house, cool-ass kids, and a surprisingly wet jumpshot. Used to exclusively watch Law & Order: SVU like it was a personality trait, now watches any sport with a beer and sandwich (no condiments) in hand. Loves Fab, never gets Courtney’s movie references but fakes it flawlessly. Also? The Scoop is poop chant at SU basketball games—yeah, that was her masterpiece.

Ashley Filli 

Met David over a game of darts and decided to stick around for the chaos. Cool dad, boat captain, card shark, and lifelong Bills believer. If he’s not on the dance floor (he will be), check his Snapchat—it’s probably already a highlight reel. Also, if you need a car and a good time, Dave’s your guy. One comes with financing, the other’s free.

Dave Peters

Courtney’s sister-in-law and Zack’s equally organized counterpart. Professional photographer, master of the itinerary, 90s rap lover, and president of the “everything has a place” club. Somehow still agreed to be in the wedding after watching Courtney go full ninja and sprain her ankle at Heather’s bachelorette. She may be calm now, but don’t let the label maker fool you… she had a wild streak back in her day.

Heather Smith

Courtney’s big brother by four years—and yes, the same Zack who played baseball with David way back when. Now a super dad and dedicated teacher, he once survived two sisters, a flying milkshake (thanks, Court), and a mild pyromania phase involving matches and his bedroom. Loves the Braves, naps like it’s his job, and keeps his pool cleaner than most operating rooms.

Zack Smith

Courtney’s middle school soulmate and partner in crime (well, Courtney finds the crime, Amanda quietly helps them escape). Total opposites who bonded over softball, Dumb and Dumber, and being weird in the best way. Big gulps, huh? Welp, see you later! Most importantly, she is the 2008 JFK Judith Rokita Honors in Arts Award Winner for Excellence in Theater for her unforgettable performance as Dr. Rodgers. Don’t act like you forgot.

Amanda Kacala

Quiet, smart, and absolutely convinced he knows everything (and to be fair… he’s not always wrong). Hits dingers, anchors the bowling lineup, and delivers dry one-liners that somehow make everyone laugh and question their life choices. Loves card games, grilling, and—most confusing of all—the Miami Dolphins. We don’t get it either, but we let him stay.

Anthony Bagarozzi 

David’s sister, resident cat lady, brilliant artist, and mom to Samantha—certified coolest kid alive. She’s been keeping David in line for years and didn’t even flinch when Courtney showed up with full chaotic energy. Fierce, thoughtful, and the only one who can take a perfect photo and a sarcastic jab at the same time. Quietly judging us all, but in a loving way.

Kelynn Holenstein

Scottish through and through—kilt included—and always ready with a good pint, a set of earplugs, and a random skill you didn’t know you needed. Quiet, loyal, and calm under pressure… unless he’s behind the wheel. He once cut off David and Courtney on the Twin City Memorial Highway without a blinker. When confronted, he just laughed. Classic Oban.

Oban MacFarland 

Cool as hell, loyal to the core, and somehow balances being Mom of the Year and a dog mom of four. Loves her garden, loves her people, and bumps Lil Wayne like it's still senior year. Might take 3–5 business days to answer your texts, but she’ll always have your back—no questions asked. One of the rare few who just gets Courtney’s sarcasm and matches it with a smirk.

Katie Stevenson 

Met David in a bar dart league where precision was optional but trash talk was mandatory. If darts were graded on intimidation alone, Terry would be a hall-of-famer. Don’t let the muscles fool you—he’s loyal, ride-or-die for the Bills, and weirdly good at remembering Seinfeld quotes with David. Just don’t let him paint your house (Michele’s still in therapy).

Terry Schlifke 

From softball and religion class acquaintances to intern… to instant BFF. Dana’s the fashion advisor, workout partner, and low-key legend who makes everyone say, “She’s so cool.” Founder of Lady Links of Buffalo and a shockingly good golfer who will cry at nothing, twerk for everything, and always match the vibe with precision. Loves dogs, the Bills, her family, and constantly claiming she needs a night off—only to show up anyway.

Dana Szymkowiak 

If you need your jersey stitched, your mixtape bumped, or a catcher behind the plate—PB is your guy. Legendary tape deck DJ in the Ford Taurus days, proud owner of a beard that could anchor a lumberjack convention, and Hall of Fame catcher for the Caputi Cubs in the town league. Now working his magic with the Mariners, still full of stories (most unfit for microphones). Bonus points for having a dad cooler than most people—shoutout DB.

Lola is David’s daughter, but more importantly, she’s the unofficial boss of this whole operation. She welcomed Courtney and Remi with open arms—even though Remi now insists on sitting directly on top of her at all times. Lola is a musical theater queen, bassoon-blowing prodigy, art aficionado, and part-time Pringles spokesperson. She loves singing, dancing, cheese, and lovingly roasting her dad any chance she gets. She's the goofiest, smartest, sassiest kid around—and yes, she will be judging your dance moves at the reception.

Lola Kellerman 

Courtney’s niece, goddaughter, and tiny twin with major main-character energy. Livie is 8 going on 38—armed with world-class sarcasm, a deep love for bunnies, Julie Andrews, and tropical vacations she didn’t pay for. She dances, plays sports, makes weird faces on command, and somehow always knows exactly when to roast you.

Olivia Smith

Age 3. Job title: absolute legend. G-Unit is small but mighty, cute but chaotic, and fully convinced this entire wedding is about him. He’s David’s #1 fan, Spider-Man’s understudy, and dangerously charming—with a laugh that could convince you to hand over your wallet and your snacks. Armed with zero attention span and unlimited swagger, he’s here to protect the rings (unless he gets distracted by juice or bubbles). Ladies, beware: this toddler is taking hearts and names.

Giuseppe Ellis

Wedding Party

Q + A

If you need any recommendations for hotels or Airbnbs based on your specific travel plans, feel free to reach out to us directly. We would love to help ensure your stay in Buffalo is the best!

Hampton Inn 

Country Inn & Suites

Travel

Some of our favorite spots! For wings, we highly recommend checking out Nine-Eleven Tavern in South Buffalo for the classic Buffalo style. We also endorse Josh Allen’s fave place, Bar-Bill Tavern for some Cajun honey butter BBQ wings and their beef on weck. For takeout pizza, depending where you’re at we recommend Bella Pizza, Lovejoy Pizza, or DiPaulo’s. If you’re looking for a spot to watch some games and eat Buffalo food, check out Imperial Pizza on Abbott Road. Some good spots for drinks include NY Beer Project in Orchard Park, Riverworks on the water for good views, or hit up local dive / hole in the wall bars for the best Buffalo experience (we know plenty if you need suggestions). Other notable restaurants we love: Riverfield 865 in South Buffalo, Mangia Ristorante in Orchard Park, District 37 in North Tonawanda, or Jack Rabbit on Elmwood. Things to do: Canalside downtown - be sure to visit the Naval Park, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours near Niagara Falls, Bison’s games for a hot dog and a beer cheap, and look up summer festivals because there are a ton every weekend.

Courtney & David

Courtney & David

Things to Do