Cafe Trio

Welcome Dinner

Wedding Day - Mya Maanika and Dominic Bressi

The Pavilion Event Space

Ceremony and Reception

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Carley and Mya have known each other since birth, literally. They weren't close until Mya was graduating from high school when she would visit Carley at the dorms at NMU to see concerts, go on early morning hikes, and participate in a Zumbathon after going to an all you can eat buffet (we don't recommend the last one). They decided to live together again while Carley went for her doctorate degree and Mya was finishing her undergrad. Though they are sisters, Carley is also one of Mya's best friends in life.

Carley Maanika

Elaine and Dominic have also known each other since birth. She is Dominic's older sister. They have stayed in close contact over the years and has staked claim to this prestigious honor.

Elaine Bressi

Mya and Rachel met through mutual classes at Michigan Tech their freshman year. Their sophomore year, they both joined the Alpha Delta Alpha sorority where they became inseparable after watching the latest season of American Horror Story each week and bonding over snacks. Rachel remained the perfect balance to Mya's personality throughout college and into adulthood afterwards. The two have remained close since though neither is great at communicating through anything other than sending memes to each other.

Rachel Eikenberry

Dominic and Michael met in the 6th grade and became good friends. They remained close through high school and went through most of their undergrad studies together as well. They continue to stay in touch as much as they can through the years post grad.

Michael Wordelman

Mya and Justin became good friends her sophomore year of college through her big sister in her sorority and Greek life in general. The two quickly bonded over their shared love of hockey and spent many hours together in college hanging out around his fraternity house. 

Justin Stancy

Dominic and Ross have been friends since the days of Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4 were popular on the Xbox 360. Most of their early memories revolve around playing video games together. They continue to play online games togethers and bond over both having jobs working for the government.

Ross Lagana

Kayla and Mya met during her sophomore year of college when Kayla became Mya's big sister in their sorority, Alpha Delta Alpha. Kayla graduated the same semester Mya joined however the two remained close over the years through social media and meeting up whenever they can. Their shared bond of hockey, food, and silly photos of animals have given them much to talk about in the years since meeting.

Kayla Fisk

Dominic and Brandon met while working at The Wolf Shop during their undergrad studies. They bonded over their mutual love of wings, bar trivia, and saving money by sharing a pitcher of Newcastle instead of buying individual pints during trivia.

Brandon Takahashi

Mya and Eileen met through their sorority where Eileen is Kayla's big sister. Eileen was around through several years of Mya's college experience where she was not only a friend but a mentor while adjusting to Greek life. After graduation, Mya and Eileen stayed close through Zoom calls where they went over case studies and notes for Eileen during her time in Medical School (where she graduated and is now Dr. Eileen Bragg!) 

Eileen Bragg

Dominic and Vincent met while Dominic was completing his Masters degree at the University of Alabama. They bonded over attending almost every 'Bama football game for two seasons (Roll Tide!). They would spend countless hours in Dominic's spare bedroom completing various woodworking projects. We are grateful Vincent is able to join us for the wedding as he is currently deployed with the Navy overseas.

Vincent Andersen

Benji is Mya and Dominic's first nephew. We have been able to visit with him several times between Portland and Kansas City where we have been able to watch him grow up. We are so excited to be able to have Benji join us on our special day!

Benji Bressi-Weaver

Dominic and Ben became friends when Dominic moved to KC. Looking for a group to play D&D with, Dominic stumbled upon Ben's group via Reddit. 4 years later, they still play together every Thursday night where Ben is the Dungeon Master on a unique home brewed campaign. Through barbeques hosted at "The Big House", Mya got to know Ben as well as through Dominic sending Mya's comments to their group chat. We couldn't think of any better to help us get married.

Ben Bezanson

Wedding Party

Q + A

The closest airport is KCI, which has been recently upgraded with a new terminal. KCI is about a 40 minute drive from the venue and most of the hotel block we will be reserving so we recommend looking at a rental car for the weekend if you plan to explore downtown as well. Lyft and Uber are available if you would prefer to use a rideshare.

Kansas City International Airport

Please book this hotel before September 17, 2024 to receive the group rate. We have 20 rooms blocked here.This hotel is only 3.5 miles away from our venue and close to several restaurants and a mall. Hot breakfast is included with your stay and this hotel is pet friendly.

Comfort Suites Independence - Kansas City

Please reserve your rooms at this hotel no later than October 1st, 2024 in order to receive the group rate. We have 15 rooms here. This hotel is only 3.4 miles away from our venue and close to several restaurants and a mall. Hot breakfast is included with your stay and this hotel is pet friendly.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Independence-Kansas City, an IHG Hotel

Travel

One of our favorite places to go in KC, we even have an annual membership as it is open year round! It's a great way to get out and spend a morning or afternoon!

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

This is a fun place to walk around for a few hours, learn the history behind Hallmark and their annual Christmas ornaments, and best part, it's free! It takes about an hour and is also close to Union Station!

Hallmark Visitors Center

This historical building is full of fun activities both free and paid. There is a model train exhibit which is very impressive as well as a lot of historical information walking around. In the lower level there is a walk through exhibit that rotates several times a year. Though there is typically a fee to get in, we highly recommend checking this exhibit out as we have thoroughly enjoyed the ones we have gone to in past.

Union Station Kansas City

This museum and memorial is a special place for us as we had gotten engaged here and have made a donation to the museum to be put on display from Dominic's side. Within walking distance to Union Station (you can see it in the background) and the Hallmark Visitor Center, you can easily make an afternoon of free entertainment and dive into the history of Kansas City.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

Up-Down is a fun barcade full of old school cabinet arcade games, skee-ball, and multiple classic pinball machines. Dominic and Mya have spent hours playing Burger Time and Star Wars pinball here. They also serve pizza which perfectly hits the spot between drinks.

Up-Down KC

The local art museum that has a little bit of everything for everyone. The museum is free including an outdoor statue garden with the famous Shuttlecocks as well as a paid exhibit hall that rotates throughout the year. This museum holds a special place in our hearts as this is where our first date was.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Tom's Town as some really good drinks as well as a tour that goes into the history of the area during Prohibition and the legacy of the Tom's Town name. We aren't big fans of gin, however Tom's Town has changed our mind and helped inspire one of our signature cocktails for the wedding.

Tom's Town Distilling Co.

Kansas City is known for their BBQ and this is one of our favorite places in the area. The building is a historic freight house for the nearby train tracks and has an upscale casual feel.

Jack Stack Barbecue - Freight House

Another great award-winning BBQ place and another one of our favorites. Some of the best burnt ends and brisket in the city!

Q39 - Midtown

This place also holds a special place in our hearts for it's old fashion diner style burgers and milkshakes. This location is open late and is located near Up/Down.

Town Topic Hamburgers Broadway

Fritz is a diner style burger restaurant that delivers food via model trains. Though it may seem childish, we love the unique vibe and affordable prices. This restaurant is also located between Union Station and the Hallmark Visitor Center.

Fritz's

Boulevard is a great "local" brewery that's been expanding and making a name for itself across the US. The brewery offers tours, food, and bingo (depending on the day). The upper deck has a great view of the downtown skyline.

Boulevard Brewing Company

Great coffee with educational tours on the roasting process for coffee. Extra points for the plane taking off!

Mya & Dominic

Mya & Dominic

Travel

Kansas City International Airport

Comfort Suites Independence - Kansas City

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Independence-Kansas City, an IHG Hotel