Zachary's Red Barn & Farm Events

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Story

Our Wedding

Anyone who has ever met Katie and Nate knows that their love runs true and deep. When Nate finally proposed, their friends celebrated across the country. But long before there were wedding bells, there were school bells.&nbsp;&nbsp; Katie and Nate met while attending Summit Hill Junior High in their 8th grade English class. They formed a fast friendship and Nate later asked Katie to go to the dance with him. It might sound like it was all love at first sight, but Katie actually ended up ditching him at the dance. Nate’s feelings for Katie remained undaunted however and he was able to eventually win her over just two years later. The couple began dating on July 11, 2012, when they went to see Snow White and the Huntsman.&nbsp; The relationship lasted throughout their high school years, where the two were voted prom king and queen, and through their time in college. College was a true test for the couple, as Katie attended Eureka College in Illinois and Nate went to Augustana College. During this time, they communicated often over text, phone, and facetime, and they drove long miles to visit each other on the weekends. Their love was considered by their respective sorority sisters and fraternity brothers as #goals.&nbsp;&nbsp; Katie graduated with her degree in education in the spring of 2018 and went on to teach in Chicago. Nate decided to continue his education at St. Ambrose University. As such, the long-distance relationship continued. However, Nate was planning something very special&hellip; Capitalizing on their shared love of travel, Nate hashed a plan to propose to the love of his life. He contacted Katie’s friends for approval and for help keeping her in the dark--which was hard since he nearly blew his own secret several times--booked a trip for the two to travel to California after Christmas.&nbsp; On December 29, 2018, Nate took Katie hiking in California. When they reached a scenic waterfall, he dropped to one knee, presented her with a ring, and asked her the one question that had been in the making for nearly a decade: “Will you marry me.”&nbsp;&nbsp; Katie, obviously, accepted.

Our Story 1

Masks

We have decided to leave the decision to wear masks up to our guest. We want everyone to be there and comfortable. Mask or no mask, that is your own decision.

Details

Photos

Registry

Nate was the first person I met at Augustana and it turned out we lived across the hall from each other. We later joined the same fraternity.

Justin Provo

I am number 2 of the 6. Katie and I met playing softball when we were little. Katie and I always kept each other balanced. I am the crazy one and she is the level headed one. I am also a member of the Dream Team.

Sarah Berger 

Katie and I met in 3rd grade while playing softball and only grew closer as the years went by to become 2 out of 3 members of the Dream Team. I am also number 3 of the 6. 

Katie Utsch

I’m Ethan, I slept with Nate while I was at Augie and Kate was cool with it the whole time. Now I’m on the fast track to being one of the old guys Nate sits around with and talks about the glory days.

Ethan Williams

I am one of Nate's college roommates, fraternity brother, and fellow Eagle Scout. 

Evan Grassmann 

Katie was the first friend I made at Eureka, and ended up becoming my best friend. We played softball together, joined a sorority together, and even lived together during our college years.

Amber Naramore 

I'm Mike, Nate and I were buddies in high school and I was his favorite &nbsp;date&nbsp;after water polo practice.

Mike Rubino 

I am the groom's oldest&nbsp;sister and Katie’s crossfit buddy. I may be the oldest in the group, but I am always ready to party.

Melissa Chandarana 

I'm Donny, I met Nate when he was born and I am his favorite big brother!

Donny Kies 

I met Katie in college. I was her big in our sorority. We are two peas in a pod. 

Hayley Sweeney

My name is Jerry. Nate and I were pledge brothers&nbsp;and 2017 Heartland Conference &nbsp;Waterpolo&nbsp;Champs. Also &nbsp;we are both&nbsp;heavyset, born&nbsp;on August 6th, and think&nbsp;Penny is a good name for a dog.

Jerry Welu

I met both Katie and Nate in 8th grade and we’ve been friends even since. Guess I can’t ditch them now since we’re branded together. I am number 1 of the 6.  I am considered the mom of the group and will keep everyone safe.

Ariel Beja 

I'm Anand, Nathan was probably the second baby I ever held in my life... and now I&nbsp;have 5 kids with Nathan's oldest and most beautiful sister, Missy! Coincidence? Most definitely.

Anand Chandarana 

I am the bride's second sister. Sometimes her favorite.

Hailey Lowery 

I'm Pat, I swam and played waterpolo with Kies all through high school.

Patrick Kelly

Nate has been&nbsp;my mate since day 1. They say we’re cousins but I say we’re brothers.

Elliot Calderon 

I am the bride's first sister. Sometimes her favorite.

Hannah Lowery 

Met Nate at Augustana College in a dirty and smelly basement for five weeks. Nate’s favorite classmate in biology classes.

Anthony Acitelli

I am Nathan's older sister,&nbsp; and he's&nbsp;Katie's problem now!

Elizabeth Knapczyk

I am Uncle Nathan's niece. I am ready to eat all the chocolate and candy at the wedding!&nbsp;

Gia Chandarana 

I am Uncle Nate's Godson. I am ready to&nbsp;dance the night away.&nbsp;

Kavin Chandarana 

I’m Uncle Nathan’s niece/Goddaughter and ready to decorate your room with mermaids for my sleepovers once you move out.

Bella Low

I'm Uncle Nathan's Nephew and a superior Fortnite player, and I can't wait for unlimited Kitty Cocktails!

Auston Low

I met Nate during&nbsp;pledging, we have been brothers ever since. I am an&nbsp;usher what else is there to say. I am the drunk guy who enters dorm room windows when parents are there.&nbsp;

Sam Murphy

I met Nate when we were hazed together and it’s been peaches and cream ever since!

Alex Swatek 

I’ve know Nate since freshman year of High School when he joined the swim team. I remember when he and Katie started dating (and how nervous he was to ask her out) and it’s been a amazing getting to know them and watch their relationship grow over the last 10 years. I’m honored that they’ve asked me to perform their wedding ceremony. Here’s to many more years!

Cole Claypool

Wedding Party

Q + A

There will be transportation provided to anyone staying at the hotel. It will take you to&nbsp;and from the venue.&nbsp;

Aloft Bolingbrook

Book your group rate for Lowery / Kies Wedding Room Block<a href="https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1623348594696&amp;key=GRP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for Lowery / Kies Wedding Block</a>

Katelyn & Nathan

Katelyn & Nathan

Registry