Andrew & Korynn Jellema

   How We Met

Andy and I first met in 7th grade at a junior high track meet. It was not love at first sight. In fact, neither one of us thought very highly of the other, for reasons that seemed completely legitimate to 7th graders. Little did we know that in less than two years we would meet again and be stuck in the same high school homeroom. Throughout the first months of high school, we learned to tolerate each other; but, as the years passed, we became good friends. During our senior year we started to hang out more often and began a weekly tradition of watching a different movie every Sunday night at my house. Our friendship continued to grow, especially during track and field season our senior year, but it wasn’t until after our high school graduation that we began to date. After one year of having a long distance relationship, Andy decided to transfer to the same college I was attending and we’ve been together ever since.

   Engagement

For several years I had been telling Andy how badly I wanted to go to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. However, being a poor college student, Andy couldn’t afford to take me. So, after graduating college and working for about six months, he decided to give me tickets as a Christmas present. Now Andy is not much of a planner, so the week before the concert he had yet to purchase the ring and talk to my dad. Needless to say, both of those tasks were accomplished and on January 21, 2010 we headed to downtown Chicago with plans of going out for dinner and then going to the concert. We drove around for a little while before we found a place to eat; we parked the car, then we walked back to the restaurant. Although Andy didn’t have a specific plan of where he would propose, he did have two ideas; the first was in the Chicago Cultural Center and the second was by the Bean in Millennium Park. After dinner we made our way to the Cultural Center, where Andy chickened out. Then we crossed the street to take a detour through Millennium Park and passed the Bean. Where, yet again, he chickened out (at the time he blamed it on the crowd of people surrounding it). We continued to make our way towards the concert hall and to a more secluded area where he finally knelt down to “tie his shoe” and pulled out the ring and proposed. Within a few minutes we were sitting down in a little coffee shop and making all the important calls before finally finishing off our night at the symphony.

   Planning

After dating for 5 years we knew we did not want a long engagement. We were able to book Cloister in the Woods for June 26, 2010- a mere five and a half months away. My mom and I quickly threw ourselves into the planning and everything shortly fell into place. Andy and I knew we wanted to be married at the church I had attended my whole life, First Christian Reformed Church of Highland. I picked our colors right away, hot pink and aqua blue. They were my favorite colors and I knew I had to have something bright for our summer wedding. We also knew that we wanted our wedding to be a big celebration with unique aspects that represented our lives and relationship. Since Andy and I first met at a track meet and we spent much of our time together over the years on track teams together in both high school and college, we knew that running had to be a theme in our wedding. We decided that the entire wedding party would wear running shoes-even the girls under their bridesmaid dresses. We also knew we wanted pictures of our wedding party at a track. After speaking to our amazing photographer, Bernie, and seeing that he was as excited about the idea as we were, we knew it was the perfect plan for us. The months of planning flew by and we could not have been more excited to finally reach our wedding day.

   Wedding

I awoke on our wedding day to discover that it was a beautiful summer day and the temperature was predicted to reach the 90s. All of my bridesmaids arrived at my parents’ house where we had the perfect morning; my closest friends and family spent time laughing, talking, and just relaxing before the big “I do.” We felt the excitement grow as we got our hair done by Janell Eriks, a family friend, and began to get ready. It felt just like a fairy tale. My mom helped me get into my diamond white strapless Sophia Tolli bridal grown, put the veil in my hair, and tied the laces of my white and blue Mizuno running shoes.

The girls and I were soon ready to leave and meet Andy and the groomsmen at Centennial Park in Munster for some pre-wedding pictures. Andy and the best man, his brother Paul, spent the morning going for an 8 mile run. They didn’t reflect this though as I saw Andy for the first time in his black tuxedo and white vest and tie. We spent the rest of the blazing hot morning and early afternoon taking pictures both at the park and at Highland High School’s track. Running in a huge wedding dress is not an easy task, but we were having the time of our lives.

It was soon time to get back to the church and before I knew it, I was walking down the aisle on my Dad’s arm while the organ was playing Cannon in D. The church was full of our family and friends, and in front of them all we were able to express our love for each other and be pronounced husband and wife. It seemed like icing on the cake when one of my bridesmaids sang “I Run to You” by Lady Antebellum-a song that so well described Andy and my lives. We then ran back down the aisle as husband and wife and we left the church in a Hummer, ready to start the celebration at the reception. The reception was just what we wanted-a huge party with everyone eating, dancing, and having a good time. The cake was cut-complete with bride and groom running figurines on top, a perfect dinner was served, and our entertainment was started. We also had the guests play our version of the TV show Minute to Win it during dinner. A guest was randomly selected to try and complete one of our tasks in one minute, and if successful, Andy and I would kiss. Our friends and family proceeded to attempt to keep multiple balloons in the air, move cotton balls one at a time using only their nose from one bowl to another, sort a bag of M&Ms by color, among many other things, all in one minute. Everyone was a good sport about it and the entertainment of it was priceless. After a night filled with dancing and having an amazing time with great people, the evening soon came to an end.

Andy and I could not take a honeymoon right away because of Andy’s school, so we spent the next day relaxing at Deep River Waterpark and Andy went back to his grad school classes on Monday morning. In August we were able to finally take our well-deserved honeymoon to Ocho Rios, Jamaica as a happily married husband and wife.

First Christian Reformed Church of Highland

Cloister in the Woods
Munster, IN

Bernie Zemen
Timeless Images Photography


Kristina Lynn Floral

Comforts Catering

Janell Eriks

Accents on 45th

Dunhill Tuxedos

Char’s The Wedding Shoppe

Formal Accents

Reverend Randy Bergsma
First Christian Reformed Church of Highland

Stevie Dykstra- Operation Getdown DJ’s

Cakes by Karen

Jeffery & Amanda DeMass

   How We Met

Jeff and Amanda met in Elementary School. They became best friends but there was always something special between them throughout the years. It wasn’t until 2001, in the beginning of their freshman year of High School, that they became an official serious couple. Jeff and Amanda dated all through high school. College was just around the corner and Amanda went away while Jeff attended a local college. Jeff and Amanda visited each other every weekend possible. After that first year, they both decided to transfer to the same college where they finished the remainder of their college years. They both wanted to finish college before they got married. Amanda finished in 2009 and Jeff finished in 2010. After nine years of being together they were ready to finally commit to being husband and wife for the rest of their lives.

   Engagement

It was a long time coming for this couple of almost eight years. Amanda had some idea that Jeff might propose any day. Jeff managed to still surprise Amanda when that day finally came on August 20th, 2009. Amanda had just lost her grandmother the previous week and Jeff’s sister was throwing a jewelry party that night. Amanda decided that she should attend this party since all of Jeff’s female friends and family would be expecting her. When she arrived it was like any normal female get-together. Still upset and down from her loss she wasn’t in the greatest of moods to be messed with. However, Jeff showed up with some excuse and Amanda was happy to see him but didn’t think anything about it. Her parent’s along with her younger sister showed up as well and Amanda still had no clue what was going to happen. Jeff called her over to the display of jewelry and Amanda wasn’t having it and said, "No, I’m not in the mood to be messed with or to joke around!" Jeff convinced Amanda to come over by him where he grabbed the most gaudy ring from the arrangement and proceeded to get down on one knee and then ask "will you marry me." Amanda was not happy and said, &qout;This isn’t funny and it’s just plain mean! Please stop it!" Jeff then came back with, "Well how about the real one?" as he reached down into his pocket and pulled out the real ring. Amanda didn’t even give him the chance to ask her with the real ring and said, "YES!" Everyone in the room laughed and said he didn’t get a chance to ask you for real. So, Jeff then finally asked Amanda to be his wife and the rest was history, with another reply of a "yes" and a kiss to make it the perfect moment.

   Planning

Both Jeff and Amanda grew up in the town of La Porte, IN so there was no question about where their wedding would take place. Amanda was in full planning mode immediately following her older sister Erin’s marriage in October 2009. Jeff and Amanda decided to have their wedding at St. Peter Catholic Church and their reception at the Civic Auditorium. It was very important for Amanda to be married in the church and to have an early 1940’s themed wedding. Her grandmother was married in 1943, so Amanda wanted to somewhat recreate that old, vintage charm. The Civic was exactly the picture of vintage old architecture. Amanda along with the help of both families coordinated her entire wedding. Amanda and her sisters and mother designed and hand made all of her save the dates, invitations, programs, table numbers, and menu cards incorporating a vintage lace and vintage photo look. Their colors consisted of black, silver, copper, ivory, and dark plum.

Wedding

Saturday, October 30th was a beautiful sunny day for a late Fall wedding. Jeff and Amanda set up their reception decor with the assistance of their family, friends, and bridal party the day before. They had Virtuous Events bring in chairs, chargers, and radiant lighting to give an overall warm vintage feel. Holly Russell of Lady & The Lens Photography captured every special moment and detail of Jeff and Amanda’s special day in the most creative and unique style. She truly captured the love Jeff and Amanda have for each other and Amanda’s overall vintage theme. Leslie Buckner, Amanda’s personal and talented stylist was behind her vintage hairstyle. Lynn Boatwright, a Sales Director of Mary Kay Cosmetics, assisted in creating Amanda’s overall make-up look. With all of Amanda’s 7 bridesmaids, 1 junior bridesmaid, and flower girl’s hair securely pinned in place and faces glowing …. it was finally time to get dressed. Amanda’s bridesmaids and junior bridesmaid put on their long, floor-length; dark plum dresses from Bill Levkoff and stepped into their black satin heels. Alayna, Jeff’s niece and the flower girl wore an ivory flower girl dress to match the bride. Amanda’s bridesmaids all helped her get into her Allure Couture ivory/silver/gold and elegant all over lace and lace appliqu wedding gown. Her mother, Ramona, lovingly placed the vintage birdcage veil she made upon Amanda’s head. Along with a real ivory garden rose for an extra hint of vintage flare. She slipped on her Silk peep-toe Liz Rene Couture heels and her bridal look was completed by Alayna, helping her put on her beautiful custom made Swarovski crystal jewelry made by Kris Pritz, as well as the bridal garters made by her mother. Ryan Huff of Wright’s Flowers and Gifts delivered the gorgeous bouquets. He also, did all of the arrangements and rest of the bridal party flowers.Jeff and his 7 groomsmen, 1 junior groomsmen, and ring bearer relaxed all morning waiting for the time to get ready.

Eventually, all the boys arrived at the church and gradually got dressed in their black tuxes by L.R. Men’s Clothier & Tuxedos. The groomsmen wore dark plum vests and bow ties, while Jeff and Gavin, the ring bearer and nephew of the groom, wore an antique ivory vest and bow tie. Jeff and Amanda exchanged gifts right before the wedding. Amanda gave Jeff Cubs cufflinks and Jeff gave Amanda a beautiful Fossil watch. The ceremony was held at St. Peter Catholic Church. The moment was finally upon Jeff and Amanda where they would see each other for the first time. Escorted by her Father, Michael, Amanda walked to a harpist, trombonist, and organist playing the "Trumpet Voluntary." The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Joseph Angotti. Jeff and Amanda exchanged vows in front of all their loved ones. Holly Russell quickly captured formal family photos and then the bride and groom left the church in a 1937 Packard car to other photo spots and eventually to their reception. Jeff and Amanda had a carving station style dinner provided by Ed Kis from Great Lakes Catering. They had a cocktail hour serving Italian-Port Wine Mushroom Meatballs, Shrimp Cocktail, Traditional Bruschetta, Cheese and Crackers, and Fresh Fruit. For dinner there was a garden fresh summer salad followed by Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken, Green Beans, and New Baby Potatoes. Personalized favors of homemade Raspberry Jelly was made by the groom’s grandmother Velma DeMass. Jeff’s other grandmother, Iona Gring, created a personalized quilt with Bride and Groom photographs and their favorite teams logos for everyone to sign on. The grandmothers, parents and bridal party were introduced and Jeff and Amanda proceeded to cut their wedding cake made by Sharon Sawaya. She also made a Cub’s themed groom cake. Amanda’s sisters Erin and Nicole, matron and maid of honor gave a wonderful personal toast. Jeff’s best friend and best man, Dusty, was the comedian of the crowd with his speech. The first dance as husband and wife was "Warmness On The Soul" by Avenged Sevenfold one of the couple’s favorite bands. After the emotional father-daughter and mother-son dances were complete, the party really started with the sounds of David Galt. Amanda tossed her bouquet, which was caught by Jeff’s Aunt Sandy. Jeff pitched the garter and his nephew Wade caught it. The night ended with everyone still on the dance floor wanting the night to last forever. It truly was Jeff and Amanda’s perfect and best day of their lives. Amanda and Jeff spent the next day with immediate family at a brunch at Amanda’s parents home where Amanda and Jeff opened their gifts. They left for their relaxing honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, Cap Cana on Monday, Nov. 1st. The entire overall experience exceeded Jeff and Amanda’s expectations and they just want to thank all of their loved ones for their support and help!

St. Peter Catholic Church

Civic Auditorium

Holly Russel
Lady & The Lens Photography

Ryan Huff
Wright’s Flowers and Gifts

Tasha Raylene
Virtuous Events

Reverend Joseph Angotti – St. Peter Catholic Church

Sharon Sawaya Cakes

Ed Kis
Great Lakes Catering

David Galt

Leslie Buckner / First Impressions

Lynn Boatwright / Mary Kay

Leann VanSchoyck / L.R. Men’s Clothier & Tuxedos

Keith & Tiffany Korth

   How We Met

Keith and I met in September of 2006. I had just graduated college and moved with my parents from Bradley, Illinois to Kentland, Indiana near my sister. I needed a job so my sister helped me get a job where she worked. On the first day my sister introduced me to some of her friends including Keith and his brother. My sister and Keith’s brother (the match makers) where trying really hard to get us together. They thought we would make the cutest couple. I was a little leery he was a few years younger than me, in a band and not the typical kind of guy I was used to dating. I went to a few of his concerts and I thought he was amazing singing on stage. After of few weeks of convincing from my sister I thought why not, they do say opposites attract "right"? Sure enough opposites do attract we hit it off on our first date at the Brookfield Zoo and the rest is history.

   Engagement

It was Christmas Morning, December 25, 2008 and Keith woke up early and was really anxious to start opening our Christmas stockings. He brought me my stocking and his eyes were glowing with excitement. We hadn’t even talked about getting married so you could imagine my surprise when I opened the little black velvet box. My mouth dropped and he said "Tiffany, you will always be my one true love today, tomorrow and forever, will you marry me". I was speechless (which made him worry) and then I said of course "yes".

   Planning

Wedding planning was very difficult for me since my job required me to travel and work in Wisconsin Monday through Friday. This meant all of the planning was done on the weekends. We went to numerous wedding locations in Illinois and Northwest Indiana area. It was important for us to have our wedding ceremony and reception at the same location. Since most of our family and friends would have to travel for the wedding and aren’t familiar with the area. Taking all of that into consideration we decided to have the wedding and reception at the Aberdeen Manor in Valparaiso, Indiana. The manor has a beautiful garden and chapel for wedding ceremonies and a ballroom for receptions. We thought it was perfect! We really wanted a garden wedding but realized the weather in October is very unpredictable. We told Aberdeen of our hopes for an outdoor wedding and were pleased to find out we could decide up to 1 hour before our wedding if we wanted the ceremony in the chapel or garden. We wanted an elegant, stylish, and fun wedding that would be memorable for all. The Aberdeen garden is very beautiful especially in the fall. Our colors were wine and silver with splash of orange to incorporate the fall.

   Wedding

Saturday October 23, 2010 started with scattered showers and hints of sunshine. Everyone kept telling me rain is good luck on your wedding day. Still I was disappointed since we wanted a garden wedding ceremony. Megan Wiesjahn, the Aberdeen Manor wedding coordinator, and the Aberdeen staff did a wonderful job setting up the ceremony and reception making sure things went according to plan, down to every little detail. Bob Goin and Elise Fenelon of Marie Cross Studio arrived early to take pictures of the bridesmaids and I getting ready for the big day. The bridesmaids and I had our hair styled at Inspirations hair salon and our makeup was done by makeup artist Maria Blanco. All the while the bridesmaids and flower girl were busy chatting and getting ready at my parents house. Once all of the hair and makeup was complete it was time to get dressed. My 4 bridesmaids put on their long, chiffon, wine colored dresses from the Wedding Center in Bourbonnais, Illinois and stepped into their silver heels. The bridesmaid helped me get into my Casablanca white chiffon beaded overlay empire waist wedding gown. My best friend, Amber, since the second grade placed my veil on my head. My mother brought down a pair of her pearl earrings (something borrowed) and the final touch was my Great Grandmother’s blue chalcedony necklace something old and blue). Then the Corvette Limousine arrived to pick the girls up. The brides and I were on our way to Aberdeen Manor arriving in style. Keith and his 4 groomsmen slept in, played some PlayStation and eventually got dressed in their black tuxes from Dunhill Tuxedos at our house. The groomsmen donned wine colored vests and ties while Keith wore a pin stripped suite and a white vest and tie complete with shiny black shoes. Then the guys were on their way to Aberdeen Manor for the wedding ceremony. Prior to the Ceremony Bob of Marie Cross Studio met the guys at Aberdeen for some pre-wedding photos. The sun was shining and the temperature was in the mid 60’s.

Earlier in the day we had decided to have the wedding in the Chapel due to the on and off again sprinkle. Keith called me and told me it was beautiful in Valparaiso and we should go ahead with the garden wedding. One hour before the wedding started Aberdeen graciously removed all of the decorations from the chapel and set up the garden for the ceremony. Keith and I saw each other for the first time as I made my way down the aisle escorted by my father, Ron, to the Wedding March playing on the garden surround sound.

The ceremony was officiated by Mark Lindemer. In between the light sprinkle and the 2 year old ring bearer, Jack, kicking the flower pots, dancing around and greeting everyone, Keith and I said our I Do’s in front of our family and friends. After we were pronounced husband and wife and shared our first kiss, as the bridal party left the ceremony to the song "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve. After we greeted all of the guest the bridal party piled into the Corvette Limo. We drove around and stopped at different locations for group pictures. We returned to a hopping reception. The guest found their assigned seats by name cards for the formal four-course sit down dinner. The bridal party and the parents were introduced. Guest were immediately served with a cob salad, Italian wedding soup, Pecan Crusted Chicken, Sour Cream and Chive Mashed potatoes, Confetti Corn. For dessert white cake with fresh strawberry filling and chocolate cake with cream filling were served. My sister, Sherry and matron of honor, gave a wonderful heartfelt toast while Keith’s brother, Kary the best man, gave a similar toast to the Wolf pack toast in the movie The Hangover, the room was filled with laughter. We then cut our cake created by Ralph’s Bakery.

The first dance was started by Keith and I to "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John. After the father-daughter dance to "I Loved Her First" by Heartland and mother-son dance to "Simple Man" by Shinedown the bridal party formed a circle and danced together to Lean on me (Bill Withers). Keith and I dedicated "Unchained Melody" for our parent in honoring them for being such great parents and great marriage role models for us. The dance floor started rocking to the sounds of Trans Audio Mobile music. The night flew by and before I knew it it was time to toss my bouquet. Keith even danced to "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson before he removed my garter. The night ended with Keith and I dancing together and him singing to me "You Want To Make A Memory" by Bon Jovi. It was a perfectending to an absolutely amazing memory and evening.

Aberdeen Manor
aberdeenmanor.com

Wise Way Florist
wisewayfoods.com/Dept_Floral.aspx

Trans Audio
trans-audio.com

Ralph’s Bakery

Bob Goin and Elise Fenelon – Marie Cross Studio
crossphotography.com

The Wedding Studio

Second Nature Limousine
secondnaturelimos.com

Maria Blanco

Inspirations Hair Salon

Mark Lindemer

Tony & Kelli Lepore

   How We Met

Kelli and Tony first met in middle school, remained friends through high school, ran in the same circle of friends, but each always had been in other relationships. There always seemed to be a connection, but the timing was not right, yet! In the summer of 2007, Both Kelli and Tony were single, you can probably assume what happens next, but we’ll tell you anyway. Through their mutual friends, Kelli and Tony started to spend time together (a lot of time), and the rest is history, the timing was right!!! After many dinners, movies, beach dates and uncountable memories, their connection continued to grow. Little did Kelli and Tony know 15 years ago, where they first met as kids, they would soon be on their way down the aisle, with one amazing surprise along the way.

   A Welcomed Suprise

Anyone who knows Kelli and Tony knows they are great partners for each other, but even more impressively they would make amazing parents. They wouldn’t have to wait long to prove that to be true. Shortly after the 2008 holiday season, Kelli and Tony shared the news with their family and friends that they were expecting their first baby. In utter excitement, they couldn’t wait to find out the gender of their baby, it was a girl. And the remaining months were spent preparing for their new baby girl. Taylor Elizabeth was born on October 29, 2009 healthy, beautiful and loved. With the birth of their new daughter, Kelli and Tony grew even closer, if that was possible.

   The Engagement

Tony had every intention of going "all out" for when he proposed to Kelli. He had already asked Kelli’s parents for their blessing, had the ring, had a whole night planned for the upcoming weekend in Downtown Chicago but, he was too excited, he couldn’t wait. It was a Thursday night, Tony had gotten off of work and decided "this is it, I’m asking tonight". He walked in the door, still in his grungy work clothes, got down on one knee, and asked Kelli to marry him. He explained he had a whole day planned, but that he was too excited and had to ask tonight. Kelli immediately said "YES" and thought it was absolutely perfect. They immediately called who would be their Maid of Honor and Best Man, Hillary and Dave, and then their families, friends and the planning began.

   Planning

The date was set, September 12, 2010. Both Kelli and Tony grew up and still live in Northwest Indiana, so they knew the venue would be nearby, close to family and friends. They knew the venue from the beginning, Meyer’s Castle in Dyer, IN. The beautiful structure was built around 1929 and the grounds include a swan pond, gardens and waterfalls, a picturesque location for Kelli and Tony’s perfect day (not to mention they had a wedding coordinator and vendors to assist with most of the wedding details). Next on the list were the dress and flowers. Kelli knew when she found her dress, no other dress compared. A sweetheart neck, form-fitted mermaid simple ivory dress, the essence of pure elegance. Kelli knew the only flowers that could hold their own with her dress were pink and white roses, and white hydrangeas. Light mocha bridesmaid dresses, creme table overlays, 12-inch hurricane vases and ice sculptures would also compliment Kelli and Tony’s highly anticipated day.

   Wedding

The sun was shining; it was looking to be a beautiful September day. Everyone started early that morning, Kelli and her girls all gathered at Kelli and Tony’s home to start having their hair and makeup started by Kelli’s good friends, Jessica and Ashley. Tony and his groomsmen met up at Tony’s parents house to start the day with some beers and incriminating reminiscing – don’t worry, they cleaned themselves up (all the men looked very dapper) and were sure to make it to the ceremony on time.

The day was falling into place – Bella Photography started with the girls to capture Kelli and her bridesmaids as they anticipated the upcoming hours. It was almost time for both the boys and girls to head over to Meyer’s Castle. The girls touched up their makeup, the boys finished up their cold ones, and they were both off. Bella Photography continued to capture amazing photos of the bridal party before the ceremony. Tony’s face was in awe when he first saw Kelli in her dress, with her long blonde hair pulled to the side in a tight tendril curl, the moment was perfect. Kelli and Tony waited a long time for this day, the only thing left to do, was make their love for each other official.

All the guests began to take their seats, the orchestra music began, and the time had finally come. Kelli and Tony’s closest friends processed down the garden walkway, followed by, Jason, the cutest ring bearer, and then Kelli, accompanied by her father, Tim. Tony eagerly awaited Kelli to meet him at the gazebo entrance so they could begin to share in the moment together. As Kelli approached, a large grin overcame Tony’s face, a face Kelli has seen many times before. As the ceremony began, peacocks grazed through the garden and gazebo area, guests looked on with excitement, and it was official…Kelli and Tony were man and wife.

After the ceremony, the bridal party and guests gathered for a cocktail hour, hors d’ oeuvres, dinner and the reception. Hillary, the maid of honor, toasted the happy couple with memories of the past and hopes for the future. Dave, the best man, spoke of the connection between Tony and Kelli and how they were meant for each other. The night was filled with dancing and laughing, in celebration of a couple that was meant to be together. Kelli and Tony headed out very early the next morning for their long-awaited and much needed Honeymoon – their destination, Rivera Maya. On the way to the airport, they talked about what an amazing night they had the night before, how lucky they are to have their family and friends in their life, how blessed they are to have their beautiful daughter, Taylor, and how excited they are to start the next chapter of their lives.

Meyer’s Castle

Bella Photography
bellaphotographs.com

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