Cedar Hill Barn

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Dinner

Our Wedding

We met in an unlikely place during a tumultuous time in 2015. We were in a support group together. I was pregnant at the time, and if you know Mercedez, you know that she was not trying to talk to me (pregnant women freak her out). But I did make her talk to me eventually. We would take walks and share our hopes, dreams, family dynamics, and fears. Mercedez came into my life exactly when I needed her to. I was going through many big things then, and she supported me through all of it. She didn't try to change things for me but just listened. In September 2016, we thought we would try more than just friendship. She was living 3.5 hours away at the time. She would come and visit me often when she was not working. After months of commuting, she began to explore moving to Madison. She didn't know anyone in Madison, and moving here was a significant risk. She began to look at jobs and places to live in Madison. She found a job and a place to live. She only stayed there a little while because we both worked opposite shifts, so it didn't make sense for her to continue paying rent elsewhere. The rest is somewhat history. I know many people say they should marry their best friend or their spouse should be their best friend. I think I indeed found a person I genuinely enjoy spending time with, doing everything, all the time. While we both may have different days that we get crispy or moody, we continue to work through things and love one another through it. We have been on many incredible trips and adventures over the past 7.5 years. We laughed until we cried and almost peed our pants. We have lost people that we hold dear to our hearts and loved each other through the grief. We have parented the children through brain tumors, co-parenting with the ex, and the growing pains of raising little humans into bigger ones. We try not to take each other or life too seriously. If anything, she puts up with my moodiness more than I have to hers. Cedez works with her hands, while I work with hearts, yet she seeks to support me through hard times. While we never know how long we will be on this earth with one another, we make each day count in trying to create a safe home, a loving and supportive family, security for our children, friends who are closer to family, playing sports, going to concerts, flipping out of airplanes, taking long road trips, arguing over who is going to take the spider outside this time, playing video games and board games, and saving for a lifetime of enjoyment. Here's to many more magical days alongside you!

What all has happened... 

Our Story

Photos

Kristina is the right to my left, the ying to my yang, my balance in the crisis. We work together, raise kids together, and co-founded a company together. I am so grateful for her in my life! There is no better human to take this wild ride of life with. The laughter, the tears, the frustrations, the successes have all been gifted to me to share with her. The support she has given when I want to give up or question my worth is invaluable. 

Kristina Vaccaro (Smith)

Ryan is a plumber by day, stellar husband and cat lover by night. He's my card-collecting best friend. He is more than just a friend; he is like my brother, from countless laughs to unforgettable memories. Here's to many more memories!

Ryan Vosen 

Allen has been my sounding board for many years. He's so chill and laid back, so he listens well even when he doesn't know what to do with my big feelings. My brother from another mother, who risked taking a very long road trip with me and the rest of the fam. You can find him buying a new car, geeking on computers, playing video games, discing, or spiking some balls in his free time.  Can someone please tell him real geeks watch Star Wars like the rest of us?

Allen Nyberg

She is the most down female in our life who always has our back, especially when we want to eat some grub. Amy is a super mom, honest af, she shows up, and she gives you her opinion for real-even if you don't want it. Amy was Tanya's friend first, getting her through some real junk, and I am so glad we became friends, too, because she never misses my birthday. 

Amy Hoesktra

This is another brother of mine. If we're not talking about the latest track dropped, we're arguing over who is better at Euchre. Travis goes on ALL the adventures with us, from hiking, camping, volleyball, sky diving, or grilling out; it wouldn't be the same without him. Travis is a good listener, brings logic to any discussion, and gives great hugs.  Be sure to ask him to show you how to two step:)

Travis Estell

Myriah is a fun-loving, wise young woman who is full of jokes. Since she came into my life as a gift to my brother, Josh, and Shelly, I have loved her deeply. She is such a massive part of my life. I am so grateful to watch her grow into the young woman she is becoming. 

Mariah DeBecker

She is our daughter. She is currently a student and will be graduating this year. She does nannying and pet sitting to earn her keep around here. She has been such a huge blessing in my life. She likes to read alot and play volleyball. I honestly don't know where I would be today if not for her as my motivator for life. 

Ahzhaylia Lofdahl

I refer to this man as the bandaid guy because he is the safety manager at Clack Corp. He is one of the funniest people you will ever meet, and he could probably dance circles around you on the soccer field. 

Noah Steiner

There are not enough lines, to sum up the impact this woman has had on my life and my love for her. My A1, constant, drop things when life gets tough to show up at my side, bosom buddy. Julie will get you real comfy in a sofa or bed if you need it as she's a real swell saleswoman. The memories that we have created in raising our children alongside one another, the tears and fears we have shared, the joy and growth we have witnessed, and the future of us sitting on a porch swing someday by the ocean when we're well mature, sum up our relationship. 

Julie Estell

Being one of my longest friends, Kyle probably knows more about me than anyone except Terilyn. I won't play sports with him due to his height. He is a bigger Cowboys fan than I am, and I like the Cowboys alot. He is my partner in crime-figuratively and literally. He's a goofy guy. 
 

Kyle Hansen

I would like to introduce you to my therapist, aka, little big sis. Terilyn is stupid funny. You can find her walking to Dunkin either before or after she gets off work and getting her basketball team of children ready for something. She always shows up, just never on time. She leaves a room of strangers with five new friends, that she will never call back. And she always down to make dance tik toks and pranks. 

Terilyn Garcia 

One of my absolute favorite humans. My sister is hilariously funny, such a creative human, smart as a whip, and a superhero mother to my nephew Finn and the soon-to-be here; baby K. Jenn is one of the most organized people I know. She has lists for her lists, I swear. She runs a fantastic team at Grainger, bringing fun to the workplace, and it translates over to home.  She's the jello cake queen.

Jennifer Kalish

This was one of the first people I’ve ever met moving to Madison. A out standing man who is kind and will always show up for you. He has stories for days and will joke right back with you 

Brad 

Wedding Party

Q + A

Best Western Resort Hotel & Conference Center

We do not have a block here. This is close to the wedding site. They do have cabins as well. May want to check here.

Tanya & Mercedez

Tanya & Mercedez

T&M

Wedding Day

3:00 PM–3:30 PM

Ceremony

7:00 PM–12:00 PM

Reception

5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Dinner