Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

The Barn at Blackstone National

Reception

Our Wedding

As far as relationships go, Megan and Chris met as most couples do these days – on an internet dating site.&nbsp;Both of them were getting up there in age, and they had reached a point where they’d begun to wonder if they would ever find their person – two beautifully unique souls in a world that didn’t always appreciate what made them special. Their love story almost never happened.&nbsp;When they first connected, Megan was exasperated by the dating scene and did not respond to Chris’ message quickly enough.&nbsp;Chris, equally weary of the online dating scene, took her silence as another instance of digital rudeness and moved on.&nbsp;Both went on with their lives, going on dates with well-intentioned, but dating-weary people, with little success. And then months later, their lives crossed on another dating website.&nbsp;As Megan was swiping left and right on hundreds of profiles, she was met with the picture– yet again – of this cheerful bald man with the kind, smiling eyes.&nbsp;She thought “That’s the ass who didn’t email me back…but what the hell?&nbsp;What do I have to lose?”.&nbsp;So she swiped right.&nbsp;And her world has never been the same. They met for their first date in Boston.&nbsp;Though both arrived incredibly nervous, they quickly discovered an unexpected sense of ease and connection that had eluded them on other dates.&nbsp;Both were able to see not just the quirkiness of one another, but a kindness as well.&nbsp;Megan talked about her love of dogs and her job as a psychologist.&nbsp;Chris made Megan’s eyes glaze over with his talk of SQL servers, but then made them perk up when he talked about his writing.&nbsp;They dined at a carefully chosen restaurant in the North End, followed by wandering around the city at night.&nbsp;By the end of the night, both had figured out that they had found someone special. Flash forward to nine months later.&nbsp;At this point, Megan and Chris had fallen in love with one another.&nbsp;They had met each other’s families and friends and settled into a comfortable dating relationship with one another.&nbsp;They decided to go on a short vacation to Monterey, California, where they started to see news clips of a horrendous virus that was making its way around the world.&nbsp;Flying home, they saw many people wearing masks on the plane.&nbsp;It was scary and things didn’t look good.&nbsp;The news got worse after they returned home.&nbsp;A pandemic had descended down on the planet and plans needed to be made.&nbsp;And even though Megan and Chris both felt that it was too early to move in together, they did because they didn’t want to lose one another in a socially-distanced world. At first it was absolutely dreadful.&nbsp;Literally, the first week of lock down, Chris attended a soccer game where he made the unfortunate decision to jump a fence, leaving him with the excruciating pain of sciatica.&nbsp;Megan found herself navigating virus-laden pharmacies to pick up medications and crutches.&nbsp;Chris and Megan had a hard time settling in to live with one another in the 950 square foot house.&nbsp;Both were eternally single people at this point, and it was hard to constantly be in the presence of someone else.&nbsp;So Megan, to manage her anxiety, would go out in the backyard and clear out the overgrown periphery.&nbsp;It was quite the job, but she discovered something that ended up being something wonderful in their life as a couple – this ability to work well together.&nbsp; It seemed that they fit so well into each other’s life.&nbsp;Megan despised taking out the garbage and mowing the lawn, but Chris loved it.&nbsp;Chris didn’t care much for cooking, but Megan took a shine to it. Over time, they built a home together and even though the world outside of their small house became more concerning and scary as the years went on, they felt a safe comfort. Both of them shared a love of dogs.&nbsp;When Chris and Megan met, Megan had an older dog (who sported a fantastic beard!) named Sophie.&nbsp;One of the things that attracted Megan to Chris early on was his love and devotion to Sophie.&nbsp;When Sophie eventually had trouble walking long distances in her final year, Chris would take her down the street everyday and be patient with her as she stopped to do her “sniffs”.&nbsp;Those outings brought so much joy to Sophie’s life, and Megan was able to see this inherent kindness in Chris.&nbsp;The kindness extended to their new dog, Lily, whom they adopted in 2023.&nbsp;This little dog had no idea that she won the lottery as she was handed to Megan and Chris from the truck that brought her up from Mississippi, as she became the most spoiled and loved dog on the planet.&nbsp;With Lily, Chris and Megan now have their family. But the most remarkable part of the six years that Megan and Chris have been together is how much they have changed as individuals.&nbsp;Both, in their own way, became more self-assured and confident in themselves.&nbsp;Some of their quirks faded, and for the ones that stuck, neither cares much what anyone else thinks.&nbsp;It seems that their life together helped them individually develop into the people they always hoped to be. So that brings us to May 2025.&nbsp;Each year, Chris and Megan typically celebrated the anniversary of when they met in May.&nbsp;Chris suggested that they celebrate the anniversary by having dinner at the restaurant in the North End where they had their first date.&nbsp;On the day of the anniversary, they drove into Boston and parked in a garage somewhat far from the restaurant.&nbsp;When they started their journey through the streets of Boston to the restaurant, Megan, being the consummate psychologist she is, noticed Chris was acting squirrelier than usual.&nbsp;His walking pace was incredibly slow, and at some point Megan commented that they might not make it to the restaurant on time given the snail’s pace they were walking.&nbsp;At that point, Chris began a speed walking campaign that would make an Olympian impressed.&nbsp;It did not impress Megan one bit, as she was left behind in the dust yelling at him, “If this was our first date, there wouldn’t be a second!” (which made the Faneuil Hall tourists laugh).&nbsp; They eventually made it to the restaurant where they had a beautiful dinner by an open window overlooking Hanover Street.&nbsp;Megan noticed Chris was sweating more than usual.&nbsp;As the dinner ended, he got up and with 60-year-old knees, knelt down next to her and asked her to marry him, offering a ring that he had mysteriously found in the dirt of her front yard.&nbsp;The restaurant fell silent, every table waiting.&nbsp;When Megan said yes, the room erupted in a cheer.&nbsp;That cheer reflected what Chris and Megan felt in their hearts, as they finally cemented their commitment to build their lives together. As they look ahead, Megan and Chris know that life will keep shifting ways both ordinary and extraordinary.&nbsp;But what grounds them is simple – a shared home, a sweet little dog, and a love that continues to grow stronger with time.&nbsp;On August 8, 2026, they will celebrate this next chapter surrounded by the people who have cheered them on all along. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

From SQL Servers to Soulmates

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

What should I wear?Our wedding will be held at The Barn at Blackstone National in Sutton, MA. Think dressy but comfortable — cocktail or semi-formal attire works best. Keep in mind it’s August in New England, so it may be warm during the day but cooler in the evening..Is the ceremony indoors or outdoors?Weather permitting, the ceremony will be held outdoors with the reception inside the barn. We’ll provide updates if anything changes..Can I bring my kids?Kids are welcome — there’s plenty of space for them to run around..Will there be transportation provided?Yes! A complimentary shuttle will run between the AC Hotel Worcester and the venue. Departure from the hotel to the venue is at 3:00pm, with return shuttles at 8:45pm and 10:00pm — so stay and celebrate as long as you'd like!.There’s also plenty of free parking at the barn if you prefer to drive yourself..Where should I stay?We’ve reserved a block of rooms at the AC Hotel Worcester for $249/night. Call 774-420-7555 and mention “Kersting-Hagelstein Wedding” or book online here. Parking at the hotel is $20/night in the garage..What time should I arrive?The ceremony will begin at 4:00 PM. We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to park, find your seat, and settle in..Will dinner be served?Yes! You’ll enjoy a full dinner, drinks, and dessert..What about gifts?Your presence is truly the best gift..What’s the weather like in Sutton in August?Expect warm days (70s–80s) and cooler evenings. The barn is air-conditioned inside, but it’s smart to bring a light layer for outdoor moments..I still have questions — who can I contact?Feel free to reach out to Megan at meganandchris08082026@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help..Day-of Details.Guest ArrivalTime: 3:30-3:45pm.Location: The Barn at Blackstone National, Sutton, MAPlease plan to find your seat, and settle in before the ceremony begins..CeremonyTime: 4:00 PMLocation: The Barn at Blackstone National, Sutton, MA.Cocktail HourTime: 4:30 PM (Immediately following the ceremony).Guests will enjoy drinks and light hors d’oeuvres while we take family and wedding party photos..Reception and DinnerTime: 5:30 PM.Dinner and dancing to follow inside the barnThe reception will continue until 10:00 PM. For your convenience, shuttles to the AC Hotel will depart at 8:45pm and 10:00pm, so you can stay and celebrate as long as you'd like!

Q & A

Q + A

Which airport should I fly into?The easiest and most affordable options are Boston Logan (BOS) or T.F. Green in Providence (PVD) — each about an hour from Worcester. You’ll likely want to rent a car. Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) is closer, but flights may be more expensive and limited. How far is the hotel from the venue?About 20 minutes by car. Will there be transportation to the wedding?Yes! We’ll arrange a complimentary shuttle from the hotel to the venue and back so no one needs to worry about driving. What if I’d like to drive myself?You’re welcome to drive to the venue — there is ample free parking available on-site at The Barn at Blackstone National. Where should I stay?

Call (774)420-7555 and mention "Kersting-Hagelstein Wedding" or book online. Note: Parking is $20 per night in the Worcester Common Garage located under the hotel.

AC Hotel Worcester

Travel

THINGS TO DO AROUND SUTTON &amp; WORCESTER 🌳 Nature &amp; OutdoorsPurgatory Chasm State Reservation (Sutton, MA)Explore dramatic rock formations like The Corn Crib, The Coffin, and Lover’s Leap, hike trails through forests, and enjoy picnic areas and a playground. There’s about 2 miles of trails. (Note: Certain parts are closed in winter and the trail can be slippery when wet.) (<a href="https://www.mass.gov/locations/purgatory-chasm-state-reservation?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mass.gov</a>) Hadwen Arboretum (Worcester)Quiet forested trails, heritage trees, nice for a peaceful morning or afternoon walk. (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadwen_Arboretum?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>) 🎭 Museums, Arts, and Local FlavorWorcester Art MuseumBeautiful collections, lovely place to wander and take in art. (<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g41952-Activities-Worcester_Massachusetts.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tripadvisor</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp; ﻿FOOD If you’re arriving early on Saturday or looking for a place to enjoy a meal before the wedding, Worcester has plenty of great lunch spots near the AC Hotel. Here are a few of our favorites — all within a short walk or quick drive. Saturday Morning Breakfast &amp; Brunch Livia’s Dish: A local favorite for brunch, Livia’s Dish offers a creative mix of breakfast classics and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the menu has something for everyone — from omelets and waffles to shakshuka and crepes. It’s a great choice if you want a sit-down meal with family or friends before the festivities begin.📍 1394 Main Street, Worcester, MA (about 5–10 minutes from the AC Hotel) Miss Worcester Diner: A beloved 1948 Worcester Lunch Car spot. Named one of the top hole-in-the-wall diners in Massachusetts. Known for its French toast, egg dishes, burgers, and welcoming, old-school diner vibe.📍 300 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA (about 5 minutes from the AC Hotel) Saturday Lunch Options 110 Grill Worcester: Modern American fare with something for everyone — burgers, salads, comfort dishes. Casual and right next to the hotel, so it’s the most convenient choice if you don’t want to travel far.📍 123 Front Street, Worcester, MA🚶‍♀️ 2–3 minute walk from AC Hotel The Mercantile: Trendy tavern with New American plates and rooftop seating. Great atmosphere and a little more elevated if you want to linger.📍 2 Mercantile Street, Worcester, MA🚶‍♀️ 5–6 minute walk from AC Hotel George’s Coney Island Hot Dogs: A true Worcester institution since 1918. Known for its nostalgic vibe and no-frills menu, it’s the place to grab a classic hot dog with “the works” (mustard, chili sauce, and onions). Perfect if you want something casual and quintessentially Worcester.📍 158 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA🚗 ~5 minutes from AC Hotel

Things to Do

We’ve reached a stage in life where we truly have everything we need (and after a recent basement clean-out, we’re trying not to add more “stuff” back in!). Your presence at our wedding is the only gift we want. That said, we know some of you may still wish to give something. For those who do, we’ve set up a honeymoon fund for a special trip we’re planning in 2027. Contributing is completely optional — there is absolutely no expectation. The greatest gift is celebrating with you in person. <a href="https://www.honeyfund.com/site/kersting-hagelstein-08-08-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.honeyfund.com/site/kersting-hagelstein-08-08-2026</a> We’re keeping the destination a surprise (even to ourselves!), but we know that in 2027 we’ll be heading somewhere special to celebrate our marriage. If you’d like, you can help us get there — every contribution to this honeymoon fund will go toward flights, hotels, and experiences once we decide on the trip. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at meganandchris08082026@gmail.com

Mēgan & Chris

Mēgan & Chris

Photos