House on the Hill

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Long story short, we met because of American Sign Language, our beautiful Deaf culture, and diverse Deaf families. But we're guessing if you're reading this you'd like to know more...Our journey began on a hot, fall afternoon in 2009 while tailgating for the University of Central Florida Knights. John went to school at Full Sail University and Kristy was studying at the UCF. A mutual Deaf friend introduced us and we instantly connected as CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults). We saw each other a few more times that year at a Deaf comedy show and out with friends but we each had a little more growing up to do and John's journey took him to Washington, DC that summer.Over the next four years, we stayed in touch. When Kristy graduated from Northeastern University in Boston in 2013, she flew to Florida and road-tripped back to Boston. We had recently reconnected thanks to the wonderful world of social media and John very quickly requested (or demanded, depending on who you ask) that Kristy stop in DC for our first meeting in over two years. Dinner and drinks turned into a spontaneous weekend adventure camping, hiking, meeting friends, playing pool, and cooking together. We brought out the best in each other... instantly best friends and partners in crime. Over the next six months, we embraced the physical distance between our two cities by traveling to meet in Boston, New York City, and DC. John moved to Salem, MA in February 2014 and the journey continued, finally being able to share the day-to-day ups and downs of life face-to-face, hand-in-hand. Since then, road trips have become one of our favorite things to do together! We traveled to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, DC, down the east coast to Florida and back again. We adopted our fuzzy fur child, Hobbs the traveling cat. Aptly named for his mellow ways and love for the open road sitting in our laps. A year later after adopting a young Salem stray feline named Newman Hawthorne, John proposed to Kristy in the Boston Public Gardens on June 6, 2015. He planned a romantic day of chocolate, pampering, and divine culinary experiences topped off with a secret photographer. He signed his proposal in the very spot we sat together and took selfies the first time John visited Kristy in Boston. Hey, we're millennials! Just as his father had proposed to his mother, he said, "This is not from me, but from my heart."Kristy and John decided to move to Indianapolis, IN in July of 2015, where John grew up. It was a wonderful year of connecting to his roots and growing as an engaged couple. With love, we watched as John's baby brother, Jason, married the love of his life, Rachel. We grew closer to his midwestern family in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, not to mention the amazing friends we made along the way! We were blessed to have opportunities to have both of our families meet for the holidays and created one of the most amazing Christmases we have both ever experienced as CODAs and members of multicultural families. We have learned to embrace change, challenge, diversity and opportunities in just three years together.Next, our journey took us to Canal Winchester, Ohio — near the great city of Columbus where Kristy was born — to a place we fondly call the House on the Hill. During our journey, it has become a place that symbolizes love, family and peace to both of us, largely due to its wonderful residents and keepers of the land, John's aunt Jodi and his late uncle Mike. We are thrilled to pour our own love into a place that has been the site of family reunions, children growing and laughing, celebration and inspiration. We are so excited to share the first step in the next big adventure called MARRIAGE with our family and friends with a unity ceremony and celebration on May 20, 2017! Come ENJOY with us! lmL!

Our Journey

Our Story

Home Fund

Home Fund for the Lestina Newlyweds

Hello Family &amp; Friends! We are embarking on the exciting journey of marriage! One of the next BIG goals we have as a couple is to own a home and to do that, we need a down payment. With our wedding day coming up on May 20, 2017, you can help us save toward a down payment on a home through a monetary gift at our gofundme page below. All monetary gifts in this fund will be used for our future first house together. After all, why buy the decor if you don't have anywhere to put it? Anything you are willing to give is a blessing! We are so grateful for all the love &amp; support you have shown us through our dating journey together &amp; we are incredibly thrilled to share this next step with you! Thank you! Love Always, John &amp; Kristy<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/home-fund-for-the-lestina-newlyweds">https://www.gofundme.com/home-fund-for-the-lestina...</a>

The Day After

Sunday, May 21, 2017 - Brunch ** LOCATION CHANGE**

** PLEASE NOTE: LOCATION CHANGE**Good news! We will not be rushing away the day after the wedding. Instead, we would love to meet any guests still around for brunch at Shade on the Canal at 11am. Address: 19 S High St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110-1212Phone: 1 614-837-9873<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g50166-d540524-Reviews-Shade_On_The_Canal-Canal_Winchester_Ohio.html">https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g501...</a> We have let them know a large party may come at 11am and they will seat us in a special section of the restaurant. Please let us know if you intend to via text at 317-430-6300. If anything else changes we will know who to inform!

Sunday, May 21, 2017 - CANCELED - Trip to the Zoo

***CANCELED*** Due to the weather, the trip to the Zoo is canceled. We will head back to the Hill after brunch and drink up whats left while we clean.! Thank you for your understanding and feel free to hand out with us! Post brunch and with a full belly of food, please join us for a trip to the Columbus Zoo &amp; Aquarium! It will be a great way to spend time with you all and see one of Columbus' most famous attractions. For pricing and other details please visit their website here: <a href="https://www.columbuszoo.org/">https://www.columbuszoo.org/</a>Estimated visit time will be 1pm - 5pm (closing). Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can keep you in the loop if there are any changes!

FYI: RSVP Function is Available

Note to the Guests

Hello all!The RSVP tab is up and running! Please take a moment to let us know if you can join us for our celebration of love and family.Yours,Kristy &amp; Johnnie

Details

Photos

Ivin and I have been best friends since we were 5 years old.  We met when I moved into the cul-de-sac in kindergarten, and we've been inseparable ever since.  He's the brother I never had, I love you bro!

Ivin Henz

Shrioni and I met 22 years ago and became instant best friends. There is nothing like sharing a person's childhood adventures, imagination, and dreams to bond you together for life. These days she's living large in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and rocking it as an E-Commerce Merchandiser for Jockey. She is a fur-mom to a happy black Lab named Wrigley and is my favorite go-to person for advice on fitness, thoughts on fashion, new music, and sharing the daily wonders of life on plant Earth! 

Shrioni Hunnel

Jason is my little brother.  I have many terms of endearment for him such as:  bruddaman, broski, brotard, brudda, bro, jase, brayson, and cranky.  He is the best brother I have ever had, and you should be jealous.

Jason Lestina

This gal is my "adoptive"  sister since the age of 7 and the yin to my yang. Introduced to me by Shrioni, she has been the decisive voice to my indecision, the rational thinker, and a natural born counselor when I'm at my wits end (and singing rounds of "Pretty, witty, and gay!) To know Vonna is to be blessed, inspired, and surounded by beauty. She currently lives in Jacksonville, FL with her hubby, Jason, and her pup, Ruger! 

Yvonne Kelly

I've known Bradley longer than any other groomsman (besides my brother, of course)!  Our families are very close, and we've had a friendship that has lasted throughout our lives.  We first met when the Lestina clan moved to Indiana, and we were also fortunate enough to both live in Washington, D.C. at the same time.  Bradley introduced me to many of the places I hold dear in D.C., and I am honored to have him by my side!  I love you bro!

Bradley Gantt

Fast friends since the 6th grade, Zoe and I have been through thick and thin... broken bones, ballet classes, baking cookies, boyfriends and breakups... she is one of the most genuine and kindest people I know. She and her husband, Tim, live in Tallahassee, Florida and are experts in all things worth checking out in the area. I had the privilege of being Zoe's Maid of Honor in  2014 and cannot wait for her to stand by my side in 2017. Oh, and her husband, Tim, is pretty cool too!

Zoe Linafelt

Mike and I met the first day of college at Full Sail University.  We became fast friends, who quickly turned into roommates, fantasy football opponents, then co-workers, and now groomsman.  Our friendship has spanned multiple states, and now that we are states apart it still grows stronger.  I love you bro, thanks for being at my side.

Michael Walters

Becky was the first close friend I ever made when I joined Deer Lake Middle school in 8th grade. We clicked over discussions of literary adventures and the written word while sitting in study hall. Her imagination and creativity still inspire me to this day. One of her favorite quotes is, "Not all who wander are lost." by J.R.R. Tolkien. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California and is completing her first young adult novel! 

Rebekah Walsh

BJ's father was my next door neighbor when I first moved to Washington, D.C.  We became friends right away, and then roommates.  I was honored when he chose me to be the Best Man in his wedding and I'm honored to have him by my side!  I love you bro, Zone 6 for life!

Benjamin Smith

Connie and I went to Deer Lake Middle School and Lawton Chiles High School together, and in fact, her mother was my 8th grade French teacher! She and I shared many of the same interests at that young age such as horses, theatre, and chorus. It wasn't until college when we reunited at each holiday with Becky that Connie and I became lifetime friends. It was an honor to stand by her side when she married her hubby, Carlos in 2013. Now, she and Carlos are enjoying life in Denver, Colorado!

Connie Flores

Anthony and I first met in the sixth grade, when we moved in next door to his family.  We became fast friends, and he was a cornerstone of my Junior High and High School experience.  Our friendship has endured throughout the years, and I was honored to be a groomsman in his wedding!  I love you bro, and I am honored to have you by my side.

Anthony Spears

Serena and I met through our work at Children's Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf in 2013. We were lucky enough to share an office together and it didn't take long before we were comparing notes not only on therapy and research, but also on love, friendship, dogs, and fitness! She encouraged me to train with her for the Hartford Half Marathon in 2014 and I've been running races ever since. My favorite thing about Serena is her witty sense of humor. She and her lucky fiancé, Ryan, currently live in Somerville, MA! 

Serena Fishman

John introduced this lovely human and I in 2014, but it feels like we've been friends for several lifetimes! Kristina and I share many common experiences beyond our same name - she is also an only child of Deaf parents, an interpreter, and an avid lover of life, people and good health. Kristina currently resides in Boston, MA and is a worldwide traveler. In addition to being a bridesmaid, she will play a special role during our wedding ceremony as my voice interpreter!

Kristina Miranda

Robbie and Kristy are old friends from college at the University of Central Florida.  He is a loyal and steadfast friend to us both, visiting us around the country in Boston, Indianapolis, and Columbus. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and has been integral to the preparation of our wedding.  We are both so excited to have him stand by our sides!

Robert Purdy

I met Mike in Washington, D.C. when I first started working as an interpreter.  We have been fortunate enough to travel around the country together; to Las Vegas, Nashville, and Seattle.  I know we have many more adventures that await us, and I am honored to have you by my side!  I love you bro!

Michael Demeo

Rachel and I are soon to be sisters in law! We were introduced when John and I started dating in 2013. I am so blessed to have lived in Indianapolis as she was planning her own marriage to John's brother, Jason, in 2016. Rachel has impressed me with her sense of self, talent in photography, creativity with essential oils, love for her family, and her strong relationship with Jason. I'm thrilled she will be standing with me as  I officially join the Lestina family!

Rachel Lestina

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

**Update** Room block at this hotel is full! Due to other large events in Central Ohio during the wedding weekend, we recommend looking for hotels in Lancaster, OH. We can't wait to see you! We were able to secure a rate of $116/night at this Holiday Inn, not far from the the House on the Hill. Using the Bradley/Lestina Wedding name you have the choice of 15 king bed rooms and 5 double queen bed rooms. Each room includes a microwave/mini fridge, free highspeed wifi, continental breakfast, use of the on-site fitness center, pool, and business center. The last day to make a reservation at this rate is April 27, 2017!

Holiday Inn - Groveport

Feeling adventurous? Pitch a tent in a flat, designated section of the yard here at the wedding. You will have access to two large port-o-potties and an indoor restroom. It'll be a beautiful starry, moonless night! If setting up on the day of the wedding, you may want to arrive a little early to pitch your tent so you can enjoy all the festivities! Please RSVP at KristyAndJohnnie@gmail.com and let us know what day you would like to start camping out. We have some flexibility 5/19 -5/22.

House on the Hill - Camping out

Travel

Slate Run Living Historical Farm

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

This is a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. Both John and Kristina have fond memories visiting this park as children. Check out their 100 reasons to visit King's Island here: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/what-s-new/100-reasons

Kings Island

Fantastic new brewery with patio and dog sightings :)

BrewDog USA

Want an healthy meal with a twist? Check out this favorite of John and Kristy's in Old Downtown Canal Winchester. It's surrounded by great little vintage antique shops!

Harvest Moon Craft Kitchen

We love to hike. You have extra time on your trip to Columbus, drive down to Hocking Hills for an afternoon hike. We love Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls trails, but there are many more!

Hocking Hills State Park

Want a classy meal and an excellent glass of wine? Check out this local favorite. Kristy recommends the ravioli!

Village Wines and Bistro

Take a trip into our very own German Village. Grab a coffee at a local shop and meander down the brick streets. Check out the Book Loft, but don't get lost! Or walk down to Hellen Winnemore's for a locally made gift... there are great things to discover in this neighborhhod.

German Village, Columbus, OH, United States

Not far from downtown, this neighborhood has all the up-and-coming restaurants and nightlife. Oh, and it's a great place to find brunch or sit at a cafe and people watch.

Short North, Columbus, OH, United States

One of our favorites when we need a French fix. Be sure to get the escargot!

Kristina & John