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Carli and Gary Wheeler

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Tied the Knot: October 21, 2017

Carli Wheeler, 29, a native of Shawnee, Kansas, graduated from Oklahoma State University and moved to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, for 13 months. “I worked at an American military resort for Army personnel; from there I went to Houston, Texas, for two years, working in the oil and gas industry. After seven years away, it was time for me to move home to Kansas City,” Carli shares. “Eight days later, I met my husband and best friend.”

Gary Wheeler, 28, is originally from Oskaloosa, Iowa. “I love working with my hands; whether it’s woodworking, renovating houses or just hammering a nail into a board, my hands are always cut, bruised and moving,” he notes. “My favorite season of the year is hunting season. The only thing better than being outside early in the morning, in ten-degree weather, is annoying Carli with my sarcastic humor.”

“Almost four years ago, Gary and I met at a mutual friend’s birthday outing. He texted me the next day asking if I was interested in a date. He took me to Gram & Dun on the first date; however, I was more impressed on our second date,” Carli smiles. “He handed me 20 one-dollar bills and said we were going to different thrift stores; each had to choose the other’s outfit to wear into the grocery store, where he would get supplies to cook me dinner.”

Gary meticulously planned every detail of his proposal. He flew in Kaydee, Carli’s best friend and maid of honor, from Houston. He planned a gathering of both families and friends to be there when Carli arrived home from work. “When I got home, my mother was blocking the door to the pool area, handed me a white long-sleeve shirt and told me to put it on,” Carli recalls. “She pulled me toward the door and said, ‘I have a surprise for you.’ As the door opened I noticed two rows of people forming an aisle, but my attention went to Kaydee, standing at the end of the aisle. I ran to her and gave her a giant hug. She seemed to hug me longer than normal. When she let go, I turned around to see that Gary was on his knee with our boxer, Abu, who wore a white shirt saying Will You Marry Dad? Of course, I said ‘Yes!’ And the shirt? Gary knew I wouldn’t want to be wearing pool attire in our just-engaged photos!”

The blissful couple tied the knot October 21, 2017. Kaydee Hodell served as Maid of Honor; bridesmaids were Cara Hendrix, Alex Kovarik, Sam Cowan, Lauren Herbster, Kristen Mitts, Allison Zande and Jenna Roach. Best Man was Steven Jensen, and groomsmen were Chad Whipple, Mikey Wheeler, TJ Samuel, Tyler House, Fritz Sharp and Taylor Sharp.

“After 11 months of wedding planning and with 5 more months to go, we received a wonderful surprise and blessing,” Carli smiles. “We were expecting a baby boy, who was born in January! Although my original wedding dress was changed, everything continued with a little extra love, and we are enjoying our young family.”

Bridal Gown
Belle Vogue Bridal 

Bridesmaids’ Gowns
Belle Vogue Bridal 

Groom’s and Groomsmen Suits
Men’s Wearhouse 

Florist
Hy-Vee 

DJ
Mike Casey, Drop the Mic 

Caterer
Taylor Made Catering

Cake
Costco 

Venue
Magnolia Venue & Urban Garden

Jeweler
Crews Jewelers

Wedding Coordinator
Deborah Whitebird-Griffith