Kelsey and Nate Manderfeld

Kelsey (Nowka) Manderfeld, 27, was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Textile Design and Advertising. She was an active member of Kappa Delta sorority and played on the Nebraska club soccer team. Kelsey works in product marketing for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City.

Nate Manderfeld, 33, was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, where he graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in English. He is a front-end web developer for a medical advertising agency in Kansas City. Kelsey and Nate live in Overland Park, Kansas, where they are currently remodeling their home.

Kelsey and Nate met through Kelsey’s roommate, who was also the recruiter who found Nate his current job. On the night of their blind date, Kelsey had a flat tire and almost called it off.  “After a delay of several hours, I finally showed up,” she laughs. “Nate offered to lighten my deflated mood with some much-needed laughter and our date continued!”

Three days before a Vegas vacation, Nate secretly mailed a package to both his and her family under the guise of a group scavenger hunt. After midnight, on the second night in Vegas, Kelsey and Nate went to the Bellagio’s botanical gardens for pictures. Nate handed a camera to two passersby and whispered, “Keep taking pictures in case I do something crazy.” After a few poses with Kelsey, he pointed to the ground and said, “Kelsey, you dropped something.” When she looked, puzzled, Nate was down on one knee. The next morning, they Skyped their parents and had them open the scavenger hunt boxes, which included several mementos and revealed their engagement.

The blissful couple tied the knot on July 23, 2016. Kelsey’s Matron of Honor was Melissa Johnson, and bridesmaids were Emma Lane, Erika Bretscher, Natalie Johansen, Abby Endebrock and Kristi Schlake. Nate’s Best Man was Matt Conley; groomsmen were Drew Manderfeld, Dusty Manderfeld, David McDonald, Evan Stallbaumer and Kyle Nowka.

Nate walked his parents to their front-row seats, and Kelsey’s parents escorted her down the aisle, arm in arm. “Having our parents involved in the ceremony was very important to us and made that once-in-a-lifetime moment seem even more special,” Kelsey affirms. “We also wrote and read our own vows to each other.”

“Both of us were extremely involved in the wedding planning process, especially with the aesthetic of our big day. We spent numerous hours every week arranging and designing for our wedding and reception. We handcrafted our own photobooth backdrop and foam props, designed all wedding stationary and invitations and signage, and Nate developed a custom wedding website.”

Kelsey and Nate took a week-long honeymoon trip to Playa Mujeres, Mexico, where they enjoyed the white sand beaches and never-ending tropical cocktails, and went scuba diving for the first time. ■

Bridal Gown
The Gown Gallery

Groom/Groomsmen Tuxes
Men’s Wearhouse

Hair Styling
Hilary Farrell, Hair Studio

Makeup
Breanne Myers

Florist
Dan Meiners

DJ
Icon Event Group

Caterer
Shining Stars Catering

Cake
Chef Shop

Venue
Pennway Place at Studio Dan Meiners

Jeweler
Noble House Jewelry

Wedding Coordinator
Once Upon A Table

Ceremony Music
Juniper Strings Trio