St Monica-St George Catholic Church

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Manor House Event Center

Happy Hour

Reception

Dear Family and Friends, We ask for your humble prayers as we embark on this journey toward the sacred vocation of marriage. "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." - Proverbs 16:24

Our Wedding

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments that stand out with the brilliance of a thousand stars... meeting you was one of them. Life is a grand ballroom, where some may call it fate, I call it God meticulously orchestrating the dance of destiny. When two worlds collide, mutual friends introduce two unexpected strangers to one another in the most unassuming of settings, and they fall in love. Little did these two strangers know that they would captivate each other's attention and soon become the very joy, keeper of each other's hearts, and heartbeat of each other's existence. These strangers were Justin and Stacey. From our very first conversation to our overdrawn and late-night talks about Jesus, we drew closer to one another and our friendship deepened. We became each other's treasured confidant and humble companion. Some challenges we faced were not easy, but that makes this real. We wasted no time, and neither did Jesus—He led, and we followed. He made two strangers into best friends, and the greatest gift is for them to become husband and wife. Each shared laugh, each whispered secret, each tear that fell, and each stolen glance has woven a tapestry of cherished memories that we will forever hold dear. We first kissed on August 23, 2022.In Santa Magedalena, Philippines, we became fiancés on July 10, 2024.We will take it back and kiss for the very first time as husband and wife on August 23, 2025. We can't wait for the presence of heaven and earth to come together on August 23, 2025, and embark on this most sacred journey of the sacrament of matrimony. We invite you all to witness the story of the ages and celebrate this union under God. We met and we talked and it was all because of God.&nbsp; Holy Family, pray for us.Saint Magdalena, pray for us.Saint Joseph, pray for us.Mother Mary, pray for us.

Our Genesis 

Our Story

Very Cutesy--Very Demure

Gallery

Meet The Ladies

Jenna Fazzari

Jenna and Stacey met in college. One of the greatest gifts Jenna has ever given Stacey is Justin. Jenna introduced Stacey to Justin during a perfect week at Murphy's Trivia Night. Jenna has always been the type of sister who will never make you feel unloved. She loves well. Jenna and Stacey's favorite question is: "How's your heart?" Jenna has a heart of gold and it's admirable.We pray that our marriage can be full of love.

Grace Thorstenson

Grace and Stacey go way back to high school. One of the greatest gifts Grace has ever given Stacey is her authentic and selfless sisterhood. Grace has always been that sister to Stacey that she never knew she needed, but God had always promised. Grace is that friend who you see and feel like no time has passed. Grace has been there through thick and thin. Grace has a contagious laugh that brings so much joy!We pray that our marriage can be full of laughter!

Stephanie Ahmed

Stephanie and Stacey met in Bible study in college. One of the greatest gifts Stephanie has given Stacey is her time. Stephanie and Stacey regularly go get their coffee and with their busy schedules make the effort and time for each other to destress, daydream, have girl time, and have Jesus talks. This is an important time as a reminder to present and fill each other's cups and know that sisterhood is important. Steph has an unexplainable virtue of understanding.We pray that our marriage can be full of understanding.

Emily Egbers

Emily and Stacey knew each other during Bible study in college, and although they were not in the same one, God still introduced them. One of the greatest gifts Emily has given Stacey is her testimony of witnessing the Lord's work in Stacey's life and holding her hand through it. Emily has a beautiful soul of perseverance. She does not give up on the things she cares about.&nbsp;We pray that our marriage is full of perseverance when the going gets tough.

Audrey Risner

Audrey and Stacey met at a UC tailgate when Justin's family visited town. One of the greatest gifts Audrey has given Stacey is herself-- a sister. (*I have always wanted a little sister. Back then, I had no idea that Justin would eventually propose. Looking back now, I'm grateful that he did, as it not only brought me Audrey as a friend but also as a sister.*) Audrey has been the best younger sister to Justin and her kind but direct and honest personality is already making her the ideal sister-in-law in the making. Audrey is the most honest person.We pray that our marriage is kept honest.

Sophia Sharpshair

Sophia and Stacey met in Bible study, and since then, they could not get enough of each other. By seeing each other twice a week at Bible study and Catholic Bearcat nights, they soon became roommates. One of the greatest gifts Sophia has given Stacey is her childlike spirit. Sophia has always been there for Stacey, from the tough nights filled with tears to the tears of joy from good news. To not only be friends but to live with one of your closest friends is a blessing that one sometimes takes for granted. A romantic at heart, Sophia adores love stories and has been a constant source of encouragement for Stacey and Justin from the beginning. Sophia always looks at the bright side of life and has such a beautiful insight into childlike and devout faith.We pray that our marriage and future family is full of love and faith!

Karli Smith

Karli and Stacey met at Karli's (and Cole's) wedding. One of the greatest gifts Karli has given Stacey is her encouraging nature. Karli has been the biggest fan of Stacey and Justin and has been asking for almost two years when the wedding will happen. It is very special for her (and Cole) to be part of the wedding and be even more of a witness to this love story. Karli is always supportive and ready to send encouragement, wedding vendor links, and prayers even when she is miles away.We look up to Cole and Karli's marriage, we pray that our marriage is full of support.

Kathryn Zalla

Kathy and Stacey met at Catholic Bearcat while Kathy was at Xavier and Stacey was at UC. During SEEK in Knoxville, TN, Stacey and Kathy not only dove into friendship with the Lord but also into friendship with one another. They made memories they still talk about to this day. Kathryn came into Stacey's life at the most perfect time, along with their other girlfriends, who taught Stacey the importance of sisterhood and femininity. Oh, the joys of being a woman! One of Stacey's favorite memories is a road trip they took—Kathy and Stacey (and Julie ;)). Although Stacey and Kathy may be in separate cars on this road called life, they still meet on the same route, headed in the same direction. Kathryn has always carried herself with such poise, grace, and gentleness. The greatest gift Kathy has ever given Stacey is inspiration, encouragement, and her beautiful name as a potential baby name for the future!We have already been so blessed, but we pray that our journey not only in marriage continuous to be beautiful.

Meet The Gentlemen

Ethan Frankart

Ethan is the best man of my party, and I have known him since we were in middle school. I’m not sure how the friendship started, but from middle school classes to high school track; from college game day to wedding planning; and from my highest highs to my lowest lows, Ethan has always been there to support me and I have always been able to rely on him to have my back.

Aj Kanable

Aj is one of the groomsman in my party. I have always been able to count on him to keep me humbled and grounded. He’s another day one friend who’s helped get me to where I am today. He's one of the most authentic people I know and I'm honored to have him as a part of my wedding party.

Cole Smith

Cole is one of my groomsmen. I've known him since high school and got to know him in high school football and track. He's an honorable and faithful man whom I look up to, and I credit with teaching me the meaning of hard work. Even after graduation, that lesson helped shape my mentality moving forward in life. He's also got a great taste in wine.

Tyler Dillon

Tyler was one of my first friends - and a groomsmen in my party - I have known him since I was 4. I've had the pleasure of seeing how much he has grown over the years and I'm sure he could share a story or two of how much I have grown as well.

Conner Johannigman

Conner is one of my groomsmen. He's one of my first ever friends from when we were in preschool. I can't remember a time we weren't together, but you'd still be hard pressed to find a picture of us together. From preschool all the way to Cincinnati, we've been through it all together. #PCI

Ethan Mata

Ethan and I met a little over 2 years ago when Stacey and I first started dating. He's been nothing but loving and supportive for Stacey and I. He's passionate about what he does and he's passionate about those he cares about and that's what I admire most about him. I'm excited to call him my brother.

Nathan Miller

I met Nate back in kindergarten before we went our separate ways for 12 years. But when we met again at UC, it was like no time had passed. He's got a great story about the first time we decided to catch up together. Looking back, asking a guy you haven't talked to in 12 years to move into your house of 4 seems crazy. What's crazier is that he agreed to it.

Rafael Naranjo

I met Raf when he moved to LB in high school, but I didn't really get to know him until our freshman year in Calhoun. Since then, he's been one of my go-to friends. From tequila nights at the Wheeler house to putting hours into Rocket League on work nights, Raf is always there to carry me.

Wedding Party

Things to Know

Please make your reservations by Monday, July 21, 2025 to receive your group rate.&nbsp;Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and referring to your group number <a href="tel:10145864" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10145864</a>.

Drury Inn & Suites Cincinnati Northeast Mason

IN ADDITION TO OUR GROUP HOTEL, HERE ARE A FEW OTHER OPTIONS YOU MIGHT CONSIDER?

Please keep in mind that our wedding coincides with the Cincinnati Tennis Open. We strongly encourage you to book your hotel accommodations sooner rather than later, as rooms will fill up quickly and rates may increase significantly. Below are some recommended hotels near our reception venue, along with their addresses: 1. LaQuinta&nbsp;&nbsp;Address: 9918 Escort Dr. Cincinnati OH 45050 2. The Hilton Garden Inn&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Address: 5300 Cornell Rd. Blue Ash OH 45243. Hampton Inn&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Address: 5232 Bardes Rd. Mason, OH. 45040 4. Best Western Mason Inn&nbsp;&nbsp;Address: 9665 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040 6.Holiday Inn Express and Suites&nbsp;&nbsp;Address: 5100 Natorp Blvd. Mason OH 45040 We appreciate your understanding and look forward to celebrating with you!

Travel/Hotel 

Justin and I met in Cincinnati and have a deep love for this city! We love to explore! Here are some places to check out to pass the time!

—Stacey's Pick—

I am a coffee snob! Mount Adams is where Justin and I love getting coffee and spending slow weekends and walks with Wheeler (photo above)!

The Bow Tie Cafe

—Justin's Pick—

"Free hot dogs, free popcorn, cheap beer. (21+)"-Justin R

Murphy's Pub

———Our Picks!———

In Cincinnati!

Perfect for a nice walk and views of the Ohio River!

Eden Park

A public market with fun food options and unique vendors!

Findlay Market

For those that love being dressed up and want to take some aesthetic photos (me... thats me..) this museum has a fantastic collection and it is free to enter!

Cincinnati Art Museum

A beautiful park with a garden and walking trails. Justin and I actually took some of our engagement photos here when we came back to the states!

Ault Park

OTR (Over-the-Rhine District) is known for its trendy shops and fun bars. Somerset is a unique indoor/outdoor place to get a quick bite and a fancy delicious drink!

Somerset Bar

What more can I say? This is Stacey's second home. I am a shopaholic (sorry to my future husband in advance!),

Kenwood Towne Centre

Near Mason

Shopping center with shops and restaurants to explore!

Deerfield Towne Center

With the number of malls on this list... you are welcome. Another shopping and dining destination!

Liberty Center

A lovely park with trails and scenic views!

Voice of America MetroPark

Honestly, you are in Cincinnati -- you have to get a coney!! You can find a Skyline anywhere!

Skyline Chili

One of my favorite places to either have a coffee or an alcoholic drink! Very cutesy!

Justin & Stacey Risner

Justin & Stacey Risner

Registry

Hi Friends, Justin and I will be moving in together after our wedding, and we could not be more excited! This means we have a lot of things to get together. We are thankful that you are taking a sneak peek at things that we potentially want/need! Thank you for the gift of your prayers as well!