Our Story

OkCupid's Arrow

In mid-May, 2014, one OkCupid user rated another user's profile highly. Historians will long debate whether it was 4 or 5 stars (or if it were simply the result of OkCupid's admitted experimental data manipulation), but the one certainty is that this fateful rating triggered an automated email. This automated email in turn elicited a human email between the users, the first line of which read: "Have you ever by any chance looked into places where you could legitimately ride a moose?" From the incipience, a relationship reliant on mutual absurdity, wanderlust, childlike wonderment, and an adventurous spirit.

Brie Still My Heart

A series of messages back-and-forth revealed a deep connection between two otherwise anonymous people. In due time, username blockosmith realized this might be the girl he was waiting for, and decided to ask if username mag3467 would like to meet in person for pub burgers. She assented to a date on May 29th. Despite blockosmith arriving some 20 minutes late, and mag3467 anecdotally talking about cutting open horses, the two had a convivial time in each others' presence. The two were unable to get in their own ways, and burgers at the pub led to camelback rides at the zoo, grilled cheese cookoffs, movie marathons, and a fulfilling summer of memories.

The NAVLA

A whirlwind of summer activity settled into a studious fall and winter. The two traded adventurous days out for nights inside - where dates amounted to Owen getting to sit next to Karissa while she studied. These nights proved the relationship to be more than a side-effect of seeking out thrills, and allowed the two to become comfortable with the simpler aspects of life and each other. Winter finally yielded to spring, and determination paid off as Karissa recited her oath in June of 2015. Miss turned to Doctor, and shortly thereafter the good doctor accepted a position outside Seattle, WA.

Sleepless in Seattle

She would be going alone, however. The two road-tripped with their bunnies and enough of Karissa's possessions to fill a Pontiac G5 (admittedly that doesn't take much). After a very brief chance to get Karissa settled in Renton, WA, Owen boarded a plane and they parted ways with heavy hearts and plenty of soul-searching to do. Our troubled heroes would continue dating long-distance for a year, raging at time differences, bargaining with Skype to get a clear connection, and perfecting the art of the cross-country surprise visit.

My City Was Gone

When a year under contract came to a close, decisions had to be made. Karissa was in talks with one of her friends who knew of an open position at her clinic in Dayton, OH. She interviewed, was given an offer, and accepted, deciding to move across the country once more. This time, she wouldn't be going alone. Owen bided his time at his employer in Columbus until a reduction in force granted him freedom and severance pay, and then he accepted a new job in Dayton. The two bought a picturesque Cape Cod in one of Dayton's older, more quaint neighborhoods and rejoined their lives together. The world was once again open to them, and they availed themselves of a chance to travel throughout Europe.

2100 Meter uber Meer

On top of the world in the Swiss Alps, Karissa and Owen hiked through Piz Pilatus to the mountain's apex. The two did not expect the top to be such a heavily touristed spot, and had to dodge selfie-sticks and oblivious photographers to try and find a spot where they could look out and enjoy the moment together. In Owen's head, this was the chance - now or never - so he took Karissa's hand and prepared to deliver the half-remembered speech he had in mind. Before he could say a word, Karissa became worried. Luckily, not worried that she was about to be proposed to, but worried Owen was having a heart attack - when he held her hand in his it was trembling tremendously and they had just hiked up a steep slope. Karissa asked nervously about Owen's hand, to which Owen got down on one knee, pulled out a ring, and said, "Well, it probably has something to do with this."

#smitthenwithyou

Since you're reading this today, it seems safe to assume what her answer to his question was. Overflowing with happiness that they've shared together for over four years, the two now ask all their closest friends and family to share in the happiness. Karissa and Owen are striving to give their marriage a unique flair that shares with all guests a glimpse into the joy the two have brought each other. If the two have brought joy into your life, feel free to share a story with them and the world with their wedding hashtag (yeah we agree, the future is weird) #smitthenwithyou.

Our Ceremony

Our ceremony will be the 3rd of November, 2018. We will begin promptly at 5:00p at the Darby House in Galloway, OH. When you arrive, your vehicle will be valet-parked for you and you will be able to enter the venue where you will be escorted to the seats. We are hoping for a warm and dry November day so that the ceremony can be held outside.
Attire for the ceremony will be semiformal.

Our Party & Slumber Party

Immediately following the ceremony you will be able to mingle during our cocktail hour at the same location. This is our way to distract you while we are off getting our pictures taken and making sure we've had enough liquid courage to commence with the rest of the evening's festivities. You shouldn't fret though, there will be some phenomenal appetizers and some groovin' piano to occupy you (not to mention the company of all our friends - trust us, they're good people).
At some point during this cocktail hour, we suggest you take the time to stretch and get limber, because when time's up we'll be returning and looking to celebrate! We'll start with wonderfully plated dinners catered by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, pop the champagne for toasts of the bride and groom that should range anywhere from embarassing to awkward to heartwarming, rock-step into the couple's first dance, and finally cue you all to join our dancing and celebrating until the venue kicks us out for being too boisterous. For those worried that dinner won't fuel you for an entire night of partying - we'll be slicing and serving our favorite flavors of pie in place of cake.
The bride and groom are already determined to have a good time, and we hope you are too. As such, transportation options are being arranged to ensure you can enjoy the evening without worrying about how you'll get back to your hotel. Just make sure to make it back to the venue before noon on Sunday to retrieve your vehicle.
Speaking of hotel, you'll want to look into our block of reserved rooms at the Best Western Inn & Suites of West Columbus. As usual, mention that you're looking to reserve a room for the Magnuson-Smith wedding and they'll get you situated. Rooms are reserved until October 2nd, so make sure to book soon.

Our Bridal Party

Ms. Nicole Magnuson

Helena to my Sarah

If you are at all familiar with the bride, you will quickly guess that Nicole must be related to the bride in some manner. Perhaps the blonde hair and blue eyes give it away, but yes, Nicole is Karissa's favorite sister (she is also Karissa's only sister by birth, but it sounds more impressive for Nicole if we say favorite).
Growing up with Karissa, Nicole had to put up with sharing a bunkbed, leaving the door open with a light on at night, and all the annoying things that little sisters do to their older sisters. The two didn't get along well in childhood, but as they grew up (and more importantly - got their own rooms), they became not only sisters but best friends.
Nowadays, they enjoy watching TV shows together... be it more serious shows such as Orphan Black or lighter and cheesier such as Teen Wolf. She is Karissa's favorite Broadway musical date and wine trail partner.
Nicole's most notable attributes include her organizational and planning skills in all their adventures, her sarcastic wit, and dependability. It is also most likely that without Nicole, Karissa would never have kept up on all the trends and fantastic books and tv shows out there.

Dr. Melissa Mason

Ann to my Leslie

Melissa is most notably known for being the other half of the Melissa and Karissa adventure series. They have been mistaken for sisters or each other on several occasions. Melissa was the first friend Karissa made leading up to veterinary school. They met when they joined a vet school 5k running group of other soon-to-be vet students. As a fellow runner, outdoor enthusiast, wildlife/exotics lover, and nerd, it was just meant to be.
Following graduation from veterinary school, the two both moved out to the Pacific Northwest, and so the adventure continued. Some of their most memorable adventures have included "Melissa and Karissa run the Columbus Half Marathon", "Melissa and Karissa (but mostly Melissa) and the Ohio Wildlife attack squirrel", "Melissa and Karissa hike Mailbox Peak and nearly fall off a ledge", and "Melissa and Karissa treat themselves."
Karissa has always been drawn to Melissa's creativity, self-assurance, and her supreme orderliness.

Dr. Nichole Olp-Weakland

Missandei to my Daenerys

Nichole and Karissa met in veterinary school through Melissa. Karissa was excited to a find a fellow Game of Thrones nerd (although Nichole has still yet to finish the books, so who is truly the bigger nerd... we'll let the audience decide). Their friendship soon blossomed beyond just a shared interest in the GRRM hit show and animals as they discovered their mutual love for musicals, TV shows, crafts, and baking. Nichole is noted as "brunette friend Nichole" in the numerous Melissa and Karissa adventures (her name didn't rhyme... sorry Nikki).
Nichole was the first friend that Karissa talked to about her first ever date with this guy named Owen and has remained one of Karissa's closest confidants and relationship advisors. Karissa was recently honored to be a part of Nichole's bridal party (to which she failed in her bridesmaidly duties - she only remembered half of the steps on bustling Nichole's dress).
Karissa admires and respects Nichole's work ethic, inner confidence, and relentless loyalty but will always hold over Nikki's head her love for Fall Out Boy.

Dr. Katherine Bechtel

Samwise to my Frodo

Katherine and Karissa, although not related, bonded when they first met over nearly identical upbringings and hobbies. They both grew up loving all things animals, both played the violin during school, and the similarities continue. The two were fortunate to meet in their first year of veterinary school as random seat neighbors in a lecture hall of 160 students. They both completed a global health specialization in school and enjoyed their many walks across the bridge from the vet school to the land of undergraduates.
After finishing school, they went their separate ways - Katherine staying in Ohio and Karissa moving across the country to Washington. Distance didn't separate them for long. When Karissa decided to make the move back to Ohio, it was Katherine that suggested she apply to her clinic in Dayton, and the rest is history. The two now enjoy working as colleagues and friends together. Outside of work, the two enjoy planning doggy play dates, playing new board games, and the infrequent but memorable nights when they get out of work at a reasonable hour and can enjoy after-work drinks.
Karissa has always admired Katherine's loyal nature, adventurous spirit, and passion for life.

Mr. Nicholas Graham

The Superlative

The superlative friend, Owen's best man. Nick and Owen attended Williamston Community Schools for all years of attendance, but did not actually meet until sixth grade. Even then, they were simply lunchroom compatriots - meeting as friends of friends. Three more years would pass before the two were given an adequate introduction.
It would be J.V. football that forged this friendship, training as linemen together. A summer of two-a-days and Green Bays gave these two time to talk and commiserate about conditioning drills. More importantly, it got them to know each other enough that they would hang out in and out of school. The two formed a competent yin and yang of extraversion and introversion - Nick encouraged Owen to get out of his comfort zone and try living life, while Owen was able to provide a more pragmatic approach to Nick's mischief.
These days there is much less mischief to be had, especially with each planning their respective weddings. The two are usually just excited when their schedules match up for even a short phone call, but they are nevertheless proud to share in each others' achievements.

Mr. Matthew Gregg

The Inaugural

The inaugural friend, Matt is Owen's first friend that he is still in regular contact with. The two met in second grade, so long ago that who would even remember what they bonded over - probably their favorite Crayola box variety or favorite Sesame Street muppet. Regardless of how, the what has been the longest-lasting friendship of Owen's closest friends.
Throughout every year at Williamston Community Schools, Matt and Owen would be friends, planning LAN parties they would attend instead of going to homecoming, playing ultimate frisbee as the thunder rolled, and getting in heated debates as to who was the best superhero (Matt used to be obsessed with Green Lantern, which meant he was obsessed with being wrong). Sharing so many common interests up until graduation, time and distance would not stop their friendship.
When their current schedules allow, the two relive their high school LAN parties by playing Halo online, and will talk about comic movies (and sometimes more intellectual subjects) while playing. Frisbee is the one thing they don't keep up with much anymore, but we'll blame that on distance and not the fact that age would make them feel slow and tired.

Mr. Daniel Stammen

The Fortuitous

The fortuitous friend, Dan is one of the biggest gambles that Owen took in his life. Going to school four-hours away from his hometown, Owen had to elect to randomly be assigned roommates for freshman dorms. Fortunately for Owen, a lifelong friendship would come about from this random roommate assignment.
The two were most likely chosen as roommates by The Ohio State University because Dan entered as an ROTC cadet - which meant 5am wake-ups, while Owen answered that he was a heavy-sleeper as part of his entrance survey - well capable of sleeping through a roommate making plenty of commotion at 5am. It was match made in logistical heaven, all the sweeter for two would-be engineering students.
After graduation, Dan would be stationed in California for the Air Force, creating the greatest distance between Owen and any of his groomsmen. The two kept in semi-regular contact, but grew further apart due to busy schedules and a three hour time delay. But just as good fortune randomly assigned them as roommates, Dan would be reassigned to Wright-Patt airbase. Unwittingly, Dan and Owen bought houses only a mile apart from each other - transitioning from farthest separated to closest just like that.

Mr. Aaron Washburn

The Adversarial

The adversarial friend, Aaron and Owen have been nemeses from the start. Originally meeting as one of Dan's ROTC friends, Aaron and Owen would end up sharing a campus house up through graduation - and sharing plenty of taunts and gibes as well.
This friendship flourished from competition and one-upsmanship. Aaron and Owen became friends by hating all the same things while vehemently diasgreeing on the things they did like. Through these disagreements and debates (and enough whiskey to keep things amicable), these two devised a foeship that has lasted for years, even when it's diminished to esoteric references to viral videos.
After graduation and heading separate ways, Aaron and Owen routinely communicated everyday - though usually just to quote It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia or Fallout. Another story of busy schedules getting in the way, Aaron and Owen seldom get to see each other in a year. Even still, Owen is always ecstatic when they can set a time to meet - but this is solely because they always plan to meet at Dewey's Pizza.

Our Registry

Your participation in our celebration is our all-time favorite gift, but if you happen to be one of our over-achieving friends then you will find our registry here.