The Wedding Story of... Katy & Jesse Thomas

She's Made Her List

It was more than two years ago when Katy Janovsky and her friends were looking for a fun night out on the town and suitably headed to Sullivan’s nightclub in Michigan City. Upon arrival, they were greeted by fun, outgoing Jesse Thomas, a handsome bouncer at the bar. Katy, gregarious in her own right, was instantly drawn to Jesse’s “life of the party” personality and enjoyed the evening as they casually got to know each other. Each weekend thereafter, Katy would look forward to seeing Jesse at the bar knowing a good time was in store. It wasn’t long until the couple acknowledged the spark between them and shared their first date together.

Dates quickly became frequent and before long, the couple got to meet each other’s families. It was an extremely significant step in the relationship because, as Katy points out, “We’re both so close to our families.” As hoped and expected, both families immediately supported the couple and recognized the relationship was something very special.  

One year later, Jesse secretly took Katy’s mom out shopping to help him hand-pick the perfect stone and ring for Katy. As Christmas was approaching, Jesse took the carefully selected ring and hung it from a branch of the Christmas tree and figured if Katy saw it, he would propose on the spot. Alas, the ring’s sparkle was camouflaged in the sea of glistening ornaments, and finally on Christmas morning Jesse decided the perfect time had come. Taken by complete surprise, Katy reminisces, “I didn’t know it was coming or have any expectation of it!” and without any hesitation responded, “Oh my God! Of course!”

After the surprise proposal, an excited Katy immediately began planning the wedding. “Jesse and his family call me a ‘list-maker’ because I’m always making lists of things to do,” notes Katy. “When friends or family ask him to do something, he now says, ‘I’ve got to check with Katy and see what’s on the schedule!’” So when asked if her list-making abilities came into play once wedding planning commenced, her response was a resounding, “Absolutely!”

Since the proposal, most of their free time revolved around lists; either writing, revising or checking off ‘to-do’s.’ “At times the planning seemed a bit overwhelming,” Katy reflects, and then adds gratefully, “But, I had a lot of help from both of our families. Jesse was my rock through the process and continued to say to me, ‘Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. The church hasn’t burnt down, so no matter what, we’re still going to get married.’”

The wedding day arrived and, unfortunately, so did the rain. But as fate would have it the clouds began to clear just in time. Although overcast as guests entered the church, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, by the time the couple exchanged vows, the sun was beaming overhead. Outside a trolley awaited the bridal party to whisk them off to Patriot Park for an afternoon photo session.

The reception held at Blue Chip Casino’s event center was a hit, and the happy families came together celebrating as one. Katy notes, “With our big family and group of friends, we wanted everyone to be a part of it, especially those people who had been there for us since we were young.”  

Everyone agreed the wedding cake—a chocolate devil’s food cake with cream cheese frosting in the center and fondant frosting outside—was THE best cake ever tasted. Amy Beck, good friend, highly acclaimed cake designer, and founder of Amy Beck Cake Design in Chicago, turned out a show-stopper for the special occasion. Even the Catholic priest, who has undoubtedly sampled his fair share of wedding cakes, agreed it was the best!

As the song “Baby Mine” began to play, all eyes shifted to watch Katy and her father take the dance floor. Katy, the last of three children to get married and the “baby” of the family, says, “It was a tear-jerk moment. We both got choked up.” An incredibly beloved song to both father and daughter, the moment was emotionally touching for all in the room.  

Katy speaks fondly and with great energy of the wedding itself, and even more admiringly of those involved. “Overall, we were really lucky to have the support of our friends and family,” says Katy. As she sums up her thoughts on the experience, a check-list comes
to mind.

“Really honored.” Check.  
“Really grateful.” Check.
“Great family.” Check.
“Great friends.” Check.

Great life? Check!