Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Kati and Dana’s story began on July 17th, 2024, when they met online. Katilungu—known as Kati—originally from Zambia, Africa, had studied in San Antonio, Texas, before moving to Illinois after graduation. When Dana came across Kati’s profile, she assumed he was still living in San Antonio and decided to match with him. Once she discovered he lived over a thousand miles away in Illinois, they agreed to remain just friends.But what started as a friendship quickly grew into something deeper. Their days soon became filled with endless conversations—hours spent talking, laughing, and discovering each other’s worlds. From iPhone games and music sessions to Bible studies, virtual movie nights, and everything in between, their bond only grew stronger with each passing day.In November 2024, Kati decided that distance wasn’t going to stop him—he needed to meet Dana in person. He traveled all the way to South Texas, and the moment they met, everything felt right. Their time together was magical, filled with joy, laughter, and connection that neither of them wanted to end.From that point on, they became inseparable. Not even the 1,220 miles between them could keep them apart. Through every call, visit, and prayer, they worked hand in hand to build a love that was patient, pure, and unbreakable.And now, exactly two years from the day they met, Kati and Dana are tying the knot—turning their long-distance love story into a beautiful forever.

love ensures distance 

Our Story

Photos

Emily Villareal

Glody Ilunga

Miranda Castellano

Brian Udechukwu

Alysha Kim

Taylor Stuker

Natallie Llamas 

Ladi Sosanwo

Geneva Walden 

Greg Sanchez

Genesis Cole

Boniface Ndiritu

Wedding Party

Valley International Airport

McAllen International Airport

TownePlace Suites by Marriott McAllen Edinburg

Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center

Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham McAllen

Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center

Hampton Inn & Suites McAllen

Travel

Dress to impress in semi-formal style cocktail dresses, dressy outfits, button-downs, and slacks. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Dress Code

La Plaza Shopping Mall

Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets

Quinta Mazatlan is cherished locally and recognized internationally as a sanctuary connecting people to the history, beauty and wonder of our natural world.&nbsp;We work with partners to advance environmental education, eco-tourism and the environment for the health of all.Quinta Mazatlan is located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of south Texas in the United States.&nbsp;The LRGV is not really a valley but a delta, or a fertile plain, that slopes away from the Rio Grande.&nbsp;The combination of climate, vegetation, and wildlife is unlike any other region in the United States.&nbsp;

Quinta Mazatlan

The Palms Crossing retail and restaurant center is located adjacent to McAllen’s spectacular new convention center. The lifestyle center opened in 2007, and is easily accessible from Expressway 83 at Ware Road.Stores Include:- Hobby Lobby, DSW, Barnes &amp; Noble, Dollar Tree, Guitar Center, Alfred Angelo – The Bride’s Studio, Rack Room Shoes, Cavender’s Boot City, Best Buy, Bath &amp; Body Works, ULTA Beauty Restaurants Include:Chuck E. Cheese’s, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, BJ’s Restaurant &amp; Brewhouse, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Cheddar’s, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill &amp; Bar, Kumori Sushi, McAlister’s Deli, Longhorn Steakhouse, Subway

Palms Crossing Shopping Center 

Gladys Porter Zoo

Trapped RGV Escape Rooms

HoursMonday–Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Wednesday–Saturday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Sunday: Closed

Katilungu & Dana

Katilungu & Dana

Photos