Bachelor Party: Actual Time TBD

Hotel Accommodations

Hampton Inn Lawrence

The Oread

The Oread Reservation

Overlook Park

Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal

Wayne & Larry's

Rehearsal Dinner (Invitation Only)

Ceremony Livestream

Wedding Ceremony

Abe & Jake's Landing

Wedding Reception

Merrilly Married on Mass St. After Party

Family Brunch (Invitation Only)

Summer

Please click here <a href="http:" />http://Merrilly.net</a> to join our ceremony live. Thank you!l

Our Wedding

How We Met

Lee and Stephanie met on a dating app called Zoosk. Stephanie's memory: Lee's profile kept appearing in her list of matches mid-March 2020, and Stephanie thought he was quite attractive, enjoyed reading his story, and saved his profile. At some point in the process, they both selected each other, and Lee was the first to reach out. For the record, she really wanted to contact him, but she's a bit old fashioned, and was holding out hope he would message soon. Lee's memory: Lee was so taken back by Stephanie's beauty, intelligence, sense of humor, and their wide range of shared interests and music that the details of their match are fuzzy. He just knew he was captivated by what he saw and read that he wanted to know more about her. On March 27, 2020, Lee and Stephanie started messaging through the Zoosk app, and after a few days took it offline to text directly. On a Sunday afternoon driving back from Missouri Military Academy, Lee called Stephanie and they talked during his entire drive from Mexico, MO to Lawrence, KS, and then some - it was almost a six hour phone conversation about everything you can imagine. After a few weeks of texts and phone conversations, Lee asked Stephanie what she thought about meeting in person. Obviously, she agreed!

The First Date

So, if you noticed the date of when Lee and Stephanie began texting and talking, you've realized that this was just as Covid-19 hit the U.S., and everything was just beginning to close down. How in the world are we supposed to meet in person or go on a date when restaurants and entertainment venues were closing everywhere? Lee couldn't exhibit his date planning skills, and Stephanie had her strict "single mom first date rules" of driving herself to meet the gentleman in a very public place. What to do? We didn't want to wait any longer, and really didn't know how long things would last with the pandemic. With a great deal of discussion, discernment of how to safely meet, and a little caution thrown to the wind, they decided Lee would drive to Stephanie's house in Olathe and she would cook dinner for them. So, on Thursday, April 9, 2020, Stephanie prepared a meal of salmon, wild rice and steamed broccoli. She gave him two meal options, and he left it to her. Stephanie learned after that fact, that while he loves fishing, Lee doesn't eat a lot of fish. Her salmon somehow passed his selective tastebuds. She had no idea just how true the 'way to a man's heart is through his stomach' adage really held for Lee!

First Adventure

Nine days after their first date, on April 18, Lee invited Stephanie out for a motorcycle ride. He couldn't take her out anywhere, and it seemed like the perfect way to spend time together with "social distance". No better way than riding out on Kansas country highways in fresh air, alone and far away from others. Stephanie had never been on a motorcycle, but had spent most of her life wanting this experience. Lee gave Stephanie his Motorcycle Passenger &amp; Safety 101 spiel, and a pretty stern 'don't scratch the paint' reminder before he helped her on the back of "Girlfriend", his beautiful 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide. Which also happened to be a most gorgeous shade of green, which they would learn was both of their favorite color. Time seemed to stand still as they rode the hills of Kansas, and before she knew it, they had covered 100 miles. When they stopped to take a break, there was a discussion of Stephanie's plans the next day. She was driving to Fayetteville, AR to deliver a laptop to her daughter Carey at college. Lee thought it was crazy that she would spend eight hours driving alone to Fay and back to deliver a computer. She needed company! Now, this was the moment where these two would discover exactly how well Lee's idea generation and Stephanie's plan execution skills would pair together perfectly. Lee mentioned how effortlessly Stephanie had ridden with him for 100 miles on the bike already. At approximately 4:30pm, Lee says, "It's only 200 hundred miles to Fayetteville, bet you could manage that easily!" Those of you who know Stephanie well, know that she is more of a planner, and a little less spontaneous. Lee changed that in an instant, and opened her life to unimaginable possibilities. She went home, called Carey to say she was going to be in town late that night with company, grabbed a few things, dressed as best as she could for the weather and a long ride. Lee grabbed what he needed overnight, picked her up in Olathe on the bike, and took her to Rawhide Harley-Davidson to get a few things to protect her better on the ride. And by 6:00pm, off they went for the rest of their first wind therapy adventure... Stephanie's first ride on a motorcycle was 600 miles round trip.The night temperatures dropped to a low of 45 degrees, and they arrived in Fayetteville around midnight, a bit cold, but Stephanie was hooked! Not only on the motorcycle, but Lee also.Carey made them breakfast, and just as they headed to meet her, a cold drizzly rain that wasn't in the forecast started to fall. In what would become true L&amp;S style, the sun emerged after breakfast for a dry and safe ride back to KC. Little did either of them know, the adventures that lie ahead for them. The social isolation of a pandemic paved the way for Lee and Stephanie to get to know each other while riding almost 15,000 miles worth of dates on Girlfriend that first year, and included the Pig Trail in AR, a 2088 mile ride over five states in five days to the Tail of the Dragon in NC, and then Sturgis. Three years later, countless adventures over prairies, hills, mountains, lakes, and sky brought Lee and Stephanie to the moment of their greatest adventure yet...their marriage.

Our Story

Captured Adventures

Our Wedding Party

We know just how blessed we are to be surrounded by our family and so many friends that care and support us through the joys and challenges we've experienced in life. There are so many of you that have been by our side to watch our love grow and blossom, and we are truly thankful for you being part of our journey. One of the greatest joys of our union is the blending of our five children into our new family. We have loved watching each of you getting to know each other, working through differences, and adding your own unique personalities to our family. We love you so much, and words cannot truly express how proud we are of each of you, and the amazing people you are becoming. We met and fell in love and chose to build our life together, and having each of you be part of that means the world to us both. When you choose to marry later in life, friends have come and gone for various reasons, and then you realize how many people have really stood by your side through far more of life's ups and downs than you could have imagined in your 20s. Whether for a lifetime or a just a few years, there are people that seemed to be chance meetings who were actually placed in your life's journey because they are the people with a purpose meant to teach you, advise you, and be what you need and ground you. They are there to listen, share in your celebrations when you're at your best, and lift you up when you are at your worst. We have more friends that fill that purpose in our life than any two people could ever ask for.

Mike and Lee met each other between 2004-05 through a church softball league.  Mike has been one of Lee's best friends and closest confidants.  They have shared their love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, traveling, sports, BBQ, motorcycle rides and raised their kids together. Mike, thank you for always being my partner in mischief, but more importantly someone I can always count on and being there to have my back, even when we don't see eye to eye. 

Michael Martinez

Carey, 23, is Stephanie's first born, and the oldest of our five children. As our children grow into adulthood and begin creating their own path in life, you look back and realize your life choices meant your children took on other roles in your life not necessarily intended for them.  They are your motivation, your affirmations, your support system, your greatest accomplishment, and more often than they probably should be - your teacher.  Carey, thank you for always being one of my brightest guiding lights in life.

Carey Lawrence

Doug and Lee met around 2012 when Shawna, Doug's wonderful wife, and Lee worked together at Balance Innovations.  Doug has been a friend through thick and thin with children, relationships, health and life.  They have created fun through cycling, KU Basketball, golf outings, Shawna's parties and couple's nights out. Doug, thank you for standing by me through life's ups and downs, and always guiding me in the best direction.

Dr. Doug Mateo

Stephanie and Kristin met 11 years ago at Holy Cross Catholic School in Overland Park when their sons, Greyson and Andrew started kindergarten together.  Kristin and Stephanie have been together through house moves and flood support, countless school events, fundraisers, field trips and Boy Scouts.  Kristin, thank you for being my role model for raising boys to be upstanding gentlemen and maintaining a strong foundation in faith.

Kristin Mellon

Lee and Chris have been friends since Junior School at Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, MO.  Through their 30+ year friendship, they have connected purposefully and by chance in Missouri, Kansas, Hawaii and Texas. It was a long awaited and promised visit to Houston, TX to see Chris and Shawn (Stephanie's new soul sister), that set the stage for our engagement.  Chris, many thanks to you and Shawn, for your friendship, influence and being part of what will forever be our chaotic, comedic and perfect engagement memories!

Chris Ware

Stephanie and Mary met just a few years ago when she and our MMA brother and friend, Dozzle, started dating.  In that short time, we just instantly clicked, and she has been Stephanie's party pal at MMA events and ABATE rallies, trap shootout sisters,  motorcycle rides, boat outings, and more!  Most importantly, Mary is Stephanie's shoot straight from the hip confidant and deeply valued support . 
 Mary, thank you for always encouraging me to live life without so many inhibitions!

Mary Harrelson

Kaleigh, 20, is Lee's first born, and our second oldest child.  She is currently attending Colorado State University pursuing a degree in Zoology.  We love hearing of her adventures in CO and all her animal experiences!

Kaleigh Merrill

Harper, 17, is the youngest daughter, and third oldest of the five children.  She just finished her junior year at Free State High School while concurrently completing a CNA program.  We're so excited to see her continued growth through her upcoming Senior Year!

Harper Merrill

Greyson, 15, is Stephanie's youngest, and fourth of the five children. He is about to begin his sophomore year at Blue Valley High School, and doing quite well with his driving skills.  We enjoy his humor and that he loves being on the lake fishing with us.

Greyson Clemons

Finn, 13, takes the prizes for Lee's youngest, the youngest son and the youngest child of the five.  That is a lot of experience to silently learn from for a teenage boy!  We admire Finn's budding entrepreneurial mindset, and the skiing and tubing challenges he likes to throw down!

Finnegan Merrill

Jason and Lee met at Missouri Military Academy in the late 1980s and have forged a deep and dearly valued bond as MMA alumni, friends and brothers. Jason and his wife, Barb, were the first of the MMA family that Stephanie was introduced to, and we couldn't have asked for a more loving and welcoming embrace into that family. Jason, you are one of the most gentle and grounded souls we know, and we are so blessed to have your example of leading a life through faith, love and dedication to marriage, family and friends as our guide and support.

Jason Falbo

Our Parents

Lee and Stephanie are beyond grateful for their parents, for the examples they set, and for all they have done to influence and shape who we have become as adults. We couldn't ask for five more amazing people to teach us unconditional love, perseverance, be our advisory council and who support our marriage and family. They collectively have almost 400 years of love, experience, knowledge and wisdom to share! We love you all so very much and feel so blessed to have you here to share in in the joy of our celebration.

Bud and Marsha Carey

Dr. Barry and Judith Merrill

Dr. Marlene Merrill

Special People

Q + A

0.9 Miles from Reception VenueIf you requested a need for hotel accommodations, your reservation has been made, and if you have not already received the confirmation number from either Lee or myself, we will have it to you by July 24.

The Oread Hotel

If you requested a need for hotel accommodations, you either received the information below from us to book directly OR your reservation has been made on your behalf. Most of you should have received a text or email from us with the information. If you have not already received the confirmation number from either Lee or myself, we will have it to you by July 24. Cut-off Date:&nbsp;Friday 7/21/23&nbsp;- Must make reservations by this date to receive group rate.There are two ways you can reserve your room reservation:1 - Call directly at 785-841-4994 with the dates you'd like to stay using the group name (Merrill Carey Wedding) or group rate code (906)&nbsp;2 - Use the link below - it has our group rate already loaded.&nbsp;Default dates - checking in Friday 8/11 and checking out Sunday 8/13 - guests can adjust nights as needed:Booking Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=LWRKSHX&amp;groupCode=CHH906&amp;arrivaldate=2023-08-11&amp;departuredate=2023-08-13&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=LWRKSHX&amp;groupCode=CHH906&amp;arrivaldate=2023-08-11&amp;departuredate=2023-08-13&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT</a>

Stephanie & Lee

Stephanie & Lee

Lodging

The Oread Hotel

Hampton Inn Lawrence