Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Drinks

Ceremony & Reception

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour & Reception

Our Wedding

In 2019 after visiting her sister in Ireland, Ashlyn started to think about moving away from her home of 25 years in Denver. Unsure of where she wanted to move, she started to explore Kansas City as her potential new city. After wrestling with the decision for many months, she decided to at least visit her childhood friend Emily (who she attended middle school, high school, and college with) and interview for a few jobs. During that visit, Emily and her husband Jeff jokingly set up an online dating profile on the Coffee Meets Bagel dating app . They had swiped right on several people without Ashlyn's awareness, her future spouse being one of them. This was also the trip Ashlyn finally made the life changing decision to move to Kansas City. She did not have a job lined up and was putting complete faith in God. But she knew God had important things waiting for her in Kansas City. Ashlyn received a message containing cheesy Catholic dating pick-up line from KJ. Ashlyn was not very amused at first, but decided to go with the flow and respond to his messages anyways, assuming it would die down in a few days. Instead, KJ's questions became more intentional and he was very invested in pursuing Ashlyn and getting to know her. After about a week and a half of texting back and forth, many long late night phone calls and FaceTime dates, both Ashlyn and KJ knew there was more to discover about one another. About 3 days before Ashlyn was set to drive the 9 hour road trip to move to Kansas City, KJ called her and said he bought a one way ticket to Denver to help her move to Kansas City. This was the moment Ashlyn knew he was a keeper (Although many of her friends were worried about her taking a road trip with a guy she had only met online). Ashlyn and KJ's first date was a 9 hour road trip and they have been inseparable since. Ashlyn and KJ have faced many unexpected life challenges and changes through out their 3 year relationship including the COVID-19 pandemic and the welcoming of their baby boy Karter (who they love more than life itself), but through it all their love has grown stronger, and their faith in Christ has kept them going. Both Ashlyn and KJ believe that God brought them together and has perfectly planned their life together. KJ proposed to Ashlyn on Thanksgiving in front of friends and family in Houston, Texas in 2021. They had a small civil wedding ceremony in January 2022 prior to their son's arrival and are now excited to celebrate their love through the sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church in front of friends and family.

Our Love Story

Our Story

Photos

Alli was one of Ashlyn's first friends when she moved to Kansas City. They met through a Bible Study and quickly bonded over coffee, beer, Gilmore Girls and their Catholic Faith. Alli and her husband, David, have been a huge support system over the past 3 years and were even  the witnesses to Ashlyn and KJ's civil wedding ceremony. Ashlyn knows Alli is a lifelong friend and can't wait to have her by her side during her wedding. 

Alli Baranski

Shayla is Ashlyn's younger but taller sister. Growing up Shayla and Ashlyn were pretty much inseparable and were the best of friends. From making embarrassing YouTube videos, listening Kill Paradise through their "emo" phases, sharing stories about online dating and traveling Ireland together, their relationship hasn't changed much. Although they are separated by distance, they are still best friends. 

Shayla Frederick

Kristina and Ashlyn met through a Bible Study and shared similar faith journeys. They have quickly bonded over cheesy reality TV shows, their faith and good boxed wine. Although they haven't known each other for long, Kristina has been an incredible support to Ashlyn through her pregnancy. Ashlyn is honored to have Kristine by her side on this special day.

Kristina Tolson

Marisa and Ashlyn met in Denver when both of them needed a new place to live. They quickly bonded over coffee, their Catholic faith, Red Rocks Concerts and needing a new home. They moved in together in 2018 where they hosted many themed parties and made so many special memories as roommates. They are still close friends to this day, and Ashlyn couldn't imagine her wedding day with out Marisa by her side. 

Marisa Brandon (Martinez)

Emily and Ashlyn have been close friends for the past 15 years. They attended high school and college together and have supported each other through many life changes. Emily had a major role in Ashlyn's decision to move to Kansas City and is also responsible for creating Ashlyn's online dating profile that led to KJ and her meeting. Ashlyn couldn't imagine getting married without Emily by her side!

Emily Alexander (Westover)

Timothy Arnaez

Joseph Villanueva

Kent In

Ryan Nace

David Baranski

Wedding Party

Q + A

This hotel is located 1 mile from the church and 2 miles from reception venue.

Home2 Suites Kansas City Downtown

Travel

Enjoy beer? Check out a Kansas City staple for beer drinkers and go to Boulevard Brewery.

Boulevard Brewing Company

Union Station Kansas City

One of Kansas City's iconic landmarks and a must see! Enjoy exploring the history and the beautiful Kansas City views.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

Another Kansas City staple for coffee drinkers. This is one of our favorite places to grab coffee, fresh baked bread and enjoy each others company.

Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery

One of our favorite coffee spots in the cutest town just north of Down Town Kansas City. Take sometime to window shop and take a walk around the town while enjoying a cozy drink from their seasonal coffee menu.

Parkville Coffee

Mclains Bakery is one of our favorite places to either grab coffee, a delicious breakfast pastry and dessert.

McLain's Bakery

Grab a delicious cocktail at the Crossroads Hotel in their beautiful lobby bar.

Crossroads Hotel

Enjoy speakeasy vibes? Checkout Swordfish Toms for a delicious cocktail.

Swordfish Tom's

A Kansas City staple. Spend Saturday visiting the beautiful Nelson Atkins Art Museum. Grab a coffee at the coffee shop in the building the check out the beautiful architecture and art.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Want to get outside? Head over to Loose Park and enjoy a long walk.

Jacob L. Loose Park

In Kansas City all weekend? Head to the little town of Weston and check out the O'Malley's Irish Pub. This was one of Ashlyn's favorite places to go during college due to the delicious beer and great Irish music. You will feel like you stepped right into Dublin.

O'Malley's Pub

Spend the day exploring the beautiful campus of Benedictine College, where Ashlyn attended. The campus features some must see beautiful landscape views, a beautiful grotto and even a coffee shop on campus.

Keith Jared & Ashlyn

Keith Jared & Ashlyn

Photos