Hawthorne House

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Their story begins in December of 2016 whenever Keith &amp; Jessica matched with each other on Tinder (we know, we know). Being shy as usual, Keith did not message first, but rather Jessica did. It was a gif of a seal waving saying "Sup?" Keith followed the response with a gif of Joey from Friends saying "How you doin'?" And since then, there has not gone a day without them texting each other. At first, Jessica wasn't too sure about Keith as he was quiet, shy and didn't initiate conversation too much. Can you blame him? Who wants to say the wrong thing in front of a beautiful woman?! Their first date was a trip to Zona Rosa where Jessica wanted to see dogs at the Pet Project and shopped for shoes. Keith, being the obvious gentleman he is, held the door everywhere they went and even sat through her shoe shopping! Time went by and they started to grow on each other. Keith would go to Jessica's parents house and vice versa. Then Valentine's Day of 2017 rolled around where Keith and Jessica shared their first kiss (that Jessica initiated, obviously). From then on, things got even better. One month later, on March 14th, 2017, Keith officially asked Jessica to be his girlfriend. And, by the grace of God, she said yes! Over the years, they went on countless trips together, spent every second they could with each other and their bond strengthened even more. By the summer of 2021, they moved in together after they bought their first house! That's the moment when they knew they'd be saying to each other "come home" instead of "come over". Cooking, cleaning, going to the store, sleeping, laughing, and crying became something they do together, all the time. In August of 2023, they adopted their dog, Bailey, from the KC Pet Project and their little family began to grow. Cleo, their cat, was forced to make the sacrifice of sharing her space. In March of 2025 they went ring shopping and it all became real. Trying on rings and having mimosas got them both nervous and excited for what the future was holding for them. A little bit later, Keith went and purchased the ring Jessica picked out. The emotions running through his body were the most intense he's ever felt before. Then the planning began for when the proposal was going to happen. With the help of Cindy (Keith's mom), Craig (Keith's dad), Mark (Keith's brother), Katie (Keith's sister), Bill (Jessica's dad), Lisa (Jessica's mom), and Zach (Jessica's brother, on FaceTime), they set up a romantic scene at Keith and Jessica's house, eagerly waiting for their arrival. Keith and Jessica went to dinner on April 12th, 2025 at Cooper's Hawk on the Plaza. Keith called this day a "spontaneous day" so Jessica wouldn't get suspicious. A few drinks and a meal later, Keith knew the plan was working. Shaking and beyond anxious, Keith drove both of them home where the surprise was waiting. As soon as Keith asked for Jessica's phone when they got out of the car, she knew. Keith walked Jessica through their red carpeted and rose covered basement out to their bottom deck where both of their families were waiting. Lights were hung, roses covered the deck, a table was set up with candles and bags were lit that spelled out "Will You Marry Me?" were waiting for them. The sound of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis was playing in the background as Keith began to confess his love and devotion to Jessica. Moments later, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She said yes and the celebration began!

Keith & Jessica's Story

Our Story

Photos

Mark Slaughter

Katie Everman 

Zach Keefer

Lauren Hatch

Logan Green

Kierra Ascencio  

Haider Paroya

Kendra Vogelbaugh

Collin Younghans

Katie Slaughter

Dallas Ascencio

Jen Perkins

Wedding Party

Q + A

There will be several rooms blocked off for the use of our wedding. The rate is $154.00/night, which is a discounted rate. Please use the attached link to reserve your room(s). This must be done by March 1st, 2026 at 5pm CST. There is also a shuttle that can take you to and from the wedding venue. If 10 or more rooms are booked, the shuttle is complimentary. If 10 or less rooms are booked, then the price is $100 round trip (11 people per shuttle). The check in is at 3pm and the check out is at 11am. There is complimentary breakfast and an Old Chicago restaurant inside.