L&J | Manhattan KS Winter Wedding | St Isidore's Catholic Church | K State Alumni Center

L&J | Manhattan KS Winter Wedding | St Isidore’s Catholic Church | K State Alumni Center

February 28, 2019

Photos from Luke and Jessica’s classic winter wedding in Manhattan, Kansas at St Isidore’s Catholic Church and the K State Alumni Center by Kansas City Wedding Photographer Jerry Wang Photography.

Title | Our Story

Tell us how you first met? Who what when where why? Give us the dirty details.

Luke and Jessica first met in December 2012 through mutual friends. Jessica was interested immediately and for several weeks after, she enlisted the help of friends so she could see him again.. but had no luck. Serendipitously, Jessica would see Luke again when the Kansas State Wildcats traveled to the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. However, Jessica became very nervous when she saw Luke and let him pass by without getting his attention. However, hope was not lost! A few months later Luke and Jessica would see each other again on Valentine’s Day. This time, Luke on his own asked Jessica for her phone number. It was meant to be!

On their first date, Luke invited Jessica over for a homemade spaghetti dinner. Over candlelight and music serenaded by Luke’s roommate playing guitar, Jessica and Luke quickly fell for each other and continued to be inseparable.

When did you know he / she was the one? Was there something he / she did?

Jessica knew that Luke was the one after he offered to brave winter weather conditions to give her a ride from Manhattan to Kansas City to be with her mom at KU Medical Center who was undergoing mastectomy surgery for breast cancer. Jessica remembers that during the two hour ride, their conversation was relaxed and Luke’s calm demeanor helped ease her anxiety. Jessica knew he was a good listener and cared about her enough to go out of his way to help. This kind gesture solidified Jessica’s feelings for Luke.

Luke knew Jessica was the one the first time they danced together. As Luke spun Jessica around the dancefloor, he felt hopeful and thought many times that Jessica could be the girl he would marry. Thoughts about the future became more common during their conversations and each date they had, and especially after the first time he brought Jessica home to Texas. Luke always felt comfortable with Jessica even though he was often shy and reserved around others.

What is the most memorable date you’ve ever had?

Jessica and Luke have had many memorable dates together! Their favorite date was on a beautiful and warm spring day in Manhattan, Kansas when Luke and Jessica enjoyed a picnic in the park under the shade of a willow tree. They spent hours talking, eating, and drinking a few beers. The best part was taking a nap in each other’s arms and enjoying the day together.

Tell us about the proposal (did you see it coming, how long was it in the planning? How did you feel? Nervous, excited, freaking out?)

Luke proposed to Jessica on May 4, 2018 high above the Dallas skyline at Reunion Tower. The week leading up to the proposal, Jessica and Luke had made plans to go to dinner that Friday night. Luke mentioned to Jessica he knew of a restaurant in downtown that he wanted to try out. When Friday came, Luke made sure that Jessica was dressed nicely and that they left in enough time to meet their dinner reservation. As they arrived at their destination, Jessica was surprised that Luke had not make reservations at a restaurant but instead for a private tour of Reunion Tower- a place that Jessica had wanted to visit since moving to Dallas. During the tour, they had special treatment including a private elevator ride to the top. The view of the city was breathtaking and Jessica’s nerves and excitement began to build in anticipation of whether or not Luke would really propose; since he didn’t seem nervous at all! Then to her complete amazement, Luke led her through a path of rose petals to a reserved table for two looking out over the skyline. It was there that Luke got down on one knee and asked Jessica to marry him!

Tell us the one thing you love most about each other.

Jessica loves how affectionate Luke is with her and how he makes her feel safe.

Luke loves Jessica’s outgoing personality and how she cares deeply about others.

If you feel comfortable, share with us something silly or quirky the other person does

Luke likes to make up many nicknames for Jessica and often changes song lyrics to include her name.

Jessica sings the wrong words to songs she doesn’t know the lyrics to.

Describe the theme or décor for your wedding.

Jessica and Luke’s wedding is inspired by the 1920’s art deco style and incorporates themes from the novel The Great Gatsby.

Vendor List.

Photography | Jerry Wang Photography

Video | Level Up Video Productions

Hair & Makeup | Elyse from Salon Essentials Salon & Spa & Julie Splichal