Texas Star Cafe

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

St Peter & Paul Catholic Church

Ceremony

Mike and Julie Koch Family Property 

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

The Story of Jackie & James 

There's a story told in about the two lost souls looking for love in Great State of Texas. Where it all began no one seems to really know, although they believe God had a hand in it from the very beginning!    Once upon a time not that long ago, in the great state of Texas, a man by the name of James Kelly Russell, known to most folks as Jay and he was looking for his one true love. It is believed to be in the digital landscape of the 21st century, two souls embarked on an adventure for love while each of them were unaware how their next big move would cause their paths to cross in a way that would change their lives forever.     Jay recently began working with Catholic Charities in accounting department located in Dallas, Texas. Meanwhile, a beautiful young lady by the Jackie Elizabeth Koch recently returned from the West Coast to her loving family and back to her Texas roots. Jay and Jackie found themselves on Bumble and happened to be swiping right looking for love in just the right place. Jackie made the first move by reaching first out and his next few words to her were you look like a handful. As he meant these few simple words as a flirtatious compliment, he had no idea how right he was about her!    As a free-spirited young woman with a creative sense of fashion yet true natural beauty Jackie immediately caught Jay's attention. He was drawn to ambitious and bubbly personality with a unique love for horses as well as her desire to escape the big city life to the Colorado's Rocky Mountain air and most importantly her love for her family.     ﻿Meanwhile as a true southern gentleman, Jay began to truly catch her attention. Jackie was quickly drawn to his confident, fun loving personality. She was intrigued by his warm smile and rugged country charm, as a well-educated intelligent gentleman trying to make a prosperous life for himself in the big city. Jay was pleasantly surprised by how easily deep-hearted and intellectual conversations flowed and how many of their common interests aligned with each other. Jackie and Jay bonded over their love for horses, baseball and Tex-Mex.     After a year of long distance dating, Jackie and Jay escaped the Texas heat and made the drive to southern Colorado where he asked for her hand in marriage. While they say love makes the heart grow fonder, Jay recently move to be closer to Jackie and the couple is currently living in Houston.    Jackie and Jay will be united in marriage on Saturday, April 6th of 2024 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Ulm, Texas, followed by a reception at family property. The couple chose April 6th to honor his great grandparents 90th wedding anniversary. They are looking forward to sharing their special day and can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Our Story

Photos

Annie Finney - Matron of Honor and Sister of the Bride

Caroline Usher - Bridesmaid and Sister-In-Love to the Bride 

Brittany Stegent - Bridesmaid and Sister-In-Love to the Bride

Colleen Mutz  - Bridesmaid and Friend to the Bride

 Kerry Barber - Bridesmaid and Friend to the Groom

Blake Hughey - Best Man and Friend to the Groom 

Thomas Koch - Groomsmen and Brother to the Bride 

Stephen Koch - Groomsmen and Brother to the Bride 

Sean Finney - Groomsmen and Brother-In-Law of the Bride

Andrew Wendt - Groomsmen and Friend to the Groom

Julianne "Colbie" Finney - Flower Girl and Niece to the Bride 

Blaise Michael Finney - Ring Bearer and Nephew to the Bride

Sebastian "Bash" Patrick Finney - Ring Bearer and Nephew to the Bride

Wedding Party

Lists of Events 

There are a variety of places in the Columbus and New Ulm area to stay including Hotels and AirBnBs. We have hotel blocks available at the following locations in Columbus, TX. Please call the hotel for reservations and use Code: Koch/Russell Wedding. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We cant wait to celebrate with you!

Travel and Hotel Accommodations

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus TX

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Columbus an IHG Hotel

Travel

Local Favorites near New Ulm, Texas

Check out our local favorites including restraurants, wineries, coffee shops and more! Take the time to explore around New Ulm and Columbus, Texas and see why we love to call this place home! The Vine and Tasting Room: wine down after a long day of traveling at the local Texas Winery with your favorite wine and tasty brick-oven pizza. Bean Fien: start your morning off right at New Ulm Texas' favorite small town coffee shop. The Falls Golf Course and V Bar: a recently renovated golf resort; play a round of golf and enjoy some time at the V Bar before teeing off. Schobel’s Cafe: find something for everyone at the famous Schobel’s Restaurant in Columbus Texas. Hound Song Brewery: the Koch family favorite to start off the weekend; check out Columbus, Texas small town brewery and enjoy your favorite beer paired with some savory snacks. Dewberry Cafe: the Dewberry Cafe in town square located in Columbus Texas has amazing breakfast and lunch specials. There are many more local restaurants, activities, shopping and even deep Texas history in the New Ulm and Columbus Texas and surrounding areas. Feel free to reach out with any questions! We can't wait to celebrate our love and enjoy our special day with you! Photo Credit: RhiannandRiley by Chris Johnson; cousin of Bride

Local Favorites

Registry

Jackie & Jay

Jackie & Jay

Travel

Travel and Hotel Accommodations

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus TX

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Columbus an IHG Hotel