Rehearsal Dinner

VEA Newport Beach

Wedding Day

“We are so excited for the year ahead and feel so blessed to get to celebrate with all of you so soon. You each hold such a special place in our hearts, and we couldn’t imagine our special day without you.” – John Ryan and Katie

Our Wedding

We met in the summer of 2022. Katie had just moved into her new apartment in Santa Monica, and John Ryan had been living in the same city since October when he moved to LA for his job working on the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.&nbsp; Fortuitously, we had both decided to join Hinge. Much to God’s perfect plan, Katie matched with John Ryan on her first day on Hinge. The two of us went on a dinner date on Main Street in Santa Monica and instantly had a connection. Not only did we realize that there was something special between us, but also that if it was going to work, there would be a lot of travel for each other in the future as John Ryan’s job moves him around a lot. After a few months of dating, we realized that the future of long distance was worth it to be together.&nbsp; After the U.S. Open at LACC, John Ryan and Katie took a cross-country road trip to help move John Ryan into his new home for the next year in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Those months consisted of several flights between LA and Raleigh and many FaceTime calls between us.&nbsp; We decided to make the most of our long distance, though. With the help of our families and the fact that Katie can work remotely, we were able to take some amazing trips together. From Hawaii with Katie‘s family to the Catskill Mountains with JR’s family, Nashville, Charlotte, Minneapolis, Washington DC, Palm Springs, and a few Newport Beach trips, we turned our visits with each other into making new memories in new cities.

Katie and John Ryan in Kauai

Katie and John Ryan in Montauk, NY

Katie and John Ryan in Washington, DC

The long distance isn’t done just quite yet, though. In the fall of 2024, John Ryan moved out to the Hamptons in New York, where he is currently living and working on the 2026 U.S. Open. A few months later, during what Katie thought was her Christmas trip from John Ryan to New York City, John Ryan surprised her by proposing to her in Central Park on December 21, 2024. It was a perfect winter day with snow all over, and of course, she said yes!

After the wedding, Katie will be moving out to the Hamptons with John Ryan until the end of the summer (Cheers to 2 1/2 years of long distance being over!). After that, we will see where John Ryan’s job and our fun life with travel takes us as newlyweds. Wherever the future may take us, we are so excited to be by each other's side through every new adventure!

Our Story

Photos

We want to make your stay as comfortable as possible! While we do not have a room block at any hotel, we believe all three options below offer great accommodations at different price points.

We’re excited to be celebrating our wedding at the Vea Newport Beach, and we’d love for you to be a part of it! Vea will be the central hub for our wedding weekend, offering a comfortable and convenient place to stay just steps away from all the festivities. If you’re planning to join us, we highly recommend booking your stay here for easy access to the celebration and a great experience.

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa

For anyone looking for another option, we recommend the Pendry Newport Beach. It’s just a 10-15 minute walk from the Vea Hotel, offering a comfortable and stylish stay with easy access to the wedding festivities. A great choice if you’d prefer a different location but still want to be close to all the action.

Pendry Newport Beach

Another wonderful option is the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach on Jamboree. Located just a short 5 minute drive from the Vea, it offers a beautiful setting with plenty of amenities. While it’s a bit far to walk, it’s a quick drive and a great choice for a comfortable stay in the area.

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

Accommodations

﻿For our out of town guests, who will be flying in, here are the best options for airports.

Los Angeles International Airport ~ 45 miles

<a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights/search?tfs=CBwQAhokEgoyMDI2LTAyLTIwag0IAxIJL20vMDJfMjg2cgcIARIDTEFYGiQSCjIwMjYtMDItMjJqBwgBEgNMQVhyDQgDEgkvbS8wMl8yODZAAUgBcAGCAQsI____________AZgBAQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LAX</a> will have the most flight options, especially from New York. It’s easy to rent a car at the airport and drive about an hour south to the venue.

Long Beach Airport ~ 25 miles

<a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights/search?tfs=CBwQAhopEgoyMDI2LTAyLTIwag0IAxIJL20vMDJfMjg2cgwIAxIIL20vMG5id2YaKRIKMjAyNi0wMi0yMmoMCAMSCC9tLzBuYndmcg0IAxIJL20vMDJfMjg2QAFIAXABggELCP___________wGYAQE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LGB</a> is a smaller, easy-to-navigate airport located about 30 minutes from the venue. If you find a flight that works for you, it’s a great option!

John Wayne Airport ~ 5 miles

<a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights/search?tfs=CBwQAhopEgoyMDI2LTAyLTIwag0IAxIJL20vMDJfMjg2cgwIAxIIL20vMHIya2gaKRIKMjAyNi0wMi0yMmoMCAMSCC9tLzByMmtocg0IAxIJL20vMDJfMjg2QAFIAXABggELCP___________wGYAQE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SNA</a> is just a quick 15-minute drive from the venue—perfect if you're flying in for the weekend and want to skip the rental car, and grab an Uber.

Airports

One of Katie’s favorite places to visit is Fashion Island, just across the street from the hotel. It’s a great spot to do a little shopping, relax, and enjoy some fresh air. There’s something for everyone, plus some fantastic places to eat. Our personal favorites are RH Ocean Grill (great store to grab a coffee and walk around in too), True Food Kitchen, and R+D Kitchen.

Fashion Island

If you are staying in Newport Beach for an extra day, we highly recommend renting a Duffy boat and "sailing" around Balboa. Stop by the Whole Foods in Fashion Island before and grab some snacks and beverages, and enjoy an hour or two on the water.

Duffy Boat Ride

If you have a free morning or afternoon head on over to Balboa Island. Just a short drive away. You can walk and window-shop the cute stores, grab coffee or a frozen banana at Dad's, and walk along the waterways. Fun fact! Katie's parents met here in college.

Balboa Island

If you know Mr. Orr, you know this is one of his favorite places of all time! Great place to stop in for lunch or dinner, followed-up by a little shopping in the store and nearby boutiques.

Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store

Another spot worth checking out is Lido Marina Village, just a short drive from the hotel. This waterfront area has a relaxed, coastal vibe with boutique shops, art galleries, and great spots for grabbing a bite (Malibu Farm or Bear Flag is great). Whether you’re in the mood for some leisurely shopping or just enjoying the view, it’s a perfect place to spend a few hours.

Katelyn + John Ryan

Katelyn + John Ryan

K&J

Wedding Day

“We are so excited for the year ahead and feel so blessed to get to celebrate with all of you so soon. You each hold such a special place in our hearts, and we couldn’t imagine our special day without you.” – John Ryan and Katie