Wedding Day

The Bricks Venue Center

Ceremony

Reception

**SHUTTLE TIMES TO AND FROM HOTEL AND VENUE** Trips to venue for the ceremony: 3:30 pm 4:00 pm Trips back to hotel after the reception: 10:30 pm 11:00 pm

Our Wedding

Our journey together began in August 2018, at a college orientation. Madalynn, an orientation leader, was surrounded by a sea of excited 18-year-olds, but there was one student who stood out: Jason. It was clear he was a little out of place, and Madalynn made sure he didn’t feel alone in the crowd. Though not technically his assigned leader, she couldn’t help but notice him, and from there, a connection sparked. Jason, being the charming guy he is, managed to “get lost” a few times during the orientation, each time finding a reason to seek out Madalynn and strike up a conversation. Little did she know, he was just finding any excuse to spend more time with her. Our first “date” wasn’t even meant to be a date. Madalynn wasn’t looking for anything serious at the time, so she offered to give Jason a campus tour at Northern Illinois University. But the tour quickly turned into something much more fun. After exploring the campus, we didn’t want the day to end, so we went mini golfing and to the batting cages (just a few dates later, it was discovered Madalynn does not like mini golfing at all). We followed up with lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings and then desert from Ollies Ice Cream. We found ourselves laughing and enjoying each other’s company as the sun set. That day was a perfect snapshot of us—spontaneous, full of laughter, and never wanting the moments to end. What started as simple conversations soon grew into something much deeper, and the rest, as they say, is history. Our favorite memories are made during the fall, particularly when we spend a week of October camping. There’s something about the quiet of the campground, the crisp autumn air, and the time we get to spend unplugged from the hustle and chaos of life that always brings us closer together. It’s the perfect reminder of what truly matters — just the two of us, soaking in the beauty of nature and each other’s company. Our journey has had its ups and downs, filled with moments of pure joy and challenges that tested our strength as a couple. But through it all, we've grown stronger, more resilient, and more in love. This day, our wedding, marks not only the celebration of our love but the beginning of an exciting new chapter together. We can’t wait to share this special day with all of you and celebrate the love that has brought us here. Here’s to forever!

The Story of US

Our Story

Photos

These love birds met at NIU and cannot wait to celebrate their love with all of you! 

Madalynn & Jason

This is Stacie, Maddie’s oldest sister. She is a truly remarkable person who has always been there for Maddie, guiding and supporting her. Her kindness and patience make her someone Maddie always look up to.

Anastacia Gray

Ashley and the bride, Maddie, have been best friends since the second they met in grade school and inseparable since.

Ashley Mattle

This is Maddie’s older sister, Millie. Ever since college these two have become the best of friends (sometimes… I mean they are sisters)

Millie Derro

Taylor and Maddie met through Ashley! Ashley and Taylor went to high school together and she introduced Taylor to the bride and immediately they kicked it off.

Taylor Sweeney

Maddie and Krystal met at NIU! These two had the same major and stuck together as some of the only female engineers to get through their degrees. Now they get to watch each other succeed in their fields in the real world. 

Krystal Diaz

Ericka and Maddie have the funniest meet of the bridal party, their boyfriends actually didn’t want them to meet just in case they didn’t get along. We officially met at a friend’s wedding, where we clicked instantly.

Ericka Biekert

Justin and Jason were whomb-mates… aka the funniest (and stinkiest) twins. Justin and Jason are more than twins, but best friends. 

Justin McLean

Kevin is Jason’s brother. Kevin and Jason enjoy hanging out and spending quality time together… as long as it’s not in the kitchen LOL. 

Kevin McLean

Tyler and Jason met through their lovely Derro sisters. What started as an introduction through Millie and Maddie, turned into a friendship over speakers and shared hobbies. 

Tyler Rogman 

Zach and Jason have been best friends since high school. These two ran cross country together and were always getting into trouble! 

Zach Herrmann

Jacob and Jason met in a math class in college. They immediately clicked with matching goofy personalities. 

Jacob Helfrick

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1738850564047&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for Derro &amp; McLean Wedding</a> You will find the information for your online reservation link below. If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to a successful event. Event Summary:Derro &amp; McLean WeddingStart Date:&nbsp;Thursday, October 16, 2025End Date:&nbsp;Saturday, October 18, 2025 Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:Courtyard Rockford&nbsp;for&nbsp;124.00&nbsp;USD&nbsp;per night&nbsp; Last Day to Book :&nbsp;Tuesday, September 16, 2025<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1738850564047&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for Derro &amp; McLean Wedding</a>

Courtyard Rockford

**SHUTTLE TIMES TO AND FROM HOTEL AND VENUE**   Trips to venue for the ceremony: 3:30 pm  4:00 pm  Trips back to hotel after the reception: 10:30 pm  11:00 pm