Grand River Hall

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Dating

Our story began with a simple Facebook friend request. Robert reached out after his friend, Ethan, mentioned we had so much in common. After accepting his request, Robert sent me a message, and though I hesitated for a day, my friend Mandy encouraged me to take a chance and respond.We spent the next couple of days texting, getting to know each other, before Robert asked me to join him for ice cream at Dairy Cream one evening at 9PM. He picked me up, and we sat in his truck, talking like we’d known each other forever. The ice cream hardly mattered – we were so captivated by each other’s company.Just two days later, we went to Cannova’s. It was that night, that we both knew – this was the beginning of forever.

Engagement

Our engagement was the ultimate surprise especially since I told Robert he would never be able to surprise me. After we got back from our trip to Cancun, Robert got to work planning, with a little help from his mom and my brother's girlfriend, Ryan. On December 21st, we were supposed to go see Christmas lights in Rockford, and I had my heart set on eating at Texas Roadhouse afterward. But then, that morning, my brother texted asking if we could swing by Cork&amp;Tap for drinks and dinner. I wasn’t too keen on it, but Robert insisted we go.Later that day, I went shopping with my best friend, Kaitlyn, and she kept nudging me to make sure my nails were done before we went to see the lights. I thought she was just being extra, so I kept insisting that I didn’t think Robert was planning anything big that night.I was, of course, totally wrong.We went to Nicholas Conservatory to see the lights, and it was freezing—like, 5 degrees. I was rocking 3-inch heels on icy sidewalks, and of course, I complained about it the whole time. Robert was acting a little... strange, though, letting other people cut ahead of us to take pictures. I thought, "Oh, he’s just being polite," until he took me to a spot “for a picture.” Next thing I know, he’s on one knee asking me to marry him. I obviously said yes—much to the delight of strangers and Kaleb, who was behind us capturing the whole moment.Afterward, I was dying to call my friends and family, so I immediately called Kaitlyn and my mom. Then we headed to Cork&amp;Tap, and when we reached the table where my brother and Ryan were sitting, I showed them my shiny new ring. Robert almost blew the next surprise, but, luckily, I was too busy staring at the sparkler to catch on.The bartender came over and casually mentioned an art gallery upstairs, and suddenly, everyone was grabbing my stuff and ushering me upstairs. As I was climbing the stairs, I noticed one of Robert's friends sitting at the top, and I thought, "What a coincidence!" Then, I saw Robert's parents and my parents. That’s when it clicked—it was an engagement party! We had an amazing night celebrating with family and friends, and I’m still shocked Robert was able to surprise me completely.

Our Story

Photos

Kaitlyn and I met when we worked together at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Over the last 6 years, Kaitlyn and I became close through lunches at Angelos & Corner spot, our love for Six Flags, and our love for cancelling on each other (usually just because we don't want to go). One of my first memories with Kaitlyn was driving to Morrison to have a meeting with a school counselor only to find out that she scheduled a meeting with a counselor in Morrison, Missouri not Illinois. 

Kaitlyn Blackburn

Jenn and I have known each other since we were about 5 years old. We grew up in school and church together. Jenn and I played soccer and basketball growing up and ran cross country in high school. We were often mistaken for each other playing soccer because we looked like twins as kids.

Jennifer Kleveland

Jessica and I are cousins that grew up together from third grade on. We spent our childhood playing sports, running around Mount Morris in summertime, shooting hoops at Dillehay Park and playing video games together - specifically Nancy Drew and Star Wars: Battlefront 2. My favorite memories with Jessica were the music videos and talk shows we made together.

Jessica Rago

Mandy and I met when we both attended a small group at Heartland Community Church. We were introduced and instantly clicked. Mandy has brought an incredible wisdom and energy to my life since I have known her. She and I spent many nights in small group together, and hanging out at her apartment playing games with our friend group. My most recent and favorite memory of Mandy is our trip to San Diego where we talked our life and our futures. She is one of the reasons I messaged Rob back, because she told me to go for it.

Mandy Poirier

Danielle and Danielle. We were next door neighbors our freshman year at Iowa State University. Danielle and I spent many nights with her now husband Rob (yes, another Danielle and Rob) going to the gym and getting McDonalds shamrock shakes immediately after. After I left ISU, I would visit Danielle at Iowa State to go to football games and go out to the bars. I will never forget Danielle telling me freshman year that she couldn't wait to be one of my bridesmaids in my wedding.

Danielle Lawrence

Ryan and I have known each other since kindergarten. We were in the same class and spent time in girl scouts, playing soccer together and singing in junior high choir. Fast forward to now, Ryan is my brothers fiancé and part of our family. My favorite memories with Ryan are going to Cork & Tap and Hector's Cocina so we can vent.

Ryan Starkey

Martha and I became sisters-in-law when she married my oldest brother in 2019. We met a couple of years before that when my brothers and I got back from a siblings trip. Martha and I have gotten to know each other well over the years through our love for playing Dungeons and Dragons, but more so the last few years since she became a mother and made me an aunt for the first time. 

Martha Horst

Gracie and I met this past year when I started dating Rob. I had the privilege of giving a presentation for my job in one of her classes in the fall. I'm looking forward to watching her basketball games and support her in everything she does. 

Gracie Holaday

Isla Groom

Brittan and I have known each other since the day Brittan was born. He is my younger brother, and we have farmed together with our dad since we were able to help. He is my first call for a farm project, if I need help with anything, and was the first person I told that I was going to marry Danielle. I enjoy cookouts together, watching and playing basketball, and spending time with my nephew Bowdin.

Brittan DeVries

Calvin and I have known each other for 8 years. I met Calvin in German Valley, playing with him on a slow pitch softball team. Calvin and I connected through our love for sports, playing basketball and softball, Chicago Bulls, and the endless debates over sports. Now, we coach against each other in high school basketball (Forreston vs. Polo).

Calvin Clothier

Ethan and I have known each other since 4th grade. We grew up playing football, basketball and baseball together. Now that we are both retired from playing, we love having bonfires, going out to eat, and spending time with his family. Ethan was the one who actually told me about Danielle.

Ethan Groom

Tanner and I have known each other since I signed at Quincy University in 2017. Tanner was my teammate for 2 years and a player I got to coach for 2 years. We were roommates at QU and were always working out together, driving around or playing video games. With Tanner being a pro basketball player overseas, we are always talking about basketball, his career, and seeing his adventures around the world with his wife.

Tanner Stuckman

Derek and I have known each other since the day he was born as well. Derek is my younger brother. He has been my roommate for the past 3 years. We love to have cookouts/bonfires, play video games and watch/talk football. When he isn't working nights as a cop, he is always helping on the farm.

Derek DeVries

Kam and I have known each other since I was in 7th grade. Kam played basketball against me for Milledgeville and was a fun but competitive friendship. We got a lot closer when we started playing men's league slow pitch and basketball together. We talk sports all the time and love talking about farming and raising cattle at all hours of the day.

Kameron DawTyne

Casey and I have known each other since the day he was born. He is my youngest brother. Casey farms with my dad, Brittan and I. Casey and I take a lot of road trips together to get farm projects that we buy far away. We are always doing something around the farm together, watching sports, or cookouts/bonfires.

Casey DeVries

Kirk and I have known each other since I was a sophomore in high school. Kirk was my quarterback coach and one of the basketball coaches. We got close playing men's league basketball and slow pitch softball together. We often get dinner together with his family, debate sports and talk about farming.

Kirk Engelkens

Bowdin DeVries

JJ Horst

Wedding Party

Q + A

We’ve secured a room block at Country Inn &amp; Suites under the "Horst-DeVries Wedding" name. Rooms are available at a rate of $130 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your room at the discounted rate, please call the hotel directly at 815-233-3333.


Please note that all reservations must be made by April 30, 2025. After this date, any unbooked rooms will be released. If rooms are still available after April 30, you may be able to book at the discounted rate.

Danielle Horst & Robert DeVries

Danielle Horst & Robert DeVries

D&R

Wedding Day

Reception