Disney's BoardWalk Inn

Bridal Tea

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Welcome Party

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Germany Pavilion

Dessert Party

Winter

The Luikart Wedding

Our freshman year of college, both of us were living out our dreams of playing collegiate athletics. In February of 2020, we were both at athletic study tables and met for the first time. We kept running into each other, some instances were purposeful and some by chance. Maddie's roommates said Jay would always try to find a way to come talk to her! We started getting to know each other better in March, and by April Jay invited Maddie to meet his family and friends in Ashland, Ohio. Maddie fell in love with Jay's country lifestyle, and Jay knew she was the one from then on! Soon after, Maddie invited Jay to Sunday Dinner, the most important tradition in her family. Our hearts have been on fire for each other ever since. We officially started dating in June of 2020, and knew we were soulmates by July. That first summer in love holds some of our favorite memories.

Once Upon a Time

Throughout college, we learned how to balance our sport, school, and relationship. We had different "in" seasons, as Maddie played soccer in the fall and Jay played baseball in the Spring. We both loved being able to support the other through all the challenges of collegiate sports. During the winters and summers, we would go home, which allowed us to take turns going to each other's hometowns to spend time with family. Along the way, we met teammates that would support us both in our relationship and became friends for life. We allowed each other to grow and change throughout our college years, which is why our love is as strong as it is today. Our love grew as we did, from being 19 meeting at study table to graduating at 23. Our memories from Wright State we will hold in our hearts forever.

Our First Chapter Together

Maddie graduated in 2023, and her graduation gift from Jay was a puppy. We have had so much fun raising Buck, our cowboy corgi. Jay graduated in 2024 after finishing his final season of baseball. In August of 2024, we were engaged on the most perfect day. Jay planned the most romantic proposal like nothing Maddie could've dreamed, and the day ended with a surprise party with all our friends and family. Maddie is finishing out her Master's degree in Education, and working as a high school science teacher in Dayton, Ohio. Jay is a Regional Sales Manager at Hedstrom in Ashland, Ohio. We hope to soon have a little cozy home in Ashland, Ohio come spring.

New Beginnings 

It had been Maddie's dream to get married at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort for as long as she can remember, going to Disney year after year with her family and watching brides enter the Wedding Pavillon. After we were engaged, Maddie thought all of her dreams already came true by getting to marry Jay. Jay made Maddie's lifelong dream of getting married in Disney come true by starting to plan our Fairytale Wedding.

Our Happily Ever After

Our Story

Photos

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen 

(Cousin of the Bride) 
As we got older, Chels and I grew closer and closer. A constant in my life, I look up to Chelsea for just about everything. She is steady, honest, and lives life the only way there is to live it-authentically. Chels and I are always gonna have a good time together! 

Chelsea Matlock

(Friend of the Groom) 
"Smitty." Jays best friend and partner in crime. Since they were born, these two have been inseparable. Smitty has been one of our biggest supporters in our relationship, we can't imagine life without him. 

Garret Smith

(Cousin of the Bride) 
My partner in crime since I was born! Emy is graceful, selfless, and poised. I can't imagine my life without her. I spent my childhood copying Emy-and am forever grateful she let me! 

Emily Ostendorf

(Brother of the Groom)
 Jays older brother. Jay has looked up to Drew and wanted to be just like him all his life. 

Drew Hoover

(Cousin of the Bride)
Heather is the little sister I never had. Stylish, talented, and open-minded, I can't imagine not having my lil sis by my side!

Heather McBride

(Friend of the Groom) 
Probably on the phone with Jay right now.  A simple man, Alec is willing to help out anyone with anything at anytime. 

Alec Eldridge 

(Sister-in-law of the bride) 
My FIRST sister! My brother couldn't have picked better. Syd loves all things nature, which matches her down to earth personality. 

Sydney Mitchell

(Friend of the Groom) 
Wearing crocs to the wedding. Craig and Jay have some epic adventures together-that usually end in someone's corn field.

Craig Cline

(Sister of the Groom)
 Jay was so lucky to have his sister be his built in best friend, and now so am I! Lacey is thoughtful and goes above and beyond for her people. 

Lacey Luikart

(Brother of the Bride) 
Jay is somewhere asking where Jack is or when he's coming over. Jack is someone who can always make Jay laugh. 

Jackson Mitchell

(Sister of the Groom)
Steph always inspires me-leading her family in style. Creative, talented, and kind, she is a guiding light for Jay and I. 

Stephanie Metcalf

(Brother of the Bride) A hard person to impress, Luke quickly accepted Jay into the family. Luke tells it like it is, which always keeps Jay laughing.

Luke Mitchell

(Friend of the Bride)
My best friend from college. We played the same position on our college soccer team, and laughed when people would try to pit us against each other. Makaylee is outgoing, spunky, and my soul sister! Jay and I can't imagine not having her in our lives. 

Makaylee Zuercher

(Brother of the Bride) 
Sam is the youngest sibling in his family, and Jay is the youngest sibling in his. Sam is a quiet guy, but the kindest soul you've ever met! 

Sam Mitchell

(Friend of the Bride)
 My lifelong best friend. Tay and I have been best friends since we were 7. Tay is the smiliest and funniest person I know. I have known forever she would be by my side. 

Taylor Gingrich

(Husband of Cousin of the Bride)
Cracking open a cold one somewhere together. Just knows how to get stuff done. These two were brothers in a past life.

Connor Matlock

(Friend of the Bride)
Brooke was my first soccer teammate, we were basically raised together on soccer trips! No amount of time spent apart changes our friendship. I never have to question her loyalty. 

Brooke Scherer

(Friend of the Groom)
If Jay is in the car, he is on the phone with Carter. They are probably talking about deer. 

Carter Quay

Fairy Godmother 

The original magic-maker, my grandma has been creating memories for all of us since we were born. To me, my grandma is a classic, joyous display of what living life should look like. She is the leader of our entire family. There is nothing my grandma cannot do, gracefully and effortlessly at that. She has been my "fairy godmother" my entire life- but on this day she gets her own spotlight. 

Ruth Hale

Princesses & Ring Security 

(Goddaughter of the Bride, Daughter of Chelsea and Connor Matlock)
Sweet and sassy, lights up every room! I see myself in this little princess. 

Mia Matlock

(Daughter of Chelsea and Connor Matlock)
We can't wait to meet this little princess! 

Maggie Matlock

(Niece of the groom)
As girly as they come, we are so excited to see her live out her princess dreams! 

Amelia Metcalf

(Niece of the Groom)
Cute and spunky, you know when Annie is in the room! 

Annie Metcalf

(Son of Chelsea and Connor Matlock)
The head of the security team, we know Mason will take his job very seriously! Mason is sweet but tough! 

Mason Matlock

(Son of Brian and Emily Ostendorf)
We can't wait to meet this member of the security team! 

Noah Ostendorf

Officiant 

(Uncle to the Bride)
Gip was our first thought to be the officiant of our wedding after we got engaged. As selfless as they come, Gip walks strong in his faith and goes above and beyond for his family. We are thrilled he will be officiating our wedding as we say our "I dos" before God. 

Gip Hoagland

Wedding Party

Q + A

Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

Booking Your Reservation: Things to Know   Rooms are blocked from December 26 through December 30, for both of the hotels listed. However, there is no minimum number of nights you must book!   If you call the number listed below the hotels to book with a phone agent, you must either mention the Mitchell Luikart Wedding or the following code: G0851061

If you are interested in another resort on property, let Maddie know. We will add it to the room block! If you are interested in staying off property, reach out to Maddie for the best suggestions!

Travel

As a part of our wedding, you can take advantage of pre-arrival savings on theme park tickets, including the park hopper option. Guests can also enjoy single-day admission to one theme park after 1pm or 5pm. To purchase partial day tickets, you must call the number listed.

Jay & Maddie

Jay & Maddie

Registry