Rehearsal Dinner

Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse

Welcome Party

Secret Garden by Wedgewood Weddings

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

On July 16th, 2022, the stars aligned. Both of us, Midwesterners who had recently moved to Phoenix and didn’t know a soul, ended up at a new bar, Palma, for the first time, completely unaware that our lives were about to change. It seemed like a crazy coincidence. Ashlyn had just gotten a promotion at work that Friday, so she decided to celebrate with some friends. Meanwhile, Cole and his friends, who were in town visiting him, were on the other side of the bar. Ashlyn and her friends were waiting for a table when Billy, a friend of Cole’s (who Cole didn’t even know yet), wandered over to chat. Billy, always the friendly and flirty guy, tried to strike up a conversation with Cole and his friends, but Cole wasn’t having it. “Billy, we’re not doing this right now,” he said, but he added, “I am interested in talking to that girl over there.” That “girl” was Ashlyn, standing at the bar, sipping her spicy margarita (with Tajín, of course). She didn’t think anyone was watching as she licked the Tajín off the rim (it’s a thing, okay?), but Cole noticed. Cole and Billy walked over, and Cole's first words were, “Do you drink all your drinks like that?” Ashlyn was so caught off guard and a bit embarrassed, thinking, “Well, no one was supposed to see that.” But apparently, Cole thought it was funny. We started talking, and before we knew it, we realized we had something in common: we were both from the Midwest, and we’d both moved to Arizona recently. It felt like a funny little sign, like the universe had brought us together in this big city that felt so far from home. Not long after, Ashlyn’s table was ready, so she and her friends moved to sit down to eat. But Cole, being a flirt, decided to follow them inside. Of course, being the charming guy he is, he didn’t just stop at the table..he casually walked right up to join the group in the booth and made himself comfortable. Naturally, Ashlyn’s friends didn’t waste time grilling him with questions: “Where are you from? What brought you to Phoenix? So why aren't you with your friends right now? Do you have any hidden talents?” (Okay, maybe not that last one, but they were definitely trying to figure him out.) Eventually, Cole had to head out to meet back up with his friends, whom he had ditched, so we said our goodbyes, nice-to-meet-you’s, and parted ways. Ashlyn and her friends decided to check out another bar down the street after dinner, and guess who they ran into again? Yup, Cole and his crew. As Cole’s friends were getting ready to leave for the night, Cole stayed behind, telling Ashlyn and her friend, “I’m having an afterparty at my place.” (Spoiler alert: there was no afterparty. It was just his excuse to keep hanging out with Ashlyn.) Ashlyn, her friend, and Cole ended up grabbing a ride back to Cole's place on a random party bus that was headed back to the same apartment building. When Ashlyn and her friend got to Cole's "afterparty," they were quickly confused at the lack thereof. The night went from being a series of random encounters to something a lot more intentional. The spark between us from the start was undeniable. We saw each other a couple of times throughout that week, following the initial weekend we had met. Cole ended up asking Ashlyn on a formal date, which she was very excited and nervous about. Our first official date was at Postino's, where we sipped one too many bottles of wine, chatting away like we’d known each other forever. We were so wrapped up in conversation that we didn’t even notice we were the last couple left in the restaurant until the waiters started cleaning up around us. Ashlyn couldn’t help but think, Well, I guess that’s a good sign for a first date. Just 9 days after meeting, Ashlyn already knew that Cole was the one (peep the screenshot above with some edited words because Ash has a potty mouth). There was something electric, something undeniable, something that made her heart race in the best way. Eventually, Cole asked if we could make things official. But, of course, me being me, I took my sweet time answering...three whole days, to be exact. No real reason, just my way (ha!). Cole said to Ashlyn, "Stop being stubborn and just be with me already"… so naturally, Ashlyn was impressed with Cole calling her out on her stubborn traits. As the weeks and months passed, it felt like we had known each other for a lifetime. Five months in, we took a leap and moved in together. Our friends and family thought we were absolutely crazy, but we just knew. And that’s when the rest of our story began.

How We Met

Our Story

Photos

Remi Hoops

Lauren Lee

Haley Allen

Kelly Metter

Chloe Dames

Madeline Jones

Sarah Davis

Mike Miller

Steve Pintar 

Ron Timmerman

Paul Lee

Drew Graves

Aldo Malky

Trent Nielson

Jackson Heath 

Austin Rudicel

Wedding Party

Q + A

Wedding Day Transportation 

For your comfort and convenience, transportation will be provided between Senna House and Secret Garden on our wedding day. Please plan to gather in the Senna House lobby at 4:00 PM, with buses departing promptly at 4:15 PM for the approximately 30-minute ride to the venue. After our grand exit, buses will depart around 11:00 PM to return guests to Senna House, which is within walking distance of many Old Town Scottsdale bars for those who wish to continue the evening.

Accomodations

This is our main hotel and where we’ll be staying! It’s just 4 minutes away from the Welcome Party venue. Shuttle transportation will be provided from Senna House to the wedding venue on the big day. The ride will take approximately 30 minutes. Room options include Kings and Queen Doubles. Use the website button below to book—group rates will be automatically applied. If the discounted rate is not reflecting, please contact the bride’s mom, Candi, at 618-407-8503 and we’ll be happy to add additional rooms to the block. Group rate cutoff date: March 26, 2026

Senna House Hotel Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton

This is another great nearby option- just 5 minutes from the Welcome Party venue. If you choose to stay here and would like to use the wedding day shuttle, please note that this hotel is just 0.6 miles from Senna House, where the shuttle will depart. Room options include Kings and rooms with two Double Beds. Use the website button below to book—group rates will be automatically applied. If the discounted rate is not reflecting, please contact the bride’s mom, Candi, at 618-407-8503 and we’ll be happy to add additional rooms to the block. Group rate cutoff date: March 17, 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town

Travel & Transportation

Our Favorite Coffee Spots

A favorite coffee spot! They make all syrups in house. The line is worth the wait.

Fourtillfour Cafe

The best spot for quick coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go snacks! The line is usually long, but it’s definitely worth the wait for a delicious morning treat.

Berdena's

Known for their morning coffee and coffee cocktails (whichever you’re in the mood for—no judgment here). The banana bread espresso martini is Ashlyn’s favorite and an absolute must-try… even better with tequila. Trust us on this one!

Three Beans Cafe

Our Go- To Bites

Think of it as an elevated taco date night! This spot is one of our favorites to bring out of town guests. The short rib tacos and table side guacamole are absolute must tries. Be sure to make reservations a couple of weeks in advance as their tables fill up fast- the earlier the better!

The Mission Old Town

Conveniently located right underneath the Senna House Hotel. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant—perfect for a pre-wedding drink or a casual meal with friends and family. We highly recommend ordering the meatballs, pizza, and vodka pasta to share for the table.

Cala Scottsdale

A newer Mediterranean restaurant in Scottsdale that is to die for! Conveniently located right next to AZ88 which is Ashlyn's favorite martini spot ;-)

PINYON – Coastal Mediterranean

A great spot for a quick and casual taco fix if you're in the mood for a tasty lunch!

Diego Pops

Our Favorite Sips 

Our go-to martini bar. While they don’t take reservations, it’s worth stopping by to snag a seat at the bar and enjoy a cocktail. The espresso martini is a must, and the waffle fries are a fan favorite. They have a rotating art installation monthly!

AZ88

Coles favorite- Book a late night cocktail at Toca Madera! Always buzzing with energy, it’s a great place to sip and catch the entertainment.

Toca Madera Scottsdale

Our Favorite Day Date Activities

Recommend this highly! Right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Lots of fun boutiques, gift shops, coffee shops, wine rooms, bars, etc.

Old Town Scottsdale Shoppes

Local vendors offering a variety of shops, coffee, food, and more – a great place to explore and enjoy!

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market 

Coles Favorite Golf Spots 

One of Coles go-to golf courses, with average booking rates ranging from $150 to $225 per round.

Talking Stick Golf Club

Another one of Coles favorites, with rounds typically costing around $150.

Papago Golf Club

Our Favorite Hikes & Trails 

One of our new favorites- there is multiple trails you can choose depending on how long/the complexity you are looking for. Located at the base of the McDowell Mountains, it's surrounded by open desert, mountain views, and lots of cacti! The trailhead is approximately 20 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale and offers on-site parking for visitors.

Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve