Wedding Day

Ceremony

Shawano County Parks

Reception

Our Wedding

I&nbsp;moved&nbsp;to&nbsp;Pittsburgh&nbsp;looking&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;start.&nbsp;Newly&nbsp;single&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;in&nbsp;over&nbsp;a&nbsp;decade,&nbsp;I&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;download&nbsp;some&nbsp;dating&nbsp;apps,&nbsp;thinking&nbsp;'I'm&nbsp;new&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;city&nbsp;and&nbsp;what&nbsp;better&nbsp;way&nbsp;to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;new&nbsp;people&nbsp;and&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;have&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;fun?'&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;scrolling&nbsp;through...&nbsp;as&nbsp;you&nbsp;do...&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anthony's&nbsp;profile&nbsp;comes&nbsp;up;&nbsp;A&nbsp;very&nbsp;impressive&nbsp;and&nbsp;handsome&nbsp;young&nbsp;man.&nbsp;A&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;engineer&nbsp;with&nbsp;shared&nbsp;political&nbsp;and&nbsp;religious&nbsp;beliefs.&nbsp;And&nbsp;if&nbsp;all&nbsp;that&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;enough,&nbsp;his&nbsp;response&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;prompt&nbsp;"Something&nbsp;you&nbsp;can't&nbsp;stop&nbsp;quoting"&nbsp;was&nbsp;"Name&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Wind."&nbsp;An&nbsp;incredible&nbsp;book&nbsp;and&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;all&nbsp;time&nbsp;favorites.&nbsp;We&nbsp;matched&nbsp;and&nbsp;with&nbsp;it&nbsp;being&nbsp;Bumble,&nbsp;that&nbsp;meant&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;to&nbsp;message&nbsp;first.&nbsp;So&nbsp;I&nbsp;shyly&nbsp;sent&nbsp;a&nbsp;lame&nbsp;"Hey&nbsp;Anthony".&nbsp;Luckily,&nbsp;he&nbsp;had&nbsp;done&nbsp;his&nbsp;research&nbsp;and&nbsp;got&nbsp;the&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;going&nbsp;by&nbsp;asking&nbsp;me&nbsp;which&nbsp;Nic&nbsp;Cage&nbsp;movie&nbsp;was&nbsp;my&nbsp;favorite.&nbsp;This&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;glimpse&nbsp;of&nbsp;how&nbsp;attentive&nbsp;and&nbsp;thoughtful&nbsp;he&nbsp;is&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;more&nbsp;we&nbsp;talked&nbsp;the&nbsp;more&nbsp;we&nbsp;realized&nbsp;we&nbsp;had&nbsp;in&nbsp;common. We&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;up&nbsp;and&nbsp;he&nbsp;suggested&nbsp;a&nbsp;dumpling&nbsp;place&nbsp;called&nbsp;Bao.&nbsp;I&nbsp;get&nbsp;there&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;minutes&nbsp;early&nbsp;and&nbsp;sit&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;bench&nbsp;outside&nbsp;nervous&nbsp;but&nbsp;excited.&nbsp;I&nbsp;remember&nbsp;looking&nbsp;down&nbsp;at&nbsp;my&nbsp;phone&nbsp;and&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;not&nbsp;sure&nbsp;what&nbsp;made&nbsp;me&nbsp;look&nbsp;up&nbsp;but&nbsp;when&nbsp;I&nbsp;did....&nbsp;man...&nbsp;I&nbsp;thought&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;the&nbsp;wind&nbsp;knocked&nbsp;out&nbsp;of&nbsp;me&nbsp;because&nbsp;he&nbsp;was&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;more&nbsp;handsome&nbsp;than&nbsp;his&nbsp;pictures.&nbsp;I&nbsp;just&nbsp;remember&nbsp;him&nbsp;smiling&nbsp;and&nbsp;opening&nbsp;the&nbsp;door.&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;sure&nbsp;we&nbsp;exchanged&nbsp;pleasantries&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;trance&nbsp;to&nbsp;remember&nbsp;the&nbsp;details.&nbsp;We&nbsp;were&nbsp;both&nbsp;incredibly&nbsp;nervous&nbsp;but&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;flowed&nbsp;nonetheless.&nbsp;I&nbsp;needed&nbsp;to&nbsp;catch&nbsp;the&nbsp;bus&nbsp;home&nbsp;and&nbsp;so&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;trying&nbsp;to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;my&nbsp;eyes&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;time&nbsp;but&nbsp;kept&nbsp;pushing&nbsp;it&nbsp;off&nbsp;to&nbsp;spend&nbsp;more&nbsp;time&nbsp;with&nbsp;him.&nbsp;Eventually&nbsp;I&nbsp;shared&nbsp;I&nbsp;should&nbsp;probably&nbsp;get&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;bus&nbsp;stop&nbsp;because&nbsp;I&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;sure&nbsp;when&nbsp;the&nbsp;last&nbsp;one&nbsp;would&nbsp;come.&nbsp;The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;comes&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;offer&nbsp;to&nbsp;split&nbsp;it&nbsp;stating&nbsp;"I&nbsp;can&nbsp;help&nbsp;at&nbsp;least"&nbsp;but&nbsp;he&nbsp;just&nbsp;smiled&nbsp;sweetly&nbsp;and&nbsp;said&nbsp;"I&nbsp;know&nbsp;you&nbsp;can,&nbsp;but&nbsp;I'd&nbsp;like&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;it&nbsp;if&nbsp;that's&nbsp;okay."&nbsp;Which&nbsp;left&nbsp;a&nbsp;smile&nbsp;on&nbsp;my&nbsp;face&nbsp;cause&nbsp;damn&nbsp;was&nbsp;it&nbsp;smooth.&nbsp;He&nbsp;then&nbsp;kindly&nbsp;offered&nbsp;to&nbsp;walk&nbsp;me&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;bus&nbsp;stop,&nbsp;which&nbsp;is&nbsp;where&nbsp;I&nbsp;expected&nbsp;us&nbsp;to&nbsp;say&nbsp;goodbye.&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;pleasantly&nbsp;surprised&nbsp;when&nbsp;he&nbsp;asked&nbsp;if&nbsp;I&nbsp;would&nbsp;like&nbsp;the&nbsp;company&nbsp;while&nbsp;I&nbsp;waited,&nbsp;which&nbsp;of&nbsp;course&nbsp;I&nbsp;did.&nbsp;He&nbsp;proceeded&nbsp;to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;and&nbsp;wait&nbsp;with&nbsp;me&nbsp;for&nbsp;what&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;pretty&nbsp;sure-&nbsp;&nbsp;was&nbsp;at&nbsp;least&nbsp;an&nbsp;hour.&nbsp;Yet&nbsp;another&nbsp;example&nbsp;of&nbsp;how&nbsp;considerate&nbsp;and&nbsp;kind&nbsp;Anthony&nbsp;is&nbsp;and&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;to&nbsp;someone&nbsp;he&nbsp;barely&nbsp;knows. We&nbsp;met&nbsp;up&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;more&nbsp;times&nbsp;in&nbsp;public,&nbsp;going&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;botanical&nbsp;gardens,&nbsp;exploring&nbsp;the&nbsp;views&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;city&nbsp;together&nbsp;while&nbsp;asking&nbsp;about&nbsp;pet&nbsp;peeves&nbsp;and&nbsp;every&nbsp;once&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;while&nbsp;I'd&nbsp;catch&nbsp;him&nbsp;staring&nbsp;at&nbsp;me&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;smile.&nbsp;No&nbsp;one&nbsp;ever&nbsp;made&nbsp;me&nbsp;feel&nbsp;the&nbsp;way&nbsp;I&nbsp;feel&nbsp;when&nbsp;Anthony&nbsp;looks&nbsp;at&nbsp;me&nbsp;like&nbsp;that. &nbsp;Eventually,&nbsp;he&nbsp;invited&nbsp;me&nbsp;over&nbsp;to&nbsp;his&nbsp;house&nbsp;for&nbsp;dinner.&nbsp;That's&nbsp;when&nbsp;I&nbsp;remember&nbsp;starting&nbsp;to&nbsp;feel&nbsp;more&nbsp;comfortable&nbsp;and&nbsp;when&nbsp;we&nbsp;really&nbsp;started&nbsp;opening&nbsp;up&nbsp;about&nbsp;our&nbsp;pasts&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;point&nbsp;where&nbsp;we&nbsp;almost&nbsp;forgot&nbsp;to&nbsp;eat&nbsp;the&nbsp;manicotti&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;he&nbsp;had&nbsp;made&nbsp;for&nbsp;us.&nbsp;To&nbsp;which&nbsp;his&nbsp;response&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;sarcastic&nbsp;"Oh&nbsp;no&nbsp;guess&nbsp;that&nbsp;means&nbsp;that&nbsp;I&nbsp;have&nbsp;to&nbsp;spend&nbsp;more&nbsp;time&nbsp;with&nbsp;you."&nbsp;And&nbsp;I&nbsp;just&nbsp;remember&nbsp;feeling&nbsp;so&nbsp;honored&nbsp;that&nbsp;someone&nbsp;like&nbsp;him&nbsp;really&nbsp;seemed&nbsp;to&nbsp;like&nbsp;having&nbsp;me&nbsp;around. I&nbsp;can't&nbsp;quite&nbsp;remember&nbsp;when&nbsp;exactly,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;very&nbsp;early&nbsp;on&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;at&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;those&nbsp;hangouts&nbsp;at&nbsp;his&nbsp;house&nbsp;when&nbsp;I&nbsp;very&nbsp;clearly&nbsp;remember&nbsp;thinking,&nbsp;"Oh!&nbsp;This&nbsp;is&nbsp;my&nbsp;husband,&nbsp;"&nbsp;as&nbsp;he&nbsp;held&nbsp;me&nbsp;and&nbsp;swayed&nbsp;me&nbsp;back&nbsp;and&nbsp;forth&nbsp;gently.&nbsp;Honestly,&nbsp;the&nbsp;rest&nbsp;is&nbsp;history. He&nbsp;proposed&nbsp;about&nbsp;6&nbsp;months&nbsp;later&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;waterfall&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;way&nbsp;to&nbsp;visit&nbsp;my&nbsp;sisters&nbsp;and&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;easiest&nbsp;yes&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;life.&nbsp;Sometimes&nbsp;when&nbsp;you&nbsp;know,&nbsp;you&nbsp;know,&nbsp;and&nbsp;you&nbsp;don't&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;wait.

As told by Kayla:

I moved to Pittsburgh in June 2020 for my dream job. My closest friends or family would be 500 miles away, and it would be well over a year before I met my boss or coworkers in person. Honestly, things were pretty good overall, but I felt lonely, even with the absolute joy our dog, Laurelin, has brought me. I’d had some dates, and an on-off long distance ‘situationship’, which epically blew up when one of my closest friends, Nikki, visited from abroad. This, as it turns out, was the turning point to the best days of my life.I met Kayla on Bumble, an online dating app where women are the only ones allowed to initiate contact. Kayla did this with a simple ‘hey’. Undeterred, I found my greatest Nic Cage memes, and the immediate fit was obvious. She is a wonderful, beautiful, dedicated, immensely curious woman, and that was evident from the start. So, Sept 1, 2022, we arranged a date at a cute little dumpling place near her work, and it went… okay. Her hair… was… is… just fire. I couldn’t stop admiring it then, or now. I was so nervous, so was she, but then it turned out she had just missed her bus home, and we spent the next hour talking and hanging out. Free from the nerves and expectations of first meeting this gorgeous woman, we settled in and found ourselves perfectly matched. A few dates later, I had her over for dinner, and around 10-11pm she had to ask if we were still planning on eating... Oops! I had completely forgotten it in the oven, just being engrossed by this amazing person. On another date, she confidently introduced me to a new game, stating “I’ve never lost at it before, just so you know” and was incredibly gracious in a (lucky) crushing defeat. I was so nervous about watching a tv show in her bedroom, I stood outside her doorway until she had to tell me to “Come in here, silly!”Less than 2 months later, I left home for a 2-week work trip utterly enthralled by the woman who offered to watch our precious pup. By the end, I couldn’t wait to get back to her, and the feeling of reuniting in her arms is etched in my mind like a fairytale. We started showing each other to our families, and everyone could see how happy we made each other. The night before we left my parents, I was packing up the car, and my parents sat at their kitchen island. We chatted about Kayla, and how awesome she was, and mom said, tears in her eyes, “It looks like you’ve found your person.” I did mom, and the good news was we both knew it even then.In February 2023, I asked permission from Jenna, and we drove out to a beautiful waterfall on the way to seeing Kayla’s sisters. I was a ball of nerves, constantly fumbling with the ring in my pocket, checking to make sure I hadn’t left it behind every 3 steps. To my immense relief and gratitude, she said yes, and the bliss of our lives has only grown over time.A year and a day after we first met, we eloped, with Jenna and Nikki as our witnesses in a picturesque river BnB. As you can see from our photos, Kayla was stunning. I continue to be in awe of my good fortune, of the love of my life, my wife, whom I love and cherish, by whom I always feel loved and cherished. I hope you will be able to join us in celebrating our love, and recommitment of our marriage together.

As Told by Anthony

Our Story

Photos

Ricky and I met in high school, but it was really in college that I grew to rely on him. He's always been there for me, being in the same classes and later working for over three years at Westinghouse together. He is everything I could ask for in a friend, and even when we disagree, I always appreciate his perspective and lively debate. Ricky is such a kind caring person, and I am honored to have him stand as my Best Man.

Richard Rolland III

I met Maddie during my fellowship and we hit it off very quickly because she is one of the kindest, funniest people I have had the pleasure of meeting. She has been there for me in more ways than I can remember and made me feel like I had a friend in a new city hundreds of miles away from everyone I've ever known within a matter of days. She has been there for our relationship from the very beginning with an approving "he's cute!" when I showed the dating profile for a bestie approval. While she is my maid of honor, I'm the one who is honored to have her in my life. 

Maddie Kreider

Joe is just awesome. Hard to imagine it has been 20 years since we met in grade school, but time flies when you're with a friend. Joe even flew 700 miles solo to surprise me for my 30th birthday, what a guy. To many more game-filled, zesty nights in the future!

Joseph Maxwell

Becca is my closest and only friend from high school. We started hanging out senior year and I'm sad we never met sooner because she cares ferociously about the people in her life. She is accepting and kind to everyone and is and has always been unapologetically herself. She has been there for me at some of my lowest lows and highest highs and I'm excited to add my wedding to that list.

Rebecca Tarango

Hey sis, I'm getting married! But really! Its hard to put into words how amazing you are, and how much I love spending time with you. You've pushed, challenged, and supported me through so much, and I couldn't have asked for a better sister.

Megan Kell

Lindsay is my eldest sister. She is the one who taught me about makeup, tanning, clothes, and how to walk in heels. She helped me navigate my many anxieties and is my go to when I need someone to fight on my behalf. She has comforted me when I needed it the most and is always there when I need it.

Lindsay Alexander

Nikki has been such a great friend since college, even putting up with me for a year as roommates. We've been there for each other through quite a few wrong relationships, and I'm so happy to have her here for the right one.

Nicoletta Farabullini

I was always Nessa's mini-me, which was true because I really looked up to my big sister. She was the cool one who wouldn't get annoyed when I wanted to go in her room and see what she was up to. She is incredibly generous and goes above and beyond for her people the way she did throwing my pharmacy school graduation party. She has a way of making me feel special in ways that I hadn't before, and I'm so glad to call her my sister.

Vanessa Gant

I first met Thomas as my mom's coworker... And promptly stole him for myself. He was the first of my family to meet Kayla, less than two months of being together. I'll never forget his advice, "She seems like a good one, don't fuck it up." Thank you for being there for me.

Thomas Samuel

Jenna is without a doubt (and I think all of us agree) the coolest of the four sisters. She makes me laugh harder than anyone, and her emotional intelligence makes her an incredible person to talk to whenever I'm feeling upset or angry. I'm so proud of how far she has come, and I really cherish every moment with her. I don't know what I would do without her.

Jenna Rowe

Wedding Party

What Is Cocktail Wedding Attire?

Cocktail Dresses to Add to Your Cart ASAP

What Guys Need to Know About Dress Codes

Cocktail dress code is a semi-formal standard for evening events, meaning elegant attire that's dressier than casual wear but less formal than black-tie, typically involving dresses/jumpsuits or suits/blazers in paired with dressy shoes and elegant accessories.

Dress Code

The nearest airports to Shawano, WI are Austin Strauble Int'l Airport and Appleton International Airport. Time from Austin Strauble Int'l Airport (GRB) - 35 minTime from Appleton International Airport (ATW) - 50 min Both are relatively small airports with limited direct flights, though ATW is the larger of the two. Common connections include flights from Milwaukee (MKE), Chicago (ORD) and Minneapolis (MSP) airports.

Air Transportation

Hotel Notes:Call Hotel Directly to Book @ 715-524-9090Block Code Discount Valid until 05/01/2026 Online booking does not associate with the block code (both for pricing and availability) so please call the number above for booking. We have many rooms reserved, so if you run into issues, let us know. Approximately 16 minutes from Shawano Lake County Park (Wedding Venue), Immediately off WI-29 We plan on offering a shuttle service to and from the venue from this hotel, detailed timing will follow. https://staycobblestone.com/wi/shawano/

Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels Shawano

While we only have a dedicated block at Boarders, we recognize that some people may wish to stay at a different location, for any number of reasons. Other nearby hotels include Shawano Four Seasons Hotel, Haven Hotel in Shawano, and the Cecil Fireside Inn. A large variety of hotel accommodations are also available near the urban centers of Green Bay and Appleton, including an indoor waterpark at the Tundra Lodge in Green Bay. For the more adventurous, there are also numerous campgrounds in the local vicinity including at the Shawano Lake County Park itself.

Other Lodging in the Area

Hotel and Travel

The Shawano Lake County Campground sits on the shores of Shawano Lake and has much to offer for all kinds of campers. With a beach, picnic tables, barbeque grills, and shelters open to the public, its the perfect place for family gatherings. Even children will find numerous activities to keep them occupied. A new playground, just a short walk from the lake, is the perfect place for kids to have some fun.

Shawano County Park

The ultimate whitewater rafting in northern Wisconsin. Located on the Wolf River in Menominee County, rafting trips are available for those that love either the wild or the mild rafting experience. The rafting season opens on May 1st and closes the second Saturday of September. Trips can be reserved for full or half days and 2-3 hour floats. The friendly staff provides transportation to and from rafting and instructs on river safety. Rustic camping is also available for Shotgun Eddy rafters.For more information or to make a reservations,call:&nbsp;&nbsp;715-882-4461, 920-660-2364 or 262-696-9045

Shotgun Eddy Raft Rental

The drive-in movie theater&nbsp;Moonlight Outdoor Theater,&nbsp;located at the&nbsp;Shawano Cinema in nearby Shawano, Wisconsin. It operates seasonally (usually June-September) and offers classic drive-in fun with concessions, bathrooms, and plenty of space, with showtimes listed on the Shawano Cinema website

The Shawano Cinema

Welcome to Titletown, a community development just west of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Titletown’s unique location is the perfect place for community members and visitors to play, stay, eat, relax and enjoy, no matter the season.

Titletown

Embark on a journey through more than a century of football history and experience the legacy of the greatest story in sports. With one-of-a-kind artifacts sourced from players of the past and present, engaging galleries and highlight reels, learn why the story of the Green Bay Packers continues to inspire fans of all generations. Most guests spend 60-90 minutes on their self-guided experience in the Hall of Fame.

Lambeau Field Stadium Tours and Hall of Fame

Bay Beach&nbsp;is a municipal amusement park in&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Bay,_Wisconsin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Green Bay, Wisconsin</a>. Situated near the mouth of the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_River_(Green_Bay_tributary)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fox River</a>, on the east bank as it flows into&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Bay_(Lake_Michigan)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Green Bay</a>, the park contains rides, concessions, a&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_coaster" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">roller coaster</a>, and a food pavilion. Dances, movies, and other events are held in a pavilion. Rides are most catered to younger audiences with a single rollercoaster and 23 family rides from bumper cars to titl-a-whirl.

Anthony & Kayla