Jackie and Luke Claas

It’s hard to miss the red beard Luke Claas sports, and it’s what drew Jaclynn Sonnek’s attention the night they met.

Jackie (Sonnek) Claas, 30, grew up in Martensdale, Iowa. She attended Northwest Missouri State, where she earned a marketing degree, business management degree and an MBA in IT management. Jackie is currently employed as a key account manager at C.H. Robinson in Kansas City.

Luke Claas, 38, grew up in Tipton, Missouri. He attended the University of Central Missouri and is currently employed as a field service, marketing and sales representative for Rural Community Insurance Services. Luke and his father also farm the family’s Centaury Farm in Tipton. Luke and Jackie reside in Lee’s Summit, where they’re lucky enough to get a little bit of the country life mixed in with the city life.

Jackie took the lead with introductions. “I had been at a friend’s wedding and decided to hit the town after. I saw Luke across the bar and knew I had to talk to him,” Jackie smiles. “He was celebrating a friend’s bachelor party, and I walked through the group and tapped him on the shoulder. ‘Excuse me; I like your beard. Would you like to go get a drink?’ was all I had to say, and we’ve been together ever since.”

It was supposed to be a low-key birthday party for Luke on December 15, 2016; at least, that’s what Jackie had planned. “I reserved a table at No Other Pub in the Power & Light District and about 15 of our close friends got together to celebrate Luke’s birthday and watch the Chiefs’ game,” she recalls. “I gave a toast for Luke’s birthday, and after everyone cheered for Luke’s birthday, he stood up and said, ‘Normally I don’t get myself a birthday present, but this year this year I thought I would. And I wanted to get myself a partner for life.’ Then he turned to me and asked, ‘Will you marry me?’

The blissful couple tied the knot October 7, 2017, attended by eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen, four ushers, a flower girl and a ring bearer, all close friends and family. For their grand entrance, Jackie and Luke drove a 1952 Bentley off the elevator into the reception, which was on the second floor of the event space!

“The most special part of the night for us was looking around the room and realizing that there will probably not be another day where every person we love and care about is in the same room,” Jackie affirmed. “It was amazing to look around and feel all that love and support.”

The couple’s original honeymoon plans were deterred by Hurricane Irma, and they enjoyed a relaxing honeymoon in Jamaica rather than on St. Martin. ■

Bridal Gown
Bridal Extraordinaire

Bridesmaids’ Gowns
Bridal Extraordinaire 

Groom’s and Groomsmen Suits
Men’s Wearhouse

Videography
Fresh Squeezed Films

Hair Styling
Posh KC

Florist
Hyvee, Shawnee, Kansas 

DJ
D2 Entertainment 

Caterer
Hyvee, Shawnee, Kansas

Cake
Hyvee, Shawnee, Kansas 

Venue
The Rumely Tractor Historic Event Space

Jeweler
Glitters Fine Jewelry 

Wedding Décor
Spectacular Settings