Whiskey Ridge

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Bridal Shower

Our Wedding

Two Drop-Outs and Mark

Jocelyn began her bachelor degree at a school in Iowa and quickly found out that it was not a great fit. She came home and was determined to find a job somewhere in healthcare. After about one month of searching and interviews, Jocelyn was hired as a Phlebotomist at Community Blood Center. There, she met one of the grooms friends, Mark Simonds.Around a month later, Mark was asking Jocelyn if she could introduce her to his "good buddy" Connor, who "lived in Canada". It was actually Montana. Jocelyn denied a few times but eventually let Mark set them up. That was the day that started it all, February 12th, 2024. The pair texted, face-timed, chatted every chance they could. Their first date wouldn't be until Conners friend Patrick and his wife Angela had their wedding on March 8th, 2024.

Their First Date

When Connor came to pick up Jocelyn, he showed up in style. Flowers for Jocelyn and wine for her Mom. There was a surprise for Connor too. He got to begin meeting the family. Jocelyn's father and brother were in the driveway "seasoning a burn barrel" as her brother, Pierce, called it. She prefers to say "a barrel on fire less than 5 feet from my car." The two went to the wedding, where Jocelyn finally met the bride and groom. Connor attempted to teach Jocelyn how to two-step. She did not pick it up. At all. She was absolutely terrible. Luckily, Connor found a good dance partner in the grooms brother, which made for some fun memories. When the night was coming to an end, the couple decided to go play pool and darts at the local Squatters Pub that had recently opened. They spent a few more hours in the pub talking, playing games, and generally enjoying the long awaited company. More wedding festivities awaited the next day. Connor and Jocelyn went and congratulated the happy couple once more and then spent the day with the newlyweds, Mark and his wife, Megan, and Connors friend, Cade. Whenever Megan got the chance she would ask Jocelyn for all the details and gossip. The group went to dinner, axe throwing, and planned to have breakfast in the morning before going their separate ways. The next day, a kind of tradition was started. The group met up at Cracker Barrel to enjoy breakfast together before saying goodbye to Connor and Cade as they had to fly back to their respective homes. Before heading to the airport, Connor finally dropped Jocelyn off at home. Yes, the couple we're (finally) celebrating didn't leave each others side for 46 hours upon their first meeting.

The Proposal

Well, this was not the surprise Connor wanted it to be. When Connor came to Lawrence, KS to have Thanksgiving with Jocelyn's family, he planned a detour to a Mass St. jewelry shop where he had Jocelyn get sized. The pair had talked about their ideal engagement with each other before. Both had mentioned being able to enjoy the feeling of being engaged for a few days, minimal people, and no pressure. Come March, spring break afforded Jocelyn the chance to spend more than 3 days in Colorado with Connor and his family. Leading up to the travel, the bride's mother, Geri, had mentioned going to the salon to get their nails done. The day after, the brides sister, Lexy, had asked a question about Jocelyn's ideal engagement. When packing for the trip, Connor mentioned to pack a nice outfit or two. These three are definitely not as slick as they think. Connor had planned a double date with Nan and Pop to go on a walking trail in Estes Park. Double dates with Nan and Pop aren't out of the ordinary, which is the only thing that threw Jocelyn off. Here's where the confirmation started. The day had 50 mph winds, Jocelyn was dressed in a dress and heels, hair and makeup done. Connor didn't suggest a change in clothing, shoes, or just a "toned down" look over all. The drive was about an hour and a half, Connor was nervous the whole time. When the couple arrived, they quickly found Nan and Pop, and again, no one pointed out the strange way Jocelyn was dressed for a simple walk on this very windy day. The four begin their walk and soon stop as Connor is looking for a spot he wanted to show Nan and Pop. Jocelyn looks around and find a photographer hiding before a utility box. Hmmmmm. Jocelyn then turns to Connor and asks why he thinks there's a photographer there. "Don't worry about it" is what he says with grin on his face before he so obviously begins to pose the two for pictures of the special moment. A happy accident that the couple would never change. By the way, Connor forgot to take the ring out of his pocket before he knelt down.

The Ring Pop Story

So if you notice, some of the couple's engagement day pictures feature a Ring Pop. Due to factors outside of the couple's control, Jocelyn's real ring was delayed. The jeweler loaned Connor their sample ring, which happened to be two and a half sizes too small, and Connor took to the gas station candy isle. Jocelyn has always said "You could propose with a Ring Pop and I'd still say yes." Well, Connor took her at her word, and though he didn't propose with the ring pop, it was the stand in ring until Jocelyn's real ring arrived.

Our Story

Photos

Jocelyn Eileen (almost) Skov - 
Our bride grew up in small town Kansas, attended a community college in Iowa where she was involved in several different activities, graduated in 2023, took a year off - the year she met the groom-, and then enrolled at University of Kansas to get her Exercise Science degree. She'll be graduating in December of 2026 and walking exactly one week before the wedding! 

Jocelyn

Connor

"I think this is dumb." -  Mom
Geri encouraged Jocelyn throughout her life to try everything, chase her passions, and nurture her talents. She has put up with Jocelyn and her "bride-zilla-ness" since she was told about the engagement. She wishes the bride and groom the best of luck. 

Geri

Erik and Misty Skov

Alexys Madyson Hartley is the sister to the bride, a middle-school teacher, and "the resident idiot" as she likes to put. 



Lexy

Grant James Phillip Powell 
"I like twucks. Honk Honk"

Grant

Karmen

Tyler

Kennady

Christian Skov is the younger brother of the groom and a soon-to-be high school graduate.

Christian Skov

Wedding Party

Women: think elegant with a Western influence.Great options include floor-length dresses/gowns, statement turquoise/gold jewelry. Our vision for the day is inspired by the beauty of late spring. We invite our guests to embrace the season by wearing vibrant colors and kindly ask that black and neutral palettes be avoided whenever possible.Men: think suit first, western details secondGreat options include suit/sport coat with dress pants, button-down shirt, neck or bolo tie

Dress Code

Q + A

Getting Here

We're so excited to celebrate with you! If you're traveling from out of town, the closest airport is Kansas City International Airport (MCI), about an hour from the venue. Renting a car is recommended, as ride-share services can be limited.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of great lodging options nearby! Airbnb and VRBO offer a variety of homes for groups, couples, and families. If you prefer a hotel, we are working on getting room blocks at near by options.

Kick Off Your Summer Adventure

Why not turn a wedding weekend into the start of your summer road trip? If you enjoy camping, we have provided the website to a beautiful campground nearby where you can spend a few extra days exploring the area after celebration.

Suncatcher Lake RV Park

Travel

Make a Weekend of It!

Whether you're visiting for the first time or coming back to one of your favorite places, there are plenty of attractions within an hour of our venue. Here are a few of our favorite spots to explore while you're in town. There's plenty more history and events to find on your exploration as well.

Explore the beautiful stomping grounds of where our bride will be receiving her degree. Allen Fieldhouse Home to Kansas Basketball and often called one of the greatest venues in college basketball. Even on non-game days, visitors can explore the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, a museum located inside the arena that showcases the rich history of Kansas Athletics through championship trophies, interactive exhibits, historic memorabilia, and stories of legendary Jayhawks. One of the Nation's Most Beautiful CampusesPerched atop Mount Oread, the University of Kansas is known for its stunning limestone architecture, rolling hills, and picturesque views of Lawrence. The campus is especially beautiful in the spring when the trees and flowers are in bloom. Memorial CampanileOne of KU's most recognizable landmarks, the Memorial Campanile honors the 277 students and faculty who lost their lives in World War II. Its bells ring throughout campus, and it's favorite photo spot for visitors and graduates alike.

University of Kansas

Watkins Museum of HistoryLocated in the heart of downtown Lawrence, the Watkins Museum tells the story of Douglas County and the city's fascinating past - from the Bleeding Kansas era to the Civil War and beyond. Admission is free, making it an easy stop while exploring Massachusetts Street. Massachusetts Street (Mass St.)The heart of downtown Lawrence is lined with locally owned restaurant, coffee shops, boutiques, breweries, and live music venues. Whether you're looking for a great meal, unique shopping, or a relaxing evening, Mass Street has something for everyone. Clinton State ParkJust west of Lawrence, Clinton State Park offers hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking (leave it alone, that's what the park calls it) , and beautiful lake views. It's a great place to spend a few hours enjoying the outdoors before or after the wedding.

The City of Lawrence

Kansas State CapitolOne of Kansas' most impressive buildings, the State Capitol offers free guided tours where visitors can admire stunning murals, historic architecture, and even climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Topeka. Topeka Zoo &amp; Conservation CenterPerfect for families or animal lovers, the Topeka Zoo features giraffes, elephants, tigers, tropical exhibits, and interactive experiences that make for a fun afternoon. Great Overland StationThis beautifully restored 1927 Union Pacific railroad station celebrates Kansas' railroad history with exhibits, model trains, and classic architecture. It's a hidden gem for history buffs and anyone interested in the state's transportation heritage.

Capitol of Kansas

Whether you think Kansas City should be in Missouri or Kansas, it has a lot to offer on both sides of the river. National WWI Museum and MemorialThe country's official World War I museum offers powerful exhibits, interactive displats, and incredible views of the Kansas City skyline from the Liberty Memorial Tower. It's consistently ranked among the best museums in the nation. Country Club PlazaInspired by Spanish architecture, the Country Club Plaza is one of KAnsas City's premier destinations for shopping, dining, fountains, and seasonal events. It's perfect for spending an afternoon or evening exploring. BBQNo trip to KC is complete without experiencing its world-famous barbecue. Whether you choose Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39, Jack Stack Barbecue, or Arthur Bryant's, you're in for a meal that's become part of the city's identity.

Jocelyn & Connor

Jocelyn & Connor

Registry