Ellyn and Brett Kozishek

It was a Royal courtship and engagement for Ellyn and Brett Kozishek, who tied the knot November 26, 2016.

Ellyn, 28, grew up in Nebraska and earned a BA in interior design from University of Nebraska, Kearney. She works as a showroom manager for Neenan Company, a family owned and operated Kohler showroom in Leawood.

Brett, 34, was born in Iowa City, adopted after three months in a foster home, and raised on a farm outside Williamsburg, Iowa. Brett graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in health and sports studies and a minor in journalism. Brett shares, “After graduation, I tracked down my biological mother, Leisa Knudsen, and contacted her. I became close with her and her family. She lives in Overland Park. I was relocated for work to KC in January 2014.”

“In 2014, Leisa Knudsen was a client at the design firm where I worked,” Ellyn shares. “After meeting about her home renovation, we hit it off, discussing local events and the Royals’ current season. She mentioned that Brett had recently moved to the area and was searching for a church. I invited Leisa and Brett to church the following Sunday, and was happy that they joined me. “The next day, Leisa called and offered me a ticket to the Royals ALCS third game, and mentioned that Brett had the other ticket. We had a great time and stayed so long the Royals staff kicked us out of the park!”

Ellyn and Brett attended Royals fan appreciation night a year later, and toward the end of the third inning, he excused himself for a few minutes; shortly after he returned, a Royals staff member came to their seats and said they won an autographed baseball from Lorenzo Cain, and handed it to Brett. Ellyn suggested giving the ball to the boys next to them, and Brett said, “No, I think we are going to keep this one!” Written on the ball was “Will You Marry Me?” As the crowd around them cheered, Brett pointed out that both of their families from Nebraska and Iowa were at the game taking videos and photos.

Ellyn’s sister, Hannah (Gonnerman) Dusso, served as Maid of Honor; bridesmaids were Emma Urbanek, Maggie Urbanek, Heidi McLagan, Megan Gibilisco and Terra Higgins. Brett’s Best Man was Derek Scharier; groomsmen were Sam Gonnerman, Matthew Combs, Stephen Tjaden, Noah Bean and Nick Ridgeway. The bride’s personal attendant was Britta Swanson; the flower girl was Annabelle Knudsen, and ring bearers were Asher Freeman and Otto Knudsen.

The wedding festivities stretched over Thanksgiving weekend as the three extended families celebrated. Leisa hosted the bride’s parents, Kevin and Beth Gonnerman, and Brett’s parents, Robert and Helen Kozishek, and other family members for Thanksgiving dinner. On Saturday, after the 3:00 p.m. ceremony at Messiah Lutheran Church, guests and family returned to The Elms for cocktail hour, reception and dinner. To cap off the evening, everyone moved to the VIP underground pool until 2:00 a.m. with music and drinks.

Ellyn and Brett honeymooned at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, enjoying private pools, lounging and the golf course. ■