KEN & KATHLEEN

KEN- Crandall -

Ken was born in San Diego, CA to Kenn and Toni Crandall. He is the oldest of three kids and spent his childhood developing a strong bond with his family as they moved around the country while his dad grew within his naval career. Ken is a proud graduate of the University of Washington (he and his brother and sister are 3rd-generation UW grads!). Ken is a cloud architect for Rackspace and the go-to IT guy for everyone in his family (and now Kathleen's!) Most importantly, he is the loving dad of Kenny and Lizzie, the first of Kenn and Toni's grandkids.

KATHLEEN- McLaughlin -

Kathleen was born and raised in Renton, WA to Tom and Laura McLaughlin in 1972. She is the youngest of five kids and spent her summers exploring the San Juan Islands and British Columbia with her family on a 29' sailboat named Tomfoolery. Kathleen is a proud graduate of the University of Washington and teaches business classes at a private college in Vancouver, WA. She loves cat memes, dad jokes, hanging out with her family and friends, hiking, and reading. Her proudest title to date has been"Auntie"to her beautiful nieces and nephews and is excited for her new one: Kenny and Lizzie's stepmom.

OUR STORY

Welcome to our story! This just highlights some of the fun and excitement we've had since we met. We're only just beginning, though!

JULY

OUR FIRST DATE

Ken and Kathleen met online (welcome to the 21st century!). It's a sweet story, really, so if you want to hear the longer version, corner them at the wedding and ask them to share their tale!

Here's the extra-short version: they matched online, had a marathon chat/text/phone conversation; met for lunch, decided they like each other A LOT, kissed, and agreed to go on another date. The End (not quite)!

AUG

19-20

MEETING THE KIDS

Ken and Kathleen knew pretty quickly that what they have is a once in a lifetime thing, but they didn't want to rush into introducing the kids to Kathleen. They decided to wait until the kids asked to meet Kathleen. When they did, the kids decided that they wanted Ken to take each of them to dinner with Kathleen separately so that each of them could have her full attention. Kathleen met Ken and Kenny at Kenny's favorite restaurant. They spent the evening in easy conversation and Kathleen left the meeting knowing that Kenny is growing up to be a good man and that Ken is a great dad.

The next night, Kathleen met Ken and Lizzie at Lizzie's favorite restaurant (smart, huh?). They spent the evening talking about all sorts of things and when it came time to say goodbye, they decided they weren't ready to go their separate ways, so they hung out a little longer at Starbucks. Kathleen left the meeting hopeful that she would develop a beautiful relationship with Ken's kids and maybe, just maybe, they might become a family some day.

DEC

OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS

Ken and Kathleen spent their first Christmas together celebrating with Kathleen's family in Vancouver. Ken introduced Kathleen to some of his family traditions, like eating Mexican food on Christmas Eve and making baked mac & cheese on Christmas day. Kathleen introduced Ken to some of her family traditions, as well, like Grammy rolls and the cow gift. It was a beautiful day and the first of many more Christmases to come.

AUG

THE RING

So, after a year of being together, and all it entails, Ken and Kathleen decided they actually LIKED IT and so what better way to make it a "forever" thing than to get married?

After teasing her with a picture of it for a few months, Ken finally (Finally!) got his act together and bought Kathleen the ring. They got engaged on August 3, 2022.

AND NOW... THEY ARE GETTING MARRIED

WHEN & WHERE

Ken and Kathleen are having a small, family-only wedding at the Golden Valley Brewery in Beaverton, OR. The wedding will be in the Dundee room, going from 5-8PM. Dress is "for church" or "for family photos" or "wear pants, please!"

NOVEMBER / 12TH / 2022

FIVE O' CLOCK IN THE EVENING

GOLDEN VALLEY BREWERY DUNDEE ROOM

THE VOWS

Ken and Kathleen are going to have a brief wedding ceremony and exchange of vows before we eat dinner. It won't take long, promise!

DINNER

Dinner is going to be served for everyone shortly after the wedding vows. (Please let Ken or Kathleen know if there are any special dietary needs that will have to be accomodated.)

PHOTOS

There will be a photographer at the wedding to take pictures. Since it is the first time many of us have been able to gather in years, be ready for some nice family photos as well as the occasional candid shot! Feel free to get photos of your own family done as well!

insert google map

LODGING

Although we have not made any specific plans with any hotels in the area, there are several places that are very close. Here are a few options that we have identified that may be good to try...

MARRIOTT COURTYARD PORTLAND HILLSBORO

This hotel is located not far from Ken and Kathleen's house as well as Golden Valley Brewery. (Hillsboro is directly east from Beaverton.)

Click on the image for hotel information and location.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON PORTLAND - BEAVERTON

This hotel is located just across Highway 26 from Golden Valley Brewery. It is pet-friendly!

Click on the image for hotel information and location.

HILTON GARDEN INN PORTLAND/BEAVERTON

The Hilton Garden Inn Portland/Beaverton is located just off Highway 26 and 158th St. near Ken and Kathleen's house. It is not far from the Golden Valley Brewery, where the wedding is to be held.

Click on the image for hotel information and location.

AC HOTEL PORTLAND BEAVERTON

The AC Hotel Portland Beaverton is probably the closest hotel to Golden Valley Brewery. It is just off of Highway 28 on 158th.

Click on the image for hotel information and location.

OUR MOMENTS

Here are some of the fun moments that we've had over the last year. Things have been amazing! We both have such huge, amazing families that we can't help but share our time with them!