Ellen and Bobby Germinder

Tied the Knot: December 31, 2021

Ellen (Hotzel) Germinder, 27, grew up in Shawnee, Kansas, attending St. James Academy High School and then completing her bachelor of science in nursing at the University of Arkansas. Ellen works for The University of Kansas Health System as a nurse case manager in the neurosurgery department. Ellen enjoys cooking, traveling and exploring Kansas City’s hidden gems. 

Bobby Germinder, 29, grew up in Merriam, Kansas, attending Bishop Miege High School and then The University of Kansas where he earned an accounting degree followed by an MBA; he’s employed at Black and Veatch as an accounting manager. Bobby enjoys all things Kansas City sports, especially the Chiefs, and home renovation projects at the couple’s recently purchased residence in north Overland Park. 

Ellen and Bobby met on Terrace Street in September 2017. He was throwing a housewarming party and one of Ellen’s friends, who later became a bridesmaid, invited her along. Bobby learned that Ellen was a nurse and tried to get her to examine a recent softball injury on the very short walk to the bar down the street, MO Brew. It wasn’t a typical icebreaker, but the drink Bobby offered to buy made up for the bizarre introduction. They sat at the bar and talked about non-softball injuries, which led to exchanging numbers at the end of the night.

Bobby convinced Ellen his family was celebrating his mom’s belated birthday dinner, but that they should have a drink with his sister, Alyson, and her boyfriend, Sam, beforehand. “The only logical place to go was MO Brew, so we all carpooled and parked on Terrace near Bobby’s old house,” Ellen recalls. “As we walked by the house, Bobby stopped and got down on one knee. I was totally surprised, because if I had known, I would have blow-dried my hair before leaving my apartment! Then we took the same walk down the street to Mo Brew that we took the night we met.” They were greeted by close friends for a celebratory drink before heading to the Germinders’ house in Merriam, where Ellen’s family was waiting with Bobby’s parents. 

The blissful couple tied the knot December 31, 2021, with a wedding party that included family members and long-time friends, many of whom came from as far away as Miami, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Denver. Ellen’s bridesmaids were Madeine Becker, Marleigh Gilyard, Kenley Adams, Hannah Weise, Alyson Germinder, Tess Plyler and Aia D’emidio, with attendants Meredith Hull and Taylor Johnson. Bobby’s groomsmen were Matthew Lynch, Seamus Martin, Sam Kolarik, Nathan Sweeney, Sam Komosa, Nick Franken and Patrick Lynn; Albert Hotzel and Eddie Hotzel were ushers.

Ellen and Bobby plan to honeymoon in Bora Bora this October. It’s the groom’s dream honeymoon destination. At the end of one of his favorite movies the main character escapes to Bora Bora; he has wanted to go ever since.

Bridal Gown
Mimi Couture Bridal, High Vibe Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Gowns
Azazie

Groom’s Suit/Tuxedo
Slabotskys Menswear & Tailoring

Hair Styling & Makeup
Paradise Hair, Makeup & Airbrush Tanning 

Florist
Floral Accents by Diana

DJ
Nick Finlen, Local Productions

Cake
Sugar Beats Bake Shop

Caterer
Grand Street Dining

Wedding Venue
Good Shepherd Catholic Church

Reception Venue
Grand Street Dining

Jeweler
Joslin’s Jewelry