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St. Bernadette Catholic Church

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Sophia's Kitchen

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Intermission

Reception

Our Wedding

How It Began

Mike and Ashley first met online, and their first date was set halfway between their homes, an hour apart, at a bowling alley Mike had never been to. When Ashley pulled up in her nice Lexus and Mike noticed the slightly grungy surroundings, he got a little nervous. Fresh off a fishing trip, Mike brought along a cooler full of yellowfin and bluefin tuna, knowing Ashley loved sushi. He gifted it to her on the spot along with an ambitious list of poke and sushi recipes. Intimidated, Ashley tucked the tuna into her freezer where it stayed untouched, something Mike still gives her a loving hard time about to this day. Ashley is also famously competitive, and Mike unknowingly won the bowling they played that night. She was a great sport about it, which she continues to be to this day, although uniquely so when playing against Mike. As their relationship grew, Mike eventually learned that Ashley had recently downloaded Hinge when they met, and she had a unique approach to online dating since she and her family are so close. She would bring her phone to Sunday dinner with her parents, connect it to the TV, and swipe through profiles as a family. They all remember Mike’s picture holding a big tuna as the one that stood out. It is a memory that still makes everyone laugh and a story that perfectly captures the start of something real. From that very first date, Mike and Ashley dated with intention. With so many big topics covered right away, it sometimes felt less like a first date and more like a friendly interrogation, but in between the questions were plenty of smiles and long moments of eye contact that made it clear something special was happening. They quickly discovered how many of their core values and priorities were already aligned, things that often take couples years to work through. Beyond that, all the little things seemed to line up too, and still do to this day, whether it is the simplest food preferences or random details of daily life. They often find themselves in sync to an almost uncanny level. That foundation made it clear to both of them early on that this relationship was different and something worth building a future on together.

Adventures Together

Their relationship has been full of adventure. From exploring Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, California, Hawaii, and Idaho, to weekends spent hiking, camping, and fishing, the outdoors has been at the center of their time together. Their biggest adventure of all, though, began with the birth of their daughter, Sophia Marie Thompson. They can’t wait to share the things they love with her, starting with her first bull elk hunt in November 2025!

The Proposal

On June 29, 2024, Mike pulled off the surprise of a lifetime. He coordinated a weekend getaway with Ashley and her parents at their family cabin outside of Flagstaff. During a side-by-side ride to Schnebly Hill, an overlook above Sedona that holds special meaning for Mike from past bowhunting trips and is also a favorite Krolak family off-roading spot, he got down on one knee. With the sweeping Sedona views behind them and Ashley’s parents looking on, Mike asked Ashley to marry him. She had absolutely no idea it was coming, and of course, she said yes!

Looking Ahead

Now, as they prepare for their wedding, Mike and Ashley are most excited to celebrate surrounded by their closest family and friends, and to begin the next chapter of their story together as husband and wife.

Our Story

Photos

Ashley and Megan first met in the first grade, and their friendship has been growing ever since. From soccer games and weekend swim parties to traveling for club tournaments, they’ve shared countless memories. Over the years, their bond has only deepened through concerts, camping trips, happy hours, and late-night talks, they’ve always been there for each other. Megan isn’t just a best friend; she’s family. Ashley’s soul sister. Ashley couldn’t imagine this day without her by her side.

Megan Oleno

Thompson & Vann have been friends since third grade and have been like brothers ever since. They somehow made it through childhood and the teenage years in one piece. From high-speed downhill longboarding their local mountains, to N64 battles that ended in actual battles… Vann has stood by Thompson through every adventure and misadventure, and there’s no one he’d rather have as his best man.

Mike Vann

Ashley and Caroline first met as freshmen on the high school volleyball court, immediately sizing each other up with fierce determination. Their shared drive, competitive spirit, and love for adventure quickly turned that initial rivalry into a lasting friendship. From college Halloween visits in Colorado to tackling Spartan races side by side, they’ve created memories that are as bold as they are meaningful. But perhaps the most special chapter of all has been becoming moms together. Ashley couldn’t imagine her big day without Caroline standing by her side.

Caroline Brosious

Thompson and Archer have been friends since seventh grade and shared many adventures over the years. They were roommates in their early twenties and spent countless days rock climbing, camping, backpacking off-trail, and exploring the outdoors together. Their bond was built on a love of adventure, and it is fortunate that Archer lives in Arizona too, so they can continue making memories. Thompson is honored to have Archer as a groomsman.

Mike Archer

Ashley and Abby went to school together from first grade through high school, but it wasn’t until college that their friendship truly blossomed. One unforgettable summer, they reunited while working as pool greeters at the Westin Kierland, still one of their all-time favorite jobs. Whether it’s attending baseball games or laughing through book club nights, there’s never a dull moment when these two are together. Ashley is so grateful to have Abby in her life and couldn’t imagine her big day without her by her side.

Abby Theis

Thompson & Josh first met in their freshman year Calculus I class, where they quickly formed an inseparable bond. They became roommates during the latter half of college and remained close friends long after graduation. When Thompson moved from Hawaii to Arizona, it was for a job with Apple where Josh was already working, and now they get to work side by side every day. Josh's incredible family took Mike in with welcoming arms when he moved to AZ!

Josh D'Aniello

Ashley met Ally while working at the Kierland Pool & Spa, where they discovered they were both attending ASU, and the rest is history. That summer, Ally introduced Ashley to coffee (a lifesaver with those early morning shifts!), and they quickly bonded over their shared love for life and the simple things. Even with miles between them, they’ve always made time to visit and stay close. Ally is the kind of friend you can call in the middle of the night, and she’ll find a way to help you without hesitation. Ashley couldn’t imagine this special day without her.

Allison Beauchamp 

Thompson & Jamie have been friends since third grade, and with Jamie’s parents being Thompson’s godparents, he’s always been referred to as a godbrother. They grew up surfing together in San Clemente on the weekends (staying at Jamie's grandparents home), building a massive haunted house in their neighborhood, and creating countless memories along the way. Jamie and his family took Mike (Mikey) in as one of their own with love and support his entire life!

Jamie Banks

Ashley and Sydney grew up together, going to school and playing club volleyball throughout middle school & part of high school. Their weekends were filled with sleepovers, pool parties, and their favorite tradition: late-night mac and cheese talks with Mama Ginger, always ending in laughter so hard it hurt. No matter how much time passes, every time they reunite, it feels like nothing has changed. Sydney isn’t just a lifelong friend, she’s a sister. Ashley’s big day wouldn’t be complete without her by her side.

Sydney Carter

Thompson & Phil first met as freshman dorm roommates at Cal Maritime, and their friendship stuck from day one. They remained roommates throughout college and shared countless adventures together, including diving for abalone in Northern California. They also worked their internship on the same ship, sailing from Guam to the Philippines and later participating in the largest naval war games in the world off the coast of Hawaii.

Phil Waldemar

From the moment Brianna and Ashley met, they connected instantly through their shared careers in real estate. Brianna has always been a steady source of support, offering guidance on everything from work to motherhood. She truly feels like the sister Ashley never had, and Ashley is beyond grateful to have her standing by her side on such an important day with Mike.

Brianna Miller

Mike & Eddie became close after Mike met Ashley, and in just a couple of years their bond has grown quickly. From family dinners and Sunday swim parties to shooting sporting clays together, they’ve shared plenty of good times. Thompson is proud to now call Eddie both a friend and a brother, and is honored to have him as a groomsman.

Edward Krolak

Ashley and Noel formed a natural bond right from the start. Noel’s warmth and inclusiveness made Ashley feel at home, and she quickly became someone Ashley could lean on for advice,  especially throughout pregnancy and beyond. To Ashley, Noel is the sister she always wished for, and she feels so blessed to have her as part of her and Mike’s big day.

Noel Hay

Mike & Nick have only known each other a few years, but they’ve quickly become family. Whether it’s Sunday dinners, swim parties, or time spent shooting sporting clays, they’ve built a friendship that continues to grow. Mike is grateful to officially welcome Nick as both brother and friend, and is honored to have him as a groomsman.

Nick Krolak

Wedding Party

Q + A

Resort Style Casitas in North Scottsdale on the Golf Course $$$$

The Boulders

Wonderful resort for families with young children $$$$

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Resort in the center of Scottsdale $$$$

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix North - Scottsdale by IHG

Residence Inn Scottsdale North

Travel

Phoenix Zoo

KTR Scottsdale

Octane Raceway

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

OdySea Aquarium

Topgolf Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale

Tutti Santi by Nina

Amazing Hawaiian plate lunch, poke, malasadas.

Hapa Food Company

For the full Country Western experience - bull riding, dancing and live music. Surrounding Cave Creek has other western things.

Mike & Ashley