While their love story didn’t begin until late December of 2021, Jared and Katie’s friendship goes back many years. Their story begins back in 2005, where they played on the same soccer team. Comically, they don’t remember being teammates; likely due to Jared’s innate athletic ability and Katie’s drive to sit on the sideline with her sunglasses on.

As they attended separate elementary schools, their paths didn’t cross again until they began middle school. Throughout school, they were always friends. However, their close friendship didn’t blossom until high school. Particularly in their sophomore year chemistry class where they were lab partners.

Unsurprisingly to their close mutual friends who always predicted the two would end up together, Jared and Katie realized that their feelings were more than that of friends. They discovered they had many shared interests, including traveling, trying new foods, and their love for their favorite teams (Go Browns!). In these experiences, it became clear they would share a future.

On August 3rd, 2024, Jared told Katie he was taking her to an early birthday brunch. They arrived at Summer Place in Lakewood, and Jared asked her if she wanted to take a look at the scenic view of Lake Erie. After admiring the lake for a while, Jared shared some sweet words before getting down on one knee. Katie thought he was kidding until she saw the BEAUTIFUL ring and saw their friend/incredible photographer Iris Menegay emerge from the bushes! Of course, she said yes; and the two enjoyed an hour long photo shoot with Iris before heading into Summer Place for a delicious brunch.

Katie and Jared cannot emphasize enough how excited they are to celebrate their wedding with you! They can’t wait to share in all the fun, laughter, and memories together!