Jared & Kathleen
Wedding Party
Olivia Dittrich
Matron of Honor
"During a mission trip team meeting four years ago, I was terrified because Kathleen was this outgoing, sociable, & infectiously funny young woman, whom I felt a complete opposite to myself. It was on that mission trip that I saw Kathleen's heart: I saw her genuineness, the way she shared Christ through her actions, & I was amazed at how she could make a family member out of anyone. After that trip, she made a family member out of me. I am floored by how much of a fixture she is in my life. Kathleen continuously grounds me in Christ, has enormous patience with my two left feet, & has become the sister I never knew I needed. Although it hasn't been long, I have cherished her friendship like those of a lifetime & I am honored to walk with her on this very special day!"
Grace Fazand
Matron of Honor
"Shortly after meeting Kathleen, in 2010, we went to Florida together. Even though we didn’t each other well, I could tell she was the kind of girl I wanted to know. She was one of few authentic personalities, at a time when I felt surrounded by fake people. To this day, Florida it is one of my favorite memories. We went as friends, but came back as sisters. With three pages of inside jokes, we created in a week, we came home knowing we had someone we could count always on. I’m so thankful to have a friend like Kathleen in my life: the kind who is simultaneously honest & gentle. She is the friend who drops everything for you, & who doesn’t just listen, but actually understands. I am so thankful she has found the man who honors everything she is. So ecstatic for her & Jared!"
Miranda Mabery
Maid of Honor
"Kathleen & I go way way back to pre-school, but I remember the day she toured TCA, as we “re-met” in the hall, & realized we were long lost best friends. From being inseparable in middle & high school, it was clear we needed one another. We've been through hell & back, with the other by our side, & grown closer through every adventure, good & bad. What I admire most about her is her loyalty. She will ALWAYS back you up, ALWAYS, in love, say the tough thing to hear, ALWAYS point you to Christ, & ALWAYS listen & hug you, if thats all you need. I can't imagine life without her, & I have loved living this with her every moment. I cannot express how PUMPED I am to be part of her day & see her off to a wonderful man, such as Jared. I am blessed through every moment I spend with her."
Nate Quellhorst
MADE of Honor
“A long, long time ago in a city far, far away, I met Kathleen, through my roommates. We instantly clicked over our mutual love of old school country music, sports, & about a million other things. I can count the number of people I met early on in college that I still talk to on one hand. I’m honored to be able to count Kathleen. Never would I have thought that from going to a free concert, we’d end up partners in crime, roommates, & best friends. She’s one of the most loving, caring, sometimes stubborn, all around awesome humans I’ve had the pleasure of having in my life. She goes with me on my wacky ideas, while being there for me & calling me out the 1, or 18, times I’ve needed it. Kathleen is one of my closest & best friends, I’m honored to be a part of her & Jared’s special day.”
Haley McDaniel
Bridesmaid
“Five years ago, I remember meeting a vibrant AST named Kathleen at Belmont. Fast forward two years; we find ourselves in the same study abroad meeting! From Athens to Mykonos, Santorini to Thessaloniki, & a few bumpy ferry rides later, we had the trip of a lifetime! We were fast friends. I so quickly got to see Kathleen’s passions, excitement for life & authenticity, as a friend, while abroad. It was in the ordinary moments of life, those next two years, we continued to grow so close & enjoy college together. After Belmont, we found ourselves sadly miles apart until an unplanned move landed Kathleen back in Texas, where I happened to be working! I still remember the first conversation we had about Jared and how, just maybe, “he was it.” After a night out dancing, I knew it to be true.”
Emily Reynolds
Bridesmaid
“So, Kathleen and I met ~after~ we signed a year long lease together. That was a wild ride as two strangers embarked on that journey. On Halloween weekend she dragged me out, forced me to be social & it changed everything. We became more than roommates; we became friends. What followed were Disney singalongs, deep talks, late-night heavy cream Mac n Cheese & bottles & bottles of red wine. We graduated college & sorta maneuvered life post-grad. She made her way back to Dallas for the summer & we all hoped she’d come back , but there were some things holding her there—one of them was Jared. Her keen sense of intuition told her he’d propose & when I questioned her she said: “No doubt in my mind. I just know.” I’ve never heard her be so sure about anything & that’s how I know its real.”
Kerrigan Barry
Bridesmaid
“Before I came to Belmont, where I met Kathleen, I read a book called “Firefly Lane,” by Kristin Hannah. The author wrote, “That was the thing about best friends. Like sisters & mothers, they could piss you off & make you cry & break your heart, but in the end, when the chips were down, they were there, making you laugh, even in your darkest hours.” I remember reading those words & wondering if friendship like that was ever in the cards for me, & then I met Kathleen a year later. If I am a flight risk, Kathleen is my safe place to land; she feels like home. Throughout our time together, we have challenged and inspired each other. We’ve screamed the lyrics of our favorite songs out the car windows. We’ve seen the best & the worst parts of each other, & we’re both still here.”
Shannon Fish
Bridesmaid
"Dallas & I met at Belmont auditions circa summer of 2014; I called her Dallas, she called me California. She my first friend at Belmont University, & we didn’t leave each other’s sides. We rushed together secretly hoping we’d both choose the same sorority, & as luck would have it we became sisters (& we have the cutest formal pictures to prove it)! Through it all, I have always cherished our friendship. While I’ve been gone during the beginning of Kathleen & Jared’s relationship, I can not wait to celebrate these two love birds & rejoice in their bright future together."
Dean Dixon
Usher
"Despite having dozens of mutual friends throughout college, Kathleen & I somehow never crossed paths, until our last semester at Belmont. We first became friends after talking about a mutual internship, which soon turned into a much deeper friendship. We both confided in one another, as well as a close circle of others, growing together through the ups & the downs of post-graduation. This friend group provided the support system I needed to be able to transition from being a student into adulthood (as if one could actually say I’m an adult). I am friends with all of them still to this day. I’m incredibly thankful for the role Kathleen has played in that. She has been a consistently loyal friend, & that is why I am incredibly excited to be a part of such a special day in her life."
Durham Cox
Usher
"Nearly two years ago, Kathleen & I rapidly evolved from small-talking coworkers at an unfulfilling job, to friends who would take road trips with little to no plan at all. During the first of these trips we drove around the Tennessee countryside for hours on end, & joked about all of the dream houses we passed. How beautiful they were, & how many horses she could have at them. But during those conversations, her face lit up the most when she talked about her future family. At that moment I knew she wasn’t just the spunky, friendly, headstrong girl I had first met. She was one of the most genuine & caring women I have & will ever know. Maybe the horses & dream house aren’t there yet, but I now know she is beginning to create a beautiful & loving home for the rest of her life."
Tim Rencken
Usher
While attending Belmont University, Kathleen & I met through the forming of a country music project. Her welcoming presence & stellar vocal abilities made her a natural leader within the band. Although the group eventually disbanded musically, the friendship formed with Kathleen remained strong. Throughout the years, she has been an incredible friend, who I know I can always count on. I am honored to be a part of Kathleen and Jared’s wedding!
Preston Visintainer
Best Man
“I met Jared in intermediate school, at the Shed, but we didn’t become close until high school. I remember he invited a couple of friends to spend the night at his house, which literally never happened again, EVER. Somehow, that night, we went from kind-of-friends to best friends, & we have been inseparable ever since! He’s someone I always want to have in my life. Whether we’re camping, working out, going to Chuy’s, or just hanging out together, I can always count on him for a good time, & that’s what friendship is about.”
Travis Arizpe
Best Man
"In a galaxy far far away, Travis AKA "Yoda" lived. One day he felt a disturbance in the force, only to discover that Jared AKA Jar Jar Binks was born into existence. Jar Jar grew to be tall & at times brave, however he was usually clumsy & just not smart. Yoda loved him anyways, & nurtured him into the grown up he is today. Their relationship blossomed, & the force grew strong in Jar Jar. Yoda's temperament & extreme mentorship helped mold Jar Jar into who he is today."
Matthew Arizpe
Best Man
“I’ve known Jared my whole life, obviously: from the fat kid, afraid of a baseball to the man he is now. He’s loyal, honest, & trustworthy. He’s one of my best friends, & without him I would be missing a part of myself. I’m glad he’s happy. He’ll always has me at his side, so don’t do anything stupid, or the wrath his ex’s don’t know will come full circle.”
Jacob Arizpe
Best Man
“Jared.....Oh, my brother Jared is a true one of kind person. The only thing I would change in him is his brain, as for some reason he’s the smartest in the family. Seems he inherited all the “smart-cells” & left none for the rest of us. Jared & I are only a few years apart, so, growing up, we were always getting into trouble or fighting. Everytime we got in trouble, I would always wait about thirty minutes, after being in separate rooms, to knock on his door & ask him if he’d come & say, “Sorry.” with me to Mom & Dad. This worked all the way up until he got a cellphone...& well we all know what phones do to people nowadays. But finally after all the trouble & fun times & even the bad times, I’m happy to see my big brother get married. Congrats homie!!!” #TexasForever
Josh Elorreaga
Groomsman
Known Jared a long time, and honestly that guy knows how to squat. Never skips leg day. I wanna be just like him when I grow up. He even knows everthing there is to know about being a physicians assistant. I just go to him whenever I need help. I hate the school TCU and wish I had gone to Notre Dame. Also, I can't fish.
Jessika Ramirez
Groomswoman
“I know Jared as a “Frieousin”. (A word I created, because Webster can’t define our relationship). Jared & I have always been more than just cousins. He’s my friend I grew up watching Powerpuff Girls with, and when blockbuster didn’t have it, he’d let me pick a Mary Kate & Ashley movie. A gesture I never cared to think of, but now as we are adults, I see that even as children he was a gentleman. As time grew on, our friendship got stronger. He’s the one that knows when I need to hear I’m appreciated, or when I just need a hug, & the guy that does Chinese fire drills, with a broken leg, because I need a good laugh. He’s the one always up for an adventure, & he never ceases to remind me that I deserve the best shark in the ocean. Kathleen & Jared, you’ve always got a friend in me.”
Keegan Goodson
Groomsman
Keegan is one of Jared’s oldest friends, who met at Lonestar Elementary in the 2nd grade. Keegan invited Jared to Northwood church and have been encouraging each other to seek the Lord ever since. During breakups, Keegan would buy milkshakes at sonic to soften the sadness. Even though Jared went to UTA and Keegan went to the superior Texas A&M University, they still hang out, play video games, and knock heads on a regular basis. Keegan is pursuing a masters in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to minister to college students in the College Station area.
Jason Kaempf
Groomsman
“I’ve known Jared, since we were very young. We played football at the same place for years, but we were never friends. In 2009, I started going to Northwood, & we were in the same small group. We almost instantly became friends, due to of our love for football! As the years went on, we became super close, & he is now one of my best friends. I am so honored to be apart of this special day! Congrats to him & Kathleen! I hope for years & years of joy & happiness!”