Real Columbus Wedding: Kelsey and Jeffrey Burke

Feb. 20, 2022 | Kelsey (Viets) and Jeffrey Burke’s love story spans time, space and a pandemic to end with happily ever after. The pair first met in 2016: Kelsey, originally from Dublin, Ohio, was living in Pittsburgh at the time; Jeff was in town from Washington, D.C., to visit family when they connected online. Initially, Kelsey was hesitant about the long distance, but it worked out—they dated for a year and a half before Jeff’s job brought him back to Pittsburgh, where they still live. 

In February 2020, Kelsey flew out to Salt Lake City, Utah, to join Jeff, who was spending the month there for work. Unbeknownst to her, Jeff had already purchased a ring and was waiting for the perfect moment to propose. It came at 8,000 feet, during an afternoon blizzard. How could anyone say no under those circumstances? 

For their wedding, they tapped into personal details. A colleague of Kelsey’s made the signage for the day, including a signature cocktail sign featuring the couple’s dogs, Rowan and Enzo. Guests took home bags of Black Rifle Coffee as favors; the company has a signature store in Salt Lake City, which the pair visited during their engagement trip. They liked the company in part because of its philanthropy geared toward veterans—perfect for Army vet Jeff. 

“We were originally scheduled to be married Feb. 13, 2021, but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty about risk to guests, as our date was pre-vaccine distribution,” Kelsey says. “Jorgensen Farms and all our vendors went above and beyond to support our rescheduled date, which made the difficult decision much easier to accept and move forward. We didn't need to change a single vendor, and were able to have the wedding of our dreams a year later.” 

Vendors 

Ceremony, reception, caterer, florist and rentals: Jorgensen Farms Oak Grove 

Cake: Carrie’s Sugar Buzz 

Cookies:Oakmont Bakery (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and family/friends 

Music, lighting and photo booth:Josh Staley Productions  

Photographer: Jessica Love Photography 

Stationery: TheKnot.com 

Signage: Bre Vodde 

Transportation: Urban Express Charter 

Accommodations: Hilton Columbus at Easton 

Rehearsal dinner: Columbus Country Club 

Bride’s attire: Lazaro gown and a belt from Luxe Redux Bridal, veil from BHLDN, Manolo Blahnik shoes 

Gown cleaning/preservation:Duro Cleaners (Pittsburgh) 

Bride’s hair and makeup: Refeyeance Makeup & Hair 

Groom’s attire: Suit and accessories from Generation Tux 

Rings: Joyce's Jewelry (Uniontown, Pennsylvania) 

Bridesmaids’ attire: Birdy Grey gowns 

Groomsmen’s attire: Suits from Generation Tux