Wedding Day

Ceremony

Lyle's Pizzeria

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Stories

The story of how Katie and Derek met each other is the definition of a meet-cute, as described eloquently by Arthur Abbott in the rom-com classic The Holiday. Here are their stories...

Derek

This is Derek’s side of the story… I moved to Omaha in 2015 for a job and upon moving to the big city, I settled down in the historic Colbert building in the heart of Blackstone which scratched that itch of living somewhere unique with a lot of history and character. Over the next few years I’d see neighbors come and go but one neighbor stood out to me and it was the gorgeous and tall brunette I’d occasionally run into in the mail room and the laundry room. I never thought this type of meet cute was in the cards for me. Being that I was very interested, it was obvious that I wouldn’t say a word to her when we crossed paths. Because talking to a beautiful woman in my late 20s was a tall order. So it was nothing more than just a quick “hello.” Trust me, I kicked myself every time I didn’t say anything more to her. With some minimal sleuthing (aka checking Amazon packages), I figured out that her name was Katie Salerno and lived in #15. Over the next few years we lived in close proximity to each other, without fully realizing that there was mutual interest. It wasn’t until I was a month away from moving out of the building after 8 years of living there, that a “shoot my shot” moment of using a Super Like on Tinder (and she messaged first!) would lead to where we are today: living together in the building we originally met, getting married in 2026 and building a life together. Milestones that I think crossed both of our minds the first time we saw each other doing laundry in the basement of our apartment building. Eat your heart out Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

Katie

I can tell you the exact moment I noticed Derek. I had just moved into my new apartment in Blackstone and was walking home from work. The CUTEST man was sitting on his balcony (first floor) reading a book. We made eye-contact. I instantly had a crush. I immediately told my roommate we had a cute neighbor living below us which began years of reporting to each other any encounter we had with him. We learned his name by reading Amazon packages, learned which car was his (living on the third floor lends itself to stalker-behavior), and honestly did everything we could to have an honest meet-cute. (Truthfully, dear reader, I was mute as a mouse anytime I ran into him. He was so handsome, I got nervous!) At our apartment Christmas party we told everyone who came that if they saw a cute guy in the hallway to forcibly invite him upstairs (alas, he was probably in bed). Then, one December evening, I saw his profile on a dating app. This ensued a week of debating with my roommate if I really wanted to "meet" him on a dating app (silly, I know). Unfortunately, a week was too long and he disappeared from my feed. It wasn't meant to be then, I told myself. Six months later, he appears again! But, this time, I got a message that he'd super liked me! Now this is a modern-day first move! We matched. One of his first lines (I have the screenshot to prove it): "Have you read Omaha's 2050 Comprehensive Plan?" What a line, am I right?? At our first date, we talked so long the restaurant closed down. I remember trying to be chill when recounting with my friend afterwards. (Dear reader, I was not chill inside, I was pretty in love.) Two years later, he managed to surprise me with a proposal during a bike ride (a bike ride, I really didn't want to go on) on a bridge that overlooks downtown Omaha. We set the date for our courthouse wedding soon after, September 21st.

Our Story

Guest Information

Reception at Lyle's

Join us for a big dinner party at our favorite restaurant and first official date spot! Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PMAddress: 5213 Leavenworth St, Omaha, NE 68106 Attire: don't wear white, but outdress the bride and groom! (cocktail to casual)

AFTER PARTY

We recognize that there are many we love that should be a part of the celebration! The after party is a spot for us to keep the party going and hang with all who couldn't attend the reception. Location: Jay's Games and Beer GardenTime: 9:30 PM to CloseAddress: 3724 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131

Derek & Katie

Derek & Katie

D&K

September 21, 2026

September 25, 2026

September 25, 2026