Los Portales Mexican Restaurant

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

St. Mary Catholic Parish

Nuptial Mass

Reception

Our Wedding

Despite being more than 600 miles away from each other, Jason and Kelly still managed to meet in April of 2024, on a Catholic dating app called 'Gather,' which was taken off of the app store (citing 'financial difficulties') on May 1st of the same year. Two phone calls and a handful of text messages later, we agreed on a first date after Kelly moved from Atchison, Kansas, to Littleton, Colorado in mid-May.

One date led to another, and soon enough they were spending every free afternoon and evening (and sometimes morning) together, when we weren't apart for family trips to Canada, weddings of college friends, and the funeral of Kelly's beloved grandfather. In early August, Jason joined Kelly as her 'plus one' at a friend's wedding in Wisconsin, and despite having to spend twelve hours together in the Milwaukee airport waiting on a Frontier airlines flight, they continued going on more dates and spending more time together as the summer turned to fall.

Later in the fall, they planned a road trip down to their respective hometowns for Thanksgiving, hitting Pflugerville, Katy, League City, and Granbury on the great Texas adventure. On this trip, they met each other's parents and shared stories about where and how they had grown up, as well as how far they had come.

In December, Jason joined Kelly in League City after Christmas, meeting the last of the family and taking the opportunity to ask Kelly's parents for their blessing. After swinging by Pflugerville for New Years, they returned to Littleton, and a week or two later went ring shopping together to get Kelly's ring size and a sense of what she liked. Jason later visited a local jeweler who offered custom rings, and designed a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. Finally, after two weeks of sitting on the ring (and two days of skiing with Jason's family), they hiked up South Table Mountain in Golden, Colorado, and Jason got down on one knee (with Milo's leash in hand, of course!)

Now, we are engaged and looking forward to our wedding in November! We are so excited to celebrate with all of you and keep our story turning as we set out on the adventure of married life together. We're relying on your prayers and support as we pursue the vocation God has called us to. Neither of us could have gotten to where we are today without wonderful people to help guide and support us, and we're looking forward to many more years of wonderful people!

Our Story

Photos

Kelly and Clare were randomly assigned as roommates during their freshman year at Benedictine. They became instant friends and decided to remain roommates throughout the rest of their time in college. They bonded over the faith, and their love of nature, dogs and comedy. Clare can always count on Kelly to hysterically laugh at just about any joke she tries to make. Clare is the silliest and kindest person a soul could ever meet, and Kelly is honored to have her by her side during the big day!

Clare Nickel

Jason and Eric met at the Colorado School of Mines in Statics class, where Eric worked hard to learn the material and Jason slept through lectures only to ace the exams. Bonding over their shared Catholic faith, love of Skyrim, and visits to breweries, Eric and Jason have remained fast friends long since college ended. Jason is thrilled to have Eric as his best man, and knows that he can always count on Eric to support him through all the ups and downs of life.

Eric Smoorenburg

Lily and Kelly became fast friends after meeting freshman year at Benedictine College. Lily was a founding member of the Catholic women's household at Benedictine with Kelly. She grew up on the countryside of Vermont where she picked up a special love for art. Kelly blames Lily for much of her spiritual growth in college due to the many deep conversations they had about faith, art, and philosophy. Lily currently works in New Hampshire as an artist at a handcrafted pottery store. 

Lily Yandow

Connecting initially through the Mines Catholic Campus Ministry, Jason and Paul also lived together in the Frassati house during the 2018-19 school year. Beyond school, Paul has been one of Jason's closest friends and a great travel partner, surviving trips to Alaska and Poland (despite their shared tendency to lose their sense of direction entirely).

Paul Stanfel

Phoebe is Kelly's second to oldest sister. She has been Kelly's biggest support over her life and has had the biggest influence on her faith journey. Phoebe met her husband at Franciscan University of Steubenville and is currently a stay at home mom in Melbourne, FL with her two squishy babies, Leo and Josie. Phoebe is passionate about family life in the Church and is starting a family ministry at her parish.

Phoebe Neve

Also a former roommate from the Frassati house, Michael and Jason have bonded over everything from board games to the Community of the Beatitudes. Michael and his now-wife Kelsie were one of Jason and Kelly's first double dates! Michael still contributes to Jason's Dungeons and Dragons game despite now living in Pueblo, and Jason is excited to have him back in town for the wedding.

Michael Ruiz

Hannah and Kelly met at Benedictine college during their freshman year. Although not close at first, they became closer over the years with their involvement in the Catholic women's household. Kelly and Hannah both relied on each other for mutual support regarding classwork, family relationships and romantic interests. They both share a love for the game, Dominion and a love for the faith. Kelly was honored to be a bridesmaid in Hannah's wedding in July of 2024. The couple has become close friends with Hannah and her husband, David. Hannah and her husband currently reside in Atchison, Kansas working for Benedictine College. 

Hannah Garsteki

Another of Jason's former roommates, Cade also lived in the Frassati house, and when Jason left the role at the end of 2019 Cade became the fourth House Manager of Frassati, filling Jason's (much smaller) shoes. Now out of school, Cade and Jason continue today to play Dungeons and Dragons and otherwise just hang out.

Cade Mayhak

Kelly's little sister, Trinity, has had to deal with Kelly her entire life. Although a rocky relationship early on, Kelly and Trinity learned to lean on each other with the ups and downs of life. Trinity is gifted in the theater arts and is currently studying acting, TV and film at South Eastern Missouri University. Kelly is her biggest fan and shows off her talent whenever she gets the chance. Trinity is one of the silliest, talented and kindest people Kelly has ever known.  

Trinity Johnson

Jason's younger brother, Riley has put up with Jason his entire life, even sharing a room with him during Jason's high school years.

Riley Link

Wedding Party

Q + A

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Staybridge Suites Denver South - Highlands Ranch by IHG

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Courtyard by Marriott Denver Southwest/Littleton

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Jason & Kelly

Jason & Kelly

J&K

Wedding Day

10:00 AM–11:30 AM

Nuptial Mass

12:00 PM–3:00 PM

Reception