Briana and Matthew Dolezal

Tied the Knot: September 28, 2019

Ah, freshman year of college. That’s when we truly begin our adult lives, gathering new friends, knowledge and, quite often, the relationship that will shape our futures. Briana and Matthew Dolezal met at Kansas State University at a back-to-school barbecue hosted by Matthew’s fraternity and their romance developed from there.

Briana, 25, earned a degree in advertising focused on creative at Kansas State University She’s putting that degree to work in the wedding business on the side, helping design invitation suites, save the dates, plus providing calligraphy services and assisting brides with their wedding details. 

Matthew, 24, completed his degree in mechanical engineering at Kansas State University. He and Briana live in Overland Park, Kansas.

Matthew planned an easy, chill weekend for his proposal. “We were living in two different cities at the time, and he planned a picnic at our favorite spot at the lake in Manhattan, Kansas,” Briana recalls. “After we finished eating, we went to the waterside to get some sun and enjoy the day, and then he got down on one knee and I bawled like a baby. It was intimate and sweet, and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way! We went back into town and celebrated with a few friends over dinner.”

The blissful couple tied the knot September 28, 2019. Briana’s Maid of Honor was Julia Hall and Matron of Honor was Taylor Minihan; bridesmaids were Megan Richmond, Kaelyn Thierolf, Sarah Spechtenhauser and Jennifer Dolezal. Matthew’s Best Man was Jason DeGarmo; serving as groomsmen were Timothy McCormick, Jordan Strickler, Jordan DeLoach, Karl Wilhelm and Christopher Dolezal.

“Our wedding day was really magical,” Briana describes. “Our photographer saw that storms were rolling in and moved our timeline up for photos two hours. With the rain in the air, we cried and laughed for photos and had a good time. 

“The second we were finished and came indoors, the rain began and poured for six hours! It rained so hard that it cut the power for a few minutes. Everything was glowing in candles, and the light was reflecting off the gold table runners, making everything so beautiful. Right before we walked down the aisle, I was told we had lost my wedding ring; I really wasn’t worried, I knew we would find it and just needed to get married; someone finally found it half way through the reception,” she laughs. “We had a beautiful ceremony with all of our friends and family and there were tears shared as we poured our hearts out to each other. At the reception, the rain finally stopped just long enough for us to do a fake farewell! And we danced all night long until the rain stopped again.”

Briana and Matthew honeymooned in Rome, Florence and Venice, Italy, Interlaken, Switzerland, and Paris, France. ■

Bridal Gown
Celebrations of the Heart

Bridesmaids’ Gown
Kennedy Blue

Groom’s Suit
Celebrations of the Heart

Hair Styling
Alluring Creations 

Florists
Tamara Christiansen and Town Square Paola

Videography
Bailey Kauffman

DJ
Musical Knights

Caterer
Town Square Paola

Cake
Town Square Paola

Venue
Town Square Paola

Jeweler
Danenberg Jewelers

Wedding Coordinator
Michelle Kaiser, Town Square Paola