Maple Lawn Barn

Before the 'I DO'

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Central Baptist Church

Wedding Ceremony

Venue 1929

Summer

Our Wedding

Josh and Calyssa's Love Story

In the hallways of New Berlin High School, amidst the lively chatter and bustling students, a love story quietly began to unfold in the year 2015. Josh, a charming senior, and Calyssa, a captivating sophomore, shared passing glances at school events, but their connection truly sparked during the second semester of Earth Science. Fate intervened when their science teacher rearranged the seating plan, placing just them, side by side in the back row. In the cozy corner of the classroom, a friendship blossomed. There was an immediate and magnetic connection between Josh and Calyssa. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, their laughter infectious, and their personalities naturally flirtatious. Josh's charm earned him the title of class flirt, but amidst the banter, they remained just friends. As the semester progressed, their bond deepened. Calyssa, bold and spontaneous, took the first step by exchanging numbers with Josh and saved her contact under the playful name "wifey". Their connection expanded beyond text messages, evolving into a daily ritual of Snapchat streaks and in-person hangouts. They found themselves inseparable, often accompanied by their friends as they all embarked on adventures together.&nbsp;Summer arrived, and with it came a whirlwind of shared experiences. Every day brought new opportunities for laughter and growth, strengthening the foundation of their friendship. Their favorite experience was traveling to Panama City Beach together for an annual trip to a Christian Conference called Bigstuf. There, their relationship grew even stronger and they grew their faith together.&nbsp;Although the desire for something more lingered beneath the surface, both Josh and Calyssa hesitated, unsure of whether to take their relationship to the next level. Despite their shared history and undeniable chemistry, the timing never seemed right. Josh carried his feelings for Calyssa. Calyssa, too, contemplated a future with Josh. Yet, nervousness kept them from crossing the friend zone into romance. Calyssa decided she did not want to date Josh since he was going away to college, but they remained friends. A few months later, Calyssa visited Monmouth to see everyone and hang out. The two still stayed in touch. They would hang out when Josh came home from school, Calyssa went to watch Josh play baseball at Monmouth in the spring, but still, they were both just good friends who had slight crushes on each other. As time passed, life carried them in different directions; their conversations grew sporadic as Calyssa navigated her health issues and college life. Their thoughts always lingered about what might have been. It wasn't until December 2020, thanks to the new love interest of Josh's twin brother Jake and Calyssa's best friend Molly, that they found themselves reconnecting. In the midst of a world in lockdown, their friendship rekindled. Evenings in Calyssa’s family Maple Lawn Barn became a a space where sparks flew and bonds strengthened. It was there, amidst laughter and music, that four years after their first meeting in Earth Science, Josh and Calyssa shared their first kiss. Besides that night, Calyssa’s favorite memory in the barn is when Josh started playing Calyssa songs like “Marry me” by Jason Deruelo and Thomas Rhett, and “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. Little did they know that that time in the barn would mark the beginning of a new chapter, one that would lead to a future they had only dreamed of, and in just 3 years, they would be celebrating their engagement together in the barn with all of their closest friends and family.&nbsp; As summer was ending, Calyssa's feelings for Josh became undeniable. Despite having friendzoned him twice before, she summoned the courage to confess her emotions atop a grain bin after a family gathering. She said, Josh, I am ready to commit to you, still too scared to use the word girlfriend. Josh, initially taking her words lightly, soon realized the depth of her sincerity. With that confession, their relationship soared to new heights. They became more than just friends; they became each other's forever partner.&nbsp; Since that momentous day on June 28th, 2020, Josh and Calyssa's love story has flourished. Every day brought them closer, enriching their lives in ways they hadn't imagined. Calyssa, once hesitant, now embraces her role as Josh's wifey with open arms, ready to embark on a lifetime of happiness and love by his side. Together, they've discovered that the best love stories are the ones that unfold naturally, blossoming from genuine friendship into a lifelong partnership.

Our Story

Photos

Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids

Eva Richie

Lifelong friend & future sister-in-law of the Bride

Molly Weast

Claire (Fuchs) Koons

Anna Owens

Lifelong friend & childhood neighbor of the Bride

Chloe (Allen) Barnette

Sara Horvath

Sorority Sister & College Roommate of the Bride

Katie Nadrozny

Best Man and Groomsmen

Jake Fuchs

Chris Fuchs

Dain Richie

Brother-in-law of the Groom (Married to Claire Fuchs)

Josh Koons

Harry Sanchez

Tyler McDonald

College Roommate & Baseball Teammate of the Groom

Campbell Quirk

Christian Lett

Ushers and Honorary 'Maids

Mason Smith 

Connor McDonald

Andrew Hardy

Mike Dato

Dylan Smidtt

Girlfriend of the Bride’s Brother (Dain Richie)

Laura Lucas

Sister-in-law of the Groom (Married to Chris Fuchs)

Corinne (Brent) Fuchs

Kayla (Green) Abernathy 

Parents of the Bride and Groom

Bill and Anna Richie

Kevin and Rita Fuchs

Wedding Party

Why are they having a barn celebration on a Thursday?

Because, why not! Josh and Calyssa grew up in the same small town, so have lots of friends and family that whey would love to invite to the big day, but they are preferring to keep the wedding day small, intimate, and romantic. So, to kick off the wedding weekend, welcome family and friends, and celebrate the exciting time with everyone, Bill and Anna Richie are hosting a "Before the 'I Do'" celebration in the barn.

Questions Regarding the Wedding Day Only:

Q + A

Josh and Calyssa encourage you to stay the night at the The Presidential Abraham Lincoln Hotel. Let yourself have fun and relax the night of the wedding and not worry about driving home. With everyone staying there, it will be super fun with lots of action.If you are from the area, let this weekend feel like a mini vacation! Relax and have fun. The hotel is located downtown Springfield just blocks away from the Church and Venue 1929. **You must book before July 10th*** For guests who want to call in and make reservations – call (217) 544-8800, ask for Reservations and the group code is RFW. Right now it is set for Thursday the 2nd- Sunday the 4th, so if you are only staying Saturday night be sure to change the dates to 3rd-4th. To book online please visit: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/richiefuchsweddingblock/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/richiefuchsweddingblock/</a>

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

The venue is 0.6 miles away from the hotel(A 3 minute car ride &amp; 14 min walk). Josh and Calyssa highly encourage you to split an Uber with friends to the venue and Uber back to the hotel, or leave your car at the venue and Uber/Walk back to the hotel. It's August! So your walk will not be freezing :)

TRANSPORTATION

THINGS TO DO DOWNTOWN

For the last 21 years, the Farmer’s Market in Springfield IL has dominated the intersection of 4th and Adams on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am-12pm. Over the course of 25 weeks each year, dozens of independent vendors set up shop downtown. It’s a bustling and friendly opportunity. Walking distance from the hotel!

Old Capitol Farmers Market

There are so many fun shops on 6th street and around the Old State Capitol to walk to and checkout!

Shopping on 6th

Calyssa's Favorite Outdoor Lunch Spot

La Piazza Cucina Italiana

A great place to hangout and grab lunch, appetizer or drink before the wedding!Obed &amp; Isaac’s is a local favorite for great food, fun and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;Located in downtown Springfield at the corner of Sixth&nbsp;and Jackson Streets, just steps away from Lincoln's Home. Enjoy indoor dining in a beautifully preserved Italianate mansion or have a meal with a view on the spacious outdoor patio. The fun doesn’t stop at dinner. Step over to the beer garden and find your favorite craft beer or drink. Every Sunday&nbsp;Obed and Isaac's&nbsp;offers a&nbsp;brunch menu&nbsp;that has something for everyone! Only available from 11am - 2pm along with a Bloody Mary bar!

Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery

Travel

Thursday, Aug. 1st / 6:30 -9:00 pm

Josh and Calyssa have decided to keep their wedding reception small and intimate, but would love for you to come to Maple Lawn Barn on Thursday, Aug. 1 to help kick off the wedding weekend and start the celebration. You are also welcome to attend the ceremony in the afternoon on August 3rd, downtown Springfield, at Central Baptist Church.

Bring your family! Kids are welcome.

There will be appetizers and drinks

Attire: Summer Semi-Formal - Garden Party

Josh & Calyssa

Josh & Calyssa

J&C

Before the 'I DO'

Wedding Ceremony