Afternoon on the lake 

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Thorncrown Chapel

Ceremony

The Melonlight Ballroom

Reception

Eureka Live

After Party

Our Wedding

June 12, 2021 It all started when we both attended a pool party hosted by our softball friends. During our initial greetings, it was shocking to find out that we lived only a couple of blocks apart in a small, hidden gem in the city called “The Gate District”.

How we met ❤️

We found out very early on in our relationship that we shared many of the same core values and interests. We both grew up in small farming communities, both members of the FFA, both played basketball and amazingly enough we were both tellers at our small community banks! Family and friends are everything to each of us. And finally our love for fur babies is unmatched 🐾

Getting to know each other

Watching sports is a huge part of our lives. Rick is an avid Arkansas Razorback fan, while Jackson is still learning how to call those hogs…still is a Duke fan to the core! We enjoy going watch the Cardinals play at Busch stadium and the Blues at Enterprise Center. Our lives stay busy with being season ticket holders to everything imaginable… the Fabulous Fox, the Muny, the Alamo Drafthouse and Arkansas Football.

Our Busy Schedules

When we aren’t watching sports, we are traveling somewhere to play them. Together we coach and manage the Saint Louis River Rats for both softball and volleyball. We enjoy traveling across the US to compete in various softball and volleyball tournaments. In an incredibly short amount of time, we were able to achieve the pinnacle of softball by being crowned the D division champions of the 2024 Gay Softball World Series. This is an incredible memory that we will always cherish! 

Softball & Volleyball

We both share the love of adventure and traveling. Our highlights include sightseeing journey in Europe. Halloween in both Key West and Provincetown. A wine trip in Napa. A gaycation in Puerto Vallarta and Palm Springs. But one of our favorite travel tradition is loading up the RV with the pups and going camping/tailgating in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Traveling 

May 11, 2024 Location: Sunset at La Palapa (Puerto Vallarta) The Story: We were having a dinner with our friends. (Mike & Sonny, Kathy and Lori, David & Suzanne) Little did Rick know that David was there to capture the proposal. We started off the evening with some pre dinner cocktails. Then David suggested to capture some shots with us in the sunset. Once I got the cue, I dropped to my knees…fumbled the ring…and asked Rick to marry me and he said yes! We celebrated with champagne, flaming Mexican coffee and a mariachi band and finally some late night dancing at Industry!

Will you marry me?

Our Story

Photos

Kendall and I met at my first job out of college at an accounting firm in Downtown St. Louis. We traveled together doing bank audits and audit conferences. We enjoy the same taste in music, food and travel. She quickly became my sister from another mister. Kendall was the first person that I came out to, and of course she shared at this moment that in fact she was also dating a woman. Neither of us were surprised at the news. 

Kendall

Trent and I met playing volleyball and softball in St. Louis. We enjoy nights out on the dance floor, a Sunday Funday with Showtunes and exploring new cities on a volleyball trips. 

Trent

Austin and I grew up in Kansas, Illinois. He is like my little brother. You can catch us together out riding four wheelers, playing some golf, or having a party at the shop.  Austin is the proud dad to two beautiful young girls and husband to Brooke. 

Austin

Sonny is one of my closest friends. We met soon after I moved to St. Louis, and have been part of my family ever since. He and Mike cooks extra knowing that Rick and I would starve without them. 

Sonny

We all have that one friend who we call to join - even though we know it’s a bad idea.  Even though we know we shouldn’t do it.  But we know that not only will they say yes; but they will enthusiastically participate!  For me, that’s Brian!
I met Brian when I moved to Houston.  We formed the battery of the Houston WILD - I pitched; he caught.  And BOTH of us ran our mouth the entire game!  We won a lot of games and not sure we ever lost an argument! I suppose not a lot has changed.  We still can make horrible decisions together fully knowing one drink NEVER means one drink!  And yes, I’m absolutely horrified to let him speak at the wedding reception!

Brian

Bart was also a member of the Houston WILD.  Right away I recognized and admired Bart’s ability to throw way more shade than me without anyone recognizing the source and never getting blamed.  In fact, I think most was likely blamed on me!  Bart understands politics better than anyone I know - not just our government but the politics of most decisions.  That’s why he’s not only my personal political analyst; he’s also my adviser to understand the politics of life’s situations.  And I know he always shoot it straight.  Albeit, that’s the only thing he shoots straight!

Bart

I recruited Kevin to join the Houston WILD.  And when I did, I had no idea that I was recruiting a lifelong friend.  We continue to play softball together after all these years even though we have both slowed physically -  I’m not sure our tempers have calmed much.  He’s always in my corner even if that means squaring off against a husky lesbian umpire after they’ve tossed me from the game!

Kevin

Sometimes we are so blessed to meet a new friend that feels like you’ve known them you’re entire life.  That’s how I felt when I met Mike.  It’s hard to believe that we have only been friends for 5 years because it truly feels like 30.  Mike and I share similar backgrounds; yes, we both love a good happy hour, a Broadway musical, and appreciate a good wig!  Mike is my sounding board, my voice of reason without judgement and also my neighbor who provides most of my meals!  

Michael Burnside

Wedding Party

Q + A

Very close to the Melonlight Ballroom

New Orleans Hotel

Downtown hotel that is very close (walkable) to the Melonlight Ballroom

Basin Park Hotel

Not walkable to the Melonlight Ballroom but beautiful, grand historic hotel on the trolly route to both the Thorncrown Chapel and Melonlight Ballroom

Crescent Hotel and Spa

The closest airport to Eureka Springs is XNA - it's approximately 45 minutes from downtown Eureka Springs.

Northwest Arkansas National Airport

Travel

War Eagle Craft Fair

The War Eagle Fair began in 1954. It was started as a way for crafters from across the Ozarks region to display their works. It continues today over 60 years later with the same idea.With more than 250 booths of all handcrafted products displayed by their creators, the War Eagle Fair takes place along the banks of the War Eagle River. A beautiful Fall setting of changing leaves makes the perfect weekend get away experience for you and your family.Eureka Springs is only a 30 minute drive from War Eagle and it’s the perfect place to stay and visit our shops &amp; galleries in the Historic downtown. Make this weekend even more fun!For more information on the Fair, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://wareaglefair.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://wareaglefair.com.</a>

Oktoberfest

Join us and taste craft &amp; seasonal beers from our region, fill up on bratwurst and listen to live music.Admission includes wristband for the Oktoberfest Entertainment District in Downtown Eureka Springs. October 18 @ 11:00 am&nbsp;–&nbsp;3:00 pm

Kings River Outfitters (Float Trip)

Kings River Outfitters offers canoe rentals and excursions, maps, guided floats, shuttle service, guided camping trips by canoe, picnic packages, resupply service for six-day to 10-day floats, and transportation from Eureka Springs to the river and back.

Things to Do

Registry

Welcome Party Details

Location: Chelsea’s Corner Cafe and BarDate: 10/17/2025Time: 6:00 to 8:00pmAddress: 10 Mountain St. Eureka Springs, ArkansasWebsite: www.chelseascafeeureka.com/Phone: Bar: +1 479-253-6723Cafe/Pizza:&nbsp;479-253-8231 THE BEST PIZZA IN TOWN upstairs on 2nd floor - FULL BAR downstairsFOR OVER 35 YEARS, CHELSEA’S HAS BEEN KNOWN BY&nbsp;LOCALS AND VISITORS AS THE PLACE TO BE IN EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS.&nbsp;KNOWN AS THE “HIDDEN GEM” OF DOWNTOWN EUREKA,&nbsp;IT’S WHERE EVERYONE COMES TO STAY UNTIL 2 AM.&nbsp;SO COME DANCE, LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC, PLAY POOL, EAT PIZZA &amp; DELICIOUS SALADS, SING AT OPEN MIC, AND HAVE A FULL BAR EXPERIENCE.&nbsp;CAFE UPSTAIRS DOES CLOSE BEFORE THE BAR DOWNSTAIRS, SO CLICK THE CAFE MENU TAB TO SEE KITCHEN HOURS.&nbsp;ENTER FROM SPRING STREET OR FROM MOUNTAIN STREET.&nbsp;LOCALS REFER TO IT AS BEING ‘SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER’ STREET.&nbsp;LOOK FOR THE BLACK AND WHITE PIANO KEYS LEADING UP TO THE ENTRANCE ON MOUNTAIN STREET OR ENTER ON THE SECOND LEVEL RIGHT OFF OF SPRING STREET NEAR THE PUBLIC RESTROOMS.

Jackson & Rick

Jackson & Rick

Registry