The Home Place at Valley View

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Spring

Our Wedding

We swiped right, and with some sweet talk it led to our first date at Red Robin in Liberty. John picked up Abbie from her apartment with a cleaned-up truck and jammed out the whole ride. Leaving the night with just a kiss.

Matched

If you need to impress a girl, take after John and go to a dark, romantic, and fancy dinner at the Golden Ox. We have added 801 chophouse, The Majestic, and others to are list now, but this was our first big date night. We got really dressed up and saw each other in a new way. We may not be doing it on a regular, but we found a way to spoil ourselves.

The Golden Ox

After several amazing dates we stepped up the adventure at Worlds of Fun. We got to know each other more as we understand each other's fears and strengths. Meeting Jeff and Ronda there for the first time outside of stopping by the house for a quick second; making it a true staple of our relationship.

Worlds of Fun

John had a big job of having to get two hearts to fall for him. The one Abbie was born with and the one we fought together to receive. John walking into Abbies life at the perfect time to stand by her side. Though the initial test, to the surgery and recovery John has been Abbies rock. And even with some struggles following the transplant we were able to stay a united couple. John was there every day, bringing Abbie all the little things anyone could ever want. John showed Abbie how he can take care of her in the up and the downs. And John did just that. Recovering over the next year was difficult, but we were able to push through it together through our love of traveling and learning new things. After dealing with such a hard issue to any relationship we knew this solidified how well we worked together. And how much we could handle together because of the love we have for one another.

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

After about half a year we decided we were done driving to each other. We moved in together sharing our personal space. And now we wake up every day next to each other with the purpose of giving love and support to each other.

Moving In

We juggled the families for the first time with 4 Christmas parties. We saw the love that our families have for one another in the purest way, Christmas. We both met more family on both sides and found the "oddities" of the opposite family and began to learn to love them all.

First Christmas

Our first wedding together brought Jake and Sierra Borders together in beautiful Colorado. We were able to see their love on the side of a mountain. After the "I do," we stopped at Garden of the Gods before heading home. We hiked through the park taking so many pictures.

Our First Wedding Together

After a phone call at 10 am from Alissa Linder saying she had a plane for Abbie to catch at about 4 pm, to bring her son to the beach. John joined in and the spontaneous trip putting us on the beach for the first time together. We drove around so Abbie could stare at the waves while John found his key lime pie (that he was severely disappointed with).

The 24 Hour Vacation

Although we may not watch every game, we enjoy watching them. We went to Johns parents to enjoy another Chief`s victory. We have found the most comfortable way to watch the game together. Whether its Chiefs, Royals, or the kids` games we enjoy watching them together. And since Abbie is always cold you can find her trying to steal John's warmth.

Game Time

Whisking off for a week in California had us in awe. We found our love of hiking with one another. Yosemite was the most beautiful place we had ever seen. Every few steps we took turns just stopping to say wow. The rest of the trip was left to whim, taking us to L.A.. We walked to the Walk of Fame, we ate at the Hardrock Cafe, and we ate in view of the Hollywood sign. We found our way back up to San Fransico to go to the Warf and the Golden Gate Bridge before flying home.

Yosemite Backpacking

We both have found a love of hiking, climbing, and traveling together, but we both brought other passions too. John has always been an avid shooter and as a family we all went to shoot together. The way John helped and was so proud of Abbie on each shot, solidified the love we have. We support each other's hobbies by John buying Abbies yarn to crochet or tagging along to any and all whims she decides to have (many target trips) and Abbie supports his hunting trips and banquets. We push each other to be deeper into are hobbies and learn more from each other.

Sharing Hobbies

A last-minute switch of plans had us on a flight to Vegas together. We gambled at all the major casinos, flew down Fremont Street on the zipline, and found some bouldering opportunities only 45 minutes from the strip. We really let go in a new way and enjoyed each other's company in the midst of many.

Sin City

Flying back from Las Vagas just to jump in the car to go to Estes Park. We met Ashley and Jacob Moad as a surprise engagement for her. We felt honored for being a part of their moment. You could say we were a bit tired from all the excitement.

Off Again

We kicked off one 4th of July at home together. Ashley and Jacob joined us again for a night of fireworks and dancing in the smoke. John grilled, as always, and we had a wonderful night. We began our tradition of ending the night with a sword fountain fight.

Dancing in the Smoke

We love, love. We were honored to be a part of Leo and MaKayla's day and John as Best man. We saw another lovely couple get married and we got to slow dance the night away together. We let loose and had an absolute blast celebrating the happy couple. Now we get to return the favor as Leo stands by Johns side at his wedding making a friendship truly full circle as the boys become men.

Love is in the Air

Your average dog parents here. We added Dottie for Kleo to have someone to play with. Our house has much more energy running around. If that wasn't enough, we now have a bearded dragon named Izzy to keep us busy. We have really been able to come together and communicate with taking care of our animals. Lots of love to go around.

Adding to the Family

As life and wedding planning were becoming a lot, we ran away on a weekend trip to Arkansas for mountain biking. John had been very excited about biking and Abbie thought she was willing and able. Turns out Abbie was more willing, less able. Great start to a beautiful day of exercise ended with Abbie going head over foot down a hill and quickly calling it quits. We headed home waiting for all the bruises to heal. Next time, we will have more padding.

Mountain Biking Is Dangerous

Since we went hard on our weekend to get away, we decided we needed a little more time away. We flew to Fort Lauderdale and spent the week on the beach. We enjoyed an Improv, as we love standup, from Waylan Jennings, and ordered pizza and drinks to are beach chairs and let the days pass. Its never long enough and we were back home and back to normal.

Fort Lauderdale Getaway

With much anticipation John said get dressed up, we are going on a date. We put on our favorite outfits and went walking along the river at English Landing Park. We had gotten there with about 45 minutes left of the sun on a beautiful day. We stopped on the bridge to watch a boat go by and when Abbie turned around John said, "are we going to do to this already" Abbie jumped up and down yelling "hell yes". We stood there to take a few pictures when a jogger stopped and took a few as well. We headed to get pizza, (Abbies favorite thing, next to john, they had a bourbon room for John). We sat and ate and enjoyed the night.

A Walk In the Park

Oh boy, wedding planning. Not sure we were prepared for all the decisions with wedding planning. We started with the venue and took things one-by-one. We had some new struggles to deal with. As we have never had to make a decision on something we truly did not care about. This stuff is crazy so please tell me the little flower next to some sign is so pretty because it was carefully thought though. All kidding aside, we have truly loved the experience and know it is all going to come together and be beautiful.

The Venue and Planning

We spent much time choosing who would be with us on our wedding day. Then choosing where to put everyone. In other words, we went through our list and chose those who were big parts of our lives and we want to continue a strong relationship with. Therefore, for all reading this thank you for you love and support throughout are lives. We are here because of all of you. This process really highlights the love you all have showed to us. We are so excited to share this day with you. And we hope our love and support only continues this chain as the family only grows.

The Guest List Seating Challenge

Check the mailboxes as invites have dropped. We are super excited to show you these and of course invite you to the wedding. See you there!

Invites are sent 

Another trip downtown to Savy Bridal with Ronda and Abbey to pick up my dress. Much lighter than I imagined. Thank you Shaun and Rachel Cauthon for keeping it safe for me! Off to Alterations.

The dress has arrived

As packages are piling up at the door full a wedding stuff a nice Suprise snuck its way in; are first wedding present! Big thank you to John and Beth Cauthon for are gifts. We love and appreciate them so much. Have already uploaded 500+ photos onto the frame and watch that more than the TV.

Thank you 

If you have not heard the debacle the short version is.... the first bakery has permanently closed and ran off with the deposit. Shout out to Ashley for finding this information in time to find another and to are new bakery The Copper Whisk. They tried hard to help us to no avail but saved a last-minute spot for the date. Don't worry there will be cake! Whew that's over.

Cake tasting round 2

Thank you to everyone who attended my bridal shower. And an extra appreciation to Ronda Carey and Ashley Moad for Hosting the festivities. It could not have been more perfect and I cannot wait to celebrate with you ladies again. And we will give John his own shout out for bringing the biggest flower arrangement ever and helping deliver everything home.

Success Bridal Shower

Last few months. We can wait to see you all in June 

See you soon 

Our Story

Photos

Kristin Dowell

Lio M

Emily Howden

Amos Meek

Linda Eastland

Jack Gieshen

Ashley Linder

Chase Martin

Haley George

Eric Bartee

Alissa Linder

Hailey Wheeler

Abbey Gieschen

Chloe

Emma

Savannah

Colton

Hadley

Zoey

Sawyer

Carson

Wedding Party

Q + A

This is 19 minutes away from The Home Place. Cost at about $130-150 per night. Located in Excelsior Springs, this resort offers a decadent day spa, which includes massage services, sauna and stream treatments. The resort is 5 minutes’ walk from the Historic Hall of Waters. Guestrooms at the The Elms Hotel &amp; Spa, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel are modern and bright. The rooms include a flat-screen TV, microwave and refrigerator. Guests can swim in the pools or work out in the fitness center. The property offers hiking and biking trails. A horseshoe and volleyball court are available seasonally on-site. The Elms Hotel &amp; Spa, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel is 2 miles from the Excelsior Springs Golf Course. The Ameristar Casino is 35 minutes’ drive from the resort.

The Elms Hotel & Spa - Destination by Hyatt

This Hotel is about 25 minutes from The Home Place. Around 100 per night. Enjoy Your Stay as Hotel's Guest in Kansas City, MO. With fresh, modern decor and great perks like free high-speed, wireless Internet access, the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel &amp; Suites Kansas City Sports Complex has everything you need to stay your way. We're just off I-70 and I-435, making it easy to get to Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium. Our property is located just 3.74 miles from the Truman Sports complex. This hotel's location is great for corporate travelers, and we offer a Business Center with copy, fax and print services. The hotel's event room is available if you need a place to host a client meeting. Take advantage of our location close to downtown restaurants and attractions during the day, and head to the Starlight Theatre for an enthralling show. Sports fans appreciate that Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium are near the hotel's accommodations. And, if shopping is on your to-do list, you'll love that we're just moments from Country Club Plaza and the Independence Center.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kansas City Sport Complex Area, an IHG Hotel

About 35 minutes from The Home Place. 130+ per nightLocated just east of downtown Kansas City, Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City is a Midwestern entertainment hub that offers something for everyone: one of the largest casino floors in Missouri, nine dining venues, a luxury hotel, 18 movie screens, and more.

Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City

Need a ride home; Uber does offer rides from the home place starting at 40 dollars to head back into town.

John + Abbie

John + Abbie

J&A

Wedding Day