The Spot on West Fifth

Welcome Reception 

Rehearsal Dinner

Ault Park Pavilion

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

how it started

One blurry night in Oxford, Ohio Kelsey, heading home from Side Bar, mistook a dark, heavy wooden door for her apartment. Upon entering she realized she had stumbled upon O'Pub. Meh, at least they have a bathroom she thought to herself.   She scanned the patrons in the dimly lit hideout until her gaze swept behind the bar, to a total stud (Kelsey's words) masterfully pouring libations of Guiness and Rumpleminz. Too shy to make a move, and currently dating someone else, she bided her time. She returned to O'Pub occasionally to gaze at the barman from afar and enjoy a fancy beverage at the least-cool college bar in the college town.   Over the next few years they remained friends of friends. Kelsey poured herself into her studies. CJ poured... drinks (really well, might we add). When she graduated Kelsey began her career as an elementary school teacher in nearby Middletown. Kelsey would then go on to get her Master's degree, proving she really is the overachiever in this relationship.   In 2018, on a lunch-date with friends, Kelsey stepped through the doors of the esteemed Bourbon's Craft Kitchen (known the city over for their delectable hot dogs, and impeccable service). She couldn't help but feel a strange familiarity in the air. It was a comfort she couldn't place, but had yearned for since her days wandering the streets of Oxford. The bartender! It's him!   Kelsey couldn't believe her luck. Backed by a chorus of encouraging words from her friends, and a rush of adrenaline, she took a deep breath and walked up to the bar. CJ?, she asked, Is that you?   CJ and Kelsey exchanged pleasantries and contact information, promising to see each other again soon.   The next time Kelsey ventured into Bourbon's, CJ was gone.   Skipped town said one patron, fired for incompetence said another. I heard he's running with the bulls! Kelsey's heart dropped. They'd missed their chance.   Or so she thought...

how it's going

2023

Kelsey and CJ adopted their pup, Olive in January. Their niece, Ivory was born April 1st. Their world has revolved around them ever since.

2024

CJ followed Kelsey to Europe in February. They explored Germany, Portugal, and France. On the cliffs of Nazare, CJ asked Kelsey to be his wife.

Later that year they bought Olive her first home in Cincinnati, OH.

2025

CJ and Kelsey can't wait to continue writing the story of their love. They wouldn't be here without you. See you in Cincinnati!

Our Story

Photos

One of Kelsey's amazing and wonderful sisters! Even though Kelsey is the older sister, Hollis has helped Kelsey figure out how to do adult things like buy a house, start a beautiful family, and plan a wedding. Hollis got married earlier this year and her wedding questions, suggestions, and tips are the only reason Kelsey and CJ will be able to somehow pull off this wedding. Hollis is also the mother of the cutest and funniest tiny human we know, Ivory Collins, who will be our lovely flower girl.

Hollis Martinez

Kelsey's other amazing and wonderful sister! Emily knows how to find the joy in the little things. She and Kelsey both love puzzles and crocheting and would be perfectly content to sit inside and be grandmas together all day. Emily's calm, cool, and collected demeanor will help Kelsey survive the stress of wedding day. Emily will also probably be the one suggesting Kelsey drinks strange things like Busch Light Lime, or something she and Nick concocted by mixing several beers together. Check out her mixology skills if you dare.

Emily Martinez

CJ's baby sister who has made Kelsey feel like part of the family since the first day they met. CJ values Erin's thoughts and approval very much, so when she gave Kelsey her badge of approval, CJ knew he found the one. If you liked our Save the Dates or our Invitations, Erin is the reason why. Her creativity and vision have been much appreciated, and we are so grateful for all of her help. 

Erin Weigel

The most kind and caring human who Kelsey and CJ are lucky to call a friend. CJ and Kelsey each had the privilege of meeting and becoming besties with Dani before they even re-met each other. Dani is someone who would do anything for her friends. She always makes sure everyone feels included and is having the most fun (even if that means Kelsey is dead to the world the next day from taking too many shots on a night out).  Kelsey and CJs pup, Olive also said we had to mention that Dani is the human of her best pup-friends in the whole wide world, Nina, Joey, and Mila. 

Danielle Cunha

Friends since college and through several jobs together, Ashley is one of the funniest and generous people Kelsey knows. She and her husband Michael have been a model of love and partnership that CJ and Kelsey aspire to everyday. Kelsey and Ashley love to spend time together making and eating charcuterie boards and watching tv shows on the couch until Ashley falls asleep :). She has introduced Kelsey to some of her favorite TV shows including Schitt's Creek and Tell Me Lies. If you need a good TV show recommendation, Ashley is your girl. 

Ashley Moore

Brian Weigel

Evan Siegel

Alec Siegel

Adam Morgan

Jeff Benedict

Wedding Party

Q + A

Hotel Block 1 of 2. This will be the downtown Cincinnati location. Walking distance to the welcome reception on Friday. The bride and groom will be getting ready here for the big day! 16 minute drive from Hotel to Wedding Venue- transportation info coming soon! Parking - Self-Parking is $35/night Check in- 4:00pm Check out-11:00am

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

Hotel Block 2 of 2. This hotel is more cost effective and close to the venue. Book with our hotel block rates using the website link below 8 minute drive from Hotel to Wedding Venue No transportation provided from hotel to venue. Please consider Lyft/Uber. Parking - free Check in- 4:00pm Check out-11:00am

Kelsey & CJ

Kelsey & CJ

Travel

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati NE -Redbank Rd.