Christin Goetz + Matt Merwald

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Country-Grown Romance

Story by Meghan Townley
Photography Janine McClintock Studios

This country wedding in Hays, Kansas, was made possible with a little help from the couple's friends … and just about everyone else in the bride's hometown of 150.

The cake was from a local baker who doubled as the day-of coordinator, and the flowers were from a local florist. “We got our hair done at the local beauty salon, and my mom's best friend catered the dinner,” said Christin.

The food was local and very fresh. “My mom grew most of the potatoes and corn, and the rest came from local farmers,” said Christin. “My family owns feedlots, and it is a tradition to buy a steer for the wedding. In February of last year, my dad picked out the calf that they fatted for our wedding.”

The church that the couple was married in was the same church in which Christin's parents and grandparents were married. “It was really neat to be in the same place where a lot of my childhood was spent and where I received all my sacraments.”

After the ceremony, the wedding party snapped pictures while they posed in places throughout Hays. They sat on hay bales and stood in a cornfield and in front of the local gas station.

Christin was overjoyed by how involved her family and friends were. “We asked them to help out with everything from the decorations to the caterer. One of my friends made our playlist so we didn't have to hire a DJ. It was touching, and it made us feel really special.”

After a last-minute venue snafu, the couple was worried that the decorations would not be complete. But, again, their friends stepped in to help. “It was a really wonderful surprise that all the groomsmen and my friend Carrie pitched in to finish the decorations. It was a very special moment to see it all completed,” said Christin.

Dinner was served on vintage china. Each place setting was different. During the planning, the bride developed a passion for vintage dishes. She now has her own dish rental business.

Ceremony site
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, Kan.

Reception site
4-H Building, Oakley, Kan.

Dress
Allure Bridals

Groom's attire
Jos A Bank

Rings
Borsheims

Photography
Janine McClintock Studios

Videographer
Friend of the couple

Rentals
Family member purchased all china, flatware, stemware, etc.

Honeymoon destination
Eldorado Royale, Riviera Maya

Travel agency
Teresa Kopietz of Enchanted Honeymoons

Invitation
and program design
Carrie Ratcliff of Bozell

Music
Local musicians sang and three close friends helped out as DJs at the reception