Wedding Day

St. Mary Catholic Church

Wedding Mass

The Mill & Mine

Cocktail Hour & Wedding Reception

Our Wedding

It was December 14, 2023, when Luke and Hailey's paths finally crossed where they would meet. Unknowingly, their paths had crossed many times before. Luke is a staff member of UT Men's Basketball team, and Hailey and her family have had season tickets to the games for many years. Hailey is also a UT alumni. Their love for UT and the basketball team is one of the many interests Luke and Hailey share.   It all started with an online message—a simple comment on a profile that led to endless conversations about basketball, family, the Catholic faith, dreams, and life. From that moment, Luke and Hailey quickly found themselves spending more and more time together, their bond deepening with every shared moment.   About a month after they began dating, Luke and Hailey knew it was time to introduce each other to their families. The nerves were there, of course, but it didn’t take long for both families to see just how well these two fit together. Hailey quickly became a part of Luke’s world, and Luke a part of Hailey’s. The love and support from their families solidified their bond, and they couldn’t imagine life without each other.   About a year after they started dating, Luke and Hailey got engaged on December 04, 2024 in Sacred Heart Cathedral. Luke and Hailey are both Catholic and wanted God to be at the center of their relationship from the very beginning. Their famous saying they always share with eachother is You, Me and God.   Now, as they look ahead to a lifetime of love, laughter, and many more basketball games together, Luke and Hailey are grateful that the Lord brought them together and the unwavering love that has followed. Together, they are ready for the next chapter of their love story.

Our Story

Photos

Maid of Honor: Sydney Mesmer-Sydney is Hailey's younger sister. They are 5 years apart. Hailey is so proud of Sydney and all that she has already accomplished in life. She just graduated from UT Nursing school this past December, was the President of the UT Gymnastics Club, and on top of that, she has been the manager of Bella Boutique! They have dreamed of being each others' maid of honor since they were little kids! Hailey could not be more excited to have Sydney standing by her side through it all. Bridesmaid: Olivia Brang-Olivia joined Hailey's family officially in May 2024 when she married one of Hailey's cousins, Mason. Ever since they first met, Hailey and Olivia have grown closer together, and Hailey is thrilled to have a girl cousin since there are no girl cousins on that side of the family! Olivia is so much more than a cousin to Hailey. She is thrilled to have Olivia be a part of her big day, and is so happy they get to be family for life. Bridesmaid: Francesca Miles-Francesca is one of Hailey's coworkers at Knoxville Catholic High School. They started working together at Knoxville Catholic High School 3 years ago, and became best friends instantly! They have become so much more than coworkers. Francesca and Hailey have very similar personalities and teaching styles. Working at Catholic would not be the same without her. They enjoy their daily phone calls whether it be to rant, talk about school, talk about UT sports, or just talk about life. Hailey could not imagine getting married without Francesca by her side. Bridesmaid: Lindsey Fowler-Lindsey and Hailey met their freshman year of High School at Knoxville Catholic, specifically, freshman Biology class. They went their separate ways for college, but have always stayed close. Hailey is so blessed that Lindsey and her have developed a life-long friendship. Hailey was a bridesmaid in Lindsey's wedding, and is so excited to now have Lindsey in her wedding! Hailey and Lindsey are both excited for the next stage of their friendship. Thank you, freshman Biology class! Bridesmaid: Megan Mallory-Hailey and Megan met in the Catholic Campus Ministry at NC State in the end of her sophomore year. They became friends instantly. Megan and Hailey have very similar personalities. Even though they now live in different states, they still talk to each other a lot. Megan is one of those friends who you know is always going to give you the best advice and will stick with you no matter what. They have not been able to see each other in person for the last couple of years, so they are excited to finally be reuinted again! Bridesmaid: Alice DiFazio-Hailey and Alice met through Megan at NC State and the Catholic Campus Ministry. Alice is a Chemical Engineer, and she is still living in Raleigh. Just like Megan, Hailey and Alice talk all the time on the phone keeping up their frienship despite living in different states. They always pick up right where they left off when they see each other. Hailey is so blessed to have found such a good friend who shares in similiar interests as her and has a strong relationship with Christ. Best Man of Honor: Paul Schapker-Paul is Luke’s father. He lives in Evansville, IN. He is a semi-retired independent contractor. Helping people and building things is his passion. His example of hard work, and dedication set the stage for everything Luke wanted to become in life. They are very similar in many aspects and Luke always knows he can go to his dad when he needs help. Luke and his dad love each other deeply, and Luke could not imagine getting married without his father by his side. Best Man: Jacob Schapker-Jacob is Luke’s younger brother. He lives in Evansville, IN and is a Mechanical Drafter for Wilderman and Associates. Luke is very proud of everything Jacob has accomplished and continues to accomplish in his life. They have leaned on and supported each other to become the people they are today . There is no question their love for each other is special and that without each other they wouldn’t be where they are today. They are so thankful for their shared childhood and experiences and are even more thankful to share in Luke’s wedding day together. Groomsman: Garrett Mesmer-Garrett is Hailey’s younger brother. They are two years apart. He is sandwiched between Hailey and Sydney. He lives in Knoxville, and is a Mechanical Engineer. He likes spending time with his family and gaming with his friends. Garrett has enjoyed getting to know Luke as Hailey and him have been dating, and he has become a bigger UT basketball fan. Luke is honored to have Garrett stand by his side, and Garrett is excited to finally have a brother! Groomsman: Lucas Campbell-Lucas is a close friend of Luke. He lives in Knoxville, TN but ironically was born in Evansville, IN. Lucas is an assistant coach for the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team. Lucas was a walk on for the team when Luke first joined the team. A friendship that started as just a Catan novice playing partner has evolved into a lifelong friendship that Luke wouldn’t trade for anything. The two spend a lot of time together every day and certainty wanted that to be the case on Luke’s most special day. Groomsman: IJ Poole-IJ is a close friend of Luke. He lives in Greenville, NC where he is an assistant coach for the East Carolina University basketball team. IJ and Luke worked together at the University of Tennessee where their friendship developed exponentially during COVID where they lived together for a year. While the world lived in isolation, IJ and Luke had a blast watching movies (particularly Marvel), playing video games, and all types of shenanigans. They have more inside jokes than you can imagine, and Luke is excited to share his special day with IJ. Groomsman: Dylan BrewsterDylan is a close friend of Luke. He lives in Lenoir City, TN where he is the head coach for the Lenoir City High School boys’ basketball team. Dylan and Luke were first year graduate assistants together for the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team and have stayed in touch ever since. They are united in their love for basketball and love talking hoops. They are also both excited to get to be in each other's weddings!

Wedding Party

Q + A

A 10-minute walk from the University of Tennessee and the Knoxville Convention Center, this hotel features an on-site bar, indoor pool, and free in-room Wi-Fi. The rooms at the Knoxville Crowne Plaza Hotel include warm colors and hardwood furniture. Guests can watch cable on the flat-screen TV. A work desk and coffee maker are also provided. The on-site gym is open 24 hours a day. A business center is located off of the lobby and dry cleaning services are available. Mahogany's restaurant is open for breakfast.The Library, a pub-style bar, is open in the evenings and has a full-service bar. The Knoxville Zoo is 3 miles from Crowne Plaza Hotel Knoxville. The Tennessee Theater is a 5-minute walk away. Swimming pool #1 closed from Monday, 28 October 2024, until 30 October 2024.

Recommended Hotel: Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG

The Mill and Mine Reception Parking Map

Travel

There are tons of things to do in Knoxville in July! -The University of Tennessee is in downtown Knoxville. It is fun to walk around the campus, but farewarning, it is very hilly! -Ijams Nature Center has lots of hiking trails or paddling boarding at the Quarry. -Market Square and Gay Street are fun places to walk around to explore nature and enjoy some great food. -Maple Hall is an upscale bowling alley on Gay Street. -World's Fair Park is a fun place to walk around downtown and enjoy the sunshine. -The Tennesse Theatre on Gay Street is open year-round an may be offering shows if you enjoy the theatre! -Dollywood Amusement Park and Splash Country in Gaitlinburg is about 45 minutes from Knoxville. <a href="https://www.downtownknoxville.org/explore/worlds-fair-park-district/?h[]=116" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Here is a link that is includes an updated calendar of events for downtown Knoxville. </a> We hope you enjoy exploring Knoxville!

Hailey & Luke

Hailey & Luke

Q + A

Is the ceremony in a different place than the reception?

Do I get a +1?

Are kids allowed at the wedding?