Wedding Day

Oak Hill Farm

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

We met at a high school boys soccer game in Byron, IL. Neither of us ever went to soccer games but we had friends in common that had convinced us both to go. When I saw him get out of the car I remember thinking "who is that cutie". At the time I was a sophomore and he was a senior so I genuinely felt like I didn't have a shot in the world with him. Later that night we went to Sunrise Diner and I snuck a seat next to him. All night he was cracking jokes and I can still remember how my stomach ached from laughing so much. After one of his jokes I even shouted "I love this guy".. so technically I told him I loved him first. That night I went home thinking about how he was everything I had ever dreamed a man could be and how lucky I would be to end up with him. After a few get togethers with friends and some snapchatting we made plans to get Culvers. I remember thinking this is it; OUR FIRST DATE! I had butterflies like never before. That night we ended up sitting in Culvers until they closed and even then I didn't want our conversation to end. I felt as though I wanted to talk to this man for the rest of my life. I am happy to say this guy still makes me laugh and after 5 1/2 years I still don't want our conversation to end.

Katie's Version

I was going to a soccer game out of the blue with my brother since a bunch of our friends were there supporting the team. I walked up to the bleachers to see this gorgeous girl sitting with everyone. After a while I get to joking and talk with her. From there I felt an instant connection. I've never met someone who made me feel so comfortable to be around right from the start. We went out for dinner with our friends afterwards and I felt myself falling more and more in love. A few days went by and I was trying to find the best way to reach out but before I had the chance, she reached out to me. From there we set up a date to go to Culvers. We spent a little time eating and a lot of time talking about everything under the moon. I really didn't want the night to end. After Culvers closed, we drove back and that's when it really hit me that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Katie. From then on we've been by each others side and I cant wait to spend the rest of our lives together making so many more memories!

Bryant's Version

Photos

Timeline for Wedding Day

Wedding Ceremony: 3:00pm

Cocktail Hour: 4:00pm

Reception Begins: 5:15pm

Time to Dance: 8:00pm

Wedding Ends: 10:00pm

Timeline

Distance from wedding venue: 31 min, 22 miles Conveniently located just a few minutes drive from downtown Galena, Illinois. Well-known for their on-site authentic Irish Pub.

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

Distance from wedding venue: 28 min, 20 miles Encircled by nearly 6,800 acres of pristine Northern Illinois countryside, Eagle Ridge Resort &amp; Spa is the ideal destination for travelers who simply want to relax in a storybook setting. Located 8 miles from downtown Galena.

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Distance from wedding venue: 28 min, 20 miles Restaurant &amp; Bar on site. This traditional hotel dating from 1855 is a 10-minute walk from the Ulysses S. Grant home, 8 minutes' walk from the Chicago Athenaeum and 7 miles from Lake Galena.

DeSoto House Hotel

Distance from wedding venue: 31 min, 22 miles Located two miles from the historic shopping district and five minutes from downtown. Making it easy for you to explore all the sights Galena has to offer. Hotel includes newly renovated rooms, a catch-and-release pond, a bar and bistro, spa services, and more.

Ramada by Wyndham Galena Hotel & Day Spa

Distance from wedding venue: 28 min, 20 miles Enjoy the resort amenities including an indoor pool with hot tub, game room, laundry facilities, fire pit, and barbecue/picnic area.

WorldMark Galena

Distance from wedding venue: 30 min, 22 miles

Stoney Creek Inn Galena

Distance from wedding venue: 31 min, 22 miles In addition to an impressive 72-foot waterslide, the pool facilities include a 12-person hot tub and a kiddie pool with a miniature frog waterslide. Even more fun can be found in the hotel’s game room, which boasts over 20 games geared toward all ages, including air hockey, pinball, and multiple arcade games. You can look forward to a free, hot breakfast featuring our signature waffles each morning.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Galena, IL

Distance from wedding venue: 25 min, 18 miles Located off Highway 20, the Country Inn &amp; Suites by Radisson, Stockton, IL places you within easy reach of hunting, fishing, skiing, and golfing opportunities. Enjoy fresh-air fun at Apple River Canyon State Park or take your sweetheart to the family-owned Massbach Ridge Winery. About 30 minutes east of the hotel, Freeport offers destinations like the Winneshiek Playhouse and the Freeport Art Museum.A free, hot breakfast featuring our signature waffles is served each day in our dining area.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Stockton IL

Distance from wedding venue: 29 minutes, 22 miles Enjoy The View Motel’s beautiful, countryside scenic views and large, spacious bedrooms at a great value. The View Motel is conveniently located just 10 miles from Galena, Illinois and just 10 miles from Eagle Ridge Golf Resort &amp; Spa.

The View Motel

Lodging

Galena's Main Street boasts half a mile of more than 125 independently owned shops and restaurants, one door after another.

Stroll the streets of Galena 

Explore Galena's history and meet the spirits of Ulysses and Julia Grant in a hologram that welcomes guests to the museum where true national treasures, such as the "Peace in Union" painting, "General Grant on the Battlefield" painting, Flag from the Vicksburg Siege, a topographical map of Jo Daviess County, mining and steam boating are presented. The museum is located in a 1858 Italianate mansion built as a private residence by Galena merchant Daniel Barrows. The Museum features over 6,000 square feet of exhibit space on lead mining in the northwest region, the driftless area, Grant’s leather store, the Port of Galena: 1858. Discover souvenirs, gifts, and books of historical nature in the museum gift and bookshop.

Explore the History of Galena

Acres of rolling farmland hosting 22 different specialty grapes, 60,000 gallons of wine per year, 40 wine varieties, three tasting rooms and thirty plus years later and many cherished friendships, the Lawlors are proud to have created a family legacy… that now spans three generations.Get in on a vineyard tour and experience first-hand how Galena Cellars wine is made, enjoy a wine tasting or simply relax on the spacious wrap-around deck with your favorite glass of wine. Or better yet, stay with them a little longer.The vineyard hosts a cozy guest suite and a quaint guest house. Perfect for family get-togethers, a romantic getaway, or girls’ night out. The Galena Cellars Vineyard offers a private and one-of-a kind experience in their heated Igloos. They have created a unique and memorable setting, with seating for up to 6 guests.

Wine Tasting

Play on our 18 Hole Championship Miniature Golf Course, complete with a cascading waterfall, rapids, streams, water fountains and beautiful landscaping!﻿

Lil General Miniature Golf

Things to Do

Registry

Men Attire: Khakis, Dress Pants, Polo, Button up, SuitWomen Attire: Summer Dress, Blouse

Bryant & Kaitlyn

Bryant & Kaitlyn

B&K

Wedding Day

3:30 PM

Ceremony

4:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

5:15 PM–10:00 PM

Reception