Our relationship has been bound to water, and that is the theme of our story, thus far.


Both Sara and Drew never met anyone that felt like “the one”, despite growing up 17 miles and two turns away from each other. They both knew that all good things come to those who have patience. Patience paid off as they met on July 21st, 2020 during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic at Mussel Beach in Bay City. They were like the song by Journey, “Dont Stop Believing”, but the opposite, he was the small town boy and she was the girl born in the city. It was magic from the start as they sat on a bench on the shore of the Saginaw Bay for over an hour talking. Drew originally wanted to take Sara out to dinner, but she was too nervous, so they settled on ice cream & dole whip (Sara not knowing Drew had a dairy allergy).


In September of 2020, they went on their first of many long road trips together as a couple. This first trip was through the Upper Peninsula and was when Drew told Sara that he loved her for the first time on the bank of the Tahquamenon River/Falls. They knew from then on that they were together for the long haul and going to marry some day.


In January of 2022, Sara started her Master’s degree in Nursing Administration through Ferris State University and Drew was having a difficult time finding a home for them to call their own. Drew said he wanted to live together for one year (just to make sure they could build a home together), even though he knew she was “the one”.


In March of 2022, Sara and Drew were blessed with the opportunity to purchase Sara’s grandparent’s home in Bay City, so they could enjoy the closeness of the Saginaw Bay. It was now time for Drew to save for a ring! Sara and Drew kept discussing their wedding plans and would purchase items and make notes for that faithful day eventually.


In October of 2022, Drew and Sara went for one of their typical weekend road trips when they stopped at the RiverWalk Place for lunch. It was fate...a hotel with a beautiful wedding venue, on the banks on the Cedar River. While Sara hid her left ring finger (in case staff asked to see her ring), they booked their wedding venue that day. Drew had to really get looking for a ring now!


After one year and one week of owning a home together, Drew proposed to Sara at Iargo Springs along the banks of the AuSable River on March 25, 2023.


Now join us on 9/21/2024 at River Walk Place in Gladwin to wed in holy matrimony on the bank of the Cedar River.


As the author Norman Maclean wrote, “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it”.