Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

Ceremony

Equestria West at Bavaria Downs

reception

Our Wedding

Our story begins long before we fell in love! In 2012, we met in 6th grade and stayed great friends all the way through high school. During our sophomore year, we even went to a dance together! Throughout the first three years of college, we occasionally kept in touch, calling between St. Ben’s and the University of Denver. Reminiscing about our years of friendship before dating reminds us of just how special that time was. Those years provided a foundation in which our relationship would later flourish. In the spring of 2022, Brady’s mother passed away after battling cancer for several years. Brady was in Minnesota spending time with friends and family in the months following. That summer, we crossed paths a few times, discovering a connection that was deeper than usual and finding ourselves thinking of each other as more than friends. Looking back, it is apparent that the connection we found was orchestrated by God. It is humbling to reflect on this time in our lives and realize how something wonderful can come from such a sad and difficult time of loss. A few days before Brady left to drive back to Colorado, Kayla told him to call her when he got there. He did, and not a day has gone by that we haven’t talked, and those conversations helped us really learn how our faiths, values, and aspirations align. In November 2022, Brady “happened” to have a two-hour layover at the Minneapolis airport. Kayla, feeling generous, decided to commit to the 90-minute drive from St. Ben’s to see him while he waited for his next flight. Good thing she did, because Brady knew he was going to ask Kayla to start dating that day, and we have now been together for over 3 years! Doing “long-distance” for the first two years was difficult, but we often say how important that time was for us to realize how much we really wanted to be together. It also allowed for some fun weekends (and a few surprise visits) to meet each other’s college friends! Brady moved back to Minnesota after graduating…a 30-minute drive to see each other is much more enjoyable than a 2-hour plane ride 😊. On September 13th, 2025, Brady pulled off a beautiful proposal at the O’Keefe family cabin! Brady achieved his goal of completely surprising Kayla. After arriving in our boat with Kayla’s dad at the wheel, Brady got down on one knee at the end of the dock. He shared some very sweet words with Kayla…that he later had to repeat to her because she was too excited to comprehend them in the moment! Brady was set on creating a meaningful and picturesque proposal, and he greatly succeeded! Thank you so much to all of you who have played various “roles” in our story! We feel overwhelmingly blessed and grateful for everyone who has supported, loved, and laughed with us over these last few years. We are waiting joyfully for all that God has intended for our future together. It will be wonderful to celebrate with you on August 22nd. We are counting down the days! Love, Kayla &amp; Brady

Our Story

Proposal at the cabin and engagement photos

our parents, whose love and support we are endlessly grateful for

high school photos we like to laugh and reminisce about! 

visits to DU and St. Ben's, football games, several rounds of golf, along with so many other fun moments together!

Photos

Anna, Brady, and I met freshman year of high school in 2015. Anna’s and my friendship grew even stronger during our college years at St. Ben’s. She continually pushes me to be the best version of myself, while being a loyal, supportive friend. I’m always inspired by her selflessness in all that she does. Although she has a very practical perspective on life, this has never stopped us from having tons of fun along the way!

Anna

From caddying for each other to being there for each other through life's ups and downs, we have had each other's back since seventh grade. Thanks for being my brother I never had.

Drew

Rianna and I became friends during our sophomore year at St. Ben’s and lived together our last two years. We found a connection in the music departments at St. Ben’s, squeezing in many heartfelt and formative conversations between rehearsals and lessons. I admire her poise and ability to listen, always knowing just what to say! Rianna’s faithful and gentle demeanor made me quickly realize what a close friend she would be. 

Rianna

You are one of my oldest friends in Minnesota and I love how we can always pick up right where we left off. We've had many fun trips across the country. Cheers to many more fun times ahead.

Michael

Gabi and I were lucky enough to live together all four years at St. Ben’s. Having Gabi as my roommate in our sweet little dorm room freshman year was a blessing, and it quickly felt like a new version of home. Our late-night studies often turned into side-tracked conversations full of sincerity and laughs! She is an endlessly reliable and encouraging friend and never fails to make those around her feel heard. 

Gabi

¡Mi amigo! We were roommates for three years, and they were some of the most fun times of my life. During that time, I learned you will always have my back on and off the course. Thank you for making my time in Denver so memorable.

Esteban

Riley has a unique perspective on Brady’s and my relationship, having met both of us in sixth grade in 2012! Her dependability and genuineness over the years have made her a constant in my life. From middle school on, we bonded over our shared values and simple joys. Boat days, carpools, and game nights only begin to cover the special and wholehearted memories we have made together. 

Riley

We hit it off immediately my freshman year. Thanks for being an amazing leader and showing me the ropes. I value the friendship we created on the team and how we have been there for one another during the last 6 years.

Jackson

Megan and I go way back—our moms went to school together, and then Megan, Brady, and I all started sixth grade together in 2012. Megan is like a sister to me, and our friendship has been unwavering. Our best conversations usually happen over coffee-flavored ice cream or Chipotle! I am so grateful for her perspective on life, her compassion, and her ability to make everyone feel so special in small yet meaningful ways.

Megan

Thanks for being an amazing teammate and roommate at Denver! It's clear how much you care for those around you, and I value the many great conversations we’ve had about golf, friends, family, and everything in between.

Carson

Grace and I became friends during our freshman year of college and lived together for two years. Through the years, Grace has always been thoughtful, supportive, and a true source of adventure! She treasures the little things while cherishing each moment and consistently shares her fun-loving attitude - two wholesome qualities to have in a wonderful friend.

Grace

From watching you play football at UMD to our countless hours of paddle ball on the beach, I cherish many memories with you. I love how it feels like you never left Minnesota when I see you, Linda, and the kids. As the younger cousin, I appreciate how you've always made time for me and define the term "the more the merrier."

Harrison

I met Tavia freshman year at St. Ben’s and I immediately admired how she brings joy to all. Tavia has a gift for making everyone feel appreciated at a moment’s notice. She inspires me and others to pursue things that are new and meaningful. Throughout our friendship, ordinary moments have often turned into lasting memories - there is never a shortage of fun with Tav!

Tavia

I'll never forget what a welcoming older cousin you were to me when we moved from Georgia to Minnesota when I was in 2nd grade. I cherish the many rounds of golf we played, and quality time spent with you, Maria, and your kids.  I look forward to many more moments to come.

Charlie

Wedding Party

Q + A

If you are planning on using the shuttle, see details below and please RSVP to Paula at <a href="mailto:pcokeefe@comcast.net" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pcokeefe@comcast.net</a>&nbsp;by August 5th. ALL GUESTS -Due to the reception location of Equestria West, rideshare service availability may be limited. Uber and Lyft wait times can exceed an hour especially later in the evening. If you plan to use a rideshare service, we strongly recommend scheduling your ride in advance. Carpooling is also highly encouraged!In the evening, three complimentary shuttle departure times will be available from Equestria West to two hotels in Eden Prairie, MN.&nbsp;From either hotel, guests will be able to arrange an Uber or Lyft to their final destination for the evening.&nbsp;Uber and Lyft wait times may vary later in the evening. Please note that any cars left overnight at Equestria West must be picked up by 12:00 pm (noon) on Sunday.Shuttle departure times leaving Equestria West to the hotels will be at 9:30pm, 10:30pm, and 11:30pm. HOTEL GUESTS - For guests staying at either of the hotels listed below, complimentary shuttle service will be available to the ceremony, then directly to the reception, and back to the hotels following the reception. Shuttle pick-up and departure times can be found in the “HOTELS” section below. If you are planning on using the shuttle, please RSVP to Paula at <a href="mailto:pcokeefe@comcast.net" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pcokeefe@comcast.net</a>&nbsp;by August 5th.

TRANSPORTATION

HOTELS

We have reserved room blocks at the two hotels listed below. Please book your stay by July 15, 2026, to guarantee a room in our block.

Holiday&nbsp;Inn&nbsp;shuttle&nbsp;pick-up&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;at&nbsp;1:30&nbsp;pm&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;door.Shuttle&nbsp;departure&nbsp;times&nbsp;leaving&nbsp;the&nbsp;reception&nbsp;to&nbsp;Holiday&nbsp;Inn&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;at&nbsp;9:30pm,&nbsp;10:30pm,&nbsp;and&nbsp;11:30pm.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites

Hampton&nbsp;Inn&nbsp;shuttle&nbsp;pick-up&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;at&nbsp;1:40&nbsp;pm&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;door.Shuttle&nbsp;departure&nbsp;times&nbsp;leaving&nbsp;the&nbsp;reception&nbsp;to&nbsp;Hampton&nbsp;Inn&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;at&nbsp;9:30pm,&nbsp;10:30pm,&nbsp;and&nbsp;11:30pm.

Kayla & Brady

Kayla & Brady

K&B

Ceremony

reception