Wedding Day

St Brigid Church

Ceremony

The Hotel Conneaut - Elizabeth Lakefront Hall

Cocktail Hour

The Hotel Conneaut - Crystal Ballroom

Reception

Our Wedding

It’s the summer of 2019 and I’m totally losing patience with today’s dating game. It’s a frustratingly weird feeling when everyone around you is moving on and happy, and you are approaching 30 feeling lost, struggling to find any kind of connection. I wasn’t going out to bars to meet someone, so I helplessly turned to online dating. I found myself on a handful of dating apps.&nbsp;&nbsp;I stumbled or should I say "Bumbled" upon Brandon in June of 2019.&nbsp; On this particular dating app, Bumble, girls make the first move to send the guys a first message. Brandon and I “matched” each other because we were within a 60 mile radius of each other. I should tell you (at that moment) we were 60 miles apart. We talked a lot for the first couple of days into the weekend. However, Monday of that week, I noticed Brandon's location said Carney, Maryland. I remember thinking “Is he traveling or out of town for work?” I asked him about it and to my surprise, I learned Brandon was home visiting his family in Pittsburgh, however he actually lived in Baltimore, MD.&nbsp; Like I said, Brandon and I had such good, easy conversation, so we continued to talk. He would mention to me when he planned to come home next, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to connect with someone who wasn’t even in the same state as me. So, I would make up an excuse to to put him off. Brandon was consistent though. He would ask me out a lot and I would always say no. Brandon eventually grew tired of the rejection, and he moved on.&nbsp; About a month went by and I started to talk to another local, more convenient, Pittsburgh match I made on Bumble. It was the week of my birthday and I went out with this guy named Brett. I have to tell you this was the worst date of my life. Absolutely shameful. We talked about the weather (literally the only piece of the conversation that I remember), awkward silence, little eye contact, rudely texting, and he even asked for separate bills. This was such a wake up call. I ended up messaging Brandon that same night to reunite with him and to honestly tell him what I had experienced. I can remember Brandon responding “You should have just gone out with me. I promise that wouldn’t of happened.”&nbsp; That Friday, the day before my 28th birthday, we met as Brandon passed through. He was home for his mother Arlene's birthday, which, ironically, is the same day as my birthday. We went to Plaza Azteca, a Mexican restaurant in Robinson, PA. Brandon asked if we could meet in Cranberry, as he was traveling to Conneaut Lake, PA for the long Labor Day weekend. But, as I always had, I made him work hard for the date and he came to meet me in Robinson. We had Chimichangas and Margaritas. The date was great! We were about to leave, so I ran to the restroom. When I came back to the table, Brandon was sitting there smiling. Soon enough, the waitresses came around the corner clapping with a lit piece of birthday cake. I remember thinking “Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? It’s just the first date.” I was so impressed.&nbsp; Brandon continued to come into town, where I’d see him. A few dates to mention were the drive-in, local restaurants, Kennywood, etc. It wasn’t until October, that I mustered the courage to drive myself to Baltimore! Yuck, like five hours! Brandon surprised me by making stuffed shells and even went out to buy a bottle of wine to pair. We went to the pumpkin patch and as the weekend concluded, he asked me if I wanted to be his girlfriend. Of course, I said yes!&nbsp; We continued to go back and forth as we went into the winter season. I hated the idea of driving five hours during the winter, so I would jump on these little planes when I would go see Brandon. And when I say little planes, I mean these cheap six seaters! Let me tell you these planes were scary, but I wanted to see him, so it didn’t stop me.&nbsp; In March of 2020, I was visiting Brandon because he had bought me tickets to see Dan and Shay, a Country group, in Virginia! Covid-19 just started to become serious and the day of the concert, the concert was cancelled. It was Sunday night and I was dreading the drive home. I got on the road back to Pittsburgh. 30 minutes into my drive, one of my coworkers at PNC had called and said we were to start working remote on Monday (tomorrow)! I weighed my option and quickly decided to turn around and go back to Brandon's apartment. (I must tell you I didn’t tell him I was coming back) I arrived back to Carney, MD, drug my suitcase back up the 3 floors to apartment 301, and knocked on the door. Brandon opened the door, confused as can be. “Honey I’m home!” Would you believe I’ve been here ever since? I never lived away anywhere before! I had a lot to learn.. cooking, cleaning, laundry. I proudly do it all now.&nbsp; Continuing to November 2020, Brandon returns home from a business trip, sick. Long story short, we waited 8 hours to be tested for COVID-19. Brandon tested positive and I tested negative. The week of Thanksgiving. We could not believe it. The two of us made the best of what we had and had Thanksgiving dinner, table for two, here sick in Baltimore. We learned a lot about each other in our one bedroom, one bathroom apartment.&nbsp; We do not really know anyone here, other than Brandon’s few co-workers. We try to go to the little church up the street as many Sundays as we can. Also, on football Sundays, we fearlessly go to Baltimore Ravens bars to cheer on our beloved Steelers. We always try to surprise each other (trust me he’s way sweeter and better at surprises than me). Brandon and I are always on the go traveling somewhere. But, we also love our lazy weekends at home. We miss our family and friends dearly back in Steelers nation, but love the little life we have created here together. We rely on each other and I think that is what makes us the best of friends.&nbsp; Let’s fast forward to the more current and exciting of events: September 2021. Brandon and I met Brandon’s family (his parents, brothers, their significant others, and the Trombola family) down in Ocean City, Maryland to enjoy a long weekend at the beach! Brandon and I arrived first to pick up the key to the Airbnb. Brandon said “pick whichever room you want”. We picked one with a nice view of the water! Everyone arrived and we were unloading, but I was quickly rushed away and told “go help the girls upstairs unpack”. I remember saying “I can help, my legs aren’t broken.” But I digressed and went upstairs to help the ladies unpack.&nbsp; All of us were in a big group text message. Earlier in the week, Brandon’s Aunt Tammy responded in the group with plans for us to go to a nice dinner, on the bay, for that Friday evening. Brandon helped me pick a nice dress. I remember Brandon telling me “wear the white one, white is “beachy”. Looking back after the fact, I wonder why I didn’t catch that?! After a day at the beach, Brandon rushed me into the bathroom telling me “go, you go shower first while the bathroom is open”. I went in and was all ready to go. I came downstairs all dressed to everyone hanging out and watching a movie on tv. Frustrated, I went upstairs and changed. Ten minutes later, Arlene came upstairs like “Are you feeling okay? Why aren’t you ready? Everyone left already!” I remember being panicked and hurried to get re-dressed.&nbsp; I get downstairs and it was just Brandon, Adam, Marin, Matt and Wyatt. Adam asked me “Brittany do you want a roadie?” As we were about to head to the restaurant. Adam gave Brandon and I a White Claw and said “we’re going to go take a walk on the beach towards the restaurant”. We get outside and I’m throwing a bratty fit.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s windy, I just showered, I’m going to get all sandy. It’s about to rain!” Everyone insisted we take the beach path. We were walking on the beach and I was indeed getting all sandy. My hair was blowing everywhere and I really couldn’t see.&nbsp; After walking on the beach for a few blocks, Brandon walked towards a garbage can to throw his White Claw can away and I followed him. His brothers and their significant others unnoticeably stayed back. I remember hearing a lady nearby on the beach screaming say “oh my gosh, look what’s happening!!“ Confused, I look over to Brandon, who was on the ground, with an opened velvet box in his hand. Oh, my goodness, was I so unprepared for how I would react. Excitingly, I said yes! I ugly cried and my makeup was everywhere.&nbsp; Eventually, we continued onto the restaurant for our dinner plans. I asked Brandon “do my parents know?” And he said “We will call them once we get inside.” What do you know? As soon as we walked through the front entrance of Macky’s Bayside Grill, there are my parents just causally standing amongst everyone in the crowd. Total surprise! As you can probably expect, my sappy pipe sprung a leak again and I was really ugly crying now. We had a beautiful, conjoined family dinner on Ocean City’s bayside.&nbsp; The surprises didn’t end there! We went back to the house and our family had another surprise.. an engagement party for us! The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing on the beach with both of our families!&nbsp;

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Marin Lis

Adam Lis

Nicole Skelton

Matt Lis

Nicole Cavanaugh

Josh Raibick

Rachel Bresnahan

Marc Adams

Dawn Wilkie

Patrick Coyne

Annalise Brockner

Nick Cavanaugh

Lindze Trombola

Wyatt Myers

Dylan Shaffer

David Paterno

Our Wedding Party

*Where is the wedding? And what is the timeline?&nbsp;The wedding ceremony will be held indoors at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Meadville, PA on Saturday, December 10th, 2022 starting at 3:30 in the afternoon. Cocktail hour will follow and the wedding reception will take place indoors at The Hotel Conneaut. The cocktail hour will be held in the downstairs of the Hotel Conneaut (Elizabeth Lakefront Hall). Dinner and dancing will proceed in the upstairs Crystal Ballroom. St Brigid Church:383 Arch Street Meadville, PA 16335The Hotel Conneaut:12241 Lake Street Conneaut Lake, PA 16316(20 mins apart) *Why Conneaut Lake?&nbsp;Brandon’s family has a lake house in Conneaut Lake and have been spending time there ever since he was born. (Especially during the summer season). During the Christmas season, people put colorful lit Christmas trees on their docks, all around the lake. The Hotel Conneaut is situated at the north end of the lake. We should have a good view of all the glowing lights!&nbsp; *Where will Brandon &amp; Brit be staying?&nbsp;We will be staying at The Hotel Conneaut all weekend (Friday-Sunday). We recommend our guests also stay at The Hotel Conneaut as well for the full experience! If you’re looking for a more modern hotel accommodation, (no worries, we understand) an alternate hotel block has been made at the Hampton Inn in Meadville, PA (16 minutes away). We recommend booking, at one of these mentioned hotel options, as soon as possible. Rooms are available to book now. When you call to book your room, remember to use our Wedding Block Code. Transportation will not be provided to/from The Hotel Conneaut. Please also note: paid ride shares (such as Uber/Lyft) are not usually available in the Conneaut Lake area.&nbsp; *I have questions about the Hotel Conneaut?&nbsp;The hotel was built in 1902 and the rooms are in original condition. Timeless charm and a century of hospitality. There are no elevators. If you need a more readily accessible room, 1st floor rooms are available for booking on a first come first serve basis! Also, the Hotel Conneaut and Spirits Lounge do accept credit cards. *What airport options do I have to fly into?We recommend flying into:1. Pittsburgh International (1hr 35 mins) or2. Erie International (50 mins) or3. Cleveland Hopkins International (1hr 45 mins) *Can I bring my children?No. As much as we love kids, this is an&nbsp;ADULT ONLY&nbsp;celebration and we appreciate you making arrangements ahead of time to leave the kiddies at home so you can kick back, let your hair down, and enjoy yourself! *Do I need to RSVP?&nbsp;Yes, wedding RSVP is required by: November 12th.&nbsp;We can only accommodate those people addressed on the wedding invitation. If a vegetarian/special accommodation is needed, please let Brandon &amp; Brit know as soon as possible.&nbsp; *What should I do if I can’t make it?You will be missed! If you can not make it to the wedding, please let us know as soon as possible and RSVP “no,” so we can plan accordingly.” *Is there cost for parking/where can I park?There is free parking lot available around the hotel.&nbsp; *What is the weather like this time of year?It is cold and desolate around the lake in December. Good possibility for snowy weather! Ladies, please plan accordingly and bring a precautionary shawl wrap for your dresses.&nbsp; *Where are Brandon &amp; Brit registered?We're registered at Amazon and Target! We are currently living in a small apartment in Baltimore and will be moving right after the wedding. If you were thinking of giving a gift, we would really appreciate gift cards to help us establish our new home! *Do Brandon &amp; Brit have a wedding hashtag?&nbsp;We sure do and we would absolutely love it if you would post all of your pictures on social media with our hashtag:&nbsp;&nbsp;#YouMayNowLisTheBride *Can I request a song to be played at the wedding?You sure can! Reach out to Brandon and Brit and we’ll try to get it added to our wedding playlist. *Are we having a videographer? No. Instead, Brandon &amp; Brit are requesting your participation! We would love for our wedding guests to record a quick "Best Wishes" video message on their phones for the newlyweds. This could include: cheers, toasts, brief mention of why you cannot be there, how you know us, stories, married advice, etc. Our goal would be to take all of the submitted videos (via text or our email) and put them all together. We can look back on this created video for years to come and cherish the love and support of all their family and friends. *Is there anything going on after the wedding reception is over?&nbsp;There’s a bar called the Spirit Lounge that’s attached to The Hotel Conneaut. Our guests are welcome to go down there to participate in as little or as much as they’d like. Food and drink will be available for our guests to purchase. * I still have questions! What is the best way to contact you?&nbsp;<a href="mailto:youmaynowlisthebride@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">youmaynowlisthebride@gmail.com</a>

Q + A

The Hotel Conneaut

[AVAILABLE NOW!]*If you're planning to stay at the Hotel Conneaut, you can book a room anytime from now until the wedding. When you call, please ensure you mention our (Cavanaugh/Lis) Wedding!

Hampton Inn Meadville

[AVAILABLE NOW!]*To receive the discounted rate, you must call and use our wedding code: "WCL". Book your room using this code before 11/18/2022.

Travel

Breakfast:*Miller’s Food Factory - Our Favorite breakfast spot after attending early morning church during the summer. If you're hungry, get the Max Mead! Or Brit's favorite, the pancakes!*Toni’s Lake Diner - Small town diner perfect for a traditional breakfast.*Vacavi Cafe- Quicker Breakfast on the go. A must for coffee lovers.*Tim Hortons - who needs to travel to Canada, when&nbsp;the Canadian staple is brought to northern PA Lunch/Dinner:*Silver Shores - Most known for their signature Zombie Drink, prime rib, and delicious seafood. Enjoy a great meal while looking out at the beautiful winter lake scenery!*Pizza Joes - Brandon may be biased, but his favorite pizza at the lake.*Compadres - Small Northern PA Mexican chain that's always serving up the good eats.*Station 20 Tap and Table - Upper end bar foods with plenty of beers on tap*Timber Creek Tap &amp; Table - A family owned and operated brew pub providing an enhanced, family-friendly dining experience.*Spirit Lounge - don't forget about the Bar in the Hotel Conneaut if its cold and you don't want to go out! Dessert:*Casey’s - Although some may say Hanks, Casey's is open all year round with plenty of flavors.*Dairy Queen - Our Moms, Arlene and Tracey's favorite - they love some Dairy Queen Blizzards Drinks:*Lakeside Beer - Grab &amp; Go Drinks for your hotel room*Voodoo Brewery - A funky and progressive brewery in downtown Meadville. Gas/Convenience stores:*Sheetz- Fill up your tank and order grab &amp; go food to fill your belly. Open 24 hours*Shell Lakeside Stop and Go*Walmart - just incase you forgot something or need access to a pharmacy.*Dollar store - everything is a $1 in the store. Attractions:*Erie National Wildlife Refuge - Hiking trails, with small indoor museum explaining the areas wildlife*Ice House Park - small park that oversees Conneaut Lake*Drake Well Museum and Park -&nbsp;The story of the petroleum industry's birth in Pennsylvania and its growth into the global enterprise it is today*Linesville Spillway - Feed the carp*Conneaut Cellars Winery &amp; Distillery - delicious, artisan wines and spirits with complexity, character and balance

Things to Do

Registry

Brandon & Brittany

Brandon & Brittany

Our Wedding Party