Wedding Day

Creekside Barn Roca Berry Farm

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

In July of 2020, the Iowa National Guard mobilized for a deployment to Iraq, marking the beginning of Kayla and Jrs unique journey. Amidst the scorching heat and isolation of Fort Bliss in Texas, where they underwent a rigorous two-week quarantine, fate intervened as Kaylas path intersected with Jrs. Their initial encounter was far from the typical love-at-first-sight moment. Jr, dressed in an oversized, untucked Army shirt amidst a group of friends, hardly resembled a romantic hero. Kaylas first impression? Who the hell is this guy? As the deployment commenced, Kayla found herself facing unexpected changes. Initially slated to work alongside another female soldier, Kaylas plans were upended by the other soldiers delayed flight, resulting in a month-long delay in joining the training. Consequently, she was reassigned to a new team. Meanwhile, Jrs team seemed to be functioning seamlessly. However, tensions arose when Kayla’s new member failed to “vibe” well. In response, another reshuffle ensued, offering Kayla and her team the opportunity to select a new member for their nine-month deployment. Guided by a higher-ranking members endorsement of Jr, Kayla reluctantly agreed, despite knowing little about Jr at the time. The sudden change left Jr feeling disheartened, unaware of the pivotal role Kayla would soon play in his life. Their paths finally converged, revealing Jrs quirky, laid-back demeanor, which Kayla initially mistook for dishevelment. Little did she know, amidst the chaos of deployment, she had stumbled upon a connection that would shape the course of their lives. Throughout their deployment, Jr and Kayla shared daily duties, often enduring 12-hour shifts side by side. Their routine, spanning a total of 14 hours each day, typically involved completing their assigned tasks, followed by a shared breakfast and a workout session at the gym. This consistent schedule fostered a deep connection between Jr and Kayla, allowing them to bond amidst both joyful moments and the challenges they faced, including several dangerous situations during their time in Iraq. Returning to the United States in August 2021, Jr and Kayla initially settled in their respective hometowns of Nebraska and Iowa. However, after spending quality time with loved ones, Jr made the decision to join Kayla in Iowa City as she pursued her undergraduate degree. Later that fall, the couple relocated to Kansas City, where Jr continued his career in finance while Kayla embarked on her studies at Cleveland Chiropractic College. Accompanying them on this journey was Duke, Jr’s Siberian Husky, a cherished member of their growing family. On April 25th, 2024, during a tranquil getaway to Daytona Beach between trimesters at school, Jr seized the perfect moment to propose to Kayla. Under the guise of a casual stroll along the shoreline, Jr had arranged a picturesque beach setup. As they approached the romantic arrangement, Kayla, unaware of Jrs plan, admired the scene, deeming it cute. Unbeknownst to her, Jr had orchestrated the entire setting. With a heartfelt declaration of love, Jr dropped to one knee, proposing to the woman whose path intersected with his in the most unexpected and divine manner during their shared deployment experience.

Our Story

Photos

Jr and Schuyler met in 6th grade and have been good friends ever since. They later lived together during their time at UNL with Adan, Timothy and Alexander. They are now business partners in an up-and-coming real estate business.

Schuyler Salem

Christian is Jr's 5-years younger brother. Christian's biggest grudge (and total lie) towards Jr is that Jr broke his leg and arm, and will not let it go.

Christian Dominguez

Jr and Adan met in 6th grade when they were put together for a bottle rocket project in their science class. They have remained great friends since then, and also lived with each other during their time at UNL with Schuyler, Timothy and Alexander.

Adan Sandoval

Jr and Denis also met in 6th grade, and soon became great friends and have continued their relationship throughout the years. They spent time together at UNK, where Jr started his college career. 

Denis Juarez

Alex is Jr's older brother of 6 years. Alex is known as the strongest person Jr knows, therefore Jr never picked a fight with him growing up. 

Alex Dominguez

Jr and Moises met in 3rd grade in a Mrs. Suttons class. These two hit it off and became best friends from a young age and did everything together. They spent the first two year of their college years as roommates at UNK.

Moises Garcia

Jr and Alexander met the summer before 6th grade at a robotics camp hosted by UNL where they were placed as roommates during the camp. Since then they became friends and continued their friendship as roommates during their time at UNL along with Schuyler, Adan and Timothy. 

Alexander Menjivar

Alvin and Jr met in 5th grade when Alvin moved from California to Nebraska. Alvin soon became a part of the friend trio that was him, Jr and Moises. Jr worked summers at Alvin's restaurant in town being a bus boy. During their time at UNK, they lived together for a year.

Alvin Hua

Alexis and Jr have actually known each other since they were very young as their parents were good friends. Their true friendship began in high school and have remained great friends.

Alexis Desantiago

Emily is Kayla's older sister who lives in Minnesota. Kayla and Emily have always been close and share nearly everything together. Emily has given Kayla the honor of becoming an Aunt for the first time.

Emily Till

Alyssa is Kayla's oldest sister. Although she lives all the way in Seattle, Kayla has gone to visit her and cherishes the time she gets to spend with her sister.

Alyssa Francis

Kayla met Terran on her first day of Chiropractic school. Terran walked into the classroom where Kayla was and asked her if anyone was sitting next to her, which Kayla replied with no. After that it was history and these two became best friends.

Terran Broom

Kayla met Saydi through Chiropractic college as well. Along with Terran, Saydi was apart of a very close friend group who have been close friends since the first day of school.

Saydi Sullivan

Wedding Party

Q + A

Located in Lincoln and with Lincoln Memorial Stadium reachable within 8.4 miles, Residence Inn by Marriott Lincoln South provides free bikes, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace. The property is around 4 miles from Wilderness Ridge Golf Course, 5.7 miles from Lincoln Children's Zoo and 6.5 miles from Frank H Woods Telephone Museum. The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Each room is equipped with a coffee machine, while some rooms are equipped with a kitchenette with a fridge, a dishwasher and an oven. Guest rooms at Residence Inn by Marriott Lincoln South include air conditioning and a desk. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. Governor's Mansion is 7.2 miles from Residence Inn by Marriott Lincoln South, while Abel Stadium is 7.2 miles away. Lincoln Airport is 12 miles from the property.

Residence Inn by Marriott Lincoln South

Holiday Inn Express Hotel &amp; Suites Lincoln South by IHG is offering accommodations in Lincoln. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a business center and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located 10 miles from Lincoln Memorial Stadium. At the hotel every room has air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Holiday Inn Express Hotel &amp; Suites Lincoln South by IHG offers a buffet or continental breakfast. At the accommodation guests are welcome to use an indoor swimming pool. Wilderness Ridge Golf Course is 6.4 miles from Holiday Inn Express Hotel &amp; Suites Lincoln South by IHG, while Lincoln Children's Zoo is 7.2 miles away. Lincoln Airport is 14 miles from the property.

Jr & Kayla

Jr & Kayla

J&K

Wedding Day

4:00 PM

Ceremony

4:30 PM–5:30 PM

Cocktail Hour

5:30 PM

Reception