Together with our families

Ryan

Karin

September 19th, 2026

VOWS DSM

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

How It All Started

Our Story

From a mutual friend's introduction to a family of seven (plus four dogs). Here's how it all came together.

September 17, 2024

The Sculpture Park Walk

A first date that was supposed to be a casual stroll turned into neither of us wanting it to end. Somewhere between the giant art installations and pretending to have deep opinions about them, something clicked.

LOVE sculpture at the Des Moines Sculpture Park

October 2024

A Few More Dates

What started as 'let's grab dinner sometime' quickly turned into every weekend being booked. Restaurants, walks, way too much ice cream — neither of us was fooling anyone by calling it casual.

November 2024

Charlie Joins the Family

A road trip to Nebraska to pick up an 8-week-old boxer who had no idea how much chaos he was about to cause. He slept the whole ride home. That was the last peaceful moment.

Karin holding puppy Charlie on the ride home from Nebraska

January 1, 2025

The First "I Love You"

Started the new year off right. Turns out ringing in midnight together makes people say things they mean.

January 2025

Meeting the Kids

Karin met Ryan's kids armed with mint chocolate chip ice cream. The verdict? Good vibes, fun, and funny. Inspection: passed.

Ryan, Karin, and the kids at the Science Center

March 2025

Meeting the Kids x2

Ryan met Karin's kids and immediately got put through the paces. Snacks were shared, hands were held, and the vibe check was passed with flying colors.

April 2025

All the Kids Together

Five kids, four dogs, two families becoming one. It was loud, messy, and absolutely perfect. William asked approximately 20 times that morning when everyone was arriving.

Ryan and Karin with the family at the apple orchard

July 25, 2025

First Family Trip

Seven people, one beach house in Florida. The first real family vacation and proof that we can all survive a week together without anyone getting left at a gas station.

September 17, 2025

One Year

365 days since a walk through the Sculpture Park changed everything. From two people to a family of seven (plus four dogs). Not bad for a year.

November 11, 2025

The Proposal

He asked. She said yes. The rest is the reason you're on this website.

Ryan and Karin showing off the engagement ring

February 2026

Arizona Adventure

Red rocks, desert sunsets, and a little preview of what forever looks like. Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona — because we don't do anything small.

September 19, 2026

The Wedding!

This is the part where you come in. We're making it official at VOWS DSM and we want all of our favorite people there.

The Real VIPs

Meet the Pack

Five kids, two families, one very full house. They didn't ask for a blended family, but they showed up anyway — and they're pretty great at it.

Rainier

Chief Chaos Engineer

Rainier doesn't break things — he conducts field research. At 14, he approaches every problem like an engineer: systematically, confidently, and with complete disregard for whether anything was supposed to come apart in the first place. His hair is either a physics experiment or a personal statement. Possibly both. Most likely to build a robot before finishing his homework.

Amara

Chief Baked Goods Officer

Amara once constructed a chocolate chip cookie roughly the size of a small planet and didn't even blink. Behind those glasses is a sharp mind, a creative soul, and someone who will absolutely have opinions about the wedding cake. Will arrive with excellent taste and possibly a baked good. The family's unofficial pastry department.

Everest

Minister of Maximum Energy

Found: two car key fobs that are definitely not his, hair that looks like he survived a wind tunnel, and a grin that says he has absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Everest operates at 110% at all times, asks great questions at inconvenient moments, and is the reason you can never leave your keys unattended. The family's perpetual motion machine.

William

Senior Specialist in Uncontained Energy

Do not let the casual lean fool you — William is a full-blown chaos machine in a Spider-Man shirt. Runs hot, talks fast, and has the kind of energy that makes adults need to sit down. Shares a spiritual frequency with Everest, which is either adorable or deeply concerning depending on the day. No known off switch. Spider-Man is aware and supports his mission.

Elsie

Her Royal Highness of Everything

Elsie arrived in full Elsa regalia — dress, gloves, the works — and honestly? Correct. She is four years old and already commands a room better than most adults. She will wave at the wedding like she is greeting loyal subjects, and we will all be grateful for the honor. The family's princess in residence, and proof that the ice powers were never fictional.

The Other VIPs

The Dogs

No family portrait is complete without the four-legged members. They weren't invited to the wedding, but honestly, we wouldn't put it past them to show up anyway.

Lucy

Emotional Support Coordinator

The definition of velcro dog. If you're sitting down, she's on you. If you're standing up, she's leaning on you. Anxious about everything from thunderstorms to suspicious-looking leaves, but makes up for it by being the world's most aggressive snuggler. Will 100% try to sit in your lap at the reception.

Avery

Catering Quality Inspector

A golden blur of pure, unfiltered joy. Avery has never met a meal she didn't inhale or a person she didn't love. Her hobbies include zooming, counter surfing, and acting like she's never been fed in her entire life. Will be monitoring the cocktail hour snack table very closely.

Charlie

Head of Security & Party Crasher

An 80-pound boxer who is absolutely convinced he's a lap dog. Part chaos gremlin, part class clown, with just enough sweetness to get away with whatever he just destroyed. Known for his devious smile and complete lack of personal space. Will probably try to slow dance with someone.

Lilo

Senior VP of Disapproval

The OG. The elder. The one who has seen things. Lilo is loyal, hardworking, and deeply committed to protecting this family — and also to letting you know she doesn't approve of whatever you're doing. Once the life of the party, now prefers early bedtimes and judging everyone from the couch. Cranky is her love language.

The Celebration

Wedding Details

Ceremony

Saturday, September 19th, 2026

6:00 PM

VOWS DSM

111 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA

Reception

Following the ceremony at the same location

VOWS DSM

Dinner, drinks & dancing

The party continues all night

Cocktail Hour Break

Between the ceremony and reception, there will be a short break. Grab a drink down the street, take a stroll, or explore the East Village — we'll see you back for the party!

Dress Code

Cocktail Attire

Be Our Guest

RSVP

A formal invitation is on its way — but if you already know you're in (or out), feel free to let us know now.

Where to Stay

Accommodations

Here are some nearby hotels in downtown Des Moines. Book early for the best rates!

AC Hotel by Marriott East Village

401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Steps from the venue

(515) 518-5444

Right on Grand Ave in the heart of East Village — closest option to VOWS DSM

Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection

206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

~0.5 miles from venue

(515) 985-2066

Boutique hotel in a stunning 100-year-old building — pet-friendly with great cocktails

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

435 Park St, Des Moines, IA 50309

~0.6 miles from venue

(515) 241-1456

Full-service Hilton connected to the Iowa Events Center — reliable and comfortable

Questions?

Get in Touch

Have any questions about the wedding, travel, or anything else? Don't hesitate to reach out. We'd love to hear from you!

Email Us

hello@randk.life