A Little Patch of Heaven

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

PLEASE RSVP BY AUGUST 1st

Our Wedding

Have you ever heard of the butterfly effect? It’s said that one flap of a butterfly’s wing can cause a string of events that could eventually lead to a hurricane. There is no better way to describe our story than “the butterfly effect”. 

The Butterfly Effect

Most of you know, Aleeya was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Although Chad and Mandy strove to give her as normal of a life as possible, there were still some things that just couldn’t be avoided. When Aleeya was young, she wanted to be a veterinarian. When she reached the age of having the ability to choose a career pathway, her first pick was animal science. However, it was determined that given the substances she would be exposed to, this wasn’t a smart class to attend. After several options of choosing and failing, she finally fell upon cosmetology. Here is where Aleeya claims the “butterfly effect” starts. 

The Flap of a Butterfly’s Wing

During her time in beauty school, she met a boy, and through that boy, she would meet another girl. Jesse’s part in this story starts when years later he himself would also meet this girl. Both Aleeya and Jesse found themselves at low points after these relationships diminished. However, neither of them expected what was to come in the following months after…

The Buildup

Aleeya was closed off, but Jesse was persistent. And as time went on, Aleeya began to see that Jesse was putting a LOT of effort into supporting her goals even from a “friend” standpoint. While admitted into the hospital for over a MONTH LONG stay at U of M hospital, Jesse did research on different health complications that Aleeya was dealing with and offered several ideas (some being holistic pathways she was interested in trying). He was there as someone to talk to when the 4 walls of a hospital room felt smaller than they ever had before. It was there that she finally decided to agree to let him take her on a date… but she didn’t let him in on that information until a few weeks later after she was recouped and resettled in back home from that long hospital stay. 

The Calm Before the Storm

In December of 2020, they finally spent their first quality time together… and the rest is history. Jesse fully captured Aleeya’s heart when he took her to the farm he worked at and let her love on the cows, then took her to the local QD for some DELICIOUS hot chocolate, and drove around looking at the Christmas lights around Fowler and singing Christmas carols on the radio. Jesse claims he was in disbelief that he was successful in his efforts, but through the years he has proven time and time again that he will go to extreme lengths for the woman he loves. Aleeya, too, has spent countless hours striving to be the kind of wife Jesse will be proud to call his own… and now we are finally reaching that special day. 

The Hurricane

Since that fateful December, many, many big things have happened in their lives. A year later, they welcomed their first son, Rowen, and just 2 weeks later moved cross-country to Florida where Jesse obtained his current job as an Elevator Mechanic Apprentice. In February the following year, Jesse chose to follow Jesus and was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. This was a true turning point in their relationship for the better. The following spring, they moved back home to Michigan where they plan to stay for good. The following October, they would rent their first home together, and just a week after moving in they found out they were pregnant with their second son, Arthur. He made his way into the world 10 weeks early in April of 2024, and in November of that same year, they purchased their lovely home. Today Aleeya spends her days as a home maker, and Jesse continues to work hard in his apprenticeship to provide for the family. They acknowledge the importance of each other’s hard work and dedication to making every day run as smooth as possible, and here is where they plan to spend the rest of their lives growing together, shaping one another, and righting their wrongs as one. With God as their foundation, they know nothing can break them apart. 

The Rainbow 

Our Story

Photos

Aleeya met Cece over 10 years ago when they both attended cosmetology school at the Montcalm Area Career Center… Only for Aleeya to later to find out Cece and Jesse had also been close friends since they were young! Through the years, they’ve shared many secrets, successes, dreams, goals, and made millions of wonderful memories (including cross country trips! And there will be many more to come!)

Cece Goerge 

Aleeya met Emily over 10 years ago through Emily’s older brother, however they also attended cosmetology school through the Montcalm Area Career Center. Emily was in the class below Aleeya. And, SURPRISE, she is now Aleeya’s go-to hairstylist! Through the years, the two have shared many late night laughs, heart-to-hearts, and created a number of inside jokes that are still brought up on a regular basis. 

Emily Syrjala

Miss Ariah is Aleeya’s lovely younger sister. Through sisterly love, they have had their fair share of arguments, failures, emotional outbursts, and disagreements. However they’ve also shared a multitude of laughs, happy tears, dreams, goals, successes, and passions. Aleeya has been proud to watch as her sister has grown into the person she is today, and has never turned down an opportunity to cheer from the crowd in support of Ariah’s beautiful singing! 

Ariah Chaney

Miss Maycee is Aleeya’s “baby” sister. As you can imagine, the dynamic of the eldest and youngest girl out of the siblings has had its fair share of struggles, but above all has been nothing short of spectacular. Aleeya has boasted about Maycee’s hard work and dedication to doing what she loves, chasing her dreams, and succeeding in every path along the way. From crochet projects to photo journalism, Aleeya is one proud big sister to this lovely bridesmaid! 

Maycee Chaney

Although Aleeya hasn’t known Taylor as long as the rest of the bridal party, that doesn’t mean she hasn’t made just as much of an impact on Aleeya’s life. Taylor is Aleeya’s sister-in-law est. 2022, and in that time has helped her get through some difficult times. Aleeya refers to Taylor as her “voice of reason”, and if you know Taylor you’d know exactly why! Taylor’s love for Jesus has been an incredible light that Aleeya has needed and has loved having in times of need, and she’s blessed to have Taylor as a part of this special day! 

Taylor Chaney

Sierra and Aleeya have been friends for almost 10 years. Through it all, they’ve been by each other’s side; from when the going seemed unbearable to get through, to the moments full of laughter and happiness. Yes there may be a number of nights that they may never remember, but the memories they’ve made together that they DO remember will last a lifetime. 

Sierra Niles

Jon and Jesse have been best friends since 8th grade. They’ve had numerous adventures together, some of which neither will ever remember 100%. From nights at Miller’s Tavern to back roading in the summertime, they’ve always been able to unwind together. No matter the time that’s passed in between adventures, they’ll always share a bromance only they will understand. 

Jon Frisbie

Chad is Aleeya’s dad. There are countless memories that Jesse and Chad have had together (one of those being the time Jesse came to tell Chad that Aleeya was pregnant with their first baby) and almost soiled his pants when Chad pretended like he was going to tackle him. Chad has been a strong role model who has pushed Jesse into being the best he can be for himself and his family over the past 4.5 years in life and his career. Chad also works for the National Elevator Industry! We couldn’t do this day without Chad, that’s for sure!

Chad

Garett is Aleeya’s brother. Over the past 4.5 years, Garett has become a brother to Jesse as well. When it comes to hunting, you can find these two in a stand any chance they get, which is one of Jesse’s favorite memories with Garett. Garett also works for the National Elevator Industry, and has helped Jesse learn a thing or two when in need! 

Garett

Brandon and Jesse grew up together, and for years have made countless memories of hooligan-ery. Running around the streets of Fowler, you had to watch out for these boys! But even as life has gone on and each of their lives became busier and busier, that has never cut the bond these two have! 

Brandon

Tyler and Jesse haven’t known each other for long, but having him as part of the wedding party is an honor. Jesse and Tyler both work for the National Elevator Industry. And in this industry, you gain friends that are considered family. We all look forward to having Tyler around for years to come! 

Tyler

Brett is Jesse’s cousin, and for years they’ve made many memories (even on the nights they don’t remember). They would spend late nights shutting the bar down at Miller’s Tavern with their buddies, spent numerous summers up at Brett’s family cabin, and there’s even a story about a late night quad ride across the county that Jesse likes to tell… Ask him about it! 

Brett

Felicity is the daughter of Garett & Taylor Chaney. Kynslee is the daughter of Sierra Niles and Jesse Schmidt. These two beautiful girls have captured the hearts of Aleeya and Jesse, and together we just KNOW will capture your hearts as well! 

Felicity & Kynslee

Rowen and Arthur are the two sons of Aleeya and Jesse. These rambunctious, excited, full of life, monsters are just as excited to share the same last name as their mama as their daddy is! 

Rowen & Arthur

Something old, something new, something borrowed… something BLUE! Emily is Aleeya’s sister. With only a 2 month age gap, these two were inseparable growing up. From goofy shenanigans on sandy beaches to late night laughter and sharing secrets as sisters do, the memories these two share will forever be held close at heart. From middle school on, Emily showed great strengths in directing and keeping events going strong, so when the DJ asked, “Who do we contact for answers to questions we may have?” Emily is the FIRST name that came to mind. 

Emily Chaney

Something old, something new, something borrowed, and… something BLUE!!! Mathew is also Aleeya’s brother. Through the years Mathew has always been known to be an outgoing character that can make people laugh in the most outrageous ways. What better way to incorporate his personality into the big day than for him to be one of the first faces guests greet as they are sat for the ceremony? Both Aleeya and Jesse are more than confident he will make you smile right off the bat… and keep your eye out for him before the ceremony starts… because he may have a little “21 years and older” surprise waiting for those who are interested before the party begins! 

Mathew Chaney

Something old, something new, something borrowed, and… something BLUE! Jacob is Aleeya’s youngest brother. Through the years, Aleeya has loved watching Jacob grow up and become his own person. From music to sports, there have been a number of things he and Aleeya shared interests in as they grew up together. Jacob is a great personality to have on the blue crew as well as the ushering crew. Find him to get the best seats! And keep your eye out for him before the ceremony starts… he may just have a special “21 and older” present waiting for you to get the party started! 

Aleeya & Jesse

Aleeya & Jesse

Q + A

Will there be assigned seating?

What’s for dinner?

What time will the reception start?

Are pets allowed?

Will there be a bar?

Will we be outside or inside?

Are kids allowed?

Is my phone allowed?