Wedding Rehearsal & Dinner

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish

Holy Hour for Mason & Matea

Wedding Rehearsal

Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Wedding Mass

Midnight Ranch

Reception

Our Wedding

It all started thanks to our favorite matchmaker, Lexie. One evening in March of 2024, Matea got a text from her best friend asking if she’d be interested in meeting her friend from Grad School, Mason. Along with his name came a glowing description of his character and a few photos. Matea thought he was cute and sounded like someone she’d get along with, so she said, “Sure!” (with the important note that she was not planning on moving to California… or anywhere else). At the same time, Lexie showed Mason photos of Matea and told him about her, and he was just as interested. The next day, Lexie introduced us in a group text, and that’s when the conversations began. The conversations flowed so easily, and we knew there was something special. After months of late-night calls, texts, and lots of prayers, Mason made plans to visit Kansas in July 2024. We counted down the days with excitement (and a little impatience). When he finally arrived, we instantly clicked in person, and on July 19 Mason asked Matea to be his girlfriend. Our long-distance adventure began. The months that followed were filled with daily FaceTime calls, flights, joyful reunions, and of course, teary goodbyes. We counted down days, weeks, and even months until we could see each other again. As our relationship deepened and we talked more seriously about discerning marriage, we knew that living in the same place was the next step. In June of 2025, Mason made the big decision to move to Salina with the help of his mom, Denise, who made the cross-country drive with him. A few months later, Mason knew it was time to propose. He planned a sweet evening recreating our very first date—a picnic in Oakdale Park. After dinner at YaYa’s, he suggested a walk through the park and led Matea back to our picnic spot. There, he gave a heartfelt speech before nervously pulling out the ring (upside down, but perfect all the same). Matea said yes, and now we can’t wait to celebrate our wedding and begin this next chapter together!

Our Story

Photos

Torrie is my little sister and the organized half of our duo—basically the reason this wedding won’t be complete chaos. She thrives on margaritas, tacos, and dancing down dirt roads to country music. She also has the gift of making me laugh until I cry, and truly is one of the funniest people I know. If you see me stress-free on the big day, it’s because Torrie has a list, a plan, and probably a margarita in hand.

Torrie Gregg

Ryan has been one of my best friends since we met at the University of Portland.  We were roommates for our junior and senior years, where we grew to be inseparable.  From late night Taco Bell runs, to musical jam sessions, to me being the best man at his wedding, Ryan and I have journeyed together for the last 8 years, and will continue to be the best of friends for many more!

Ryan Helbling

Lexie has been my best friend since childhood—we’ve survived awkward stages, celebrated big milestones, and laughed through everything in between. She’s the adventurous, fun-loving friend who is always by my side, and she inspires me daily as an incredible Catholic woman (and fellow communications/social media queen!). Oh, and she also happens to be the reason Mason and I are getting married, since she set us up. #matchmaker

Lexie Wasinger

I met George at the University of Notre Dame during our grad program, Echo.  While we were placed in different communities, we lived close enough to be able to visit each other occasionally.  We quickly became friends over shared interests: video games, theology, and memes.  Even though we live in different states, we still take time to enjoy video games together.

George Doyle

Bradyn and I met during a production of Little Women at Theatre Salina in 2021, and when the pandemic left her needing a place to stay, she asked at rehearsal if she could crash with me for a bit. That “bit” turned into two months—and we’ve basically been inseparable ever since. She’s the friend I can tell absolutely anything to, and she keeps my life full of fun, laughter, and joy. Everyone needs a Bradyn, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.

Bradyn Houltberg

I’ve known Brandon since I started at Serra Catholic School in 7th grade.  I was adopted into the friend group and we stayed together through middle and high school.  Brandon and I have stayed in touch since, through college and beyond.  He has been a great friend to me for many years, and I know we will be friends for many more.

Brandon Philips

Clare and I met shortly after I moved to Salina and became fast friends. She’s someone I can always count on for long, deep talks and the best advice. I admire her so much as a mother, teacher, and wife—and her marriage with Scott is such a beautiful witness of love and faith. I know Mason and I will learn a lot from their example. And let’s be real - Clare is also my hype woman through and through. Whether it’s reminding me I can do hard things, building me up when I need it most, or celebrating my accomplishments, she’s always there cheering me on. She’s simply the best, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side.

Clare Stramel

Ryan has been a part of my life since the moment I was born.  As my only male older cousin, he has been someone I’ve looked up to my whole life, and a friend who has been there for everything. Some of my earliest memories are of Ryan and I at family gatherings playing on his Nintendo 64.  I am so excited to have Ryan as part of my special day.

Ryan Tuttle

Katie and I met back in 2019 when I first started working at the Diocese of Salina, and we quickly became close since she also lived right down the street. She’s the kind of friend who keeps me grounded and always seems to have the best life advice—even when it’s not exactly what I want to hear, but definitely what I need to hear. Katie is an incredible Catholic woman and a gifted writer with such a beautiful way with words. She inspires me constantly, and I feel so blessed to have her as part of this special day.

Katie Hamel

Beck and I met in high school senior year.  We were both leaders on our senior retreat, and we instantly bonded over broken hearts.  We have grown closer through our faith, our shared interests, and fun life experiences.  I had the pleasure of living with Beck for two years in California, and it was one of the most fun filled times of my life.  I am so happy Beck will be present to celebrate the most joyous day of my life.

Beck Svenson

Kelsey is Mason’s little sister, and the two of them share such a special bond. From the moment I met her, I knew how sweet, fun, and easy to love she is. Getting to know her better has been such a gift, and I truly can’t wait to officially call her my sister. I feel so blessed to be marrying into a family with someone as kind and joyful as Kelsey, and I know she’ll bring so much love and laughter to our wedding day (and to our lives!).

Kelsey Fredenberg

Albert is my younger cousin, and it has been a great joy to watch him grow up.  He has always brought joy to my life and to our whole extended family.  From trips to Lake Mead, to him asking me theology questions when he’s home from college, I have truly enjoyed Albert’s presence in my life, and am so grateful that he will be a part of this special occasion!


Albert Ogrodski

Michaela and I go way back to 2016, when we served together on the same Totus Tuus team for the diocese. Since then, she’s been one of my favorite people to laugh with, share way too much ice cream with, and have meaningful conversations about our Catholic faith and the Church. I’m so thankful she’ll be by my side on our wedding day—not just to help keep things running smoothly, but because her friendship has been such a true gift in my life. Having her with me on this day means the world.

Michaela Sasse

Pam and I go all the way back to high school, but we became especially close in 2018 when we served together on the Prayer and Action team for the diocese. That summer brought us so many memories, and since then, Pam has been by my side through both tough times and joyful ones. She’s one of those friends you can count on no matter what, and I feel so blessed to have her in my life. Her husband, Bob, is also a dear friend of mine from my 2016 Totus Tuus team, which makes their friendship even more special to me. Having Pam by my side on my wedding day is such a gift, and I couldn’t imagine it without her.

Pam Schroeder

Wedding Party

Our ceremony will be held in a Catholic church, so we kindly ask that guests dress modestly and respectfully. Think semi-formal to dressy (suits, dresses, nice jumpsuits, etc.). If you’re unsure, dress up rather than down—you can never go wrong looking classy! No jeans please!

Dress Code

We are so thankful!

We are so thankful to God - and to you -for making the trip to celebrate with us. Your presence means so much, and we can’t wait to share this special day together. For your convenience, travel recommendations and hotel information are listed below.

Hays Regional Airport

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

avid hotel Hays by IHG

Hilton Garden Inn Hays

Hampton Inn Hays-North of I-70

Travel

This is such a fun spot! This bar has it all - lawn games, pool, shuffleboard, a dance floor and the coolest atmosphere!

LoKal

Snoballs are a very important part of Hays, America. No they are not just a slushy or Icee - they are very different and VERY delicious! If you need a frozen treat to cool you off - this is the spot!

Get a Snoball @ Cervs

See the dinos and the famous fish within a fish fossil!! Good times will be had under the dome!

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

This wine bar is the cutest and has yummy wine! Mason and Matea love this spot!

Paisley Pear Bar, Bistro and Market

This sports bar is a fun hangout spot and has yummy food! Was one of Matea's favorite places in college.

Golden-Q

This Christian coffee shop is Matea's favorite place to get an iced coffee, hang with friends or work on editing photos when she is in town.

Breathe Coffee House

Our local aquatic park has tons of options - swimming, kids area, lazy river and two slides!

Hays Aquatic Park

If you want to enjoy a nature walk or play disc golf - this is the spot! You also can stop and see our local bison herd!

Frontier Historical Park

If you enjoy baseball you can catch a Hays Larks game!

Larks Park

Matea's home parish!&nbsp;Sunday Mass times: 9:30 &amp; 11:00 am

St Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church

Sunday Mass times: 7:30 am &amp; 10:30 am

St Joseph's Catholic Church

Enjoy some time with Jesus in adoration - open 24/7!Sunday Mass times: 8:00am &amp; 10:00am

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish & Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel

Things to Do

Registry

What should I wear to the wedding?

Do I have to be Catholic to attend the wedding?

Not at all! We are so excited to celebrate with all of our friends and family, no matter your faith background. Everyone is welcome at the Wedding Mass.

Will the ceremony be long?

Since we’re celebrating a Catholic wedding Mass, the ceremony will last about an hour. For us, this isn’t just about saying “I do” — it’s about entering into the Sacrament of Marriage and beginning our vocation together with the Eucharist at the center. Sharing this with all of you in the context of Mass is something deeply important to both of us, and we are so grateful you’ll be there to witness it.

Are kids welcome?

Yes - if your children are included in your RSVP we would love to have them join us! We love kids and can’t wait to see them dancing at the reception.

What happens between the ceremony and reception?

After the ceremony, we’ll be taking photos with family and the wedding party. Because Catholic weddings are often earlier in the day, there will be a bit of a “Catholic gap” before the reception officially begins. Guests can head over to the reception venue for drinks, snacks, and mingling until we arrive to kick off the celebration! The wedding party will join the fun once photos are wrapped up, and then the real party begins.

Can I take photos during the ceremony?

We ask that guests keep phones and cameras put away during the wedding ceremony so everyone can be present with us in prayer -plus, our photographer will capture everything beautifully! (Trust us...Matea is a wedding photographer, so she picked a good one who will get all the moments captured for us ). Once the reception starts, snap away!

I’ve never been to a Catholic wedding—what should I expect?

Expect a beautiful, prayerful, and joy-filled celebration! Catholic weddings are centered on the Mass, with readings, prayers, and Communion. There may be times when the congregation stands, sits, or kneels—feel free to just follow along in your program.

What time should guests arrive?

Mass will begin at 2:00pm, but there will be a rosary starting at 1:25pm if you would like to join and offer up prayers for Mason &amp; Matea!

Can I bring a plus-one?

We can only accommodate the people listed on your invitation. If a guest is included, you’ll see their name on the invite—so please just bring the person listed. We can’t wait to celebrate with you, and we’re so glad you’ll be there!

Will confession be available before the ceremony?

Yes! We will have two priests in the confessionals starting at 1:15 PM, so if you’d like to go before Mass, there will be plenty of time. Even if it’s been a while since your last confession, we would love for you to take this opportunity—it’s a beautiful way to prepare your heart for the celebration of the Holy Mass.

Will there be a program or order of Mass?

Yes! Programs will be available to guide you through the Mass, including readings, prayers, and songs.