In the mid-summer of 2014, Kelby returned home from 6-months of emotionally intensive (good & bad) international christian discipleship and missions work. Being welcomed with "what am I doing in life?", "What is God doing with my passions?", and "what happened to all of my friends?" kind of questions, Kelby's heart was searching for friendship when Jessi rode in on a freaking BALD EAGLE through golden clouds with a beautifully compassionate and genuine concern for how Kelby had been handling transition coming home. He was thunderstruck and his eyes were widened. Six months of hanging out on and off, flirting, and texting led Kelby to seriously consider the future of his life and his involvement with Jessi. He began his intentionality like a stud and four months later, heart beating like a race horse, Kelby approached the boss level which was asking Mr. Dad-Marine-Veteran-LOVES-His-Daughter-Soooo-Much-Kevin-Mechler for permission to date his daughter with the intention of hopefully marrying her. He said yes, then she said yes. Two years later.....

What Jessi thought was an all-girls trip to Yosemite, ended up with Kelby showing up in the valley floor of a beautiful meadow in front of Half-Dome, holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers. Jessi was hit with a plethora of emotions thinking Kelby was in Texas "at work." Completely stunned, Jessi looked at her dear friend Shea in disbelief, quickly realizing that everyone had been party surfing a wave of deception without Jessi knowing, which she later discovered was MONTHS long. The next thing she knew, Kelby was on his knee putting a beautiful ring on her finger. The hours following were filled with so much joy, laughter, and love - accompanied by stunning waterfalls and granite monoliths. The night ended with a celebratory burger and beer feast with the friends who helped Kelby pull off the perfect surprise. Looking back at the entire weekend, Kelby and Jessi were at a loss for words at the immense love and blessings that the Father had poured over them. They are beyond stoked to share that same feeling of love and celebration with all of their family and closest friends on their wedding day. Excited to see you in Aspen!