Rehearsal + Dinner

The Estate at New Albany

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Sunday Brunch

Our Wedding

Crystal and Phil met for the very first time quite briefly at an Eddie Money concert at Hollywood Casino in July 2017. This was Crystal's first event with the meetup group called Columbus Food Culture and Fun (CFCF), and it was a great experience! Phil had attended a few events before and enjoyed them. The next CFCF event they both attended was at Hot Chicken Takeover and Tabletop Games in Clintonville, and the third was dinner at Los Galapagos and another concert at Hollywood Casino featuring Blues Traveler. That must have sealed the deal because after that, Phil messaged Crystal through the meetup website and asked her out! On August 27, their first date, they ate lunch at Saigon Asian Bistro and went mini golfing at Olentangy Mini Golf. Over the next several months, Phil revealed to Crystal some of his passions like The Price Is Right, Las Vegas, golf, and board games while Crystal shared her previous life experiences as a Texan and Marylander and introduced Phil to some of her favorite authors and literary inspirations. They shortly realized that they shared a lot of the same values and perspectives about the world and continued to spend lots of time together getting to know each other. While they certainly didn't expect to have to weather a pandemic together, they did just that. In July 2022, Phil moved in to Crystal's house and then in February 2023, they brought home their four-legged son, Arlo. He certainly added a lot of energy to their lives! Flash forward to March 31, 2024, Phil and Crystal were performing a game of The Price Is Right for Crystal's family (it's something to see!). At the end, after all the games had been played and the prizes awarded, Phil said, "And one more thing..." Crystal expected him to show an "interesting" feature of Excel or to repeat Bob Barker's famous line, "Reminding you to help control the pet population: Have your pets spayed or neutered." Instead, he unhid a sheet that said, "Crystal Marie Kurzen, will you marry me?" Everyone was so excited and surprised, especially Crystal! Of course, she said "YES!" and everyone celebrated together. It was the perfect proposal for this couple! Phil even shared that the only one he told about his plans was Arlo! Crystal and Phil love traveling together and have had the opportunity to visit Italy, Spain, and Morocco in addition to domestic locations like Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, and Virginia. They love a good restaurant, going to a movie, and participating in local buzzer trivia matches. They appreciate musical theatre and nearly any show in town. They visit museums, arcades, sporting events, fairs, festivals, and expos of all types, and even love bowling and mini golf. They are SO DELIGHTED to celebrate with their family and friends from near and far in November. They can't wait to see you there!

Crystal + Phil

Our Story

Photos

Shelley and Crystal were roommates at Anderson University and have been best friends for nearly 30 years! Shelley is a Pediatric Pathologist and lives in Atlanta with her husband, Sean, and two kids, Noah and Ava. She and Ava love visiting Columbus in the summer around the 4th of July, and they never miss a chance for coffee and pastries with Crystal! She is a cherished member of The Nuts!

Shelley Caltharp

Melanie is Crystal’s sister! Melanie is an elementary school teacher in Dublin City Schools and loves her sweet kiddos and husband of 21 years! From trips to visit Crystal in New York, Columbus, Austin, and Chestertown, Melanie has followed Crystal's journey across the country and back to Ohio. What a good sister she is! She's been along for the ride with Crystal for their entire lives! Welcome to the family, Phil!

Melanie Boertje 

Amber is Crystal’s sister-in-law! Amber is a Nurse Practitioner at The James and loves her four kiddos and Crystal's brother, her husband of 22 years! She loves coffee from Coffeeology and a good potluck. It's been wonderful to have Amber in the family as a bonus sister, and she has always been a great cheerleader for Phil and Crystal! 

Amber Kurzen

Jeff is Phil’s brother! Jeff and Phil love playing golf and poker together. Jeff is a high school English teacher and tennis coach. He loves his two dogs, Zora and Bella, and is excited to act as Phil's Best Man in the wedding. He can't wait to toast the couple with a cold beverage. Cheers to Crystal + Phil! He's a big hit with Crystal's nieces and nephews!

Jeff Luxenburger

Mark is Crystal’s brother-in-law! Mark is a School Psychologist in Dublin City Schools and loves planning vacations for his family. In fact, they just got back from Destin, FL, to enjoy some sunshine and sand, and he's always up for hanging out and playing The Price Is Right with Crystal and Phil! 

Mark Boertje

Ryan is Crystal’s brother! Ryan is a jokester and is quick with a quip or two! He likes golfing with Phil and playing games with his kiddos and wife. His favorite candy is Dots, and he loves watching The Food Network! He's proud of Crystal and excited to be a part of the big day today! 

Ryan Kurzen

Addie is Crystal’s 16-year-old niece! Addie is a Junior at Olentangy Berlin and a licensed driver! She loves theatre--especially Mamma Mia!--and choir and is overjoyed to be in the wedding. She even helped create some of the wedding signs!

Addie Boertje

Hannah is Crystal’s 15-year-old niece! Hannah is a Sophomore at Buckeye Valley High School. She is a varsity cheerleader and loves doing competitive dance. She also shows rabbits at the county fair through 4-H. She's so excited to celebrate Aunt Crystal and soon-to-be UNCLE Phil! 

Hannah Kurzen

Paige is Crystal’s 14-year-old niece! Paige is an 8th grader at Olentangy Berlin Middle School. She plays soccer and runs cross country. She broke her hip this fall though and is just happy she can walk down the aisle without crutches! She's looking forward to having fun on Crystal + Phil's big day!

Paige Boertje

Nathan is Crystal’s 18-year-old nephew! Nathan is a Senior at Buckeye Valley High School. He plays football and lacrosse and loves lifting at the Y. He's looking forward to being a Groomsman and helping Aunt Crystal and Phil celebrate their wedding. Let the good times roll! 

Nathan Kurzen

Joshua is Crystal’s 13-year-old nephew! Josh is in 8th grade at Buckeye Valley Middle School. He played football this year and loves cheering on both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ohio State Buckeyes. He has never been in a wedding before and can't wait to put on a suit to celebrate Crystal and Phil!

Joshua Kurzen

Rachel is Crystal’s 12-year-old niece! Rachel is in 6th grade at Buckeye Valley Middle School. She plays soccer and works hard to be a great student and friend. Her favorite place to go with Aunt Crystal is Beanbag Books. She is so proud to be the Flower Girl and is excited to wear her beautiful dress! 

Rachel Kurzen

Owen is Crystal’s 10-year-old nephew! Owen is in 5th grade at Shale Meadows Elementary School and plays flag football like a star. He wants to carry the real rings down the aisle! He cannot wait to wear his suit and is so happy to celebrate Aunt Cray Cray and Uncle Phil! 

Owen Boertje 

Arlo is Crystal + Phil's four-legged son! He is a nearly 2-year-old French Bulldog!

Arlo 

Bonnie and Jerry have been married 48 years and love spending time with their children and seven grandkids. They are very happy for Crystal + Phil! Bonnie enjoys reading and Jerry is always tinkering around in his shed on some project or another. They both look very forward to celebrating with everyone!

Jerry & Bonnie Kurzen

Jill and John have been married for 14 years and love living the retired life! Jill is learning how to play the guitar and John always enjoys a good wood craft. They love their loyal four-legged boy, Karl, as well as playing with their grand-dogs, Zora, Bella, & Arlo! They are so proud of Phil and can't wait to officially welcome Crystal into the family! 

Jill & John Feather

Katherine and Crystal went to Anderson University together and have had loads of fun ever since! Katherine joins us from Sioux Falls, SD, and is an ordained Lutheran minister. She's a mom to four kiddos and a great swimmer! Crystal + Phil are incredibly honored to have Katherine as their Officiant. Katherine is a cherished member of The Nuts!

Katherine Ewald Olson

Kristen and Crystal went to Anderson University together and love meeting up anywhere between New Castle, IN and Columbus, OH, to catch up! Crystal + Phil never miss a chance to join in the fun at the Champion-Terrell Farm whether it's for the eclipse or the annual 4th of July family and friends party! Kristen is a cherished member of The Nuts!

Kristen Champion-Terrell

Treva and Crystal went to Anderson University together and have shared many memories over the years. Some of the ones that especially stand out often happened during their beloved New Year's Eve trips to places far and wide like Boston, NYC, Mexico City, Treva's home state of Tennessee, Ohio, Arizona, Miami, Washington DC, Baltimore, San Antonio, and many other amazing locales! Crystal + Phil traveled with Treva to Italy and loved every minute! Treva is a cherished member of The Nuts!

Treva Barker

Emily and Crystal went to Anderson University together and have shared many adventures over the years. From Indiana to California to Miami to Peru to Washington DC to Arizona to Italy to Spain to...Sweden in 2025, they've traveled together near and far! Crystal + Phil love visiting the Hogue MacPhersons wherever in the world they may be! She's pictured here with her daughters Maggie & Goldie who are big fans of "Mr. Crystal!" Emily is a cherished member of The Nuts!

Emily Hogue

Layne and Crystal went to graduate school together at the University of Texas at Austin. True kindred spirits, they helped each other persevere during those hard days/months/years of dissertation-writing and job hunting! Crystal and Layne love meeting up whenever they can, and it was so much fun when Crystal + Phil visited Austin in May to see Layne, Matt, Allis, & James for a Tex Mex/ BBQ/ Austin extravaganza! 

Layne Craig

Wedding Party

Q + A

By Air: CMH is the closest airport to our wedding venue. It's not that large, which means navigating the airport should be fairly straightforward. We're SO excited you're joining us!

John Glenn Columbus International Airport

If you're looking for a rental car from CMH, check out this website for more info.

Airport Rental Car Options

Use the website listed here to lock in a special wedding rate for your hotel room.

Hampton Inn & Suites New Albany Columbus

Courtyard Columbus New Albany

Travel

There's so much to do in Columbus! Check out this website to see what might appeal to your particular tastes and timeline.

Experience Columbus

More opportunities for fun in Columbus!

Columbus Navigator

Crystal + Phil recommend all of these places!

Eater

Trip Advisor 10 Best Restaurants in New Albany, OH 

Things to Do

Registry

The Wedding of Crystal + Phil 

16 November 2024 Entrance of <a href="https://www.crystalandphil.com/us/crystal-kurzen-and-phil-luxenburger-nov-2024/wedding-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wedding Party</a> Introduction, Officiant, <a href="https://www.crystalandphil.com/us/crystal-kurzen-and-phil-luxenburger-nov-2024/wedding-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Katherine Ewald Olson</a> Declaration of Intention Prayer First Reading, <a href="https://www.crystalandphil.com/us/crystal-kurzen-and-phil-luxenburger-nov-2024/wedding-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kristen Champion-Terrell</a>"Blessing for a Marriage" by James Dillet FreemanMay your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you also patience, tolerance, and understanding.May you always need one another – not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness.A mountain needs a valley to be complete;the valley does not make the mountain less, but more;and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain towering over it.So let it be with you and you. May you need one another, but not out of weakness.May you want one another, but not out of lack.May you entice one another, but not compel one another.May you embrace one another, but not out encircle one another.May you succeed in all important ways with one another,and not fail in the little graces.May you look for things to praise, often say, “I love you!”and take no notice of small faults. If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you hope to have good sense enough to take the first step back. May you enter into the mystery, which is the awareness of one another’s presence — no more physical than spiritual,warm and near when you are side by side,and warm and near when you are in separate rooms or even distant cities.May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy.May you have love, and may you find it loving one another. Second Reading, <a href="https://www.crystalandphil.com/us/crystal-kurzen-and-phil-luxenburger-nov-2024/wedding-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Treva Barker</a>From I Like You&nbsp;by Sandol Stoddard WarburgI like you and I know why.I like you because you are a good person to like.I like you because when I tell you something special, you know it’sspecialAnd you remember it a long, long time.You say, “Remember when you told me something special?”And both of us rememberWhen I think something is importantyou think it’s important tooWe have good ideasWhen I say something funny, you laughI think I’m funny and you think I’m funny tooHah-hah!I like you because if you find two four-leaf clovers, you give me oneIf I find four, I give you twoIf we only find three, we keep on lookingSometimes we have good luck, and sometimes we don’tAnd I like you because when I am feeling sadYou don’t always cheer me up right awaySometimes it is better to be sadI like you because I don’t know why butEverything that happens is nicer with youI can’t remember when I didn’t like youIt must have been lonesome thenI like you because because becauseI forget why I like you but I do.” Third Reading, <a href="https://www.crystalandphil.com/us/crystal-kurzen-and-phil-luxenburger-nov-2024/wedding-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Emily Hogue</a>"The Confirmation" by Edwin MuirYes, yours, my love, is the right human face.I in my mind had waited for this long,Seeing the false and searching for the true,Then found you as a traveller finds a placeOf welcome suddenly amid the wrongValleys and rocks and twisting roads. But you,What shall I call you? A fountain in a waste,A well of water in a country dry,Or anything that's honest and good, an eyeThat makes the whole world seem bright. Your open heart,Simple with giving, gives the primal deed,The first good world, the blossom, the blowing seed,The hearth, the steadfast land, the wandering sea.Not beautiful or rare in every part.But like yourself, as they were meant to be. Fourth reading, <a href="https://www.crystalandphil.com/us/crystal-kurzen-and-phil-luxenburger-nov-2024/wedding-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Layne Craig</a>"Scaffolding" by Seamus HeaneyMasons, when they start upon a building,Are careful to test out the scaffolding;Make sure that planks won’t slip at busy points,Secure all ladders, tighten bolted joints.And yet all this comes down when the job’s doneShowing off walls of sure and solid stone.So if, my dear, there sometimes seem to beOld bridges breaking between you and meNever fear. We may let the scaffolds fallConfident that we have built our wall. Remarks Vows Giving of Rings Acclamation Blessing“Marriage” by Mary Weston FordhamThe die is cast, come weal, come woe,&nbsp;Two lives are joined together,&nbsp;For better or for worse, the link&nbsp;Which naught but death can sever.&nbsp;The die is cast, come grief, come joy&nbsp;Come richer, or come poorer,&nbsp;If love but binds the mystic tie,&nbsp;Blest is the bridal hour. Introduction of the Couple Exit A Note of Thanks Dear Family &amp; Friends, We are so grateful for your presence here today. It truly means the world to us to celebrate this special occasion with all of you. We have been so fortunate to have you all in our lives and very much appreciate the love and support you have given us. We hope you enjoy the festivities tonight, and we look forward to giving you all a big hug! Love,Crystal + Phil

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Slideshow

Check out the photos that were playing on a continuous loop during Cocktail Hour. Click <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/d2p0owxfjyzppet4lxauu/Wedding-slideshow-video-file-play-on-continuous-loop.mp4?rlkey=1cj7kk9ci0s9s2sztd7do3vd5&amp;st=do3j0lma&amp;dl=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!

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