Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Cherry Hills Church 

Ceremony

Artisans Building

Cocktail Hour

Reception

The Morning After: Brunch

Our Wedding

In the hallways of Franklin High School, amid early morning chatter and slamming lockers, Luke, a kind-hearted and determined young man, first noticed Sam on her way to first-hour ag class. She didn’t see him at first — but he saw her. From that moment on, Luke found subtle ways to cross her path, timing his entrance into school just to align with the arrival of her bus. It was just a smile and a quick hello before they parted ways. Sam began to pick up on the “coincidences” — Luke sneaking glances into the student section during his basketball game, appearing in her ag class with a well-planned prank for the teacher, and somehow winding up in the same friend group. Whether it was fate or persistence - it was impossible to ignore. After working up all of his courage, Luke finally decides to ask Sam out on a date. If only she was smart enough to say yes the first time. However, she declined, knowing college would soon take her 6 hours away, so why bother dating for only a few months? Luckily, Luke had not given up. He continued to be her friend, traveled to her volleyball games, said hi to her parents, and walked her into school every morning. Once again, Luke built up the courage to ask Sam on an ice cream date. Little did he know that ice cream was her weakness. That’s where it all started - a high school football game and Freddy’s ice cream. Pretty perfect, right? Well it was perfect until Sam jumped out of the car before Luke could ask her to be his girlfriend… And that is why their anniversary begins October 26th, not the 25th.&nbsp; From that day on, their love only grew stronger. For the next three and a half years, Sam and Luke navigated long-distance between Manhattan, Kansas, and Champaign, Illinois. From weekend visits and endless facetime calls to Caturdays and Barn Dances, they held on tightly. After graduation, Sam’s next chapter brought her closer to home — and to Luke — with a job just under an hour away. They spent every free moment together, while Luke soaked in his final college memories.&nbsp; Then, nearly five years after that ice cream date, Luke planned the ultimate surprise. On a cold winter day, Sam’s family told her the cows had gotten out — an emergency she didn’t think twice about responding to. But instead of chasing cattle, Sam found Luke down on one knee, asking her to begin their lives together.

Our Story

Photos

BRIDESMAIDS

Amber Mies

Kaitlyn Rasmus

Aubrie Schumacher

Abigail Castellano

Payton DeMeyer

Sarah Gulledge

Baylee Shultz

Natalie Beck

GROOMSMEN

Jack Dameron

Cole Young

Kendall Knodle

Andrew Pagel

Gage Miller

Jacob Peters

Dain Richie

Luke Wessels

Ushers

Carson Ford

Thad Bergschneider

FLOWER GIRLS & RING BEARERS

Lenora Harmelink

Riley Wilson

Wedding Party

Q + A

This hotel is located downtown Springfield about 18 minutes from the church and 10 minutes from the reception hall. Please book by May 12th.

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - DoubleTree by Hilton

This hotel is 13 mintutes from the ceremony location &amp; 14 minutes from the reception hall. Please book by May 12th.

Candlewood Suites Springfield by IHG

Travel

Things to Do:

If you are traveling in for the wedding, first of all thanks so much for making the journey to bewith us. We are thrilled you’ve chosen to be a part of our big day! Please travel safely, we are so excited to see you! Here are some ideas of things to do during your free time in Springfield!

Weekend Activities in Springfield:

- Old Capitol Farmers Market 8:00am-11:00am -East Adams Street between 3rd and 5th Street- Kidzeum : 9:00am-4:00pm - 412 East Adams Street ($12.00 per person)- President Abraham Lincoln Museum &amp; Library – 9:00am-5:00pm ($15.00 Adults, $6.00 kids)- Giant Slide at Illinois State Fairgrounds - 2:00 - 8:00 pm ($4.00 per ride)- Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience – Exhibit at State Fairgrounds (Free)- Route 66 Centennial 5K Run – 8:00am at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (Free)- Sheep Show at the Illinois State Fairgrounds – Friday -Sunday (Free)- Antiques Show &amp; Sale – Friday and Saturday 10am-5pm - Orr Building at Illinois Fairgrounds- The Muni - Mama Mia Outdoor Broadway Show - starts at 8:30 pm- Parks – Centennial, Washington, Southwinds Park with Splash Pad for kids (Free)- Knights Action Park: Driving Range, Batting Cages, go -kart racing- Scheels: mini bowling, ferris wheel, target shooting, etc.

Things to Do

Registry

Lucas & Samantha

Lucas & Samantha

L&S

Wedding Day

3:30 PM–4:00 PM

Ceremony

5:00 PM–6:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

6:00 PM–11:00 PM

Reception