Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church

Ceremony

FFA Enrichment Center

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Brunch & Gifts

The Countdown is On!

The deadline for RSVP's has passed (3/29). Should you wish to enter a late RSVP, please contact the Bride directly at the email listed below.

katie.gatzke@gmail.com

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Will and Michael met when the two worked together at Sam's Club in Ames while attending ISU. The two hit it off while working in the meat room, often a few short hours after bar-close. Will is the biggest Walmart Wolverine Michael has ever met.

Will Rowan

(Photo: 7/30/2016)

Katie and Cody graduated high school together in Ankeny's Class of 2013, but didn't become best friends until rooming together at Central College their sophomore year. Cody also has the honor of being Greyson's godmother. One of Katie's fondest memories with Cody was when they would have roommate dates around Christmastime, traveling to nearby Oskaloosa for Kentucky Fried Chicken and singing Christmas carols in the car on the way back to campus. The girls would then end the evening watching New Girl, doing arts and crafts, and sharing life chats. Most of Katie and Cody's friendship has been long distance, as Cody has: completed a two year Peace Corps program in Guinea after undergrad; attended Oxford University over COVID and graduating with her Masters; and currently resides and works in Washington DC. While they may often be oceans apart, the girls never fail to be close at heart!

Cody Bock

Michael met Alex during his first semester at ISU while running against each other for President of Iowa State Airsoft Club (the meetings of which, Michael had never attended). Naturally, Alex won. Today, the two get together annually for Ragbrai to catch up and enjoy the outdoors.

Alex Furman

(Photo: 8/10/2018)
Katie and Mary met in their freshman year of undergrad at Central College. They became quick friends with their dry humor and nonchalant embrace of doom. The two have shared many a laugh over silly faults in their lives, but they never cease to help pick each other up and support each other. While Katie and Mary have been good friends for a decade, Mary's favorite in the Brandenburg home is, by far, the dog Zoe.

Mary Harvey

(Photo: 11/11/2019) Katie and Connor met while in the womb. Katie is often quick to remind Connor that she is the older sibling (albeit by 30 seconds). The two are the definition of fraternal twins - Connor was a soccer player ever since the two were 3 years old, while Katie possesses negative coordination; Connor is blond haired and hazel eyed, while Katie is brunette and green eyed; Connor is an architect, while Katie is an attorney; Connor is reserved and contemplative, while Katie... is not. While the two may be more different than black and white, they have an unspoken bond that adversity proves to make stronger. It is a blessing and an honor for Katie to have her twin brother in her wedding.

Connor Gatzke

(Photo: 10/25/2014) Melissa is Michael's middle sister. If Michael could describe her with one word, it would be "opinionated." She's often the first person Michael calls for her standpoint on various issues. Parenthood has drawn the two even closer, and the little cousins love to get together and cause mayhem.

Melissa Weiland

Michael and Ryan have been friends since before they left diapers and grew even closer as roommates at ISU. The two feed off of each others' goofball energy, but never fail to keep close when it matters most.

Ryan Schlotfeldt

(Photo: 10/2006) Kathy is Michael's oldest sister. She has the biggest heart of the Brandenburg family, which is clearly evidenced by her career with handicapped adults. Michael fondly remembers Kathy's help in his little league games growing up, collecting statistics for his teams.

Kathy Brandenburg

(Photo: 07/2018) Michael and Clinton have been roommates at many different points in their adult life, first when in college at ISU.  Their friendship grew over anime, Fortnight, and playing outdoor sports. Clinton was Michael's most recent roommate before gaining his forever roommates in Katie and Greyson.

Clinton Young

(Photo: 10/1/2017) Katie and Lindsey were podmates in their senior year of undergrad at Central College, but didn't get to be close friends until they lived together the first year out of college. Lindsey has been a dear source of support for Katie through her many ups and downs of life over the last number of years, and Katie is forever grateful for their close friendship. Lindsey is an ever-present word of wisdom through Katie's wild, tornado-like approach to life. Had it not been for Lindsey, Katie would probably not have this blessing of living her greatest life with her incredible son, nor meeting the one whom her soul loves.

Lindsey Greer

(Photo: 7/7/2018) Katie and Brooke have been friends for almost 20 years, meeting when Brooke's mother purchased the former Gatzke home. The two bonded over their oddness and potato-like qualities. Katie appreciates Brooke for her spunk and strong resilience to whatever life throws her way. Brooke joined Katie in motherhood in August of 2022 with her daughter Ophelia. The two enjoy getting together with their kids, and always know they can lean on each other when times get tough.

Brooke Volz

Otis is Michael's nephew and Melissa's son. He has a huge heart, and loves his "Uncle Mike" (a reference to The Office). Otis knows his way around a pool and an ice rink better than his (soon-to-be) Aunt Katie.

Otis Weiland

Mabel is Michael's niece and Melissa's daughter. She is Greyson's age, and loves kisses from the Brandenburg dog Zoe just as much as he does. Mabel enjoys putting on her mom's lipstick, and also tackling her brother Otis.

Mabel Weiland

(Photo: 07/19/2023) Katie never believed she would find a man good enough to be a father to her son - until Michael proved her wrong. Michael met Greyson at only 4 months old, and he stepped into the father role effortlessly. Greyson and Michael are two peas in a pod, and Greyson often tries to be just like his Daddy. Greyson's favorite food is Daddy's Saturday morning banana pancakes! Katie and Greyson look forward to many more with their favorite man.

Greyson Gatzke

Michael met Robert while they worked at Sam's Club in the meat department. It was a surprise when Michael found out the two were neighbors - as he watched Robert riding his 10-speed bike up to the apartment. Robert enjoys taking the opposition in an argument - purely for the debate. He now lives and works on the East coast, but tries to make it back during ISU's homecoming every year to see his friends.

Robert Sommers

Michael became friends with Nick while working in the meat department at Sam's Club during college at ISU. His eyesight from the meat counter window may be lacking, but he can really pull off a Speedo. Hopefully he will be dressed in alternate attire for the wedding day.

Nick Carroll

<p style="text-align: left;">Special Thank Yous to Deanna Carlson, Jan Temeyer, Kathy Beyer, Sue Kiley, Mica Shanahan, Vance Temeyer, Bob Saxton, Joy Hieber, Theresa Kirschner, Nicole Kirschner, Colleen Johnston, Cheryl Newhouse, Robin Shultz, Daniel Leick, Quinn Koch, and all who have helped make our wedding dreams into this beautiful reality. </p>

Wedding Party

Q + A

Ankeny Map - Includes Main Streets, Venues

I-35 is East/Right

Near Des Moines Area Community CollegeMake yourself at home in one of the 90 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Flat-screen televisions with premium TV channels are provided, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.Located in Ankeny, Residence Inn by 

Michael & Katelyn

Michael & Katelyn

Travel

Ankeny Map - Includes Main Streets, Venues

I-35 is East/Right

Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny