Rehearsal Dinner

Rustic River Winery and Vineyard

Invite-Only Ceremony

Ceremony

Lake View Community Center

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Kelsie and Kyler first connected Christmas Eve of 2019, when a mutual friend had them add each other on Snapchat. At the time, Kelsie was a freshman, and Kyler was a junior in high school, both at South Central Calhoun. Their friendship quickly blossomed into something more, and on January 31, 2020, they officially began dating. From that day forward, they’ve been inseparable!For two years, while Kyler was at NICC in Sheldon, Iowa, and Kelsie was finishing high school, they navigated a long-distance relationship. After that, they faced another 2.5 years apart while Kyler had graduated and started working, and Kelsie continued her own college journey, which she completed in December of 2025. Through it all, their bond only grew stronger. Now, after years of growing up side by side, they are so excited to finally begin their forever together as husband and wife!🤎

Some of our favorite photos from over the years!

Our Story

Tristin is Makelsie’s younger sister and lifelong best friend. She has been there through every milestone and adventure, from childhood to life’s big moments. Tristin is laid-back and brings a lighthearted, fun energy wherever she goes.

Tristin Gorden

Brady is Kyler’s younger brother and is known for his confidence and humor. He’s hardworking, determined, and always gives his best in everything he does. His strong personality and honesty make him someone you can always count on to be genuine.

Brady Schumacher

Emersen is Makelsie’s little sister and lifelong friend. She is full of fun, sweetness, kindness, and humor, bringing joy wherever she goes. Her life hasn’t been the same since she was born, and even with an 11-year age gap, the bond they share is unbreakable. Kelsie loves all the fun they have together!

Emersen Gorden

Franklin is Makelsie’s little brother and her sweet little buddy. At just five years old, he looks up to Kyler like an older brother, since Kyler has been part of the family for as long as he can remember. He’s very smart for his age, and Kelsie loves every moment she gets to spend with him!

Franklin Gorden

Josie and Makelsie have known each other since elementary school and graduated together, but really grew close after high school. Their bond strengthened even more in college as roommates. She is sweet, mature, easygoing, and a friend everyone loves to be around.

Josie Thompson

Kyle and Kyler have been friends for years and have grown even closer recently. Kyle is kind, mature, and an all-around great guy. Even while deployed, he always stayed in touch, showing the loyalty and thoughtfulness that make him such a great friend.

Kyle Scholtens

Addy and Makelsie graduated together and have known each other since elementary school. They really became close friends in their senior year. Addy is fun, sweet, and full of laughter, always ready for a good time and bringing joy to everyone around her.

Addy Geno

Caleb and Kyler have been good friends for years and always know how to have a good time together. Caleb is funny, loyal, and the kind of friend who would literally take a punch for you. He’s genuine, dependable, and never fails to make things more fun.

Caleb Thompson

Kayla and Makelsie met earlier this year and quickly became inseparable. She has a sharp wit, a playful sense of humor, and a way of making every moment feel effortless and fun. Her bright personality and contagious laughter make her a joy to be around.

Kayla Meyer

Evan and Kyler graduated together and lived together all through college. Evan is funny, easygoing, and someone you can always rely on. He’s always up for a good time, quick with a joke, and there to offer support whenever it’s needed, no matter what.

Evan Jacobs

Morgan and Makelsie went to high school together, but their friendship has grown stronger in recent years. Morgan is adventurous, full of energy, and always ready to make any moment fun. Her enthusiasm and spirit light up every room she enters.

Morgan Vogel

Kyler and Bryan have known each other their whole lives. Bryan is funny, dependable, and a genuinely great friend. He’s always there to help, whether it’s with house projects, giving advice, or offering a shoulder to lean on, and you can always count on him no matter what.

Bryan Steig

Faith and Makelsie went to high school together but became especially close more recently. Faith is kind, easygoing, and has a way of making everyone feel welcome. She’s reliable, fun to be around, and always brings an uplifting presence to every moment.

Faith Stauter

Koby and Kyler have grown close over the years and are always guaranteed to have a good time together. Koby is hilarious, loves to talk, and can keep a conversation going with anyone. He’s a great friend and always brings the fun.

Koby Kraft

Shelby and Makelsie met through mutual friends and hit it off instantly. She’s hilarious, full of energy, and can make any moment feel lighter and more fun. Her humor, kindness, and easygoing nature make her someone everyone loves to be around.

Shelby Swartzendruber

Trice and Kyler went to high school together and grew close while working for Makelsie’s dad. Trice is always down for a good time and knows how to have fun, but he’s also reliable, hardworking, and someone you can always count on, no matter the situation.

Trice Lyons

Elysia and Makelsie have been friends since preschool and grew especially close in college as roommates. She has a quick wit, a relaxed, easygoing personality, and a way of making every moment feel light and enjoyable. Her humor and warmth make her a joy to be around.

Elysia Smith

Keaton and Kyler were childhood best friends and grew up side by side. They’ve grown even closer over the years, sharing countless adventures and unforgettable memories. Keaton is funny, energetic, and always makes every moment with him memorable and full of fun.

Keaton Daniel

Megan has been there through countless memories, growing up like a sister and sharing everything from childhood moments to family vacations. She brings laughter, kindness, and a lighthearted energy wherever she goes.

Megan Paintner

Justin has been friends with Kyler for as long as they can remember. They grew up camping and riding ATVs together, and they still love to ride side-by-sides whenever they can. Justin is sincere, kind, and always willing to do anything for anyone!

Justin Rohlfing

Makia started dating one of the couple’s friends a few years ago and quickly became known for her humor. She’s confident, strong-willed, and never afraid to speak her mind. Kia’s quick wit and big personality help keep the guys in their place.

Makia Smith

Waylen is fun and always joking around, keeping the mood light wherever he goes. He’s reliable, easygoing, and never takes things too seriously. You can usually find him at the casino, confidently losing all his money and having a great time anyway.

Waylen Gemberling

Levi is always the voice of reason and keeps our wild group grounded. He’s reliable, thoughtful, and makes sure everyone is looked after. Levi enjoys having a good time but is always watching out for and protecting his friends.

Levi Meyer

Kyler may be family, but he’s also someone everyone genuinely loves to be around. He’s hilarious, easygoing, and makes everything feel lighthearted and fun. Kyler is the kind of person who can brighten any room and keep everyone smiling.

Kyler Steinborn

Paul is the bride's uncle, but they grew up more like siblings than uncle and niece. He is hilarious, fun to be around, and always knows how to make people laugh. He’s a good friend and would be there for anyone when they need him.

Paul Paintner

Andrew is Kelsie’s uncle, but was raised more like a brother. He is funny, energetic, and always fun to be around. Makelsie has loved growing up with him and cherishes all the memories they’ve shared together.

Andrew Paintner

Kadyn is Kelsie’s cousin and a loyal friend. He loves to talk and share his thoughts, always bringing energy and personality to every conversation. Kadyn is dependable, fun to be around, and always keeps things interesting!

Kadyn Steinborn

Wedding Party

We have the entire hotel reserved for our wedding weekend until one month before the wedding. After that, any unbooked rooms will be released to the public. To reserve your room, please call the hotel directly, as the block code does not work online. Be sure to mention you are booking for Kyler and Kelsie’s wedding to ensure your reservation is included. Cobblestone Inn &amp; Suites - Lake View offers comfortable accommodations with amenities including free WiFi, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. Our ceremony venue is located a couple of miles away, while the reception venue is just a short 2–5 minute walk from the hotel. The hotel is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from the Des Moines International Airport and about 57 miles from Fort Dodge Regional Airport.

Cobblestone Inn and Suites - Lake View

If you’re traveling with a larger group or the hotel fills up, there are also several great Airbnb options in the area! Some hosts may not open bookings until closer to October, but you can usually message them directly through Airbnb to ask about availability!

Airbnbs

Where to stay

Questions & Answers

We’ve included some commonly asked questions below. If you don’t see yours, feel free to reach out!

Q: Why can’t I see ceremony details?

A: Due to limited space, our ceremony will be an intimate, invitation-only event. Guests who are invited will see ceremony details included with their RSVP.

Q: Are kids invited?

A: Yes, children are welcome, but due to limited space, not all children are included. If your children are invited, they will be listed when you RSVP!

Q: When should I RSVP?

A: We’ll be sending formal invitations soon, but you’re welcome to RSVP anytime! Just enter your name and your party will appear if you’ve been invited. We kindly ask that all RSVPs be submitted by September 5th.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. The groomsmen will be in jeans for reference!

Makelsie & Kyler

Makelsie & Kyler

Where to stay

Cobblestone Inn and Suites - Lake View

Airbnbs