Granite Reef Recreational Area

Ceremony

We'll be having a private ceremony with our families and wedding party. Only those participating in the ceremony will be able to RSVP. Photography by Rebecca Kelly Photo

Our Wedding

In January of 2023, Nathan left the Oregon nest for the first time to make a cross-country move to Orlando, Florida. Fresh out of college and eager to experience new things, the Disney College Program seemed like the perfect place to start. Sophia, having overcome a challenging year, found herself missing the magic of being a Cast Member. With her sister's encouragement, she applied for the Disney College Program one more time. Shortly after her 25th birthday, she, too, moved to Orlando. The day after dorm move-in, Sophia attended the welcome meeting among hundreds of other program participants. When she walked into the room, she spotted the first empty seat, which just so happened to be next to a handsome guy. “Is this seat taken?” she asked.“Nope! Go for it!” Nathan replied.“Great! Thanks! I'm Sophia, by the way.”“Nice to meet you! I'm Nathan.” After introductions, the meeting began, and they listened closely to what their lives would entail for the next seven months. “You know, it has been said that the program is a matchmaker. You may find love here…” the speaker announced. Nathan thought, "Maybe. But I'm from across the country. How would that even work?"Sophia thought, "Finding love while working for Disney? That would be a dream come true!" After the meeting, Nathan and Sophia exchanged contact information and planned to explore Walt Disney World with friends later that week. It was during this exploration of their new home that they realized how much they had in common and how comfortable they were being their goofy, authentic selves with each other. In March of 2023, Nathan asked Sophia to be his girlfriend. The first five months of their relationship were filled with magical dates all over the Walt Disney World Resort. Their favorite go-to date was picking up coffee from the Riviera Resort and catching a ride on the Skyliner to their favorite park, EPCOT. When their plan of staying in Orlando showed no promise, they felt it was time to return home—Nathan to Oregon and Sophia to Arizona. The choice to be in a long-distance relationship never worried them. Thanks to the support of their families, Nathan and Sophia have been able to see each other every month since moving back to their homes in July 2023. Long-distance has strengthened their relationship in ways they never could have imagined, and they are forever grateful for the love and support from their families. Since being long-distance and visiting each other often, they have been blessed to explore each other's states and even visit Disneyland for Halloween where they dressed up like jedis! It was on their last trip to Disneyland in March of 2024, shortly after celebrating one year together, Nathan decided it was time to close the distance. While enjoying the scenery of Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure, Nathan got down on one knee and asked Sophia to marry him! As you might have guessed, she said YES! Nathan and Sophia consider themselves to be each other’s best friend, and there is no one they would rather face the mysteries and joys of life with than each other. They look forward to sharing the rest of their lives together and are excited to have you at their wedding, becoming part of their story.

"You may find love here..."

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

We are so thankful for all those who have traveled for our wedding! Because there is time between the ceremony and reception, we wanted to provide you with a list of places around town that hold memories for us in hopes that you can experience part of our story! Raising Canes - 5201 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283Because the closest Canes to Nathan in Oregon is 2 hours away, it has become a tradition to go to one of the 5 locations near me in Arizona. There’s just something about this juicy chicken and special sauce that keeps us coming back for more!Nathan’s Order: The Caniac Combo, replace coleslaw for extra toastSophia’s Order: The Three Finger Combo with two extra sauces Taco Bell - 423 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281While we usually go to the one closer to my house, this one is in the heart of Downtown Tempe. We both grew up in college towns, so this Taco Bell is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the ASU scene!&nbsp;Fun Fact: This Taco Bell is a cantina!Nathan’s Order: Beefy 5 Layer Burrito &amp; a Grilled Cheese Burrito with hot sauceSophia’s Order: Cheesy Gordita Crunch &amp; Cheesy Double Beef Burrito with mild sauce Azusa Ramen &amp; Sushi - 3128 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282We tried this one out for the first time on my birthday and go back every visit now. Sushi is a regular meal for us. It’s not a want, it’s a need.Nathan’s Order: Dragon RollSophia’s Order: Las Vegas Roll Tampopo Ramen - 3223 S McClintock Dr Suite103, Tempe, AZ 85282If we’re not feeling good or just finished a Studio Ghibli movie, we head over to our favorite local ramen shop. Grab a bar seat and watch them make your ramen!&nbsp;Nathan’s Order: Seafood RamenSophia’s Order:&nbsp; Tonkotsu Ramen&nbsp; Starbucks - 3206 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282Getting coffee or tea has been a tradition since our Disney World days! Whether we're thrifting or park hopping, you can bet we have a coffee in hand.&nbsp;Nathan’s order: Americano, extra shot, splash of cream or Brown Sugar Shaken EspressoSophia’s order: Iced London Fog or Iced Matcha Latte Call it New / Call it Antique - 2049 W Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202One of our favorite dates is grabbing a coffee and going antiquing! We have spent many hours exploring and searching the booths for vintage Disney merch. Zia Records - 3201 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282Our shared love of pop culture takes us to this store filled with our favorite movies, music, books, games and more!&nbsp; Bookmans Entertainment Exchange - 1056 S Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210Similar to Zia Records but bigger and a local Arizona business!&nbsp; The LEGO Store at Chandler Fashion - 3111 W Chandler Blvd Space 2048, Chandler, AZ 85226It has become a long time tradition for us that we build a Lego set on every visit, and now we have a whole collection! Majestic Theatre Tempe 7 - 1140 E Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283If you feel like seeing a movie, head over to Majestic! They have in-house food service! We love coming here for a unique theater experience. Phoenix Zoo - 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008Nathan &amp; I went here for my birthday and it was honestly one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had!Nathan’s Favorite Animal: Spider MonkeysSophie’s Favorite Animal: Orangutans&nbsp; OdySea Aquarium &amp; Butterfly Wonderland: 9500 East Vía de Ventura Suite A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256My managers love him and sometimes Nathan comes to work with me on visits. Fun Fact: Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly Conservatory in America!Nathan’s Favorite Animal: OttersSophie’s Favorite Animal: Stingrays

Things to Do

Registry

10:00 AM Ceremony at Tonto National Forest (Immediate Family Only) 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM 	Check Things To Do page to explore places we've made memories! 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Reception at Keeler Residence

Nathan & Sophia

Nathan & Sophia

Photos