How We Met

In April 2023, destiny wove its intricate threads, bringing Luke and Kelly to a quaint Tiki Bar in Port Neches, Texas. Both had recently relocated to the small town for work, unknowingly collaborating on the same project for different companies. One fateful Saturday, Luke, seeking solace in music and drinks, ventured to the Wheelhouse. Kelly, driven by a sense of adventure, found herself there too. They ended up just a few seats apart at the bar, their paths about to intertwine.

As the evening unfolded, Luke, his curiosity piqued, turned to Kelly and asked, “So, are you from around here?” This simple question sparked a conversation that flowed effortlessly for hours. Kelly just couldn't resist Luke's mullet and moustache. They laughed, shared stories, and reveled in the local tradition of “ship shots,” where the bar ordered shots whenever a ship passed by.

The night was nothing short of magical. But as Luke stepped away to the bathroom, Kelly, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, made an “Irish exit,” slipping away into the dark night without exchanging contact information. The next day, she poured her heart out to her sister, lamenting the missed connection with the charming stranger. Her sister, ever the voice of reason, reassured her, “If it’s meant to be, you’ll see him again.”

Exactly one week later, fate intervened once more. Kelly, out with coworkers and found herself at a karaoke joint. Just as she was about to leave, she saw Luke walk in. Her heart raced as she seized the moment, approaching him with a hopeful, “Luke! Do you remember me?” His eyes lit up with recognition, and with a warm smile, he offered to buy her a drink. They spent the evening reconnecting, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. They made plans to go golfing the next day, determined not to let each other slip away again.

From that serendipitous encounter, Luke and Kelly’s story began, a tale of destiny, connection, and the magic of second chances.

First Date

Luke and Kelly had envisioned their first date on the golf course, but the rain-soaked greens from the night before led them to a cozy mid-afternoon rendezvous back at the Wheelhouse. In their quaint, sleepy town, options were few, but the Tiki bar held a charm of its own. What was intended to be a brief encounter blossomed into a 12-hour odyssey of connection and laughter.

As the hours melted away, their conversation flowed effortlessly, and their laughter echoed through the patio restaurant. They decided to continue their adventure at Tia’s, a beloved local eatery. Over dinner, their bond deepened, each moment more enchanting than the last.

With the night still young, they pondered their next move. The suggestion of karaoke sparked excitement. They found themselves in a lively dive, where the atmosphere was electric. Kelly took the stage, her voice pouring out with raw emotion, captivating Luke. He watched, mesmerized, as she sang her heart out, their connection growing stronger with every note.

From that magical first date, Luke and Kelly became inseparable, their hearts intertwined in a dance of joy and discovery.

The Proposal

Luke meticulously planned the entire proposal, never dropping a single hint to Kelly. He sneakily bought the ring while visiting Michigan in October and enlisted a coworker to help with his scheme, knowing the ring would be delivered during the day and required a signature. Luke suggested to Kelly that they take a road trip up to Northern Arizona to break in their new car, making it a fun adventure with their new pup.

He booked a resort on Lake Powell, and they hit the road that fateful Friday morning. Their first stop was Horseshoe Bend, where they marveled at the breathtaking views, the sun casting a golden glow over the winding river below. The crisp air was filled with the scent of pine and the distant sound of birds chirping, adding to the serene atmosphere.

As they arrived at the beautiful resort, they were greeted by the tranquil sound of water lapping against the shore. Since it was off-season, they had the entire place to themselves, the silence only broken by the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. As sunset approached, Luke suggested they take the dog for a walk by the lake.

The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the calm waters of Lake Powell. The cool evening air carried the faint scent of the lake and the earthy aroma of the surrounding desert. After walking for quite some time, Kelly was ready to turn back and enjoy the sunset at the resort. But Luke convinced her to go a little further, saying he wanted a picture of the lake. Kelly agreed but urged him to hurry as it was getting cold. She walked their dog to use the bathroom, and when she turned around, there was Luke on one knee with the ring in his hands.

He began a heartfelt monologue, but Kelly couldn’t remember a word; time stood still for her. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she held out her hand to Luke. It was a perfect, peaceful, and intimate moment, the setting sun casting a warm glow over them. They walked back to the resort bar to celebrate and FaceTime their families, their hearts full of love and excitement for their future together. The bar was cozy, filled with the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses, a perfect end to their unforgettable day.

Our Journey

From spontaneous road trips to quiet nights in, our journey has been filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Our journey started in small town East Texas but now we find ourselves in the metropolis of Phoenix, AZ. We are so excited to start this new chapter of our lives together and can’t wait to celebrate our love with all of you.

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. If you wish to honor us with a gift, a contribution (of any amount) to our honeymoon of new home funds would be greatly appreciated. Regardless of if you're able to donate or not, we're ecstatic to celebrate our union with you!