Riley + Austin
Let's get married...
This website is your go-to place for everything you’ll need to know about our wedding day. From event details and schedules to travel tips and FAQs, you’ll find all the important information right here as we count down to the big day.
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01
our story
two become Dunn
The story of us.
Riley and Austin first crossed paths over Memorial Day weekend in 2021, tucked into a hole-in-the-wall bar in Chicago… the Rabbit Hole. Neither was searching for a relationship, but God was already writing their story. What started as a casual conversation became the beginning of a story neither of them could have planned—one that, looking back, feels like it had been quietly unfolding all along.
Throughout that summer, they talked every day—sharing stories from their pasts, dreams for their futures, and all the moments in between. By the time Austin headed back to Notre Dame for his third year of law school, one thing was certain: distance wasn’t going to stand in their way.
What began as long-distance visits quickly grew into something neither of them could have imagined. They traveled the country, exploring new places and discovering that their connection was becoming something truly special. They stood side by side through the challenges of finishing and graduating from law school and eventually took the next step to making a home together.
Their lives gently became intertwined, as Ms. Independent had finally met her match. They had fallen deeply in love—right where they were meant to be.
Four years later, two hearts meant for one another chose forever. Austin and Riley are living proof that the most unexpected paths can lead to the most beautiful destinations; and that sometimes, the greatest love stories begin when you're not even looking.
02
details
Santa barbara, ca
Hotel: the ritz-carlton bacara
events: montecito club
6:00 - 9:00 pm
THE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA, SANTA BARBARA
THE BLUFF LAWN
8301 HOLLISTER AVE.
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 93117
The Welcome Party
Friday, September 4th
attire: cocktail
Join us for cocktails, light bites and celebration as we kick off the weekend! This event will be outdoors and on the oceanfront. It can get breezy in the evening, so we recommend bringing a light jacket or wrap.
Gentlemen: Dress shirt with slacks, sport coat or blazer optional.
Ladies: Cocktail dresses, midi dresses, or dressy separates.
please arrive by 4:00 pm
@ MONTECITO CLUB
920 SUMMIT RD,
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 93108
REFER TO INVITATION FOR MORE DETAILS...
The Ceremony
saturday, september 5th
attire: Formal Elegance — Color Encouraged
We're going for formal elegance with a colorful twist! To allow our wedding party and immediate family in black to stand out, we kindly ask guests to wear colors.
Gentlemen: Suits or Tuxedos in grey, blue, navy, tan, or any color of your choice.
Ladies: Floor-length formal gowns in any color except black
Think black-tie elegance, just in your favorite hue!
The After Party
immediately following reception
9:00PM -11:00PM
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
THE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA
The Cabana terrace
All are welcome!
The Day After
sunday, september 6th
attire: pool & resort casual
Let's keep the party going!
Join us for brunch and a laid-back day by the pool—consider it your official recovery day, because we all know any night with Austin requires one.
Gentlemen: Swim trunks, casual button-down or t-shirt, flip-flops or sandals
Ladies: Swimsuit with cover-up, sundress, or casual resort wear, sandals
Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe some aspirin!
1. Kyle Dunn - Best Man & Austin’s Older Brother, otherwise known as Dr. Locks (@thedr.locks if you know you know, if not…probably for the best).
2. Christian Olson - Riley’s Younger Brother & the younger brother Austin always wanted…some might say the funniest member of the Olson Family (and by some we mean everyone but Riley).
3. Adam Marlow - Austin’s oldest friend dating back to high school. An ordained minister, above average golfer and Austin’s favorite person to argue with.
4. Alex Smith - One of Riley’s closest friends in college and who introduced R+A to each other while living with Austin his first summer in Chicago.
5. Dylan Miles - The most calm and even-keeled person to ever walk the Earth. Works with Austin, dates his sister and one of the few who can keep up with Austin at a bar.
6. Jonathan Mckeegan - Austin’s Best Friend in Law School who introduced Austin to Chicago where they were roommates and now Austin continues his mission to keep him in the Windy City.
7. Justin Estvold - Austin’s Business Partner. And when you hear “Belvedere Martini with a Twist, absolutely no vermouth…” he really means business.
8. Miles Fowler - When he’s not starring in his next Netflix show or Oscar nominated film, he’s likely asking Austin about the meaning of life and what his dreams are.
9. Ryan Esslinger - Grew up with Austin and probably just the nicest guy you’ll ever meet, but don’t play a game with him…literally any game…you’ll lose.
10. Sean Kasakian - Went to High School with Austin, absolute menace on the dance floor, always ready for a good time.
GROOMSMEN
BRIDESMAIDS
1. Ryann Feldman - Matron of Honor & Riley's best friend since high school. They met in Net & Racket Sports gym class, which is easily the most wholesome origin story here.
2. Samantha Yee - Maid of Honor & Riley's college best friend. The wild card who somehow convinced Riley to have fun in college—a legacy that continues today.
3. Marissa "Mari" Dunn - Austin's Younger Sister & Latin music artist. Proof that talent skips generations, siblings, and apparently just landed on her.
4. Lexie Olson - Christian's wife & the one you want at your table. Always has a good joke and the timing to deliver it.
5. Jenna Dunn - Sister-in-Law expecting the first Dunn grandbaby. A Michigan girl married to a California boy—sound familiar?
6. Lindy Villeponteau - Riley's college friend who met her studying abroad in Barcelona. Some friendships start in college, the best ones start in Spain.
7. Hayley Dohoda - Grew up with Austin and made him a godfather, which shows either great faith or poor judgment. Also designed this wedding website—any technical difficulties, please reach out to hayleylarueclients@gmail.com
8. Maddie Dworkin - Riley's college friend who became family in Chicago. Founder of "Holy Hostess" and the reason your dinner parties will never measure up.
9. Mia Rodriguez - Riley's law school best friend turned co-worker & JD's godmother. Never met a volume she couldn't exceed or a party she couldn't improve.
10. Niti Suchdev - Riley's law school friend, co-worker, and SoulCycle aficionado. Loves a good zoo trip and thriving as an attorney—the full package.
The Ritz carlton bacara
Marriott Courtyard
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Goleta
Our host hotel is the heart of the weekend. This is where we'll host the welcome party and day-after pool celebration, and where the bride, groom, and wedding party will be staying.
If your budget allows, we would truly love to have you stay here with us. The in-between moments—the impromptu gatherings, the morning mimosas, the late-night laughs—are often where the best memories are made. There's something special about having our favorite people all in one place.
That said, we understand this is an investment, and we're grateful for any time you can spend with us, wherever you choose to stay.
For those looking for another option, we've secured a room block at the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta. Located approximately 3 miles (10 minutes) from our host hotel and 15 miles (30 minutes) from the wedding venue, this is a wonderful alternative that still keeps you close to all the festivities.
A Note About Accommodations:
Santa Barbara offers wonderful accommodations throughout the area. You'll find many hotels in downtown Santa Barbara and Montecito that are often comparable in price to Airbnbs—and sometimes even more affordable.
We completely understand the appeal of Airbnbs, particularly for families traveling together. However, one of our biggest hopes for this weekend is to create a sense of togetherness. Being under the same roof—or at least nearby—makes it so much easier to steal extra moments together, whether it's a nightcap after the reception or coffee before heading to the ceremony. If it's possible for you, we'd be grateful to have you stay at one of our hotel blocks so we can make the most of every moment.
if you're exploring other accommodations in the area and need recommendations or assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out—we're happy to help!
05
Registry
Registry
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. We know many of you are traveling far to celebrate with us in Santa Barbara, and we truly appreciate the time and expense that requires.
Rather than a traditional registry, what we'd love most is time with you. We hope you'll consider staying at our host hotel through Labor Day weekend so we can make the most of every moment together.
If you insist on giving a gift, contributions toward our honeymoon can be brought to the wedding or mailed to us—and would be deeply appreciated. But truly, celebrating with you is all we need.
