Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Thank You

Winter

Our Wedding

We met working together at a restaurant in New Orleans - just two coworkers who got along really well. At the time, we were just friends. One rainy night, Quinn's bike got stolen from work, and he asked me for a ride home. He invited me to then hangout, which I declined (oops..) Not long after, Quinn got a new job and moved away. Life went on. As the years went by, Quinn would occasionally reach out, always wanting the&nbsp;New Orleans drink recipe from the old restaurant days, then vanish again, doing who knows what.&nbsp;However, one time he reached out was different than the others.&nbsp; Unbeknownst to me, he was getting ready to guide a hiking trip on the Colorado Trail with his close friends (and their company, S/O Colorado Mountain Expeditions) out there. After a brief back and forth over the drink recipe and simple greeting pleasantries, Quinn (likely shocking no one reading this) just asked me to a wedding in Los Angeles. I couldn't make it, but soon after, he let me know he'd be visiting New Orleans and asked if I wanted to hang out. This time, I said yes. He didn't have a car with him, so I picked him up for what would be our first official date. We went to Lafitte's and Chart Room - two classic French Quarter bars - and ended up talking until the wee hours of the morning on a park bench in Jackson Square. The spark was immediate, and the rest, as they say, is history.

How We Met

After our first date, we knew there was something special - but life had other plans (and a few state lines in between). We did long distance for almost two years through COVID, while Quinn lived in Del Rio, Texas and then San Diego, California. It definitely wasn't easy, but we worked hard every single day to stay connected. We FaceTimed constantly, had virtual movie nights, and talked for hours - even from miles apart. Whenever we could, we'd take trips to visit each other. In New Orleans, we'd cook together, try new restaurants, hang with our families, and cheer on the Saints -- Who Dat!! In Texas, we shared our first Thanksgiving together (the meal wasn't great - we're still working on that part). And in San Diego, we spent time bike riding and going to the beach, where I'd watch Quinn surf - he was like a kid in a candy store out there. In 2020, Quinn moved to Nashville for work. A few months later, I made the big decision to join him! In May 2021, with my family's help, I packed up my car and a U-Haul and made my first big move to start our next chapter together!

Our Journey

Since moving to Nashville, it's been a whirlwind - in the best way. Every day feels like a new adventure, whether we're trying out the city's endless food spots, exploring new neighborhoods, or finding hidden gems around town. We've made amazing friends, found our favorite local hangouts, and even attempted hiking together (Quinn loves it, I'm not sure I'm convinced just yet). We moved into our first apartment and built a life together from scratch - one full of laughter, love, and Quinn's constant quirks and off-the-wall sense of humor (like riding his bike with his helmet in the hallways of our complex). There's truly never a dull moment with him. Now, three years after my big move, we're in an amazing downtown apartment that overlooks the city, and we couldn't be happier - with our life, with each other, and with just how far we've come.

Life Together

Mardi Gras 2024 gave us a story we'll never forget. It was a rainy day in New Orleans (what else is new?), and we were supposed to ride in the Krewe of Pygmalion with friends on a classic Louisiana Saturday night. But due to the weather, the parade was postponed. That didn't stop the celebrations though - so we still went downtown to a pre-party to meet up with friends. After hanging out for a bit, Quinn said we were going to meet my mom and sister for drinks at the Carousel Bar (one of our favorite spots). It was storming, and I was fussing with Quinn about where he had told the Uber driver to drop us off. I was very confused because he wouldn't let the driver get us closer to the bar. Instead, we got dropped off on Canal Street, right in front of the hotel where I'd picked Quinn up for our very first date (shoutout Marriott). As we walked past, Quinn suddenly stopped to "tie his shoe"...but instead, he pulled out the most beautiful ring I've ever seen. I was in complete shock. He gave the sweetest proposal speech, and I was frozen in the moment - until, in true New Orleans fashion, a homeless man nearby started yelling at us for a lighter. When he realized what was happening, he started cheering and shouting with excitement. It was perfectly chaotic, just like us. And of course - I said YES! Just when I thought the surprises were over, Quinn took me to our favorite bar - Chart Room - where our closest friends and family were waiting to celebrate. It was the most thoughtful, joyful night, sprinkled with a little Mardi Gras magic.

The Proposal

After everything - our first date in New Orleans, long distance love, cross-country moves, life in Nashville, and a Mardi Gras proposal - we decided we wanted our wedding to feel just like us. So --- we're eloping in London - our favorite city in the world! London holds such a special place in our hearts, filled with memories of our favorite trip, late-night strolls, cozy pubs, and all the magic that made us fall even more in love. It felt like the most meaningful place to start this next chapter. We've chosen to celebrate this moment just the two of us, but we'd love for you to follow along and be part of our journey from afar. You'll be able to follow along here on our wedding website, with photos, and hopefully, if it works out, a livestream (fingers crossed on that one). Thank you for your love and support. It means the world to us. With Love,Kayla Anne Himel &amp; John Quinn Bolls

Our Story

Photos

The Bolls & Booze Tour hits Nola December 13th, 2025!

*Attire: Cocktail Casual - think fun, festive, and photo-ready*Quinn will be rocking his wedding suit with some Nikes (per usual), and Kayla will be in bridal attire with Nikes on deck - so feel free to dress up, but keep it comfortable enough for a night of bar hopping. Chic outfits + Nikes encouraged! Quinn &amp; Kayla will be staying at the JW Marriott New Orleans614 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 Henry's (2:30 pm):5101 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 Tchoup Yard (4 pm):405 3rd St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Avenue Pub (6 pm):1732 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 Chart Room (8 pm):300 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Kayla & Quinn

Kayla & Quinn

Bolls & Booze Tour 12/13/25

The Bolls & Booze Tour hits Nola December 13th, 2025!