Tie the Knot – Kate and Ryan Schendel

Kate Minton Schendel, 26, has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pittsburg State University. She works with Stephen James Associates in Overland Park. She loves to cook, especially Italian cuisine, given her heritage. Kate and Ryan live in Lenexa, Kansas, with their pup, Murphy
Ryan Schendel is 27 and also a graduate of Pittsburg State University with a degree in justice studies. He works at his family business, Midwest Roofing, as a sales manager. Ryan is an avid Royals and Chiefs fan and also loves to hunt, providing a challenge occasionally for Kate to incorporate what he brings home into their dinners.
“Ryan and I met in college, where we played on an intramural softball team,” Kate shares. “It’s hilarious to me, because I’m definitely not an athlete. Ryan says I was so awful he actually thought it was adorable. When I saw the ‘cute boy on my softball team’ at a local establishment, I was too shy to start a conversation myself, so I enlisted his friend, Hedges, to convey my interest. We went out a few times and were together from that point on!”
Ryan proposed at Lidia’s in Kansas City. “I love Italian food and had always wanted to try Lidia’s,” Katie smiles. “It was a random Thursday but a great, romantic date night. I could tell he was nervous, and thought maybe something was up, but then dismissed the thought. After dinner, he said he wanted to stop and enjoy the moment. It’s absolutely beautiful behind Lidia’s, a true Kansas City spot! Suddenly he was saying lots of sweet things I wish I remembered, and then he was down on one knee, presenting the most perfect engagement ring and asking me to be his wife. I said yes, and then the tears started. Then I saw my friend Jillian and her mom Staci in the bushes snapping pictures of the whole experience! I was so thankful to have them there capturing that moment, and am forever grateful that Ryan thought of this.”
The blissful couple tied the knot on September 6, 2014. Kate’s Maid of Honor was her sister, Brette Minton; bridesmaids were Lauren Sullivan, Jennifer Minton, Randi Piccini, Alysha Schendel, Rachel Meredith, Katie Evans and Jillian Ryan. Ryan’s father, Jeff Schendel, was his Best Man; groomsmen were Andrew Hedges, Jacob Tupper, Kyle Rush, Austin Bloss, Ryan Whalen, Kyle Minton and Blake Minton. Maddox Minton and Kinley Minton were flower girls, and Myles Minton was the ring bearer.
The wedding day dawned warm and sunny, and as the girls got ready, the many family members from out of town were able to visit together. Kate and Ryan shared a first look in the early afternoon with the wedding party watching from afar. “I got teary, and he calmed me down and eased my nerves as he always does,” Kate smiles. “He was so excited and it showed; seeing him smile ear to ear like that gave me butterflies!”
Kate and Ryan’s wedding was very personal to them as a couple. “My gorgeous bouquet of spray roses, dahlias, antique hydrangeas, ranunculus, and seeded eucalyptus incorporated heirloom brooches from my Grandmas Neptune and Wiltse, a ring from Ryan’s Grandma Alice, who had recently passed away, and handkerchiefs from my Great-Great Grandmothers Montenurro and Lacarde that were folded to look like roses, blending in perfectly with the bouquet! Guests enjoyed an Italian pasta bar and cigar bar and then we spent the evening tearing up the dance floor. We are so grateful that so many people came to celebrate with us, from near and far, and were genuinely happy to be there sharing in the excitement of our new life together!”
Kate and Ryan honeymooned in Playa Mujeres, Mexico, relaxing and soaking up the sun!

Business Details:

Bridal Gown: Loree’s Bridal and Formal
Bridesmaids’ Gowns: Loree’s Bridal and Formal
Groom’s Suit/Tux: Tip Top Tux
Groomsmen Suits/Tuxes: Tip Top Tux
Hair Styling: Kara Everett, Encounters Salon, and Mary Oler
Photography: Tracy Routh Photography
Videography: Romantic Reels Media
Florist: Studio Dan Meiners
DJ: Alex Reed
Caterer: Affordable Catering
Cake: Wendi Piccini
Venue: Pennway Place at Studio Dan Meiners
Jeweler: Shane Co., Toner Jewelers
Wedding Planners: Megan Rhode
Wedding Designer: Dan Meiners