Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We met online and started talking about meeting in person, but I kept putting it off after so many unsuccessful dates. This one felt different—I liked him on the phone, but I didn’t want to ruin anything. Brandon was eager to meet, which felt like a good sign. The day we decided to meet was a busy Saturday in August. Bryce had baseball tryouts in the morning and then wanted to go to the rodeo with Brayden, so I didn’t expect our plans to happen. A huge thunderstorm rolled through and I thought the rodeo was canceled, then the sun came back out and it went on. Brandon said we could meet afterward. I was exhausted and thinking about bedtime, but stayed optimistic and we kept in touch through the evening. He was with his friends Matt and Kirstin and invited me to come by after they grabbed dinner and played cards. It sounded scary, but I knew I needed to meet him—so I went. On the drive over I was a jumble of nerves and excitement, asking myself, What am I doing? He called and said they were getting ready for bed and asked if I could come pick him up. It would have been easy to turn around, but I didn’t—and I’m so glad I didn’t. When he climbed into my truck I asked, more than once, whether he was going to kill me; he politely said no every time. As soon as he was there I felt safe. We talked and laughed the whole ride as I took him home. I wished we had more time together, and though I didn’t expect to hear from him again, he texted me on the 15-minute drive home and every morning after. He kept saying we needed a real date, so the following Tuesday we went to dinner. Before that dinner I realized I’d seen him before: our kids had played baseball together, and Bryce had helped coach the team—Brayden and Mason had even been teammates. With so many mutual friends and that connection, it felt like we were meant to find each other. After that night we were basically inseparable. In the last 18 months we’ve traveled to fun places, made memories at countless baseball and hockey games, and he’s been a trooper with the barn and everything it requires. He immediately said we were getting married—so here we are. He proposed on May 11, 2025 (Mother’s Day) with the boys and friends around at the boat ramp. Even after I dropped a heavy pallet on his foot the night before and he ended up out of work for a month (I was still the one—LOL)—he asked me to marry him. I am so excited to marry my best friend and to merge our families. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on October 16th

Our Story

Photos

Kirstin Pickett became an incredible friend almost immediately. She’s been a steady source of laughter, support, and honest advice through every twist and turn, and I cannot imagine saying "I do" without her by my side. I’m honored she’ll be with me” and I’ll proudly stand beside her this June when she marries Matt.

Chery Gildea, my sister‑in‑law, I’m so happy to have her by my side. She has stood with me through so many highs and lows, offering steady support, encouragement, and more than a few laughs — I couldn’t imagine this day without her.

Julie Muro and I have been friends since high school. She’s been an amazing, steady presence—always there to celebrate the good times and lift me up through the hard ones. I couldn’t be happier to have her by my side on our wedding day.

Clare Morton and I became best friends in high school, always finding a little trouble to get into. Through every laugh and challenge she’s been reliably by my side, and I’m so excited to have her with me on our wedding day.

Ashley Schaeffer and I go way back to our younger days at Woodland, spending long afternoons at the barn chasing mischief and riding whatever horse would let us. She’s been a constant source of laughter, adventure, and steady support, and I’m so happy to have her by my side on our wedding day.

Matron of Honor Cathy Coon is my ride-or-die. We go way back to our early days at Woodland—riding by day and finding trouble by night. She’s been a constant source of laughter, adventure, and unwavering support through every chapter of life, from late-night talks to cheering on every milestone. I’m so grateful to have her by my side as Matron of Honor.

Derek Graham, Best Man — Derek and I have been friends for as long as we can remember, growing up together around the firehouse and inevitably getting into some kind of trouble. He quickly became one of my closest friends, and today we still enjoy nights out fishing and relaxed hangs together.

Matt Gallion has been my work husband and a true friend — always quick with a joke, a helpful ear, and steady support. I’m so happy he’ll be by my side when I say “I do.”

Bryce Jenkins (what do I say about this one) has been like a son to me—full of energy, mischief, and a big heart. He can be a little annoying at times, but I love him like my own and I’m so grateful he encouraged his mom to go out that first night with me. I’m honored to have him standing beside me on our wedding day.

Tre Roper and I met at the firehouse over ten years ago, and he’s been a great friend ever since, no matter how much time passes. He is always good for a laugh. I’m so grateful to have him standing by my side—bad referee calls and all.

Sean Gildea, Kate’s brother, welcomed me into the family from day one. He’s always up for a good time. —I’m so happy to have him by my side on our wedding day.

Wedding Party

Ceremony will be outdoors (weather permitting). Dress comfortably in casual country attire—think sundresses, skirts, button-downs, chinos, and yes, boots—so you can walk on grass and dance the night away. Evenings in Adamstown can be cool in mid‑October; we recommend bringing a light jacket or shawl. Please avoid high, thin heels for the lawn. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on October 16, 2026.

Dress Code

Q + A

We’ve reserved a block of guest rooms. Please book through the link below to access the special rate; the block and rate expire on September 15, 2026. If you have any questions or need any more information, contact us at 301-706-1118. https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/57kptn

Kate & Brandon

Kate & Brandon

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