The groom was born and raised in Ohio, and the couple has recently made the exciting decision to move back! In addition, Shayla is currently working hard to fulfill her dream of opening a business just down the street from the Graduate by Hilton. Needless to say, this place holds a very special significance for us, and we’re thrilled to share this meaningful location with you! ❤️

We recommend arriving by Thursday evening or Friday morning, especially if you’re attending the full weekend of events. There’s a lot of fun in store!

You’ll be missed! But the Welcome Event is completely optional and just an informal chance for those arriving on Friday to relax and have fun before the big day. Just let Alex or Shayla know when you RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

The Welcome Event is a casual, pre-wedding gathering at the Kocher family farm on Friday, September 26th. Enjoy drinks, food, music, games, and plenty of good vibes! It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, mingle, and connect before the big day. Shuttles will depart from The Graduate Hotel around 3:15 PM and return around 8:30 PM, so please arrive a few minutes early if you plan to ride with us. Casual attire is encouraged (come as you are!)—just don’t forget shoes you’re comfortable wearing and that you don’t mind getting a little dusty!

We kindly ask that you arrive no later than 4:30 PM. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy our pre-ceremony welcome reception, where you can mingle, enjoy drinks, and get settled before the ceremony begins. **Important: Doors to the ceremony will close promptly at 5:00 PM. To ensure the smooth flow of the event, guests will not be permitted to enter after that time. We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation!**

If your invitation includes a guest, you’ll see their name listed, or it will say “+1.” If you’re unsure or hoping to bring someone, please reach out to us directly, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. We appreciate your understanding as we balance space, seating, and yes—our budget (because let’s face it, 2025 isn’t making things any easier for anyone in this economy!).

While we love your little ones, our wedding will be an adults-only celebration. We kindly ask that guests 16 and under stay home so everyone can enjoy a relaxing evening.

Semi-formal, with a vibe of 'garden party chic' Think 'Polo Classic by Veuve Clicquot,' aka polished but playful, colorful, and a little whimsical. For style inspiration, check out our Pinterest board here: https://pin.it/2sk7uvIt0

All events, except for the dinner reception, will take place outdoors in various areas of the conservatory and botanical gardens (weather permitting, with rain contingency plans in place). The temperature is usually perfect this time of year, but we recommend bringing a light sweater just in case. That said, guests will have access to the indoor areas of the conservatory throughout the evening, so you’ll have a cozy retreat if needed!

Expect mild and comfortable temperatures with beautiful fall vibes! Daytime temperatures typically range from the high 60s to mid-70s (°F), cooling down to the 50s at night. The Short North area can get breezy, especially in the evenings, so we recommend bringing a light layer or jacket—just in case.

All of the recommended hotels on our 'Travel' page are just a short ~15-minute drive from the wedding venue. If you don’t have a car, we recommend using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for a convenient way to get to and from the venue.

Free parking is available at all event venues throughout the weekend. Please avoid parking on grass or any non-designated areas.

Absolutely! We’ll have a variety of hors d’oeuvres, a full dinner, and an open bar featuring our favorite cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options. Late-night snacks will also make an appearance—you’ll thank us later!

We are incredibly grateful for your presence at our wedding, and we consider your attendance a gift in itself. However, for those who still wish to give, please visit our registry for some ideas: https://www.coletokocher2025.com/us/shayla-cole-and-alex-kocher-sep-2025/registry

There are no events planned for Sunday. We plan to head straight to the airport to start our honeymoon! If you're sticking around, we encourage you to check out our 'Things to Do' page for some recommendations to explore Columbus!

We recommend checking out one of our recommended hotels on the 'Travel' page here: https://www.coletokocher2025.com/us/shayla-cole-and-alex-kocher-sep-2025/travel

We completely understand! A destination wedding is a big ask. If you can’t attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can finalize our guest list and room assignments.

Feel free to reach out to us by email at hellokochers@gmail.com or by phone at (908) 591-6729. We’re happy to help however we can! P.S.: More info and updates will be posted here as the big day gets closer!