Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

It all started in January of 2023 at the Oklahoma City Cattlemen’s Congress, during the awards ceremony for the livestock judging contest. She was a junior at South Dakota State University; he, a sophomore at Lakeland Community College. The two hadn’t met yet, but a shared acquaintance—a teammate of hers who had once attended Lakeland—was chatting with Hayden, the Lakeland judging coach.In the middle of that conversation, Avery walked up, opened his jacket, and revealed a mysterious brown stain on his white shirt. “What is that?” Hayden asked. Without hesitation, Avery replied, “Chocolate.” The moment quickly became legendary. Later that night, when the story was relayed to her, Avery was forever nicknamed “Chocolate” by her and her teammates. A small moment, but one that would stick—and come to mean more than any of them realized at the time. Fast forward a few months to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Avery, who had apparently had his eye on her for a while, introduced himself in person. That conversation sparked something special, and soon the two began calling each other regularly—despite the 13-hour distance between them. Their paths finally crossed again at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in November 2023. Something clicked. Not long after, she convinced him to buy tickets for a Turnpike Troubadours concert in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He made the long trip north for the show, and from then on, the visits became more frequent. For the next six months, she would fly out to Sherman, Illinois, where Avery worked on a ranch. In May 2024, she made the move to Sherman full-time—and just a few months later, on December 12, 2024, in the show barn where so much of their shared life was unfolding, Avery got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Now, they spend their days side by side, tending to Hereford cows, hanging out with their dog Flint, and building a life together on the ranch. From a stained shirt and a funny nickname to long-distance love and forever promises—it’s a love story as sweet (and unexpected) as chocolate.

OUR STORY

Our Story

Photos

OUR WEDDING PARTY

Maids of HonorDemi Schrader and Lauren WilliamsBridesmaidsDanika GordonLauren FrederickChandelle ThompsonBrinn SmithJade ParrishEmma RichardsonPersonal AttendantsJade EdwardsTessa BeemanJennifer Hoelscher

Best ManColton MeadowsGroomsmenCole MurphyTy KnodleBenjamin ArcherConnor SmockRay DuncanCoy DenoLogan Rhoads

Ushers Baxter BlairKris Kosal

Ring BearersWilliam Raub

Wedding Party

Q + A

Here are a few hotel options within close distance of the reception! We recommend that book your hotels early as Emporia is a college town and rooms will book up fast!

You can use the link here or call the phone number listed here to receive our special rate! Just tell them you are with the Hankins-Sergeant wedding!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Emporia Northwest by IHG

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1769532712627&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink&amp;_branch_match_id=1344071913288339633&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5maWpsZG5oZGZkbladmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1zRlF%2BbioASA6rA2AAAAA%3D

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Emporia

Hampton Inn Emporia, KS is offering accommodations in Emporia. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space. The hotel features an indoor pool, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer. A business center and a gym are available at the property as well as free private parking. Manhattan Regional Airport is 78 miles away.

Hampton Inn Emporia

Comfort Inn &amp; Suites is a 3-star property located in Emporia. The hotel provides an indoor pool and free WiFi. At the hotel all rooms come with a private bathroom. A continental breakfast is available at Comfort Inn &amp; Suites. Manhattan Regional Airport is 78 miles away.

Comfort Inn & Suites

Best Western Emporia Inn offers top-notch services and amenities, ensuring guests experience utmost comfort.Maintain seamless communication using the complimentary Wi-Fi at hotel. For visitors traveling by automobile, complimentary parking is available.During your stay at this fantastic hotel, the attentive front desk personnel can provide you with a range of amenities such as luggage storage and safety deposit boxes. At the hotel, utilize the on-site dry cleaning service and laundry service to maintain your beloved travel attire fresh, allowing you to bring fewer clothes.During leisurely days and evenings, on-site amenities such as daily housekeeping enable you to fully enjoy your accommodation.Kindly note that smoking is prohibited in the hotel to ensure fresher air for all visitors.For visitors wishing to smoke, designated smoking zones can be found. At Best Western Emporia Inn, every guestroom is provided with convenient amenities and fittings to ensure a comfortable stay. Certain rooms offer in-room amusement features such as the cable TV for your enjoyment. In select rooms at the hotel, a refrigerator is available for those moments when it seems necessary.Essential restroom facilities are equally significant, and at the hotel, some visitor bathrooms offer toiletries to enhance your experience. Begin your day carefree at Best Western Emporia Inn, as complimentary breakfast is offered for your convenience.At the hotel, discerning guests can also enjoy on-site culinary facilities like shared kitchen tailored to their preferences.Best Western Emporia Inn provides a superb assortment of leisure amenities for guests to enjoy. Conclude your holiday experience perfectly by visiting salon before you depart.Be sure to drop by the pool at hotel at least once during your stay. Discover the fitness amenities at hotel to maintain your health and strength during your getaway.

Best Western Emporia Inn

MainStay Suites Emporia is offering accommodations in Emporia. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel every room is equipped with a private bathroom. Manhattan Regional Airport is 78 miles away.

MainStay Suites Emporia

Travel

Lebo and Emporia, Kansas are nestled just miles from the gorgeous Flint Hills! Enjoy the breathtaking views, grab a bite to eat, and maybe find some treasures at one of the numerous antique stores!

Sarah & Avery

Sarah & Avery

Things to Do