The Barn on Heron Hill

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Jex and I are both part of our local church ministry, Salt Company, so in a way, that’s where we first met, but the real spark happened one Thursday night at Coe College. A group was playing ultimate frisbee, and while I couldn’t play, I waved to a friend from the sidelines—Jex waved back. I didn’t notice, but my friend beside me did, and when she told me, something just clicked as if it fell into place. It was such a bizarre feeling!Our first real interaction came during Coe’s finals week. I went to study with my cousin in the library—partly hoping to “accidentally” run into Jex. Believe it or not, we did, on the same day, same time, and same floor! Jex walked by to fill his water bottle, we made eye contact, and this time we both waved! But, I wasn’t going to let it end there because what were the chances of this, so in that moment without really thinking at all my body got up from my chair grabbed my water bottle and walked out there to go “fill up” my water bottle (mind you it was 75% full). We struck up a small conversation and then went our separate ways.&nbsp;Later down the road with the help of my maid of honor, Gracie, Jex got my Snapchat off of a story she “randomly” posted with my username in it (not random at all it was totally planned and IT WORKED!) Jex later on invited me to hang out with him and some friends at Big Grove. After some fun memories and a trip to his friend's condo Jex asked me out on a first date and got my number. A couple days later we were going on our first date, which long story short, was supposed to be a walk to Mount Trashmore and then became an 8-mile hike on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail! This was followed by more dates including a night of line dancing when he asked me to be his girlfriend.From then on we’ve made countless amounts of good memories filled with joy, laughter and love and on July 30, 2025 Jex got down on one knee and asked me to marry him which was the easiest “yes” ever!! Now I can’t wait to see all the places God will take us and I am so beyond excited to start a life together and become one with him.

Madalyn's Point of View

Madalyn and I were both involved in our college ministry in Cedar Rapids called Salt Company, but we were never in the same friend group. That changed one night when I was heading to the sand volleyball courts. I had a growing interest in her since fall retreat earlier that year, so I thought she waved at me (she hadn’t), but I waved back—and for me, that small moment confirmed my interests.We first officially talked during finals week at Coe. I had just gotten a haircut and was studying when I spotted her in a study room. I waved, she came out, and we had our first short conversation. Later I added her on Snapchat after seeing her tagged in a friend’s story.Our next interaction came again at the volleyball courts. At first she wasn’t there, but when she showed up it made my night. We ended up on opposite teams, then later at Buffalo Wild Wings where we sat next to each other. I was nervous, but she carried the conversation. A few days later, I invited her to Big Grove with some friends, and afterward, as we left, I asked if she’d want to go on a date. She said yes, and we exchanged numbers.For our first date, we went on an 8-mile walk along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail—never making it to Mount Trashmore, but asking questions and building a foundation. From there came vacations, weddings, and line dancing, until on May 22, 2024, I asked her to be my girlfriend.Many dates, fun competitions, and memories followed. Eventually it was time for the next step. My plan was to propose July 25th, but with ring delays it ended up happening on July 30th. The ring arrived that morning, and after a fancy dinner, I got down on one knee and asked Madalyn to marry me. She said yes, and after celebrating with family, I knew without a doubt—I can’t wait to marry the love of my life and see all that God has in store for us.

Jex's Point of View

Our Story

Photos

Relationship to Bride: Best friend from college 
Fun Fact: I have over 30,000 photos in my camera roll (most likely over 40,000 by the wedding)

Gracie Goad

Relationship to Groom: College pal
Fun Fact: I was homeschooled

Joe Dufoe

Relationship to Bride: Sister
Fun Fact: out of all my siblings, I was put in timeout the most

Olivia Fish

Dalton Schutjer

Relationship to Bride: Sister
Fun Fact: Can name every character in Dragon Ball Z

Mya Fish

Relationship to Groom: Summer roommate & teammate
Fun Fact: I can list all of the presidents in a row

Barron Lenz

Relationship to Bride: Cousin
Fun Fact: I became a pageant queen (Miss Fruitland 2025) by volunteering to help back stage

Brianna Starry 

Relationship to Groom: college roommate & teammate
Fun Fact:

Andrew White

Relationship to Bride: Nanny growing up
Fun Fact: I still sleep with my baby blanket

Leah Neiderman

Relationship to Groom: Bride's brother
Fun Fact: 

Gavin Fish

Relationship to Bride: High School best friend
Fun Fact: Madalyn always tries to feed me food with tree nuts... I am allergic to tree nuts.

Kami Koelling

Relationship to Groom: college buddy & teammate
Fun Fact: I have an aquatic and two semi-aquatic turtles

Caden Kleemeier

Relationship to Bride: College friend and current roommate
Fun Fact: my friends gave me an Amish nickname "Jebby" because I am from Kalona

Jenna Miller

Relationship of Groom: college buddy
Fun Fact: I have more ACL tears than Jex has eyes

Ben Estling

Wedding Party

Q + A

In addition to these hotel options, we also recommend checking out Airbnb or VRBO rentals. These can often accommodate larger groups and many are located a similar distance from the venue. Since availability is first come, first served, we encourage booking early if you’d like to secure one of these options.

Distance from Venue: 10 minutesAmenities: RV space rental &amp; Cottage rental, sleep 6-8 people, kitchenette

Deer Run Resort

Distance from Venue: 29 minutesAmenities: Heated pool, continental breakfast

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Prairie du Chien

Distance from Venue: 30 minutesAmenities: Indoor pool &amp; hot tub, continental breakfast included

Quality Inn & Suites Prairie Du Chien

Distance from Venue: 30 minutesAmenities: Indoor pool &amp; hot tub, self serve breakfast, pets allowed

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Prairie du Chien

Distance from Venue: 31 minutesAmenities: Indoor pool &amp; hot tub, continental breakfast

AmericInn by Wyndham Prairie du Chien

Distance from Venue: 41 minutesAmenities: Indoor pool &amp; hot tub, continental breakfast, bar &amp; lounge

Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels - Fayette

Distance from Venue: 43 minutesAmenities: Continental breakfast, pet friendly, free crib/infant beds

SureStay by Best Western Manchester

Distance from Venue: 36 minutesAmenities: Indoor pool

Best Rest Inn & Suites

Distance from Venue: 23 minutesAmenities: restaurant

The Franklin Hotel, LLC

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Wedding Party2

Light, colorful, and floral outfits encouraged. Think spring/summer dresses, jumpsuits, and lightweight suits.

Madalyn & Jex