Rehearsal Dinner

Swan Lake Event Center

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Our story begins in the whirlwind of College life in Findlay, Ohio. It was 2006, a time of teenage dreams and endless possibilities. That's when our paths first crossed, and a spark ignited a friendship that would blossom in unexpected ways. We spent countless hours together, laughing with our friend groups and forging a bond built on shared experiences.Life, however, has a way of taking us down different roads. The year 2007 saw us continuing as friends, our circles sometimes overlapping as we navigated the exciting, yet often confusing, world of young adulthood. Then, in 2008, Rob's dedication took him towards serving our country, joining the Army. There was a bittersweet goodbye, but fate had other plans. When Rob returned later that year, guess who was there to welcome him home with a warm smile? None other than Katie, her presence a beacon of familiarity and comfort after a time of separation.Fast forward to 2010. Destiny, it seemed, wasn't quite finished writing our story. We found ourselves reunited in Columbus,Ohio.&nbsp;Katie and I reconnected over classic video games. Mario Galaxy and Paper Mario became our companions once more, their fantastical worlds a backdrop for rediscovering the joy of each other's company.The years that followed, from 2011 to 2014, were filled with continued friendship and the camaraderie that comes with shared gaming sessions. Life took hold, guiding us on individual journeys. Yet, the embers of that initial spark never truly faded.Some years passed as life once again pulled us down seperate paths. We remained in contact though distant. Some might say this time was largely spent on finding our individual selves. Perhaps preparing us for the next time that we'd find each other.Then, in 2023, a twist of fate brought us together once again. This time, over a steaming plate of deliciousness at our favorite Mongolian BBQ. Conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter echoing through the restaurant. It was as if no time had passed at all. Those dinners became more frequent, evolving into hangouts, laughter-filled game nights, and eventually, a rekindled romance.Today, we stand here, hand in hand, a testament to the enduring power of love. Our story is one of friendship, separation, and a serendipitous reunion. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest love stories take time to unfold, their chapters filled with laughter, friendship, and the unwavering pull of destiny.

Our Story

Photos

The Ladies

Katie brings a strong, ferocious and sometimes chaotic energy to most things that she does. She is the Black Cat to Robert's Golden Retriever energy. Having been through so much together and apart, she's excited to take this adventure into married life with her best friend and love, Robert.

Katie Volkers

Katie met Sam in fall of 2018. After she had started talking to Katie's brother Michael, she came over to the house that Katie and Michael lived in at the time for dinner. Over time they bonded over ganging up on Michael. Years later Katie now calls Sam 'sister' after she officially joined the family.

Samantha Volkers

Austin is Sister of the Groom. She and Katie met some time after Katie and Robert met at Findlay. Robert invited Katie to meet the friends and family sometime in 2007 or 2008. They bonded over shared gaming interests and teasing Robert. Katie is excited to soon call her sister!

Austin

Aliyah and Katie met over the holidays in 2012 after Katie's Mother began seeing Aliyah's Father. They've been sharing family holidays and family birthday events ever since, often bonding over nerd culture, dog-mom life and various family activities.

Aliyah

Nicole and Katie go way back to their young adult days in 2006 where they met adventuring about in the Alternative Columbus Night Life. Eventually they continued these adventures together, dancing, socializing and singing karaoke! Katie counts her as one of her longest standing friends. 

Nicole

Sabrina and Katie met playing Pokémon GO in 2019. They traveled across the World together. They became fast friends bonding over the game and how they connecting with the community both individually and together as friends. At one point they were roommates. Katie counts her as one of the her close friends.

Sabrina Daufel

THE FELLAS

The happy, goofy, optimistic and excited husband to be;  often referred to as the "Golden Retriever" of the relationship, due to his warm and caring personality. Robert is looking forward to sharing this magical day with family and friends.

Robert

Brandon and Robert have known each other since first grade, way back in the early 90s. This friendship has spanned their entire lives, they've shared many moments of growing up and maturing together. For a time, the two were basically inseparable. Brandon and Robert's friendship is a rare lifelong brotherhood easily described as the best of friends.

Brandon

Michael is Brother of the Bride and husband to Sam the Maid of Honor. He and Robert met very briefly shortly after Katie and Robert first met in Findlay sometime in 2007 or 2008. They had not seen each other since until 2023. Robert looks forward to calling him brother.

Michael

Robert and Sean have been friends since they were kids in the early 90s. They share interests in video games and nerd culture, which they have bonded over many years. Sean has always been a guiding light and mentor for Robert. Robert is grateful for Sean's leadership and couldn't have asked for a better friend and confidant.

Sean

Josh and Robert met in Junior high though their real friendship would bloom later in life. They bonded over mutual experience in the Military, late night gaming sessions and eventually they became roommates. Robert counts Josh as one of his closest and greatest friends.

Josh

Spencer is the younger brother of Best Man Brandon. He and Robert have been friends since their youth in the 90s. They have shared decades of late nights and weekends playing video games, riding bikes, and enjoying movies together. Robert has always considered him a close and reliable friend.

Spencer

Wedding Party

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Katie & Robert

Katie & Robert

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