Chris has been one of Michael’s closest friends since middle school, where they first met playing basketball for the Wheaton Park District. Their friendship grew stronger throughout high school and remained rock-solid even as they attended separate colleges, reconnecting during summer breaks and sharing adventures in Arizona and at ISU. In 2018, Chris made the move to Arizona, becoming Michael’s roommate—and that’s when he met Katherine. From there, the trio quickly became inseparable. Together, they shared countless dinner dates, movie nights, fierce Mario Kart competitions, concerts, and sports games, forming a bond that went beyond friendship. Before returning to Chicago, Chris moved in with Michael and Katherine, marking their final months together with unforgettable memories. Having witnessed their relationship from the beginning and shared in so many meaningful moments, Chris knows them both as individuals and as a couple better than anyone else. It’s only fitting that he be the one to stand beside them as they take this next step in their journey together.

Peter and Michael met through mutual friends just before starting high school, quickly forming a bond that would only grow stronger over the years. When it came time for college, they both chose Indiana University—and decided to become roommates. Sharing the highs and lows of freshman year laid the groundwork for a lasting friendship. Even after Michael transferred to the University of Arizona, their connection stayed strong. They made it a tradition to reunite for annual spring break trips to Arizona, keeping their friendship thriving across the miles. Peter even met Katherine the same week Michael started dating her, making him a part of their story from the very beginning. Since then, Peter has been a regular presence in their lives, visiting Arizona multiple times a year. Those visits have been filled with epic golf outings, memorable dinners at the Crowes’ home, and meaningful conversations around the table where some of life’s biggest questions have been answered. Michael couldn’t imagine having anyone else by his side—Peter has always been in his corner, and there’s no one better suited to stand with him on his big day.

Katherine met Jenny in the fall of 2013 at the University of Arizona, and what started as a college friendship turned into something truly special during the summer of 2015. With a week between leases, the two found themselves house-hopping together—and somewhere between the chaos and laughter of that goofy week, they became best friends. Since then, Jenny has been the person who truly sees Katherine. She has an uncanny way of knowing exactly how Katherine is feeling and is always there to offer support, love, and encouragement through whatever life brings. From spontaneous girls' trips to squeezing in happy hours between Jenny’s hectic work schedule, the two always manage to make time for fun and connection—no matter the place. Katherine is forever grateful to have such a loyal, compassionate, and irreplaceable best friend standing by her side on this special day.

Michael and Kevin first met in middle school through Wheaton Park District basketball and baseball. Their bond grew quickly as they traveled together for games and tournaments, forming a friendship rooted in sports and shared experiences. That foundation carried them through high school, and when it came time for college, they both ended up at Indiana University. Even after Michael transferred, their connection stayed strong—thanks to summer breaks, consistent group chats, and mutual effort to stay in touch. Since graduating, Kevin has made it a tradition to visit Michael and Katherine every Memorial Day Weekend. These visits are full of great golf rounds, poolside lounging, hiking adventures, and thoughtful book conversations with Katherine. Throughout the year, Michael and Katherine always make time to see Kevin, and they’re continually grateful for the lasting friendship they share with him.

Kelsey isn’t just Katherine’s older sister—she’s her lifelong best friend and soulmate (besides Michael, of course). Growing up close in age meant always being side by side, and their bond only deepened when they attended the University of Arizona together. Since graduating, their connection has remained just as strong, with daily FaceTimes that cover everything and nothing—constant conversations filled with laughter, advice, and unconditional support. Through every stage of life, Kelsey has been Katherine’s rock, cheerleader, and confidante. Having Kelsey by her side as a sister and bridesmaid makes this celebration all the more meaningful.

Michael and Jack’s friendship began freshman year in gym class, sparked by a shared passion for the one and only Derrick Rose. That connection quickly turned into a close bond, with Michael spending countless hours at the Heyden household—playing video games, sharing laughs, and watching Bulls games together. Their friendship didn’t fade after high school. Jack made trips to visit Michael, Peter, Ben, and Kevin at Indiana University, and they even took a memorable spring break trip to California together. Through it all, the group chat has kept them constantly connected. More recently, Michael and Jack have taken their shared love of basketball to new heights by co-managing a fantasy basketball team—a partnership they’re confident will bring home a championship next season. Their bond has stood the test of time, and Michael is proud to have Jack by his side on such a meaningful day.

Kacie and Katherine have shared a lifelong friendship—growing up in the same grade and always being there for one another through every chapter. Known lovingly as the “Ducky” to Katherine’s “Bucky,” Kacie has been a role model, a steady presence, and a constant shoulder to lean on. Their friendship is full of unforgettable memories—from singing along to Disney Pandora, to living together in Dallas during college, to exploring the streets of Lyon and Paris side by side. Whether it’s two-hour check-in calls or spontaneous adventures, Kacie’s friendship is one of the most treasured parts of Katherine’s life. She’s a true constant—and someone Katherine simply couldn’t imagine this day without.

Michael and Ben’s friendship began back in elementary school on the baseball fields of the Wheaton Park District. From the start, their bond was built on a shared love of sports—playing baseball side by side, cheering Ben on through his football career in high school and at Indiana University, and watching just about any game they could find. In 2020, Ben came out to visit Michael and Katherine in Arizona, and when a few plans fell through, something special happened—what was supposed to be a casual day turned into the now-legendary “Ben and Kat Day,” a 1:1 adventure that solidified Ben’s place not just in Michael’s life, but Katherine’s as well. Michael and Katherine deeply value Ben’s friendship—not just for the fun of debating sports or reliving old games, but for his constant presence through life’s small, big, hard, and beautiful moments. They couldn’t imagine their wedding day without him standing beside them.

Katherine met Arianna in the fall of 2019 when starting a new job—and what began as a professional connection quickly grew into a meaningful friendship. Arianna became both a trusted mentor and a bright light during long workdays, offering support, laughter, and a sense of calm in the middle of workplace chaos. From happy hours to brunch dates, Arianna has shown Katherine the joy of not taking life too seriously and the importance of savoring the fun moments. Her friendship has brought balance, encouragement, and so much joy—and Katherine couldn’t imagine saying “I do” without her by her side.

Michael and Ryan first met as teammates on a Wheaton Park District baseball team in middle school. Through long car rides, tournaments, and shared victories (and losses), their friendship quickly took root. When it came time for college, Ryan headed back to Canada to attend the University of Guelph—but distance never phased their bond. They stayed close through the group chat, and Michael even made the trek north to visit Ryan during college. That connection only strengthened in 2024, when Ryan and bridesmaid Hayley relocated to Arizona for a nursing contract. With both couples now on the West Coast, the friendship blossomed in new ways. Together, they explored new food spots, traveled, lounged poolside at Hotel Valley Ho, caught D-backs games, and played late-night board games that always ended in laughter. Their shared moments—both fun and meaningful—have made Ryan and Hayley an unforgettable part of Michael and Katherine’s lives. There’s no way this day would be complete without them.

Katherine met Hayley in the fall of 2023 through groomsman Ryan McNeil, and they became fast friends. When Ryan and Hayley relocated to Arizona for a travel nurse contract, it sparked a season of fun and connection—filled with ResortPass pool days, discovering new restaurants and bars, sharing book recommendations, and traveling together with Michael and Ryan. Through all their Arizona adventures, Katherine quickly realized just how valuable and special this friendship had become. Hayley is the kind of friend who brings joy, laughter, and unwavering support—and Katherine is endlessly grateful to have her in her corner for life.

Michael and Sam’s friendship began back in elementary school, built on shared classrooms, playground adventures, and a connection that carried on through middle school, high school, and into adulthood. Over the years, their bond has remained steady and meaningful. Sam joined Peter for the annual spring break trips to Arizona, where he met Katherine during her very first week of dating Michael. From that point on, he became a familiar and trusted presence in both of their lives. Whenever Michael and Katherine return to Chicago, catching up with Sam is always a priority, no matter how much time has passed. Because Sam was one of the first friends Katherine met, he’s always held a special place in her heart. She and Michael are constantly cheering him on in all of his life’s pursuits, and they feel incredibly lucky to have him by their side on such a special day.

Shoutout to Kelsey Coleman for bringing Christie into Katherine’s life—what started as a built-in sister quickly grew into a lasting and cherished friendship. During their time at the University of Arizona, Christie became a safe haven for Katherine, offering warmth and comfort through weekly dinners at the house she shared with Kelsey. When Kelsey graduated, Christie didn’t miss a beat—she kept Katherine under her wing, and their bond only deepened. From late nights out in Tucson to today’s lunch dates with baby Quinn in tow, Christie has been a constant source of love, laughter, and support since 2013. Katherine is so grateful for this friendship that has stood the test of time and can’t imagine this special day without Christie by her side.