Cedar Grove Events

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

In July 2024, Ryan and Katie met online like many modern couples. Conversation easily flowed from the moment they matched. Their first date was to the state fair. They instantly clicked and had their second date the next evening. Katie's dog, Schafer, fell in love with Ryan the moment he met him and Katie knew Ryan was a special guy. Soon "I love you's" were said and Katie and Ryan met family members from both sides of the family from far and wide. In September, they took their first vacation together to Kentucky at Red River Gorge. In October, Ryan traveled to Texas to meet Katie's friends and family, and attended his first Texas Aggie football game. Later that month, Ryan and Katie traveled to Chicago and made many fun memories exploring the city. In November, they enjoyed Thanksgiving with Katie's parents and Ryan's family before flying to Hawaii. It was in Hawaii that Ryan decided he knew he wanted to marry Katie. January 4, 2025, Ryan asked Katie to marry him. The proposal plan was Madison asked Katie and Ryan out to dinner to celebrate Madison and her husband's anniversary. They took pictures out by the water at The Harbor in Rockwall, TX and Ryan surprised Katie during one of the pictures. Katie said "Yes!" and was then pointed in the direction of many of her friends and family watching from afar. It was a beautiful proposal made even more special because Katie was able to see some of her loved ones that she had not seen in months.

Our Story

Photos

Madison and Katie first met when playing soccer in 2001. They quickly became best friends and their friendship has held strong through many moves and life changes. They’ve shared many laughs, tears, and prayers throughout their friendship and Katie is honored to have Madison stand by her side. 

Madison O’Dwyer

Lauren and Katie met during an online class their first semester of CRNA school at TCU. Together they bonded through the highs and lows of CRNA school and becoming CRNAs. Lauren was the sunshine Katie needed to help her get through tough life moments, such as the death of her Granny, challenging tests, and rough days at clinical. Katie and Lauren have maintained their friendship via long distance and enjoy traveling together and attending conferences. 

Lauren Britt

Alexa and Katie became friends after meeting at a CRNA conference in Washington, DC in April 2023. Alexa and Katie’s friendship grew after Katie began working in Columbus. They spent 2024 training for a triathlon with many mornings spent putting miles on their bikes and chatting about life as new CRNAs. 

Alexa High

Gareth and Ryan met while they were both at The Ohio University. Ryan and Gareth became close friends while Ryan was Gareth's flight instructor. Gareth and Ryan are both now commercial airline pilots and enjoy supporting each other in their careers and family life. Ryan is honored to have Gareth stand by his stand.

Gareth Bussa

Erica and Katie met when Katie started attending the Sunday school class that Erica led. Erica and Katie both went on the church led medical mission trip to Kenya in 2019 and their friendship grew stronger. Over the years, Erica has been a wonderful mentor and friend to Katie and Katie has loved watching Erica perform her missions. 

Erica Jones

Bridget and Katie met in 2017 when Katie started attending First Baptist Dallas. Katie and Bridget became close friends when they roomed together during their mission trip in Kenya. Katie and Bridget have cheered each other on while they both advanced their educations over these past few years and have remained strong friends through long distance. 

Bridget Glass

Katie met Katy through Madison. They bonded over having a shared best friend and through planning Madison’s wedding festivities. Katie has loved watching Katy become a mom. Katy was one of Katie’s biggest cheerleaders while she was in CRNA school and Katie is so thankful Madison brought them together!

Katy Tyra

Ryan and Mike became friends while serving as pilot union representatives. Mike has been a big supporter of Ryan these past couple of years and, after meeting Katie, he told Ryan, “she’s a keeper.”

Mike Barksdale

Cody and Ryan are cousins only 5 months apart in age so you can imagine the fun they got into growing up. Cody and Ryan still create many laughs when they’re found together. 

Cody Pennington

Zach and Ryan have grown up together creating many laughs and memories. They’ve traveled the country together, were college roommates, and continue to enjoy meeting up for alumni band events at their high school. 

Zack Ross

Kassi is Ryan’s sister. Katie knew Kassi had a kind heart from the moment she met her and saw how she cared for her family. She is one of Ryan’s biggest advocates. Kassi is the kind of person everyone hopes they have as a sister-in-law. 

Kassi Johnson

Corey is Ryan’s brother-in-law and they’ve known each other since high school. Corey is an expert sports fan and always knows what games to watch. Corey is also a dedicated family man and is always willing to lend a hand. 

Corey Johnson

Jarrod and Ryan met in undergrad and were roommates during their early days as pilots. They enjoy relaxing together and catching up when their schedules align by playing games. 

Jarrod Bess

Katie and Amanda met through Ben, Amanda’s husband, who was in CRNA school with Katie. Amanda and Katie’s friendship grew while they attended church together. Many afternoons were spent hiking while they discussed their hopes for the future after grad school. Amanda was always looking out for Katie while she got back into the dating world and cheered her on through the good and the bad. She was one of the first people to meet Ryan and give her approval. 

Amanda Medina

Wedding Party

Q + A

The closest airport to Logan, OH is John Glenn Columbus Airport (CMH). It is located about an hour from the Hocking Hills region. All major airlines fly into CMH.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Conference Center

One website for cabins. Many others can be found on VRBO and other websites.

Getaway Cabins

Information on the hocking hills area and accommodations.

Hocking Hills

This is the closest hotel to the wedding venue, but many cabins are located in the area.

Holiday Inn Express Hocking Hills-Logan, an IHG Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lancaster, an IHG Hotel

Hampton Inn Lancaster

Travel

Hike to Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills State Park. See waterfalls and beautiful rock formations on this well frequented 1 mile moderate hike. Restrooms are located at the state park lodge.

Hocking Hills State Park

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Enjoy some time spent shopping at Easton Town Center, an outdoor mall with many shops and restaurants. It has something for everyone!

Katie & Ryan

Katie & Ryan

K&R

Wedding Day

Reception