Trevor Thielen
Kristine Bates
Trevor Thielen
Kristine Bates
July 25, 2026
How we met
Trevor and I (Kristine) went to Steven’s High School together and graduated the same year. Although we didn’t know each other in high school the power of having mutual friends on Facebook brought us together. Trevor sent me a friend request which I accepted. After I accepted his friend request we started chatting. A week later we went on our first date on a cold Friday night in December to Piesano’s indulging in a pizza followed by a stroll at Storybook Island to gaze at the beautiful Christmas lights. Several dates and 5 months later, we went to stay at Powderhouse Lodge for my birthday weekend. We decided to go to Mt. Rushmore since we hadn’t been there for several years to go for a hike after dinner. To my surprise Trevor popped the question, if I’d marry him. I said, “Yes!”
Schedule
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour & Reception
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
434 Old Hill City Rd, Keystone, SD 57751
Cocktail attire
Please choose a seat not a side during the wedding. You are loved by both the groom and bride. ❤️ Light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be available during cocktail hour/social time. Dinner (buffet style) will be at 6 pm followed by toasts and dancing. A cash bar is available during the reception.
Travel
Hotel
K Bar S Lodge an Ascend Collection Hotel
Rooms will need to be booked by June 24, 2026 to get the discounted rate for $237 per night. Here is the link to book a room under our wedding block: https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/WY96J9
Discount Code - Thielen-Bates Wedding; Group Number: WY96J9
Registry
Wedding Party
Kristine Bates
Bride
Claudine Bates
Maid of Honor
Claudine is the older sister of the bride.
Lacey Bates
Bridesmaid
Lacey is the brides sister-in-law
Angella Bates
Bridesmaid
Angella is the brides sister-in-law
Lilly Bates
Junior Bridesmaid
Lilly is the niece of the bride.
Trevor Thielen
Groom
Doug Bates
Groomsman
Doug is younger brother of the bride.
John Bates
Groomsman
John is the older brother of the bride.
Landon Bates
Junior Groomsman
Landon is the nephew of the bride.
Jaxon Bates
Ring Bearer
Jaxon is the nephew of the bride.
Vivian Thielen
Flower Girl
Vivian is the bride and groom’s daughter.
Madelyn Thielen
Flower Girl
Madelyn is the groom’s daughter and the bride’s bonus daughter.
John Bates
Father of the Bride
Diane Bates
Mother of the Bride
Paul Thielen
Father of the Groom
Sandra Thielen
Mother of the Groom
Rev Valerie Gehlen
Officiant
Gallery
Things To Do
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
1880 Train - Keystone Depot
Sprockets Fun Foundry
Rushmore Tramway Adventures
Needles Highway
Rushmore Cave
Crazy Horse Memorial
Jewel Cave National Monument
Custer State Park
FAQs
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
Please wear cocktail attire.
Question
Will there be alcohol?
Answer
We will have a cash bar available at the venue for guests to purchase their preferred drinks.
Question
What time should I arrive at the ceremony?
Answer
The ceremony will start at 4 pm. Please arrive 30-40 minutes before the ceremony to get settled.
Question
How should I RSVP?
Answer
To RSVP, go to the RSVP page on this website. Please submit your RSVP by July 6, 2026 so we can plan accordingly!
Question
Can I take pictures during the ceremony?
Answer
We kindly request that guests do not take photos during the wedding ceremony. We have a professional photographer to capture every moment so we can unplug and enjoy!
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
Yes, there will be parking available at the by the Venue and upper parking by the hotel.
Question
Do you have a hotel block for guests?
Answer
Yes! Please see the travel page on our website for details of our hotel block.
Question
I still have questions, what is the best way to contact you?
Answer
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to text or call Kristine at (605) 209-5761.
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.