Madeline & Xavier Perry, October 8, 2022

Madeline (Martin) Perry, 24, graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School and the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She’s pursuing a double master’s in school curriculum and administration from Emporia State University and teaches in the Olathe School District.

Xavier Perry, 24, also graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. He works in sales for O’Malley Beverage in Lawrence, Kansas, and is a full-time student pursuing a business degree.

“In high school, I was a cheerleader and XP was a football player. We met through a Northwest tradition of football players and cheerleaders dancing together in a skit at the bonfire pep rally,” Madeline smiles. “I was in charge of assigning partners and my friends said to partner with Xavier. I had no idea who he was, but we met at skit practice and started dating a month later. We’ve been together ever since.”

Madeline’s birthday is Valentine’s Day. “We both love sushi, and X always does something special for me,” she recalls. “February 14, 2021, was a beautiful evening, and after a few fabricated stories about what we were doing, he surprised me with roses and a sushi board that spelled out ‘Marry Me?’”

The blissful couple tied the knot October 8, 2022. Preceding Madeline down the aisle with flower petals was her grandmother, Jan Kennedy. Matron of honor was Brooke Varnum; maid of honor was Ashley Martin; bridesmaids were Chelbi Martin and Sierra Johnson. Devonte Smith was best man; groomsmen were Noah Roberts, Elliot Cray and Derek Sealey. Guestbook and door attendants were Lacie Perry, Malaina Perry, Shayla Perry, Morgan Souders and Lacey McDaniels.

Madeline and Xavier chose The Loretto for its amenities and seamless convenience. “We didn’t want to stress over logistics, and we could have the entire day in one location. I had my bride’s suite, Xavier had his groom’s room, and I could walk easily to my parents’ Airbnb suite down the hall.

“We enjoyed displaying our personalities in the day’s events. Xavier and I wrote each other a letter and sealed them with a bottle of wine to be opened on our first anniversary,” Madeline smiles. “We mixed a unity shot during the ceremony and toasted a happy and healthy future together. My mother loves dishes and setting tables, so I turned her loose with the table settings. She arranged for a beautifully eclectic mix of china patterns and glassware. Every place setting in the ballroom was unique.”

“After our father-daughter dance, my mother joined me on the dance floor to the ‘Bootsie’ song and my sisters did also, as well as every girl and mom present in the ballroom; it’s something I never will forget. Xavier’s special moment with his mother came when their song was sung by his sister, Lacie. After the cake was cut, it was my turn to surprise him with a plate of sushi. My family loves to dance, and we did just that, all night long!”

Photography
Studio PBJ

Bridal Gown
Belle Vogue Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Gowns
David’s Bridal

Tuxedos
Mia’s Bridal and Tailoring

Hair Styling
Gayle Hill, Dorothy Jordan

DJ
Elevate

Caterer
Brancato’s Catering

Cake
Cake-A-Boo

Venue
The Loretto

Wedding Planner
John Koop

Place Settings
Good Stuff China

Jeweler
Helzberg Diamonds