St. James 1868

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner & Reception

Our Wedding

Our love did not begin in haste, but in the gentle unfolding of conversations, of faith shared, and of small moments that grew, almost imperceptibly, into where they are today.We first met on September 26, 2024, at the Oconomowoc Lake Club. I was the event photographer; Meg, a guest. Our words that evening were few, yet something stirred quietly within me—a spark neither could have foreseen, but one that God had already set in motion.A few months later, our paths crossed once more at a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Meg’s Auntie Christa. I had traveled from New York, discerning whether Milwaukee might become my new home. Amid the warmth of family, I piqued Meg's curiosity with an unfitting reply to a direct question: “Are you Christian?” The very next day, Meg sent me a message to get clarity—a simple gesture that opened the floodgates. From that moment, our conversations seemed endless, flowing through long evenings of reflection on faith, family, and the journeys that had shaped our lives.Days and a subtle hint later, I finally gathered the courage to ask her out for coffee–our first date at Colectivo by the lake. Our weekly coffee dates, morning walks along the water, and lingering talks that stretched beyond bedtime revealed not only our affection but a profound alignment of heart and principle. This love grew, as all enduring things must, in steady measure—from friendship, to commitment, and at last to love.On May 25, 2025, after a Sunday church service, I proposed to Meg in the familiar comfort of her Milwaukee apartment. With overwhelming joy, she said yes! Now, with faith as our foundation and peace in our hearts, we look forward to the life ahead—and to celebrating the beginning of that journey with all of you!

God is in the Details

Our Story

Photos

Who would've thought that a DSHA high school freshman retreat could've led to an 18 year friendship?! Maggie has always been an old soul, someone I can count on for the greatest wisdom and advice. She is uniquely gifted in holding me accountable and deeply challenging me, while also showing me unconditional love. She's held space for me to grapple with my faith and the Church and patiently planted seeds in the midst of my questioning. She has walked with me through all seasons--the highest of highs and the lowest of lows--and has been steadfast in her support and encouragement. She is my ride or die, my truest confidant. 

Maggie Dymit

I don't even know how to put into words my relationship with Jenn, who I call "Ginge!" She has been my brother Dan's best friend and partner for 20 years, his wife for 10 and the older sister I never had through all of them. She's seen me in my awkward middle school stage, looked out for me in the halls of our high school, taught me how to drive in her black Impala in St. Dominic's parking lot, helped me navigate UW-Madison and mentored me through my career in corporate retail. She is someone I've looked up to since I was 13 years old and still do to this day! Words will never do justice to the impact she's had and continues to have on my life.

Jenn Donovan

Christie and I truly have a lifetime of memories--swim lessons at Worth Park, sleepovers on my favorite red mattress, cookouts at Grandma Skrzypek's, playing "house" and "school" for hours, tubing at Nana's, coordinating outfits (mine blue & green, hers pink & orange), and those light blue Azzurri soccer jerseys--thanks Coach Caliendo! We grew up more like sisters than friends, different in so many ways, yet there is an inexplicable and unbreakable bond that no doubt will last us another 25 years. 

Christie Wisnefske

I have no memory of a life without with Soph--she is my younger cousin, my lifelong friend and my pro bono fashion and make up consultant. We have had countless family holidays, "slumbies," movie nights and late night girl talks over chips and dip (there isn't a combo we don't love!) over the years and they have laid the foundation of our friendship and love for one another. Though many things have changed and we've even weathered a storm or two, we have and will always find our way back to each other. If our Nanu, Sal Palmisano, taught us anything, it's that blood is thicker than water!

Sophie Pipitone

Melody may be my "newest" friend but I feel like I've known her my whole life! We bonded over our love of music, food, coffee, serving our community and most importantly, our love of Christ. She has walked with me through the last 3 years of rediscovering my faith, sat patiently as I worked through challenging questions and been an unwavering shoulder to cry on. She's the friend I didn't know I needed and now one I can't imagine my life without.

Melody Ratney

This sweet little girl has truly been our family's missing piece. Making me a first-time aunt 2.5 years ago, Lucy has brought so much joy, laughter and happy tears into my life--hearing her call me "Nini" will forever melt my heart. Our day wouldn't be complete without her!

Lucy Donovan

Andy and I began our journeys at NYU around the same time, and shared struggles quickly forged a bond. A brother in Christ, I first met him while we were both part of the DEFY entrepreneurship training program, where our love of learning and passion for serving others cemented our friendship. Andy’s humor can light up any room—I’ll never forget the skits he performed during our downtime. Beyond his joy, he is one of the bravest people I know.

Andy Lopez

Our paths first crossed at Wallkill in 2018, where I often saw Thorin leading mentoring groups in the Network Community classroom. One day I stopped to listen--an encounter for which I remain deeply grateful. In him I found a brother and mentor who modeled integrity, honesty, and courage, always reminding me of the power of community! His presence was an anchor at a turning point in my life, and his wisdom continues to guide me to this day.

Thorin Daye

Rich—my Yoda in real life, my Hermano, my fellow poet and Jedi Master—entered my life in the spring of 2018 as a guest speaker from NYU, but quickly became a brother. We connected instantly over poetry, language, and Star Wars, and his words on focus still live within me: that we are called to harness the energy of the sun and direct it toward a single goal! More than a mentor, Rich has been a poet, a guide, and a day one whose wisdom continues to shape my journey.

Rich Villar

Fr. Zach entered my life in 2020 and has been a steady force for good ever since. He’s entertained my countless creative ideas over the years, always encouraging me to grow while challenging me to hold fast when things got tough. From the very beginning, he modeled what it means to serve and to be a man for others—a core commitment that continues to shape my life to this day. 

Fr. Zach Presutti

Bart and I first connected in June 2022, and our shared love for storytelling, documentaries, and poetry inspired me to take my passions and goals more seriously. What began with mentorship in business and communication soon grew into midday lunches, long conversations on leadership, and trips to Long Island City to cheer on the Mets! Let’s Go Mets!!! Bart’s wisdom and steady presence have been a true gift.

Bart Erbach

Wedding Party

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25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

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Dress Code

FAQs

Parking at St. James

We have limited rooms blocked here. Please click the "website" link below to book your room. Please make your reservations by Tuesday, June 30th, 2026.

Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown

We have limited rooms blocked here. Please call 1-800-558-8222 and say "Donovan Pagan Wedding" to book directly. You may also visit the "website" link below to book your room. Please make your reservations by Tuesday, June 30th, 2026.

Meg & Michael

Meg & Michael

FAQs

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