Valley Oaks Wedding Venue

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

Though we grew up worlds apart—Geena in the United States and Danyyil in Ukraine—life had a beautiful way of bringing us together. With big dreams, a shared love for swimming, and a touch of serendipity, our paths first crossed at the MAC Swimming Championships in March 2022 at Eastern Illinois University. At the time, Geena was coaching as a Graduate Assistant at Ball State University, while Danyyil held the same role at the University of Evansville. On the first night of the meet, Geena noticed a new Instagram follower: Danyyil Gayuk.. The next day, what started as a casual conversation quickly turned into something special—though it took Geena a moment to get used to Danyyil’s endearing Ukrainian accent! From that moment, everything fell into place. Amid the whirlwind of finishing grad school, starting new careers, and navigating life’s changes, we took a leap of faith. Just two months after meeting, we moved in together and discovered that love is not about where you come from, but about where you’re headed—together. We are so thrilled to celebrate the beginning of this beautiful new chapter with all of you, the people who mean the most to us!

Our Story

Photos

Proud mom to two beautiful kids, Kayla has been Geena’s built-in best friend since day one. Whether it was childhood adventures, teenage secrets, or adult laughs over coffee (or wine), these two have been inseparable their whole lives. If anyone knows Geena best, it’s her sister—and partner-in-crime—Kayla!

Kayla Hutchinson

Keith and Danyyil’s friendship began in 2018 at Delta State University, where they bonded as teammates on the swim team. From early morning practices to lifelong laughs, their friendship has only grown stronger over the years. Best friends then, best friends now—Keith has been by Danyyil’s side through it all, making him the perfect Best Man for the big day!

Keith Lloyd

Wedding Party

Q + A

Book room before 6/10/25 to receive the discounted rate!Room block is for Friday 7/11/25 and Saturday 7/12/25.Rate: $105/night for standard, $125/night for suitePlease call the hotel directly at (859) 432-8151 to book in the room block.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt Sterling North, an IHG Hotel

Blue Grass Airport

Travel

https://victoriastravelsandtribulations.com/2023/10/18/enjoy-epic-fall-views-at-natural-bridge-state-park/ https://www.redrivergorge.com/things-to-do/hiking/ https://parks.ky.gov/slade/parks/resort/natural-bridge-state-resort-park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

https://www.courier-journal.com/storytelling/grid/kentucky-bourbon-trail-guide/

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Natural Bridge Sky Lift Inc.

SUP Kentucky

Red River Jump Rock

Danyyil and Geena's favorite Things To Do in Lexington and surrounding areas! Favorite Restaurants1. Carson's Food &amp; Drink2. Goodfellas Pizzeria - Distillery3. East End Tap and Table 4. Ramsey's Diner - Zandale5. The Local Taco - Hamburg Favorite Coffee1. Brevede Coffee Distillery District2. Grounded All Day Cafe3. Old School Coffee4. A Cup of Commonwealth5. North Lime Coffee &amp; Donuts - Limestone Things To Do 1. The Arboretum 2. Fayette Mall/Summit at Fritz Farm3. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary4. Breweries - West Sixth, Wise Bird Cider, Ethereal Brewing, Country Boy5. UK Campus Tour

Geena & Danyyil

Geena & Danyyil

G&D

Wedding Day

5:30 PM–6:00 PM

Ceremony

6:00 PM–7:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

7:00 PM–8:00 PM

Dinner

8:00 PM–10:30 PM

Reception