Visitation Catholic Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

Little Theatre

Reception

Rehearsal Dinner

Our Wedding

In an indirect way we probably have to credit Ryan, Jen's brother, for our meeting. At the time, I was working as a Consultant for Cerner which equated to at minimum of Monday - Thursday on the road in exciting locations like Billings, Seattle and Napa! My brother, Ryan, had had wonderful luck on Match.com (he met his lovely wife Cathy!), so I decided to sign up. After about a year of just kind of looking around on Match, and going on a few less than impressive dates, I was given the gift of time off the road, so it was time to get serious about the search for Mr. Right! One night while watching a Cowboys game I was perusing the profiles on Match and somehow came across briant2565. I thought, he seems like a decent guy, and is pretty cute from his profile pictures, so why not reach out? I sent a charming message and peaked his interest. After chatting back and forth for via Match for a couple of days Brian asked me if I would like to meet. We scheduled a date for the Monday night before Thanksgiving. This happens to be the same week every year that my friend Molly and I make pumpkin rolls to share with our families for the holidays. Molly had to reschedule our Tuesday night baking session to Monday, so our date was postponed to the evening before Thanksgiving. During our baking fun I realized that briant2565 never told me his real name. I had signed all of my notes back and forth through Match with "Jen," but he didn't sign his at all! What is his name??? Brian? Briant? After much discussion with Molly it was determined that I must reach out and ask him his name. I couldn't just go to a date with a guy and have no idea what to call him. So, I sheepishly reached out to briant2565 and asked him to clarify his name, which he did by saying, "It would have been a shame to go by Briant the rest of my life." (Swoon!)Brian picked Harry's Country Club in River Market as our meeting place. Little did he know at the time that happened to be my favorite spot in the neighborhood. We sat at the bar and talked for several hours with hardly a breath taken. I had to pick up my brother at the airport around 10:30, which I made known at the beginning of the date. I later learned that Brian thought this was a back-out plan! Haha! When Brian asked if I needed to go pick up Ryan (it was pushing 10:30 at this point), I said, "Eh, he'll be alright waiting a bit."When we left that date I knew right then and there that this was the wonderful man I was going to marry! It turns out the old adage is true, when you know, you know.And the rest, as they say, is history!

How We Met

Our Story

Wedding Party

Bridal Party

Matron of Honor Heidi Berthelsen (Friend of the Bride)Bridesmaids Erin Sleddens (Friend of the Bride)Molly Willman (Friend of the Bride)

Groom's Party

Best ManMatt Truta (Brother of the Groom)Groomsmen Nick Mense (Friend of the Groom)Mike Massad (Friend of the Groom)UshersDerek Dietz (Friend of the Groom)Matt Hilboldt (Friend of the Groom)

Details

Photos

Heidi Berthelsen

Matt Truta

Erin Sleddens

Molly Willman

Nick Mense

Mike Massad

Derek Dietz

Matt Hilboldt

Q + A

Registry

Please book your rooms through the "Visit Website" link below by Sunday, October 1st . The Marriott will not book rooms in the wedding block via phone. If you're unable to book a room via the link below please let Brian or Jen know.

Kansas City Marriott Downtown

Travel

Where it all began . . .The spot of our first date! Little did Brian know at the time, this is Jen's favorite bar in Kansas City. If you visit we recommend trying the Moscow or Missouri Mule . . . they make the best one in the city! Take the street car north into the River Market and visit this local gem!

Harry's Country Club

Cinder Block is a great local micro-brewery in the Northland, not too far from downtown. It is owned by one of Jen's former managers at Cerner, and is one of our favorite spots to grab a drink in the city. Try Brian's favorite beer, the Prime Extra Pale Ale.

Cinder Block Brewery

If you like wine, definitely stop in at Tannin. They have a large selection of wine by the glass (Jen's favorite is the Tempranillo when they have it!), great small plates, and a fun vibe. They are just a block off of the Kauffman Center street car stop!

Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen

Tom's Town Distilling Co. is downtown Kansas City's first legal distillery since Prohibition. Drawing inspiration from the country's most polarizing and corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast, Tom's Town brings to life the glamorous magnetism of the Gatsby era. Rooted in a deco optimism, Kansas City flouted Prohibition under the Pendergast machine. For a fun cocktail and a Gatsby atmosphere take a trip to Tom's Town! They are just a couple of blocks off of the Kauffman Center street car stop!

Tom's Town Distilling Co.

There probably isn't much that needs to be said about Kansas City Joe's, formerly Oklahoma Joe's Bar-B-Que. If you go to the 47th Street location over the weekend be prepared to stand in line.

Joe's Kansas City Barbecue

Q39 is a newer BBQ spot in town, and definitely requires a reservation which can be made on the restaurant website, or on Yelp. If you stop in here make sure you try the burnt ends, brisket, or the No Jackin' Around sandwich.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill has one of its original locations in Omaha, where Jen attended college, and it has since been one of her favorite sushi restaurants. Since opening in Westwood last Fall it has now become one of Brian's favorites as well.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

The National World War I Museum and Memorial is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. If you're a history buff this is time well spent.

National World War I Museum and Memorial

When the mighty Steamboat Arabia sank near Kansas City on September 5, 1856, she carried 200 tons of mystery cargo. Lost for 132 years, its recovery in 1988 was like finding the King Tut's Tomb of the Missouri River. Remarkably preserved clothes, tools, guns, dishware and more. The discovery was truly a modern day treasure-hunting story at its best.

Jennifer & Brian

Jennifer & Brian

J&B

Wedding Day

1:00 PM

Wedding

Reception

Rehearsal Dinner