Haue Valley

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

When You Know, You Just Know

Our First Date

It all started late summer of 2015. Gina, an avid gym goer, caught a glimpse of this somewhat tall, out of shape guy that looked familiar. Little did she know, that this beautiful girl, in purple pants, had captured all of my attention. We had met before and were social media friends but never really talked. I swear it was Gina who reached out to me first, but she proved me wrong, as she usually does. We chatted for several weeks and I finally asked her out. She agreed and even allowed me to come to her house to pick her up. We went to the Boat House at Forest Park. It was a great date, but the timing just wasn't right for either of us, and we both went our separate ways.

The Second First Date

Fast forward 6 years. Gina's mom, Dana, had went to a psychic who told her that her daughter, Gina needed to wait until the summer for a great guy to come into her life. That psychic somehow knew that I was going to reach out and reconnect with Gina. It had to be fate playing a card. I reached out shortly after. I was able to get Gina to agree to drinks, which during Covid was not an easy task. We met at Sybergs in Arnold on Thursday May 14, 2020. The date lasted for over 5 hours as we chatted all night about anything and everything. It was like we were old friends catching up. I knew that this girl was special. There was something there and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Package Deal

I was able to score big brownie points on the second date. When I invited Gina over to my house and offered to cook dinner. Knowing her love for her dog, Remi, I told her that Remi was more than welcome to come. Since that day Remi has had me wrapped around her paw and I would do anything for that dog. I never allowed pets on the furniture, but then came Remi. She is the only dog that I have ever allowed to ride in the front seat of my truck. As Gina told me from the first time we met, "Remi and I are a package deal". It's been the best package I've ever gotten.

2020 Was the Best Year of our Lives

Not many people would make such a statement about the dreaded year of 2020. But this was the year it all started. This second first date blossomed into a loving relationship that bloomed into spending the rest of our lives together. Our relationship felt so right that it often seemed surreal. You are always told that when you know you'll know, and with us, we quickly could say that we knew. After 3 months I knew. I remember a weekend at the lake when my aunt asked if this girl was the one and I quickly said yes. This relationship is so easy and we just seemed to fit together. Over the summer we discovered how much we share a love of the lake, spending every possible weekend we could there. We had an incredible summer together.

Meet the Parents

Gina had a strict policy on meeting the family. She would not introduce a boy to her family until after 90 days. However, I was eager to introduce her to my family. Of course, they loved Gina. They could see how good she was for me and how happy she made me. Once I finally got the opportunity to meet Gina's family, it was at her sisters new home they had just purchased. Gina asked me with only 15 minutes of notice if I wanted to go. I jumped on it. I was dying for a chance to meet her family. So I rushed to clean up, shaved, put on a nice shirt, and shorts. I wanted to make a good impression. I think it worked, because I'm still here.

Bring on 2021  and the Rest of our Lives

As we moved into 2021, I knew I was ready to spend my life with this amazing brown eyed, brown haired girl. I knew I could not live the rest of my life without her being a part of it. I started looking at rings. My cousin Thor (yes like the god of thunder) hooked me up with a great jeweler and in a couple of weeks I had the ring. Gina, being her usual self, did not offer any hints about what she would like as a ring. So I went my "goto person", my sister, to get ideas and her thoughts. She agreed with everything I was doing. I wanted to make sure Gina loved ring so I checked with the person who not only looks like her but shares her taste. That person, was her sister Tina. When I told her that I wanted to marry her sister and shared my ideas about the ring, she was pretty ecstatic. She even told me her other half, John, really liked me, and he never liked any of Gina's past boyfriends. The feeling was mutual. I was gaining an amazing wife as well as awesome sister and brother in law.The next day I called her mother and asked her for her daughter's hand in marriage. She was caught by surprise and said "are you serious". I said yes I am and she said she would love to have me in her family. She gave me her blessings.

Man with a Plan

After I picked up the ring, I started planning for the perfect time and place to ask Gina. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep this secret long. Gina can be the most inquisitive person. She could have been a private investigator, so needless to say, hiding this secret from her was going to take a lot of coordination. Tina told me to reach out to Jenn, her best friend. We already had a date night planned with Tina and John and Jenn and Scott. We had an igloo booked on a rooftop bar downtown right before Valentines day. I knew this was it. After discussing it with Tina and Jenn, we came up with a masterful plan. Tina would have to call Gina to keep her occupied while I was talking to Jenn. The plans for that evening begin to take shape. Jenn was able to line up a limo and I called ahead to have champagne and chocolate covered strawberries waiting in our igloo. The big night finally came and I had to have a couple of beers in the afternoon to calm my nerves. I was like a kid on Christmas morning and couldn't wait to see her reaction. We stopped for drinks and appetizers before getting to the igloo. Once there, I knew what I was going to do. I told both Tina and Jenn to have their phones ready after I poured the champagne. So I raised my glass and started to make a toast to Gina. Getting down on one knee and opening the ring box she was clearly stunned and surprised. She said YES!! The ring slid right onto her finger as if it was always meant to be there. She loved the ring and couldn't stop looking at it. The night was a huge success. Neither of us will ever forget it!

Our Story

In PacificMake yourself at home in one of the 46 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks and complimentary weekday newspapers, and housekeeping is provided daily.With a stay at Quality Inn Near Six Flags St. Louis in Pacific, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Six Flags St. Louis and Shaw Nature Reserve.  This hotel is 5.5 mi (8.8 km) from Purina Farms and 6.6 mi (10.6 km) from Hurricane Harbor.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Shaw Nature Reserve - 6.2 km / 3.9 mi  Purina Farms - 8.8 km / 5.5 mi  Hurricane Harbor - 10.6 km / 6.6 mi  Six Flags St. Louis - 10.7 km / 6.6 mi  Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area - 12.1 km / 7.5 mi  Black Madonna Shrine - 12.5 km / 7.7 mi  Winding Brook Estates Lavender Farm - 12.9 km / 8 mi  Robertsville State Park - 13.5 km / 8.4 mi  Don Robinson State Park - 16.4 km / 10.2 mi  Chubb Trail Trailhead - 18.2 km / 11.3 mi  West Tyson County Park - 18.4 km / 11.4 mi  Flint Quarry Trail Trailhead - 18.5 km / 11.5 mi  Show Me - 18.6 km / 11.6 mi  Hidden Valley Ski Resort - 19.2 km / 11.9 mi  Skid Row - 19.4 km / 12 mi  The nearest airports are:Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) - 62.9 km / 39.1 mi St. Louis, MO (SUS-Spirit of St. Louis) - 35.1 km / 21.8 mi The preferred airport for Quality Inn Near Six Flags St. Louis is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL). Enjoy the recreation opportunities such as a fitness center or make use of other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access.Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary buffet breakfast is included.

Quality Inn Near Six Flags St. Louis

In the mountainsMake yourself at home in one of the 110 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Cable programming and MP3 docking stations are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature designer toiletries and hair dryers.Located in Wildwood, The Wildwood Hotel is in the mountains, within a 15-minute drive of Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park and Westfield Chesterfield Mall.  This hotel is 10.5 mi (16.9 km) from Six Flags St. Louis and 14.9 mi (24 km) from Magic House - St. Louis Children's Museum.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  Castlewood State Park - 10.1 km / 6.3 mi  Babler State Park - 10.5 km / 6.5 mi  Hidden Valley Ski Resort - 10.6 km / 6.6 mi  Show Me - 10.7 km / 6.6 mi  Skid Row - 10.8 km / 6.7 mi  Westfield Chesterfield Mall - 11.8 km / 7.3 mi  Myseum - 12.5 km / 7.7 mi  Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House - 13.6 km / 8.4 mi  Faust Park - 14.2 km / 8.8 mi  St. Louis Premium Outlets - 14.4 km / 9 mi  Governor Bates Trail Trailhead - 14.5 km / 9 mi  American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog - 15.7 km / 9.8 mi  Winding Brook Estates Lavender Farm - 15.9 km / 9.9 mi  Chubb Trail Trailhead - 16 km / 9.9 mi  The nearest airports are:Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) - 36.6 km / 22.8 mi St. Louis, MO (SUS-Spirit of St. Louis) - 16.2 km / 10.1 mi The preferred airport for The Wildwood Hotel is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL). Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and wedding services.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Wildwood? This hotel has facilities measuring 5,300 square feet (492 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.Take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). To-go breakfasts are available daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee.

The Wildwood Hotel

Near St. Louis Premium OutletsMake yourself at home in one of the 112 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while 32-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.Located in Chesterfield, TownePlace Suites by Marriott St. Louis Chesterfield is in a rural location, a 1-minute drive from St. Louis Premium Outlets and 6 minutes from Missouri Bluffs Golf Course.  This aparthotel is 14.7 mi (23.7 km) from Westport Plaza and 16.4 mi (26.4 km) from Ameristar Casino St. Charles.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  St. Louis Premium Outlets - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park - 6.1 km / 3.8 mi  Missouri Bluffs Golf Course - 6.2 km / 3.8 mi  Taubman Prestige Outlets - 7.4 km / 4.6 mi  Babler State Park - 9 km / 5.6 mi  Westfield Chesterfield Mall - 10.6 km / 6.6 mi  Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center - 10.7 km / 6.7 mi  Lewis and Clark Trail Trailhead - 11 km / 6.9 mi  Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House - 12.5 km / 7.8 mi  Faust Park - 13 km / 8.1 mi  Governor Bates Trail Trailhead - 13.4 km / 8.3 mi  Hamburg Trail Trailhead - 13.9 km / 8.6 mi  9-11 Memorial - 14.4 km / 9 mi  August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area - 14.5 km / 9 mi  St. Luke's Hospital - 16.5 km / 10.2 mi  The nearest airports are:Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) - 37.7 km / 23.4 mi St. Louis, MO (SUS-Spirit of St. Louis) - 2.6 km / 1.6 mi Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional features at this aparthotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, a picnic area, and barbecue grills. Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the complimentary area shuttle.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. A shuttle from the airport to the hotel is complimentary (available on request).Grab a bite from the grocery/convenience store serving guests of TownePlace Suites by Marriott St. Louis Chesterfield. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott St. Louis Chesterfield

Near Taubman Prestige OutletsMake yourself at home in one of the 112 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. 40-inch Smart televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers.With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Chesterfield in Chesterfield, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Taubman Prestige Outlets and Westfield Chesterfield Mall.  This hotel is 11.1 mi (17.9 km) from Westport Plaza and 12.8 mi (20.7 km) from Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Taubman Prestige Outlets - 1.6 km / 1 mi  Westfield Chesterfield Mall - 4.7 km / 2.9 mi  St. Louis Premium Outlets - 5.7 km / 3.5 mi  Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House - 6.7 km / 4.1 mi  Faust Park - 7.2 km / 4.5 mi  Governor Bates Trail Trailhead - 7.6 km / 4.7 mi  Missouri Bluffs Golf Course - 10.2 km / 6.3 mi  St. Luke's Hospital - 10.7 km / 6.6 mi  Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park - 10.7 km / 6.7 mi  Myseum - 11.3 km / 7 mi  Babler State Park - 11.7 km / 7.2 mi  Mercy Olive Mason MOB - 14 km / 8.7 mi  Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center - 14.7 km / 9.1 mi  Lewis and Clark Trail Trailhead - 15 km / 9.3 mi  American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog - 15.1 km / 9.4 mi  The nearest airports are:Lambert-St. Louis Intl. Airport (STL) - 33.7 km / 21 mi St. Louis, MO (SUS-Spirit of St. Louis) - 4.7 km / 2.9 mi The preferred airport for Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Chesterfield is Lambert-St. Louis Intl. Airport (STL). Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and wedding services. Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the complimentary area shuttle.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Chesterfield? This hotel has facilities measuring 1420 square feet (132 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.Grab a bite to eat at The Bistro, a café which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Full breakfasts are available daily for a fee.

Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Chesterfield

Holiday Inn Saint Louis West at Six Flags

In a rural locationMake yourself at home in one of the 70 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, and LCD televisions with digital programming provide entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary newspapers, as well as phones with free local calls.Located in Pacific, Comfort Inn Near Six Flags St. Louis is in a rural location, within a 10-minute drive of Shaw Nature Reserve and Purina Farms.  This hotel is 6.8 mi (10.9 km) from Six Flags St. Louis and 6.8 mi (10.9 km) from Hurricane Harbor.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Shaw Nature Reserve - 6.3 km / 3.9 mi  Purina Farms - 8.9 km / 5.5 mi  Six Flags St. Louis - 10.9 km / 6.8 mi  Hurricane Harbor - 10.9 km / 6.8 mi  Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area - 12.7 km / 7.9 mi  Black Madonna Shrine - 13.1 km / 8.1 mi  Winding Brook Estates Lavender Farm - 13.2 km / 8.2 mi  Robertsville State Park - 13.6 km / 8.5 mi  Don Robinson State Park - 17 km / 10.6 mi  Chubb Trail Trailhead - 18.5 km / 11.5 mi  West Tyson County Park - 18.7 km / 11.6 mi  Flint Quarry Trail Trailhead - 18.7 km / 11.6 mi  Show Me - 18.9 km / 11.7 mi  Hidden Valley Ski Resort - 19.4 km / 12.1 mi  Skid Row - 19.6 km / 12.2 mi  The nearest airports are:Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) - 63.2 km / 39.3 mi St. Louis, MO (SUS-Spirit of St. Louis) - 35 km / 21.7 mi The preferred airport for Comfort Inn Near Six Flags St. Louis is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL). Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, a television in a common area, and complimentary use of a nearby fitness facility.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary buffet breakfast is included.

Gina & Kevin

Gina & Kevin

Photos