Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Union Church

Ceremony

Reception

Wedding Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Wedding Reception

Sunday Brunch

Our Wedding

Sydney and J.D. met for the first time in the fall of 2017 while working on a play at their college, Transylvania University, together. That school year, they did two productions together, but rarely talked to each other. The following year, they were assigned to the same work study in the costume shop. J.D. then spent four long months trying to flirt with Sydney, while she remained oblivious. Finally, upon J.D.'s request, Sydney agreed to test their compatibility over a dinner at Rafferty's. After several successful dates, they officially began dating on January 10th, 2019. They dated throughout college and survived long-distance during the pandemic. Sydney's senior year of college, she convinced J.D. to adopt a calico kitten, Winnie, who became her little study buddy during law school. On the morning of December 23, 2023, J.D. told Sydney he had one more gift for her to open. To her surprise, it was a ring! J.D. asked Sydney to marry him and, surprise, she said yes. And, because Winnie got a mention, it is important to note that they adopted a second kitten, Rhubarb, in August 2024. Winnie and Rhubarb are thrilled that their parents are tying the knot.

Our Story

Photos

Emily and Sydney became friends due to their status as the two funniest 7th graders at their grade school. Despite going to two different high schools and having spent the last six years living in different cities, they have talked almost every single day since they were thirteen, and somehow not run out of things to say. However, Sydney only chose Emily to be her maid of honor because Emily really loves giving speeches. 

Emily Smith

Greg and J.D. were both born on April 15, 1998 at Pattie A. Clay Hospital in Richmond, KY, in the same room, about an hour apart. They were joined at the hip for most of their time at Berea Community and remain that way, for the most-part, today. Whether it be watching any University of Kentucky or Cincinnati sports team, drinking bourbon, or diving into a new hobby or interest, Greg and J.D. are often right beside each other. J.D. has never known a person as loyal, selfless, and generous as my best man.

Greg Schloemer

Kristen and Sydney met when they were assigned to sit next to each in Freshman Biology, a class they both hated. They became close during Freshman P.E., which usually consisted of socializing more than physical activity. They spent four years together in the trenches of high school theatre and suffering through math classes, a subject they were both laughably terrible at.

Kristen Karem

Fran and J.D. met while in the Governor’s Scholars Program at Murray State University the summer before their senior year of high school. What started as jamming in a band for the campus talent show turned into attending Transylvania University together, despite not knowing the other was enrolled until they passed each other on move-in day. They roomed together for three years and became brothers upon their initiation in Delta Sigma Phi. Fran and J.D. were inseparable in college and best friends to this day. J.D. could not ask for a more down-to-earth, empathetic, and reliable person to call his friend, brother, and groomsman.

Francesco "Fran" Serio

Eileen and Sydney survived two years of being college roommates and remain besties to this day. Between the two of them, they have consumed more Vinaigrette and Gyroz than the rest of Lexington combined. They were also brave enough to study abroad together, where Sydney famously got locked in the bathroom one night and had to wait 45 minutes for Eileen to free her. 

Eileen Bunch

Daniel and J.D. met early into their freshman year at Berea Community. Daniel, who was new to Berea, was invited into the confines of J.D.'s close friend group and J.D., Greg, and Daniel were eventually their own trio within the group and still are today. Daniel is the kind of guy you can call for help and he will be there as quickly as he can. He is the type to ask if anyone needs snacks or a drink from the gas station and declines when you attempt to pay him back. There is no individual more altruistic, personable, and steady as Daniel and J.D. and Sydney are excited to share their big day with him.

Daniel Montoya-Perdomo

Hope and Sydney met on the first day of law school orientation and were able to lean on each other during a grueling three years. That is to say, they found countless ways to ignore the hundreds of pages of reading they were supposed to be doing every night. In the end, they both graduated AND passed the bar exam! 

Hope Hickey

Hunter and J.D. met during orientation at Transylvania University. Hunter, Kellen, Fran, and J.D. could be caught hopping from each other's rooms in Forrer Hall and ultimately spending a lot of time playing ‘Super Smash Bros.’ Hunter’s joy and humor is infectious and quickly led to his becoming one of J.D.'s best friends in college. They could be found watching one of the ‘100 WWE Matches to Watch Before You Die’ in Hunter and Kellen’s room, or just hanging out whenever either of them needed advice and a person to talk with. Some of the best conversations J.D. has ever had about relationships, family, mental health, and life have happened with Hunter. J.D. is lucky to have a brother and friend like Hunter that he can turn to even today.

Hunter Salada

Camryn has known Sydney the longest out of all the bridesmaids. Literally -  since the day Camryn was born  (which happened to be on Sydney's first day of Kindergarten - which Sydney has still not forgiven her for). In case it wasn't clear -  Camryn is the sister of the bride. 

Camryn LaRue

Kellen and J.D. met during August Term at Transylvania University. Like Fran and Hunter, Kellen and J.D. spent a lot of time playing ‘Smash Bros.’ and hanging out around campus. J.D. associates the true start of their friendship as when he gave Kellen a ride back the morning after an off-campus party their freshman year. They initially bonded over their shared interests in music and ‘Zelda’ before becoming brothers after initiation into Delta Sigma Phi. Kellen is a brother that J.D. could talk to about anything and always was willing to listen. Kellen was a common drinking buddy on the weekends and is a devoted brother always. J.D. has only grown closer to Kellen through the years and he is thankful to know such a friendly, dependable, and wise person.

Kellen Casey

Emy is the sister of the groom, but she and Sydney are the dynamic duo at Lovell family functions, whether it be the 4th of July, Christmas, or UK football tailgates. They have also spent countless nights yelling at each other over Mario Party and Overcooked. 

Emy Lovell

Coleman and J.D. have spent many Christmas Eves, Memorial Days, and Labor Days together as cousins. Despite this, Coleman and J.D. have only recently gotten to really know each other. Coleman is a very mature and motivated young man. Getting the chance to hang out with him over some beers at a tailgate or playing trivia at the ‘kids’ table on the holidays has allowed them to find a lot in-common. J.D. is excited to continue growing their friendship as we start this new adventure in our lives. 

Sydney & J.D.

Sydney & J.D.

Q + A

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Can I bring a plus one?

Are children invited?