Julie and Darik Kelly

Tied the Knot: August 17, 2019 

Julie Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from University of Missouri and is now an RN at Northern Indiana Veterans Hospital. She enjoys exploring new cities, discovering microbreweries, going to festivals, fireworks and the outdoors. 

Darik Kelly earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and works as a manufacturing engineer at Huhtamaki, Inc. His hobbies are hunting, fishing, fireworks, discovering microbreweries and completing the honey-do list. 

“We were introduced by mutual friends,” Julie smiles. “Darik picked me up for the first date in his dark blue Chevy truck. He arranged for dinner at Murrys followed by a comedy night at Deja Vu. We both knew at the end of the night there would be many more dates!”  

In keeping with the couple’s interest in microbreweries, beer was involved in Darik’s proposal. “We decided to create a beer Advent calendar. Together we picked out 25 new craft beers to try,” laughs Julie. “Each beer was wrapped in tissue paper and a unique ribbon. Each day we took turns unwrapping and describing the beer including tissue paper and ribbon color, continuing with describing the bottle cap, label, brewery and beer description. On the last day, Darik insisted I unwrap the last advent beer. To my surprise, the bottle label had been replaced with a “Will you marry me?” I looked up to see Darik on one knee. I said yes, of course!”

The blissful couple tied the knot August 17, 2019. Michelle Wright served as Maid of Honor; bridesmaids were Katie Nichols and Anna Sutkowski. Jared Kelly and Brandon Kelly were Co-Best Men, groomsman was Josh Stoecklein, and Kevin Oehler and James Tayon served as ushers. Ring bearers were Eli Kelly and Luke Kelly; Olivia Wright was the precious flower girl. 

This special day with family and friends of Julie and Darik was made even more interesting with a family tradition they included. “My family does a thing called anvil shooting,” Julie relates. “If you haven’t seen it you should look it up. My family shoots an anvil at all kinds of special occasions and holidays. We included a unity anvil shoot at the end of our ceremony,’ which added to the amazement of the day. Darik’s family owns a fireworks stand and supplied a spectacular show to cap off the night.” 

Julie and Darik spent their honeymoon at Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Resort, San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico. ■

Bridal Gown
Belle Mariee Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaids’ Gown
JJ’s House

Groom’s/Groomsmen’s Suits
Belle Mariee Bridal Boutique

Hair Styling
Jennifer Poliette, Vanity Beauty Bar

Florist
Hyvee

DJ
Shark Attack

Caterer
Hyvee

Cake
Hyvee

Venue
Cooper’s Ridge Event Venue

Jeweler
Buchroeders Jewelers

Pyrotechnics
Kelly Boys Fireworks

Pianist
Joe Devoy