Gospel Light Baptist Church

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Lucas and KaLyn met at Pensacola Christian College in the fall of 2020. They had both joined the sophomore class ensemble, with KaLyn as the pianist and Lucas as one of the singers in the choir. They had talked here and there a few times in a group setting but did not start talking further until December of 2020. The video of their ensemble "I Stand Redeemed" was the reason KaLyn decided to comment on everyone's story and had then "slid into his dm's", as Lucas likes to say. Due to their stubbornness, the y both had to have the last word in any conversation. This led to one very long conversation that developed into a friendship. Upon returning to college the following January, Lucas was set on helping KaLyn in her college math class, but much to his dismay KaLyn had dropped the class due to the full course load she had that semester. So, he decided to figure out another way to hang out with KaLyn. After a runaround on KaLyn's end, they both agreed to attending a Wednesday night service together. Lucas, along with several of his guy friends, sat with KaLyn. This later led to hanging out in the library, taking a walk around campus (in the rain!), lunch, dinner, and further times of Lucas and KaLyn getting to know one another. Valentine's Day, Lucas asked KaLyn if she would get dinner with him. She was skeptical, due to the holiday and what the holiday represented, and wondered if he had further intentions. He claimed that his friends were off campus, and that he had no one to eat with. She decided to go with him, and Lucas secretly did want to spend Valentine's with KaLyn. A few days later, Lucas admitted that he liked KaLyn, in which she replied "Well, I like you too." Their friendship developed, and on March 27th, 2021, after watching a play on campus, Lucas asked KaLyn to be his girlfriend. After the semester ended, Lucas came to visit KaLyn and her family for the first time. Both were nervous and excited, but despite all planning efforts, Lucas's car broke down an hour away from her house. KaLyn and her dad drove to help Lucas. This was the first time Mr. Collins and Lucas met, and it started with a firm handshake and the two got to work. After a crazy turn of events, the car was fixed and Lucas finally met the rest of her family and had a late dinner with. But, her family clicked well with Lucas, and talked to him late into the night. It truly was a story to remember. Then, later that summer KaLyn got to visit Lucas at his childhood home, and Lucas taught KaLyn how to drive a tractor and spent time with his parents. KaLyn's family had tagged along and the two families talked and enjoyed each other's company. Lucas and KaLyn went on several more adventures. They finished junior year together, and senior year was difficult but rewarding as well. Lucas supported KaLyn as she entered internship teaching, and as she was prepping for her piano recital. KaLyn’s family came down for the recital, which went well, but definitely made KaLyn more tired than normal. Lucas had decided to use this to his advantage, and while KaLyn was sleeping in from a very tiring piano performance, Lucas and Mr. Collins met at a Waffle House. Lucas asked Mr. Collins if he could marry his daughter, in which he agreed. It was set, and Lucas began to devise and plan the best time to ask KaLyn to marry him. May 13th came, and it was the day KaLyn graduated from Pensacola Christian College. She was serving as the Resident Manager’s Assistant in the dorms, so as soon as she graduated she had to work until 6:00. Lucas patiently waited for her, waiting to take her to watch the sunset at Pensacola Beach with him. KaLyn packed her car up with the rest of their things, and they went to Pensacola Beach. They walked up to the sand, where they stumbled upon a wedding going on. There was any people at the beach, so Lucas asked if they could walk a bit further down. They sat down and talked and watched the sun set slowly. Soon after, a few fishermen came over and set up about 10 feet away from where they were. Lucas asked if they could move further down the beach. KaLyn agreed, despite being tired from the very busy day. Lucas convinced KaLyn to dip her feet in the water and to not sit down quite yet. He then presented her with gifts, getting her to close her eyes for every gift. Funny socks, a pretty dress, and a phone case were part of those gifts. Lucas then said to close her eyes yet again. She did, and she opened her eyes and looked around for a second, wondering where he had went! She then looked down and there was Lucas on one knee, with a beautiful ring. He asked her if she would be his wife, in which she laughed and cried and said “Yes!”. Lucas and KaLyn thank God for bringing them together and seeing how His hand moved to allow them to come to this point in life. They look forward to a life of memories, laughs, and a life of serving God together.

Our Story

Photos

Kirsten Collins 

Maddie Hader

Emily Nelson

Makenzie Case

Lauren Whitehurst 

Sarah Peterson

Joshua Whiteside

Matthew Rodriguez

Jude Lim

Ryan Bame

Jeremiah Yeaman

Jeremy Coppock

Rachel Whiteside

Wedding Party

Q + A

There are two Hilton hotels available in Cedar Rapids, directly across the street from one another. There is the Hampton Inn and Suites and the Homewood Inn and Suites both by Hilton. We have a special 10% discount through this hotel chain (minimum of a two night stay) that can be accessed through the link below. There is not a specific room block but the link is good for any two night stay.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cedar Rapids North

This hotel is also available for a 10% discount. It is also by Hilton and another great option! There is also a 2 night minimum stay. The link below will take you to the Homewood Suites, but simply change it to other hotels in the area and the code should still work! We recommend booking as soon as possible!

Hampton Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids North

This hotel is a beautiful hotel that was a Marriott bought out by the Raddison Hotel group. It is a great option if you are looking for other options in the area.

Radisson Hotel Cedar Rapids

This is another option not far from the other hotels listed above. Very good area and about 10 minutes away from the church!

Staybridge Suites Cedar Rapids North an IHG Hotel

This hotel is in downtown Cedar Rapids with plenty of room and space. A bit more on the fancy side but another great option! It is about 20 minutes away from the church.

Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex

This is hotel is a great option if you are looking to fly out the day after the wedding or flying in as well! Very close to the airport in Cedar Rapids. It is a 25 minute drive from the church.

AmericInn by Wyndham Cedar Rapids Airport

Hotels

Things to Do

Registry

Lucas & KaLyn