Rose Court Garden

Wedding Day

Wedding

Wisteria Ballroom at Disney's Grand Californian

Reception

Our Wedding

Along the Pacific Coast of Washington, Ryan hailed from the town of Raymond. 150 miles north, about 20 minutes outside of metropolitan Seattle, lived Kristene in Mill Creek. One spring evening in 2015, as the season began to change, so did their lives. April in Washington is always a tad unpredictable. Even though the calendar may suggest Spring is in full swing, that is not always the case. Kristene and Ryan had agreed to meet at "Spotted Cow", a coffee shop at the Mill Creek Town Center, on a blind date. Ryan had planned on taking advantage of the clear, crisp evening, and originally wanted to invite her to a nice walk elsewhere. That plan quickly became a figment of his imagination as Kristene showed up in her high heels. But that's why it's called a "first date", no one can plan or prepare for what's about to happen. So he decided to keep getting to know this girl and invited her to go out for dinner and drinks. By hour six, past all the pleasantries, they finally decided to call it a night. Safe to say, their first date went well. One of Ryan's greatest qualities is his thoughtfulness. He remembered (and even took notes!) about everything that they talked about on their first date and has proven to Kristene that he is not going to be like any other guy she's met. The weekend after they met was Kristene's birthday. She was not expecting anything from him, as they had just met after all. Much to her surprise, Ryan had planned an elaborate day for her to make sure she feels special on her birthday. They started the day with a fun round of mini golf, grabbed some delicious chicken carbonara paired with a bottle of white riesling and as the day progressed, he started to unfold the rest of his surprises. From the stuffed animals, to the poems (yes, he wrote poems!), to the very special meal he had prepared, all complete with a beautiful bouquet of flowers at the table. Over dinner, he told her how he had planned everything ahead of time and how he was able to pull it off all within a few days of meeting her, and she was flattered by his dedication. She knew that this guy is the real deal. As time passed, their relationship continued to grow and blossom. From road trips, to meeting each other's families, to sharing holidays and more birthdays, they were always right by each other's side. Despite their differences, both strong-headed and opinionated as they were, the one thing they had in common was their commitment to each other. No matter what happens, at the end of the day they are always willing to make it work. Ryan knocked her off her feet from day one and it only gets better day after day. A famous quote that resonates with the couple as they embark on this next chapter is, "a perfect marriage is just two people who refuse to give up on each other." - author anonymous Cheers to Kristene and Ryan to a life of Happily Ever After!

The beginning.

One of their favorite things to do as a couple is travel. Along with hitting all the local spots in and out of town, they have also enjoyed mini trips to destinations as far as Orlando, Florida, to witness the magic of Disney World and Universal Studios, as well as experiencing the lively nights in Sin City.While they still have plenty of things lined up on their bucket list, the one thing that they both couldn't wait to cross off was New Year in Las Vegas. Just like any other vacation, they've made lots of memories together. The only difference was this trip was about to be one of the most memorable. After arriving at the hotel from their two hour flight, they were slowly getting into full vacation mode, blinded by the exciting things to see outside their window just waiting for them. They kicked off their first day at the Strip by strolling the streets and going ice skating. Having too much fun, time was quickly escaping them and they have still yet to grab dinner. Kristene suggested they just stay and find a place to eat right at the Strip, but Ryan insisted that they go back to their hotel so they can both get ready and look "pretty."They both cleaned up real nicely, Ryan in his dapper suit and tie, and Kristene in her chic black velvet dress. Dinner was served at a steakhouse called "Silverado" at the South Point Hotel and Casino. Upon entering the restaurant, Ryan, with little time to plan, noticed a nicely decorated Christmas tree tucked away in a corner. Knowing Kristene, he knew she wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to snap a photo commemorating this evening. He immediately asked her to take a picture with him, and Kristene, without hesitation, took her place next to him in front of the gleaming tree. Ryan had asked a waiter nearby to take their photo. With all the commotion of people passing by trying to locate their own seats, the waiter had tried twice to take the photo, but people kept walking by, obstructing the view. Third time's a charm, and Ryan positioned himself just as the waiter quickly realized what was about to happen, and was finally able to capture the moment. Ryan got down on one knee and and asked her to be his forever. Kristene, who thought she was simply getting a photo taken, with tears in her eyes, exclaimed, "yes!". Applause and cheer quickly filled the air. Both were delighted and over the moon with happiness. <a href="https://youtu.be/xP1V4-M5LME" target="_blank">The night she said YES!</a> (see link here) Their search is now complete and are excited to soon be each other's husband and wife.

The Proposal

Our Story

Details

Photos

Jodee is Kristene's best friend and they've been friends for over 12 years! They met in 2005 at UW and have been each other's best go-to gal ever since. They've had many adventures together including Kristene's first trip to Las Vegas for her 25th bday and then back again for another milestone birthday a few years later. Happy hours are also their favorite things to do as that gives them all the "girl talk" time they need. 



Jodee Shelbourn

Brian is Ryan's best friend and Best Man and his Super Saiyan buddy!

Brian Dutler

Paula is Kristene's younger sister. And although she is younger Paula has always been there for her acting like the big sister herself.

Paula Sarmiento

Brian is Ryan's future brother-in-law. They also play games together.

Brian Madlansacay

Aaron is Ryan's brother-in-law who is married to his sister Kelsey and also father to our cute little Michael. 

Aaron Elwess

Kelsey is Ryan's youngest sister and the mother of our little ring bearer, Michael. Over the last couple of years, Kristene and Kelsey have quickly bonded over a few family visits and vacationing whether that is quick weekend getaway, a trip to the zoo, birthday parties, and camping. Kristene is excited to have Kelsey as her future sister-in-law!

Kelsey Elwess

Andrea is another one of Kristene's closest girl friends. They met through a mutual friend a few years back and have quickly bonded since. From networking events to salsa dancing, these two have been on each other's side whether it's a quick trip down in Seattle or to a friend's wedding in L.A. 

Andrea Navarrete

Kristene has found a new friend in Julie. They met through Ryan's best man, Brian, who is also Julie's husband. Even though they are brand new Kristene is excited to have her as part of her special day as they get to know each other and enjoy each other's company whether it's through a fun getaway with just the girls or a romantic double-dates with their significant others. 

Julie Dutler

Our littlest wedding party member! Michael is Ryan's one and only  nephew who is not only full of cuteness but is also quickly growing up to be a sweet little boy just like his uncle. At only 2 years old, he sure has captivated everyone's hearts and we are honored to have him as our little ring bearer!

Michael Elwess

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Disneyland Hotel

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

Travel

We have discounted theme parks available for our guests. Please visit our website on the accomodations page.

Disneyland Resort

We have discounted theme park tickets for our guests. Please see the website on the accomodation page.

Disney California Adventure Park

Universal Studios Hollywood

LEGOLAND California

Soak up the magic of 4 beloved and iconic Southern California theme parks. Meet your favorite Disney characters at Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park, celebrate creativity at LEGOLAND® California, and discover the wonders of the ocean at SeaWorld® San Diego.
Disneyland® Park
 The magical Disney kingdom awaits you at Disneyland® Park. Embrace world-famous classics like “it’s a small world,” the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and those beloved Disney Characters you’re never too old to hug. Then blast off into the Star Wars™ universe aboard Star Tours—The Adventures Continue.
Disney California Adventure® Park
 Prepare to be floored at Cars Land, where the Disney•Pixar’s hit movie &quot;Cars&quot; comes to life with high-octane attractions, dining, and shopping. And there’s much more to discover in 8-themed lands including The Little Mermaid~Ariel’s Undersea Adventure and World of Color nighttime water spectacular.
LEGOLAND® California
 The rides, shows, and attractions here center on LEGO's classic, colorful blocks and the imaginative creations you make with them. Weave along a LEGO® dinosaur jungle on the Coastersaurus roller coaster, play with LEGO® blocks in the Imagination Zone, and see detailed LEGO® depictions of 7 American cities at Miniland USA.
SeaWorld® San Diego
 Connect with the ocean at SeaWorld® San Diego. See Shamu and learn about the majestic killer whales during the One Ocean® show. Visit the Penguin Encounter, and spend time with some of the most playful inhabitants of the Arctic.

Southern California CityPASS

Take a day trip from Anaheim to the City of Angels. Get to know the city on a deeper level with a comprehensive tour that takes you to the most iconic landmarks and beaches. See the Hollywood Walk of Fame, stroll down Venice Beach, and feel the glamorous atmosphere of Rodeo Drive.
Hop aboard a comfy 24-passenger mini coach and set off toward LA. Your first stop is at Venice Beach where you have 30 minutes to enjoy the sand between your toes and to explore the Bohemian-style stops along the waterfront avenue. Make sure to stop by Muscle Beach to watch body builders’ impressive routines.
Next up, you have a full hour to visit the Santa Monica Pier. Try your hand at the gymnastics course, ride the Ferris wheel, or grab a corn dog from the original Hot Dog on a Stick booth.
Then, spend some time window shopping at the luxury shops of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. See all the latest fashions in the shops that the celebrities frequent.
At lunch time, stop by The Grove and Farmers Market. An assortment of boutiques and restaurants keep you busy and satiated for your hour here.
Make sure you snap a photo of you with your favorite celebrity’s handprint before hopping back on the bus for the return journey to Anaheim. Along the way, your guide points out the million-dollar homes of stars and iconic movie sites.

Kristene & Ryan

Kristene & Ryan

Registry

We can’t wait to see you on our wedding day! For every gift purchased through the links below, The Knot will donate to Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.