St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

Wedding Ceremony

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum

Wedding Reception

Spring

#AuerYouReadyToGetKieffered

Our Wedding

Casey and Michael's story is one filled with endless laughter, constant joking, a love sweet and pure, a whole lot of patience, moments of sadness, a surplus of joy, and at its core...friendship. Casey and Michael met their freshman year of high school. It all began in the hallway -- with just a glance, Casey's heart started thumping and butterflies filled her stomach. She couldn't wait to tell her mom. When 3pm finally arrived Casey hopped into the car, smiling from ear to ear. "Mom! There is a boy at school. His name is Michael Kieffer and he is the cutest boy I have ever seen!" She didn't really know how to explain it, but somehow, deep down, Casey knew Michael was going to be important to her. Like all great things, their friendship grew slowly and steadily. On his 15th birthday, Casey made him a duct tape bow tie and gave him a bag of skittles. Later that year, during a bus ride, Michael sat next to Casey and comforted her after a boy made her cry. To the outside world, their friendship didn't look anything special or appear to run very deep. They rarely socialized outside the walls of their school, and spoke only occasionally during a few shared classes and theatre rehearsal. However, inside their phones was a hidden world of text messages. They shared their insecurities, encouraged each other, and quietly became each other's biggest confidants. After graduation in 2013, life pulled them in different directions. Michael enlisted in the Navy, while Casey went to Ball State University. Suddenly, they found themselves 2,000 miles apart. For six years, they lived completely different lives, only getting to see each other for short periods of time once a year. FaceTime, texts, emails, and phone calls became how they kept their friendship going. Where many long-distance friendships fade, theirs became stronger. Each time Michael had to return to Washington, Casey's heart broke a little more. She was so tired of saying goodbye. At long last, in January 2020, Michael returned home for good. And just a few months later, to no one's surprise, they had their first date. They dated for almost five years -- five incredible years filled with laughter, adventure, and a love that had been quietly building since that first glance all those years ago. Then finally, FINALLY, on January 18, 2025, Michael got down on one knee -- on a stage, in front of their closest family, friends, and an entire room full of strangers -- and asked Casey to marry him. And of course, her answer had always been yes.

The Story of Michael and Casey

Our Story

Photos

Britiny Koch

Whitney Baker

Marie Barhydt

Cara Kieffer

Emma Magsamen 

Kaylen Ritter

Jayden Koch

Brian Kieffer

Jonny Trammel 

Erik Barhydt

Ryan Wolfe

Jarrad Koch

Matt Baker

Ethyn Barhydt

Wedding Party

Located a 5-minute walk from Parkview Field, Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center offers 3-star accommodations in Fort Wayne and features a fitness center, a restaurant and a bar. The property is around 1.7 miles from Lakeside Park Rose Garden, 2.6 miles from Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and 3.3 miles from Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. The property provides free shuttle service, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage for guests. At the hotel, each room is equipped with a desk. Every room includes air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and some units at Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center have a safety deposit box. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A buffet, continental or American breakfast is served at the property. The accommodation also provides a business center and guests can use the on-site ATM machine at Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne Museum of Art and Science Central. Fort Wayne Airport is 7.5 miles away.

Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center

Born of Midwestern charm and modern design sensibilities. The
Bradley readies to become the cornerstone of entertaining and
hospitality in the growing urban center of Fort Wayne Indiana. 
Not just another hotel the 124 room property will be a true
reflection of the city felt through the genuine spirit of
community industry and creativity that abounds beyond its own
walls.
The Bradley will evoke a sense of comfort and warmth curating a
hotel experience unlike any other in the city.  Located blocks
away from the Grand Wayne Convention center and some of the
hottest attractions and dining that Fort Wayne has to offer The
Bradley connects our guests to the city and the ethos that
create it.
Our signature amenities include bikes for rent/high tech
fitness center including Mirror and Peloton equipment/in-room
yoga and guided meditation kits and spiritual menu.
Our in-house brasserie featuring a mid-western Mediterranean
menu rooftop bar and coffee shop will be the pinnacle of dining
in the city.

The Bradley Hotel

Located within 1.3 miles of Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and 3.5 miles of Science Central, Holiday Inn Purdue - Fort Wayne by IHG has rooms in Fort Wayne. With a fitness center, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy American dishes at the restaurant or have a drink at the bar. At the hotel, every room has a desk. All rooms include a coffee machine, while selected rooms also offer a kitchenette with a fridge and a microwave. All rooms in Holiday Inn Purdue - Fort Wayne by IHG are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast is available at the accommodation. Holiday Inn Purdue - Fort Wayne by IHG has a sun terrace. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at the hotel. Staff at Holiday Inn Purdue - Fort Wayne by IHG are available to give information at the 24-hour front desk. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is 3.5 miles from the accommodation, while Lakeside Park Rose Garden is 3.8 miles from the property. Fort Wayne Airport is 12 miles away.

Casey & Michael

Casey & Michael

Wedding Party