Saints Center

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Chris and Kaylee would like to say it was "Love at first swipe", but Kaylee left him on read for a full week before responding to a VERY CLEVER prompt on her Hinge profile, leading Chris to send a follow up. However, it was clear after a few messages that there was some real compatibility here, enough to warrant a first date (after a thorough vetting and background check by Kaylee). They met at Smokey Row in downtown Des Moines, chatting for over four hours about life, faith, and how often they both watched Lord of the Rings. Chris definitely tried to play hard to get by immediately setting up a second date a few days later. Kaylee accepted, and the romance was born. There were a lot of firsts during the beginning of their relationship. Kaylee felt it was her sworn duty to show Chris the Twilight series, while Chris needed to pass along the great Huling tradition of Cribbage. There was also a deeper appreciation for Taylor Swift, which Chris was totally on board with since it meant Kaylee would watch Kansas City Chiefs games with him on the couch. Chris also thought it would be a fun idea to have reconstructive knee surgery which put him out of commission for the entire month of March! Thankfully Kaylee proved to have an incredible bedside manner. There were comedy shows, cult documentaries, swing dancing nights, and home-cooked meals. They laughed through it all, keenly aware that this thing between the two of them was growing into a deep and genuine love. Chris was utterly amazed by Kaylee's inner strength, her compassion for those less fortunate, and positive outlook on life despite whatever was thrown her way. Kaylee was impressed by Chris's deep family connections, pure and kind heart, and willingness to be vulnerable while never losing his sense of humor. So it came as no surprise that, a little over a year later, they found themselves back at Smokey Row to begin the next chapter of their relationship. Chris proposed to Kaylee the best way he knew how, surrounded by those very same memories and music they'd come to adore in 2024. They cannot wait to be married, and are so glad to share this day with all who are able.

A Long-Awaited Union

Our Story

Photos

Almost 10 years of friendship and fictive kinship of the bride. Four hour long facetimes and yearly May trips keep us long distance besties as close as ever! 

Sabrina

Camping trip chauffer and designated DJ. Nearly perfect individual except for his love for the 1997 "masterpiece" Rocketman.

Randy

A true partner through life with laughs for days. Whether it's drinks on the patio, getting in a good sweat, cleaning up the house, or just cozying up for a show, life is so much sweeter with Ivy by my side. 

Hype man and ghost hunter extraordinaire. What he lacks in colon length he makes up for in mechanic knowledge and hobby hyper-fixations!

Jarrod

The one who invites all of who I am into friendship and supports me in whatever journey life leads me on! My support, confidant, and hype woman. 

Kelsey 

A firm and hairy arm to cling to in any scary movie showing. Short in stature, but tall in positivity, enthusiasm, and dollar drinks at Applebees

Adam

My work wife for 3 years living day in and day out. Natalie is the sun on a rainy day. My pop concert pal, steady spirit, and the Type A to my Type B. 

Natalie

My intellectual and financial better, perfected old-fashioned maker, and a dungeon master of great renown

Ricke

Wedding Party

Q + A

AmericInn Stuart is set in Stuart. This 3-star inn offers free WiFi. Every room includes a private bathroom. West Des Moines is 29 mi from the inn. Des Moines International Airport is 34 mi away.

AmericInn by Wyndham Stuart

Dining Take advantage of the motel's room service (during limited hours). Business Amenities Free self parking is available onsite. Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 30 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Flat-screen televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include desks, and housekeeping is provided daily. Attractions Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer. Raccoon River Valley Trail - 20.1 km / 12.5 mi Lake Panorama - 27.6 km / 17.2 mi Smiley Face Water Tower - 28.6 km / 17.8 mi Adair City Park - 29 km / 18 mi Iowa Aviation Museum - 32.2 km / 20 mi Trindle Park - 33.9 km / 21.1 mi Adair County Courthouse - 34 km / 21.1 mi Bob Feller Museum - 34.3 km / 21.3 mi Warren Cultural Center - 34.4 km / 21.3 mi Southbridge Park - 34.6 km / 21.5 mi Van Meter Public Library - 34.6 km / 21.5 mi Van Meter City Hall - 34.7 km / 21.6 mi Bailey's Grove Park - 34.9 km / 21.7 mi Aquatic Center Park - 35.5 km / 22.1 mi Van Meter Recreation Complex - 35.8 km / 22.3 mi The nearest major airport is Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 66.7 km / 41.5 mi Location With a stay at Economy Inn Motel in Stuart, you'll be 30.1 mi (48.4 km) from Jordan Creek Town Center and 12.5 mi (20.1 km) from Raccoon River Valley Trail. This motel is 17.2 mi (27.6 km) from Lake Panorama and 17.8 mi (28.6 km) from Smiley Face Water Tower. Headline In Stuart

Chris & Kaylee

Chris & Kaylee

C&K

Ceremony