Communitea Cafe

Tess's Bridal Shower

Walden Ponds Golf Club

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

Our story is not filled with rainbows and butterflies. Both of us going through tough life challenges prior to meeting. We will start with Ryan's backstory : The best way to start this story is once upon a time, long long ago Ryan had a best friend we called Lee at the time. Growing up together they formed a brotherly bond. Many years later into adult hood, Lee would ask Ryan if he was still single and introduce him to his first true love, Laura Simpson. Ryan &amp; Laura saw each other through many life challenges and growing up together. The stories of their time together are so precious, funny, and sweet. Sadly, in 2017 Laura was diagnosed with cancer. Over the next several years Ryan was right by Laura's side hoping for the cure to cancer, as we all do in that situation. Ryan's greatest pain came on November 4, 2020 when Laura passed away. Ryan was not sure how and if he would be able to live here on earth without her. Tess's Back Story : Tess met Lee ( Albert today lol), around 16 years old. She was married at only 15 years old and Lee was one of the few friends they had to hang out with. Lee &amp; Tess shared many fond memories together, including the birth of both their oldest daughters . Fast forward through 5 kids, a divorce, many abusive, trying, and failed relationships, Tess decided to focus on herself. Spending all of 2020 and the first part of 2021 finding herself and gaining the confidence she needed for a successful relationship one day. We are always told it would happen when it's least expected. Boy was that an understatement! The story: Tess was on Facebook one day and happened to see none other than the infamous Albert Dunaway. After messaging him they immediately caught each other up on the last 15 or 20 so years of their lives. Several months later, on Wednesday April 14th, 2021 Albert began blowing up Tess's phone up while she was at work. She couldn't answer so Albert proceeded to tell her about his best friend Ryan. Tess pushed back all day . Those of you that know Albert, know that if he's anything, it's persistent. Something kept telling her to ask more questions and dig deeper. Albert was very clear that they may just be friends and nothing more, but he felt like they would be a perfect match. Albert also texted Ryan that day and said "I have someone you need to meet". In theory, history repeated itself once again. That night Tess texted Ryan. Once they started talking they did not stop. Hard to stop talking was an understatement for these two! They had to stop texting just to sleep and eat! The first date was like they had been missing each other their whole lives. Feeling like they were long lost best friends that had been separated for a life time and needed to catch each other up on their whole lives in just a few hours. The energy between Ryan &amp; Techia is something otherworldly. Things in life happen for a reason. We truly see that now. If Tess never met Albert all those years ago, She would never have met Ryan this year. Ever since the first date they have been inseparable. Happily Ever After feels amazing.

Our Story

Photos

Karen and I have been best friends since the 7th grade. It's not often you find two souls so intertwined and destined to be together through life's many journeys. We have walked through the fire and come out on the other side. So happy to have her at the head of my group on this very special day. She knows how to wrangle me back in and help me focus and you will all thank her for that :) She's also great at help my very undecided self make decisions. 

Karen Meier

Stephanie is my youngest sister. Her and I share our wonderful late father together, Thomas Jenkins. Each of us getting the best parts of him and carrying them with us as we matured. She may not always agree with me, but has always  understood my need to do things my way. Even if it's the wrong way at first. Stephanie is unbelievably grounded and strong. 

Stephanie Ross

Haylee is my first child and oldest daughter. She's the one that started to mold me into the person I am today.  She has my spunk and drive and is learning to channel it. Haylee is mother to one of my most favorite humans, Miss Ellie Bean! 

Haylee Miller

Brittney is my oldest sister. She's the quieter version of me. Brittney brings a calm to the party.  She is amazing at planning and is often sought out to plan huge Gala events! She will no doubt bring great ideas and a spice to the wedding! We share a mother and a brother. 

Brittney Underwood

Peggy and I met years ago through work. We didn't know how much we would come to rely on each other at the time, but we soon found out. Many life changes,  Job changes, and half the united states away has not kept us apart. Peggy is amazing at troubleshooting and planning. Peggy has a sense of adventure we should all have and an amazing zest for life and a good time! 

Peggy Layton

Robert or little Robert as commonly referred to, is not so little anymore. Towering over all of us at nearly 6 foot tall and only 14. He has a heart of gold and does whatever he thinks is right, even if it puts him at a loss. I love this quality in him. In honor of my late father, Robert will be escorting me down the aisle on our special day. Robert is my oldest son. 

Robert Miller

My second oldest son, Preston is a spitfire. Twin to Landon, He's full of energy and loves to dance and play around. He is very involved in STEM activities and is super excited to seat people during the wedding. 

Preston Miller

The baby of the family, Landon. Twin to Preston,  has a heart of gold and very sensitive. He's a protector and very strong if he needs to be. Would prefer cuddling on the couch with mom, even at 12 years old. Always checking on me and making sure I have what I need. Cleaning his room or chores is a whole other story :) 

Landon Miller

This little 2 year old will have you falling in love at first site. She's cute, spunky, and smart as a whip! My first grandbaby and the sweetest thing you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting. 

Ellie Bean Jean

Melanie is my spunky 3 year old niece. She is the star of her show and a diva to boot.  Her and Ellie are absolutely the most adorable tots! Best friends and cousins. These two will no doubt steal your hearts on the big day! 

Melanie Jo Ross 

Everett Ross

Fletcher Ross

Albert Dunaway

David Dinn 

Sadly, Ryans father went home to be with the Lord 01/14/22. He is greatly missed and will be with us in spirit. 

Tommy Freeman

Samuel Cottongim

Brent Doria

Ryan Freeman 

Techia Miller

Ivey is a close friend of Tess's, but we consider her family. She is an amazing soul, devoted her life to Jesus, and lives for him every day. It is truly an honor to have her marry us. 

Ivey Ward

Wedding Party

Wedding Itinerary 

Dinner & Drink Menus 

Seven Miles from Venue.3 Star Hotel

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cincinnati/West Chester

Seven Miles from Venue.4 Star Hotel

Aloft Cincinnati West Chester

Holiday Inn Express Fairfield

Near Fitton Center For Creative ArtsMake yourself at home in one of the 120 guestrooms featuring microwaves and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Partially open bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton, you'll be centrally located in Hamilton, just a 5-minute walk from Fitton Center For Creative Arts and 6 minutes by foot from Butler County Courthouse.  This hotel is 13.2 mi (21.3 km) from Miami University and 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Lane Public Library.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Fitton Center For Creative Arts - 0.4 km / 0.2 mi  Butler County Courthouse - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Lane Public Library - 0.6 km / 0.3 mi  Fort Hamilton Hospital - Kettering Health Network - 2.4 km / 1.5 mi  Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park - 3.8 km / 2.4 mi  Walden Ponds Golf Club - 5.5 km / 3.4 mi  Wake Nation - 6.2 km / 3.9 mi  Hanover Winery - 9.6 km / 6 mi  Jungle Jim's International Market - 11 km / 6.8 mi  Niederman Family Farm - 12.9 km / 8 mi  Ohio Valley Antique Mall - 15.5 km / 9.7 mi  Stricker's Grove - 16.5 km / 10.3 mi  Fernald Preserve - 18.3 km / 11.4 mi  Colored Orphan Asylum - 18.7 km / 11.6 mi  Liberty Center - 18.9 km / 11.8 mi  The nearest airports are:Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport (CVG) - 67.5 km / 42 mi Hamilton, OH (HAO-Butler County Regional) - 7.2 km / 4.5 mi Cincinnati, OH (LUK-Cincinnati Municipal - Lunken Field) - 60.8 km / 37.8 mi The preferred airport for Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton is Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport (CVG). Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and wedding services.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Hamilton? This hotel has facilities measuring 7000 square feet (650 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.Enjoy American cuisine at Plaza One Grille, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Full breakfasts are available daily for a fee.

Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton

Travel

Our New Home Fund 