St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Brussels American Legion

Reception

Our Wedding

To begin, have you ever heard of the invisible string theory? It is described as everyone has someone in their lives who is attached to them by an unbreakable string that transcends time, distance. The key to this theory is the belief that this relationship is not purely determined by choice, but fate. You are inexplicably connected with this person. I never truly believed in that theory, until our paths crossed. Now, how Austin and I first met. As you read this story, you may think: How cliché for a small town Calhoun County couple... Well, I hope this is a bit better than you are expecting! So, I had lived 15 minutes from Calhoun County my entire life, but had only ventured over the infamous Hardin bridge only a few times. So, when a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go to a bonfire in Brussels, I was like, WHERE is THAT?! Needless to say, I ventured on over to the mysterious Brussels, IL - in the middle of absolutely no where, to attend this bonfire. When I arrived at this party, I was expecting to meet with a totally different guy than Austin (the main reason why I was wanting to go to this party). He and I ended up chatting for a little while, but nothing transpired. Shortly after, a slow song came on the radio as everyone was sitting around the fire. Everyone immediately grabbed a partner, and started to slow dance - and the guy who I was there with asked another girl to dance! (I know right, who does that?!) ((Its okay though, he ended up marrying my, unknowingly at the time, best friend)). So it was just me and one other guy awkwardly sitting alone while everyone is having a romantic moment. Before I knew it, my hand was grabbed and I was pulled onto my feet by this mysterious stranger who wore hearing aids that I hadnt spoken to all night. He immediately pulled me into a goofy dance that was the exact opposite of what everyone else was doing, and I couldnt help but laugh. Who IS this guy? After the song was over, he introduced himself as Austin Spears. A bit later on in the night, I was not the most completely sober, so I ventured into this random house, in search of a snack. What do you know - Austin is inside, and as if on cue, he asked me if I wanted some of this PopTart that he was snacking on. I guess you can say, the rest is history. My long awaited dream finally came true after 7 long years together when Austin asked me to marry him on New Years Eve of 2023, in Grafton, IL surrounded by friends and family. We could not be more excited that our big day is finally coming to life!

Where It All Began

Our Story

Photos

Men/Women of Honor

Heather Schulz

Anthony Goetten

Alexa Kamp

Travis Kamp

Bridesmaids

Lindsey Shaw

Baylee Kiel

Haley Schulte

Abbey Burns

Abby Baalman

Meghan Beiser

Maddie Droege

Groomsmen

Dakota Schulte

Sam Baalman

Ryan Kanallakan

Mason Caselton

Jordan Ohlendorf

Garrett Hayn

Clayton Ralson

Joey Ohlendorf

Morgan Baalman

Ushers

Owen Goetten

Easton Clark

Wedding Party

Q + A

Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center

Aerie's Resort in Grafton Illinois

Ruebel Hotel

River View Guest House

Grafton Inn

Super 8 by Wyndham Jerseyville

Travel

Pere Marquette State Park

Wittmond's Restaurant

Old Point Pub

The Loading Dock

Grafton SkyTour at Aerie's Resort

Grafton Zipline at Aerie's Resort

Grafton Winery the Vineyards

Grafton Oyster Bar

Things to Do