Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

The Ceremony

Courtyard by Marriott Cincinnati Covington

Refresh and Relax

Drees Pavilion

The Reception

Farewell Brunch

Our Wedding

Our story begins in January of 2021, just after starting our second half of Freshman Year at Tennessee. As fate would have it, we would first meet eyes at a watch party for The Bachelor. We didn't spend time making eyes at each other, but we enjoyed the moment. Looking back on it, I feel that we will normally spend time with others in that way. Enjoying the moment with the people we care about. It was a fun-filled Monday evening that included some friends, some jokes, and a small spark that would change our lives. It seemed almost immediate that we began to see each other almost everyday. We found as much time as we could to see each other after we were done with classes for the day. Whether it was homework, dinner, or a movie night, we made the time to be with each other. It felt like the start of an amazing friendship where we wanted to tell each other the funniest parts of our day and share the fun things we had to do together. The time together felt so meaningful and easy. It felt so simple and so right to know her and spend time with her after only recently meeting. We had only known each other for about two and half weeks that, on the night of February 9th, 2021, I asked Mara to be my girlfriend. Soon, I know, but she was basically begging me to ask. I won't divulge in the awkward and unromantic way that I had asked her to be my girlfriend. Just know, she said yes, and that was all that mattered to me. From then on, it felt like we were inseparable. The quarter mile that separated our dorms was not nearly enough to keep us apart. It would be odd if we had spent a day without sharing at least one conversation. The days seemed to fly by as we got to know each other. It was truly fulfilling of the phrase, "Time flies when you're having fun." It was such a joy to start learning the little things and getting to hear her stories for the first time. Learning more about the Schutt family from Mara's perspective was so exciting, and it was only a few weeks within Mara and I meeting that I was introduced to the family in person. A few friends and I walked down to Fieldhouse Social, a restaurant on the edge of the Tennessee campus to meet the Schutt family for dinner. I was nervous as could be since her immediate family along with her Uncle Rob and cousin Sam were coming for the meal. I had told Mara that I would refrain from having a drink out of respect for her family and meeting them for the first time. In true Schutt fashion Mara told me, "No, you need to keep up with them." As soon as they walked in the door, I was hooked. A few nervous handshakes and introductions later, I was caught in the middle of ongoing conversations and get-to-know-you questions. Once I settled in, I felt that I was exactly where I wanted to be. I truly felt like I was meeting my second family. It was an amazing night full of the first of many laughs together, and I would be lying if I said that the party ended at that restaurant. Those first few weeks and meeting the Schutts was the beginning of something special. It didn't take long before I knew that Mara was the person for me. So here we are, four and a half years and one ring later. We've been able to create so many memories, meet each other's family and friends, and build our own life together. It feels so funny to have this kind of experience in your life once you are in it. To have another person that you can always depend on to be there for you, in good times and in bad. Whether it was traveling together in Europe, going through long distance stints, or spending time together for the first time, I wouldn't change a thing. Because here we are, getting ready to start forever together. Who knew the story that fateful Monday evening would begin to write, and I cannot wait to see where the next chapter leads us. We are so excited to get to celebrate this special day with all of our closest friends and family, the people that have been with us every step of the way. To everyone, we truly love and appreciate you for being a part of our lives and a part of our story.

Our Story (Told by Frankie)

In January 2021, I got invited to a Bachelor Monday viewing party. I had just gone on a 3-mile walk and was in XXL grey sweatpants and an XL grey sweatshirt. I walked in not expecting any boys to be there. As the night went on, this one boy, Frankie, bantered with me all night. I remember being very intrigued, as I had never met a guy who could banter and have me laughing like that. From that night on, we were inseparable. The weekend after we met was Frankie’s birthday. I was so excited to see him again. I just wanted to hang out and get to know everything about him. We continued to talk and hang out late into the night—neither of us wanting the night to end. That night embodies our relationship: we’re always pushing each other to grow and continuing to learn everything about one another. Two weeks later, he asked me to be his girlfriend—not knowing this would be the beginning of forever. I remember telling my parents I met a boy, and the first thing my mom asked was, “What’s his last name in case you go missing?” A few short weeks later, he met my parents, along with my sister, uncle, and cousin. Frankie was so nervous and said he wasn’t going to drink out of respect, but everyone knows how the Schutts are about alcohol, so I told him, “No, you better drink—and you better keep up.” That night is still one of the drunkest nights he’s ever had. I met his mom about two months into dating. I was so nervous. We were sitting in my dorm room—I was doing homework, and Frankie FaceTimed his mom. I remember she asked about this girl he had been telling her about. With no warning, Frankie turned the phone and said, “Here she is.” The nerves faded within seconds. She was the most warm and welcoming person I had ever met. I could tell how much she cared for her son and that she had raised him to be a gentleman. I am so blessed to have another person to call “Mom.” As time went on, I remember feeling like I had known Frankie forever. Pretty soon into dating, he became my safe space and best friend. We wanted to tell each other the best and worst parts of our day. We confided in each other for everything. I had never had a guy treat me like I was his whole world. We were constantly together—whether it was simply doing homework, him walking me home late at night from the library, or bringing me late-night snacks because I didn’t have time for dinner. He was always—and still is—there when I need him. I am so beyond blessed to have found the person I’m going to spend the rest of my life with at such a young age. Words cannot describe the surprise and joy I felt when he said those four little words on the 18th hole at Harbor Town: “Will you marry me?” I cannot wait to see where life takes us and the surprises it has in store—because as long as I have my best friend, my rock, by my side, we will be able to get through anything.

Our Story (Told By Mara)

Our Story

Photos

My best friend, my sister. I always think back to when we used to share a room and have our late-night conversations that I will always cherish. She is the person I turn to when I need advice or just want to talk. She is a senior at St. Louis University. She is studying to get her doctorate in physical therapy.  She is one of the loudest and most enjoyable people to be around. No matter how much we fight, she is always there for me, and I would not have anyone else be my maid of honor. 

Sara Schutt

One of my best friends from college. We met sophomore year and became super close. Whenever her, Mae Mae, and I get together, we are going to have a wild and memorable night. I will always cherish the post-college football games we continue to attend, and yelling at the football team when they are playing terribly. She has become like a sister to me. She is in PA school in Knoxville, Tennessee. Fun fact, she got engaged the day after me. I cannot wait to have her standing by my side.  

Taylor West

My random roommate sophomore year, who became the biggest blessing. We lived together for three years and would love having our Saturday debriefs, or running to Target to redecorate the apartment. She currently works in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a nurse in the mom and baby unit. She is always someone I can turn to, even if we go periods of time without talking. We can always pick up right where we left off. I cannot imagine not having her stand by me on my wedding day. 

Mae Mae Whitmire

The girl I randomly started talking to in the bathroom before dynamics class, sophomore year. I never would have imagined that bathroom conversation would lead to me meeting my best friend. She is currently studying to get her PhD at the University of Tennessee. She just recently finished her internship at NASA. She is the person I have no boundaries with and cannot imagine not being in my life. We tell each other everything. I can always count on her for anything. 

Rachel Constantin 

My new sister, the person I get to go through our engagement era with. She has been someone, from the first time I met her, whom I knew was special. We have cultivated a very strong friendship and I look forward to whenever I get to see or talk to her. She tries to keep my brother in line,  not an easy task. She has her PhD in physical therapy and works in Cleveland, Ohio. She is one of the smartest and hardest-working people I have ever met, and I am so happy she is joining the family.

Marlena Klein

Luke has been one of my best friends growing up, considering how much time we have spent together. He and his sister would spend 3 days a week at my house during the summer while his parents were at work, and we were able to grow up together in that sense. We have an amazing connection that goes way beyond seeing each other at family holidays. We had countless sleepovers, trips to the movie theater, and pool days that helped us bond over the past 24 years. We will hopefully be able to refrain from quoting "Dumb and Dumber" during the reception, but don't be too surprised if the blue and orange tuxedos make an appearance. 

Luke Wagner

Cole and I met back in the 5th Grade when I started at my new school. He has remained one of my closest friends up until today. Since he and I lived in the same town for the majority of our time in grade school, we would go biking around town and explore the woods of West Dundee, Illinois. You aren't missing much if you haven't been. Cole is one of the most fun-loving and energetic people I've ever met. I cannot wait to see him get after it on the dance floor. If you're wondering who the girl with the long hair wearing a suit is, that's probably Cole. 

Cole Runkel

Hagen and I met during the 5th Grade as we were both new students at Westminster Christian. We bonded over both being new and quickly became best friends. Our families ended up going on two vacations together, memories that I love to this day. We have always been huge sports fans and bonded over that, even though we butt heads for Bears vs. Packers (Bear Down!). We have remained great friends and will always find time to get together whenever I come home. He is one of the funniest people that I know and someone that I can always talk to. 

Hagen Zemp

Michael and I met during our Sophomore Year of college at Tennessee. After that, we spent most of our weekends in the same parties and activities. We got to bond over Tennessee sports, along with the finance classes that we took together. We had a similar mindset in trying to be highly achieving in classes, but also giving our all for Tennessee sports (in the stands, of course). He has been a Knoxville staple for me and is always someone I could count on for anything. 

Michael Chodak

I met Riley on my first day at the University of Tennessee. I didn't know a single person until a guy that I met on my floor took me over to Clement Hall, where I wound up in Riley's dorm room. Our friendship quickly blossomed as we bonded over the ongoing MLB playoffs and getting around to meeting other people as we started our college careers. Riley and I were a part of a group that would get together for every meal, play sports in our free time, and try to avoid any COVID restrictions. We also got the chance to work together for our Junior and Senior years as RAs in Hess Hall, which would bring in even more fond memories. 

Riley Willingham

Wedding Party

Dress Code

There will be a shuttle that starts picking guests up an hour before the reception. They will then return guests back to the hotel for up to an hour after the reception. To secure the room rates, guests must book rooms by September 30, 2026. The hotel has a parking garage with complimentary parking for all guests.

There will be no shuttle to or from the reception for this hotel. To secure the room rates, guests must book rooms by October 3, 2026. Parking has a rate of $20/day for self-parking or $40/day for valet.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter

Travel

Findlay Market

Smale Riverfront Park

Great American Ball Park

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati Fire Museum

New Riff Distilling

More breweries in the area<a href="https://www.samadamscincy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Samual Adams Taproom</a><a href="https://rhinegeist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rhinegeist Brewery</a><a href="https://braxtonbrewing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Braxton Brewing Company</a><a href="https://www.streetsidebrewery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Streetside Brewery</a><a href="https://www.moerleinlagerhouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Moerlein Lager House</a>

Frankie & Mara

Frankie & Mara

Registry

The pictured gifts on the wish list below only show items from Crate and Barrel and Amazon. Please use the "Shop Registry" links to find our Pottery Barn and William Sonoma registry items as well. Thank you for any and all contributions!