Rehearsal Dinner

Whispering Hearts Event Center

Ceremony & Reception

Our Wedding

Happy New Year!

Julia was visiting Cincinnati for a New Year's Eve party for the upcoming year 2020 when a cute boy named Brett came up to her and asked if she wanted to play the card game "higher or lower." Brett and Julia got to talking most of the night and ended up being each others' New Year's kiss! Brett asked Julia for her number that night, but Julia didn't expect anything since she lived in Muncie, Indiana attending Ball State University, which was about a two and half hour drive from the University of Cincinnati. Brett ended up texting Julia the next day and planned a date to come to Muncie, Indiana.

Long Distance

Brett visited Ball State University for the first time three days after meeting Julia. Muncie must have really impressed Brett as he continued to talk to Julia and they made several weekend trips to see each other until Brett made it official. Shortly after Brett and Julia became a couple in February 2020, COVID-19 hit the world hard. Now, not only were Brett and Julia a long distance relationship, but they had to navigate seeing each other during a time when no one was supposed to go anywhere!

Moving to Cincinnati

After several FaceTime calls, lazy weekend visits, and half-way day trips, Julia and Brett pushed though long distance and COVID craziness and both graduated from college in 2021. Julia decided to attend the University of Cincinnati to obtain her Master of Social Work degree which would mean living only 20 minutes away from Brett. After two years and getting her degree in 2023, Julia and Brett moved in together.

The Proposal

Brett told Julia he was taking her to Ruth's Chris for her birthday, even though it was a month after. On September 7th, 2024 Julia was very suspicious of this dinner and the "housewarming party" at his sister's to follow. Julia prepared by getting her nails done and wearing a nice dress, just in case! Brett popped the question at Smale Park before having the planned dinner to recap all his proposal plans. The "housewarming party" ended up being an engagement party with all of Brett and Julia's loved ones. We can't wait to celebrate with everyone on May 16th, 2026!

Our Story

Photos

Blaike Berry

Kristen Miller

Kennedy Reer

Sierra King

Connor Martin

Donny Korman

Joe Miller

Evan Perduk

Kevin Elmlinger

Alex Elmlinger

Nick Paramore

Wedding Party

Q + A

Feel free to use the link provided to book a hotel room under our reserved block or call the Hilton Reservations number and mention the&nbsp;Elmlinger Party&nbsp;or the unique code&nbsp;90E&nbsp;to receive the group rate! Please reserve your room by April 16th, 2026.

Tru by Hilton Mason Kings Island

You may choose to not reserve a room with our hotel block as there are several other hotels around the area!

Hampton Inn Cincinnati-Kings Island

Quality Inn Mason Near Kings Island

Residence Inn Cincinnati Northeast/Mason

Courtyard Cincinnati Mason

Travel

When visiting Cincinnati, it's essential you stop by a Skyline Chili to eat. Brett grew up eating Skyline and influenced Julia to be a fan as well. Brett recommends a 3-Way and fries and Julia recommends a 4-Way with onions and cheese fries. Yum!

Skyline Chili

If you are in town a few days early and want something fun to do, Kings Island is a great place to spend a day! They have roller coasters on one side of the park and a water park on the other side.

Kings Island

If you're in town a little early and want to catch a Red's game, their 2026 schedule is already up, and they are playing the Nationals on May 14th and the Guardians on May 15th at Great American Ballpark downtown.

Great American Ball Park

Downtown Cincinnati is about a 40 minute drive from where the venue is, so if you get in early and have always wanted to visit the city there is plenty to do like roof top bars, amazing restaurants, The Banks, museums, and pretty parks!

Downtown Cincinnati

If you're coming in early as a family the Cincinnati Zoo is one of the top rated in the country!