Moerlein Lager House

Rehearsal Dinner

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel

Wedding Ceremony

Reception

The Madison Event Center

Wedding Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

We first met in St. Louis, one of us a field hockey player at Saint Louis University and the other a rugby player at Lindenwood University. Crossing paths as we both had the same goal of graduating college and joining the Marine Corps. One of us immediately noticed the other’s grit and athleticism (not naming any names); the other quietly thought, “This guy is a nerd.” Fair enough. For a while life pulled us in different directions. Three years later we found ourselves together again, this time in the California desert. While both serving at 3/11, our rekindled friendship grew easily, and so did the spontaneous adventures. Beginning with taco fueled movie marathons, to hikes and rock climbing at Joshua Tree, to snowy Big Bear getaways where she patiently attempted to teach him how to snowboard, friendship quickly grew to more. On a later Big Bear trip over blueberry pancakes, he officially asked her to be his girlfriend. Only a few weeks later while grabbing drinks at the legendary Pappy & Harriet’s, he told her he planned to marry her. She laughed and called him crazy. He wasn’t. More quickly than we would have liked, he got orders to move across the world to Okinawa, Japan. While not easy, we made it work. Across several deployments and thousands of miles, we kept finding our way back to each other through late-night FaceTimes, timezone juggling, and countless side quests. Together we explored the Japan’s mountains and reefs, visited Fort Worth Stockyards, ate oysters at Virginia Beach, and built a life of small, unforgettable moments. Back again in Big Bear (the place where it truly began) on September 21, 2024, during one of those legendary side quests, he proposed. She said yes. Now we can’t wait to start the next chapter, finally, side by side.

Our Story 

Photos

Emma 

Abby 

Grace

Gwen

Lily

Taylor

Zuzu

Cody

Brady

Ahmad

David

Tyler

Tory

Chandler

Wedding Party

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

Dress Code

Q + A

The family and bridal party will be staying here for the weekend as it's connected to The Madison Event Center (where the reception will be held). Please consider joining us using our room block by clicking the "website" button below. Near Great American Ball ParkStay in one of 114 guest rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.

Hotel Covington Cincinnati Riverfront

Located in Cincinnati, a 4-minute walk from Great American Ball Park, AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks provides accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The property features a bar, as well as a restaurant serving American cuisine. The property is 500 yards from the city center and a 4-minute walk from Freedom Center. Guest rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Cincinnati, like hiking, fishing and cycling. AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks also provides a business center and guests can use the on-site ATM machine at the hotel. Staff at AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks are available to give guidance at the 24-hour front desk. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Paul Brown Stadium, Newport Aquarium and Northern Kentucky Convention Center.

AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks

On the south bank of the Ohio River, minutes from Cincinnati city center, this all-suite hotel in Covington, Kentucky offers a microwave, mini-refrigerator and flat-screen TV in each guest suite. Embassy Suites Cincinnati - RiverCenter provides guests with a free breakfast every morning as well as an evening reception. Guests at the RiverCenter Embassy Suites can walk to the Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Other attractions such as the Newport Aquarium, Newport on the Levee, Banks Entertainment district and MainStrasse Village are only minutes from the hotel. Hotel is currently under renovations and will make every effort to minimize the noise and disturbance for guests.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter

Located across the river from Great American Ballpark, Paul Brown Stadium and the popular entertainment and dining scene at The Banks, this hotel is located in Covington, KY and features an indoor pool and on-site dining. Every room at Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter provides a flat-screen TV with plug-in technology and premium cable channels. Select rooms also include a balcony with scenic city views. Guests can take in river views while enjoying American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the on-site restaurant, Mash &amp; Oak. The café offers a selection of Starbucks drink, pastries and light fare, while the atrium bar serves an array of artfully crafted cocktails, along with a selection of beer and wine. A modern fitness center and laundry facilities are also offered on-site. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is 6.8 mi away from the hotel. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Newport Aquarium are both a 5-minute drive away.

Claire & Griffin

Claire & Griffin

Things to Do

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Findlay Market

Fountain Square

Newport Aquarium

Cincinnati Museum Center

Great American Ball Park

American Legacy Tours