Jay & Mal’s Wedding Day

The shuttle will be picking up guests from the Country Inn & Suites in Pella to bring to the Gathering Grounds 

The Gathering Grounds 

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

The Gathering Grounds

Reception

Shuttle Pickup Bus: Majestic Limo

Our Wedding

Like so many modern love stories, ours started with a right swipe! Jay & I met on the dating app “Hinge” in September of 2022. After matching, we spent days chatting, joking and realizing how easy it felt to talk to each other. From the very beginning, our conversations felt natural and our connection grew effortlessly. Our first date sealed the deal — we hung out at Jay’s apartment in Ames - watched movies, talked for hours, and ended the night with Casey’s pizza. A simple, but unforgettable night that was absolutely perfect to both of us. Our first “official” date I took Jay out on the town in Des Moines - we got sushi and played pool at a Bear’s bar (knowing Jay was a huge Bears fan, points for me!). There was instant chemistry and we quickly realized this was turning into something special. We’ve had countless laughs, concerts, casinos, moves, weddings, road trips, and cozy nights in, and it didn’t take long until we knew we’d found our person. Over time, we’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and shared dreams — and we can’t wait to keep growing together. We are so excited to say “I do” and start our next chapter together surrounded by all our favorite people. We’re so grateful to celebrate with everyone who has supported us along the way.

Our Story

Photos

Sister of the bride, future sister in law of the groom:

My little sister Abby brings so much joy, laughter, and love to everyone she meets. Her personality and light make every day brighter, and I’m so proud to have her standing by my side as we celebrate this special moment together. She’s my biggest cheerleader, my favorite dance partner, and my maid of honor — and I couldn’t imagine this day without her. She is funny, caring, and full of life. Abby has been my biggest source of joy and love since the day she was born.

Abby Wagner 

Cousin & best friend of the bride: Megan has been by my side since day one, we have done everything together :) from family vacations, holidays, sleepovers, we have memories to last a lifetime. She was my very first best friend and cousin all wrapped into one! I have had the honor of growing up with her and I can’t wait to continue to make more memories together as adults! I can’t imagine this day without her right beside me! 

Megan Ries 

Sister of the groom, future sister in law of the bride: 

From the moment I met Erin, she’s made me feel like part of the family. She’s quickly become one of my closest friends and has been there for us every step of the way with advice, laughs, support and love. I’m beyond lucky to be gaining her as a sister for life!

Erin Stephens 

Best friend of the bride:

Casey and I met at a middle school slumber party thanks to a mutual friend. Little did we know, we would go from middle school acquaintances to Freshman year roommates at Iowa State. We lived together all 4 years of college, became inseparable, and the rest is history! Casey has been there for me through thick and thin and I am so grateful for our friendship. 

Casey Gilson

Best friend of the bride:

Lexi and I met Freshman year of college at Iowa State on 3rd floor Larch. We became besties quickly and it wasn’t long until we were sitting next to each other in class and playing pranks on our floor mates. Lexi is one of the most hilarious people I have ever met, and she lights up every room she walks in to. I am so happy to have her stand by my side on our special day! 

Lexi Wipperman 

Best friend of the bride:

Lexi introduced Karly to Casey and I when we were living on 3rd floor Larch at Iowa state. The four of us eventually became inseparable and have a group chat to this day based on an inside joke we made in college. We have made so many amazing memories together including life’s biggest milestones, and she’s been one of my constants. I’m so thankful for her friendship and can’t wait to have her by my side on our wedding day!

Karly Walker 

Best friend of the bride:

Lindsey & I met 7 years ago working together at a preschool when I lived in Minnesota for a year, and that experience gave me one of the best friends I’ve ever had! I had no idea one of my coworkers would become one of my best friends, but when we met, we instantly clicked. She really made Minnesota feel like home for me and our friendship has not changed because of the distance. I can’t wait to have her a part of our special day! 

Lindsey Olson 

Best friend of the bride:

Sydney and I have been best friends since preschool. I cannot recall a time in our life where we have not been close. Even though she lives in Tennessee, our friendship has always remained strong! We’ve grown up together through all stages of life — from playground days and sleepovers to weddings and everything in between. She’s been there through every chapter  with me, and I’m so lucky to have a friendship that’s lasted all these years. I couldn’t picture this day without her.


Sydney Stegmeyer 

Best friend of the bride:

Hailey & I met because of our wonderful mothers: they’ve been best friends forever and now so are we! Hailey and I were neighbors when we were little, and our friendship has really grown over the years. She is always down for a good time and I can always count on her to be down for a fun trip or concert. We’ve shared so many memories over the years, and having her here for such an important day means the world to me.

Hailey Stortz 

Best friend of the bride:

Deanna is one of the sweetest, most hilarious people I have ever met. She is always down for a good time and truly has a heart of gold. She is always there for me and we always have an amazing time together! I’m so lucky to have her in my life and couldn’t imagine this day without her!

Deanna Jordan 

Hudson is Andy & Erin’s 1st born, who is Jay and I’s nephew! We love spending time with him and watching him grow. He is so silly, energetic and a joy to be around. I can’t believe how fast time has gone - from holding him as a newborn to him now talking in full sentences and being a big brother! We love him so much and are so happy to have him a part of our special day :) 

Hudson Stephens 

JJ is Andy and Erin’s most recent bundle of joy :) Jay & I and love having him as a nephew and watching his personality blossom. We can’t wait to watch him grow and see him be an adorable ring bearer on our special day! He’s the tiniest member of the wedding party, and I know him and Hudson will bring lots of smiles to the day :) 

JJ Stephens 

Maria Maddy & Brenna Stephens

Mason Cox

Andy Stephens 

Tyler Beary 

Trever Blackford

Cameron Stocker 

Colton Dorpinghaus 

Bret Freshwater 

Kole Jones 

Ryan Heaton 

Austin Smithberg 

Doug Van Polen 

Wedding Party

Q + A

Please call the hotel and mention our block to reserve a room 

Country Inn & Suites 

Travel

Spend time around Downtown Pella District for:Dutch bakeries and coffee shopsBoutique shopping Food &amp; drinksThe Cellar Peanut Pub - Pella is one of the most popular casual spots downtown. de Kelder Speakeasy — Hidden basement speakeasy with craft cocktails, desserts, coffee Butcher’s Brewhuis — Known for whiskey, bourbon, beer Wijn House — Small wine tasting spot downtown Pella The Funk Lounge - Pella cocktail bar North End Tap- Lovilia bar

Mallory & Jay

Mallory & Jay

Travel

Country Inn & Suites