The Heitman House

Rehearsal + Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal

The Banyan Hotel Rooftop

Rehearsal Dinner

Downtown Social House

Welcome Party!

Gretchen and Ross's Wedding Day!

Guest Arrival Time

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

Hi everyone! We’re so excited to celebrate with you in Fort Myers! A few quick notes: 🚗 Valet: Complimentary valet will be available at the wedding. You may leave your car overnight — just be sure to pick up your keys before leaving the reception and retrieve your car by 11–12 p.m. the next day. 🍸 Thursday Welcome Party: Join us at Downtown Social House (7:30–9:30 p.m.) for complimentary drinks, flatbreads, sliders, charcuterie, and more — all on us! 🎁 Hotel Guests: If you’re staying at the hotel, please grab your gift bag upon check-in or when you arrive at your room. The hotel will hand them out, but if not, just ask the front desk! See below for the timeline of events for the whole weekend! Can't wait to celebrate with everyone! Love,Gretchen &amp; Ross

Last Minute Details and Updates

Our story began in the most college way possible—at a Delta Gamma sorority chapter meeting during our freshman year at Kent State. Ross and his Sigma Chi Big came in to talk about their upcoming philanthropy events, but let’s be real… the second Ross stood up there in his suit, looking entirely too good, one of us (guess who) turned to a friend and said, “He’s HOT.” From that moment, one of us (again, guess who) did a little social media deep dive and hit that “Follow” button—because, you know, modern love stories begin with a well-timed follow request. And then, on May 2, 2018, Ross sent the message that started it all:"Hey, I know this is random, but you are really pretty."(Yes, we scrolled back to confirm the exact date.) A day or two later, we officially met at the Kent State University Library—otherwise famously known for being the tallest building in Summit County. Gretchen was sitting with two of her DG sisters when Ross walked up and sat with us. The second we started talking, the outside world totally faded away. We were lost in conversation, and when Ross got up to leave, Gretchen’s friends turned to her and said:"THAT was the first time you two had met each other!? It seemed like you knew each other for so long!" After that, we spent the entire next week together—every single day—before summer break pulled us in different directions. We soaked in every moment, and something about it just felt right. But here’s where the plot thickens—summer break rolled around, and someone (ahem) thought that maybe being young and single for the summer was the move. So, we went our separate ways… for a little while. When we got back to school in the fall, Ross had moved on (how dare he), and someone (ahem, again) decided she did not like that answer. But fate (and college basement parties) had other plans. Halloween night in 2018, a hippie (Ross) and a pirate (her) crossed paths again, and from that night forward, we’ve been inseparable. Over the last six years, we’ve built something pretty incredible. From being young and reckless in college, finding ourselves, navigating a pandemic together (quarantine, 21st birthdays, and all), saying I love you quickly (we even made our parents meet each other only a few short months into dating), living long-distance for two years, to moving in together, and realizing that what we had was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. Ross even took me on my 21st birthday trip to Fort Myers—where we fell even harder for each other and for this beautiful city. Since then, we’ve come back at least twice a year, each visit confirming that this place was special. So when it came time to decide where we’d celebrate forever, it only felt right to bring our favorite people to the place where our love truly flourished. Ross is my absolute best friend, my favorite person in the entire world, and the piece of my life that makes everything make sense. He gets me in a way no one else does. He follows my thoughts even when they ping all over the place. He makes me laugh—literally every single day. He is my person, my home, my once-in-a-lifetime love. We cannot wait to share this day with you—our friends, our family, our people. How lucky are we to celebrate our love in the city that helped shape it into what it is today? Ross, I love you! See you at the altar, baby!

Our Story

Photos

My best friend, my twin (8 years apart), my confidant, my sounding board, my brain, my sister soulmate. From our childhood adventures like stealing all of her clothes, copying everything she did to the T, and following her and her friends around EVERYWHERE like a little puppy, to navigating all of life’s highs and lows as adults who respect, understand, and rely on eachother, Leslie has always been my rock. Her insane kindness, humor, and unwavering support mean the absolute world to me, and I truly, truly, truly, could not imagine my life without her. 

Leslie is the reason why I would be grateful to one day have two daughters. So they can just have a chance to have each other like we do. 

I love you so much, sister!!!! 

And lastly… YES, she is married. However, let’s be clear—we will NOT slander her youth by calling her a matron of honor. #SelfExplanatory. Don’t worry, sis, I gotchu. Forever young, forever fabulous, and forever you and me. 

Leslie Schurman

Peyton and I have been best friends since the day we were born—or at least that's the story we always told to anyone and everyone. We used to tell everyone that our moms met and became best friends in the hospital, and that's how we, obviously, became best friends too. Of course, that little detail about us being a year apart doesn’t quite add up, because I am a full 1 year older than she is, but it never stopped us from telling our version of the story. Our version, best version.

Our backyards literally touched, and from then on, we were inseparable. She's been my go-to girl for everything: humor, inside jokes, relationship highs and lows, and all the moments that make life unforgettable. Pey, I love you so much—thank you for always being there for me and for making my life so much brighter. We have the type of friendship that people dream of. One that you never have to question. One that will last until we're old and grey. 

Peyton, you mean the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful for our forever friendship together on this planet. To my forever best friend, my second sister, Pey-tod-o-more.

Peyton Pillage

Emma is one of those friends who seamlessly blend into your life so well that you can't remember the first time you met. From the moment she came into my world, it felt like she had always been there. She's the kind of person who listens with intent, speaks with wisdom, and knows exactly how to make everything feel just a little bit brighter. Emma is a perfect sounding board—smart and grounded, and somehow always knows precisely what I mean to say and how I feel. 

Kent was a blessing in more ways than one, but one of the greatest gifts it has ever given me was this incredible woman who has become a best friend like no other, and I can confidently say she will be in my life forever.

I can call Emma at 4 am; she will answer and be there for you in a heartbeat. I call her when I'm sick to get PA advice, and she handles it quickly. From our travels together, our inside jokes. Emma is the friend I thank God for all the time. She has made me a better person and inspires me endlessly. 

I love you, Emma! I am so insanely grateful for you, our friendship, loyalty, sense of humor, trust, and everything you bring into my life.

Emma Warns

To know Laura is to absolutely adore her. She's the kind of person who can make you laugh so hard that you're crying, takes a joke and runs with it and turns it funnier than the original joke could ever be, and is the most loyal, understanding, non-judgmental friend who will always be there when you need her. Not only is she one of the most beautiful people inside and out, but she's also insanely smart, charismatic, and full of love.

From sneaking out late at night in high school for some questionable adventures that will absolutely not be making an appearance on my wedding website (lol) to confiding in each other with new relationships and life and sharing the same deep love for our favorite podcast - The Toast! #Shoutout Jax and Turdy. 

Laura has been a constant in my life for decades - I can't even believe it's been that long. Decades that I look back at and could not be more grateful to the universe for putting us together. IT KNEW WHAT IT WAS DOIN, BABY. I am so beyond thankful for our friendship, the memories we've made, and all the ones still to come! I love you forever and always, Laur!! 

Laura Bradley

My outgoing, ball of energy, hilarious, and effortlessly cool forever friend—Cameron!!! Cam and I go way back to our Summer Surge Memorial Park Church days, and from there, our friendship carried us through high school, cheerleading, and beyond. She's the friend who always brings the fun, always down to stunt (lol), and the ultimate vault of high school knowledge—if I ever text, 'Wait, what is this person's name from high school?' she immediately has the answer.

While her sense of humor is unmatched, her energy is infectious, and she has a way of making every moment brighter, my real favorite thing about Cameron is how she never wavers. She is a loyal person you wholeheartedly trust to have your back in any situation and is someone you root for. Everyone loves her, and it's for a reason. 

Oh.. and she is probably one of the naturally coolest girls you'll ever meet. And she has the best fashion sense so .. obsessed. 

Cam, life is simply more fun with you in it, and I'm so lucky to have a friend like you and to have you by my side on my big day. It means the world to me, and I wouldn't be the same without you. I LOVE YOU, CAMMY!

Cameron Fazio

Morgan is the kind of friend who can make you laugh until your stomach hurts—hands down, the best type of person to have in your corner. She somehow knows everything about everything and has been a phenomenal human for as long as I’ve known her… which is saying a lot, because we’ve been friends for decades.

Morgan is the kind of person you instantly click with. We pick up right where we left off every single time, like no time has passed. She’s the one I’d call at 3 a.m. to bail me out of jail, and the person I’d want on my team—for anything.

Watching her grow into the amazing woman—and now cheer coach—she is today fills me with pride. It’s such a full-circle moment to see her pouring into her own team with the same heart and spirit we once shared side by side.

Oh, and she has the cutest dog, you guys. Please do yourself a favor and ask her to show you a photo during the reception. #Pheobie4L

Morgan is also my fellow espresso martini connoisseur and someone I’m endlessly grateful life gave me so early on. To have a friendship this deep, this lasting, and this full of laughter and love is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever known. Love you forever, Morgy!

Morgan Rutan

From the very beginning, I had a feeling Brittney would be in my life for decades to come. She’s the kind of person who’s always ready to lend a helping hand, and her laugh is so contagious you can’t help but smile and laugh right along with her. She also happens to be the clumsiest of all my friends—so please, everyone, keep an eye on her so she doesn’t add to the impressive collection of bruises from our nights out at the bars, LOL!

One of my favorite things about Brittney and our friendship is the honest, heartfelt connection we’ve always shared. We can speak our truths, rely on one another, hold each other accountable, and check in during the hard moments—no matter what life throws our way.

Brittney, thank you for being someone who’s down for a great time, who wears her heart on her sleeve, and who brings light into every room you walk into. I’m so grateful for you and the role you’ve played in my life. Here’s to more laughter, love, and dancing our way through it all!!

Brittney Collier

* Brother of the Groom
* Self-appointed stand-in third parent
* Certified third fastest lacrosse shot of the group
* I had no choice but to be related to him; however, I wouldn’t trade him for anything. Thanks, Mom and Dad.
* I also find myself working similar jobs as Zach, well, most of the time working for Zach, whether that is mowing for Flash Lawn Care or coaching at Roosevelt Lacrosse, it makes him being my boss better because of the time we get to spend together.
* Something that can often be taken for granted is having siblings. Time and time again, I find myself wanting to do something with Zach - no, not just because he is my brother and we were forced to hang out when we were young. Still, because we attended the same college and have been lucky enough to have lived together (or next to each other) since 2020, and countless other activities, we have become so close. I know that I can go to him for anything, and I hope I can have kids one day who can exemplify the bond that he and I share. I love you, Zach.

Zach Adair

* Longtime friend of Groom
* Another self-appointed stand-in third parent
* Actual smartest in the friend group, I can’t even explain what he does, I don’t understand it.
* Also had no choice of being friends with him; however, he has made a huge impact in my life and has been one of my closest friends for over 20 years.
* Adam is the best type of friend you can have, a true plug and play, whether we are going to Rodeo and drinking a respectful amount of beers in the river, or thinking of a crazy new business idea with Zach, to helping me fix something on my car, Adam is a true jack of all trades.

Adam Fertig

* Longtime friend of Groom
* Certified funniest friend of the group
* I believe Bailey and I met in the 6th grade when I joined the coveted Troop 252, we would go on to both achieve Eagle Scouts together
* He also carried me to winning a state championship in DECA in high school, thanks Bailey.
* Brady St resident for life, Bailey always kept the yard mowed and looking amazing, no matter what time of day or night it was.
* Something about Bailey that I came to appreciate is his decision to become a firefighter, being able to live with him at Brady St, it was so cool watching him study so hard for paramedic school and then succeed at everything that he put his mind to. Now, driving through Kent, I love passing the station or seeing Medic 1 go out and thinking, “Hey I hope Bailey is in there” and I wave.

Bailey Collier

• Longtime friend of the Groom
• Certified by the American Chemical Society, he thinks he is the smartest friend in the group.
• A knower of a plethora of random facts, ask him if you run into him at the wedding!
• I cannot remember when I met Eli; however, no matter what I did before college, you could find us attached at the hip, whether we were playing mini sticks (hockey and lacrosse), school classes, every sport, band, and of course, the original crew of LDB’s. I was fortunate enough to have grown up two houses down from him. Hope we can do that again someday.
* When Eli decided to follow Emma (his sister) to the University of Cincinnati for college, I was sad that he was leaving, but I was happy to eventually meet the friends he would make. Damn was I right; Mark, Eric, and even Landon, and all of their friends would turn out to be great guys who I would become friends with also. Some of my favorite memories from Cincinnati are visiting Eli every year for his birthday, from Daniels Hall to all of his different houses around Clifton.

Eli McCarty

* Longtime friend of the Groom
* Certified best golfer of the group, catch him on the PGA Tour in the future
* There are some things that I will always associate with Evan, my skiing partner, he always kicked my ass in Super Smash Bros, and all of Lebron’s finals runs with the Cavs, and of course my golf coach.
* Since watching all of those sports games in the Ferrara basement (thanks Lori and Ryan) it has been so fun being able to rendezvous at his apartment downtown Cleveland for all of the sporting events now; tailgating before a night Browns game against the Steelers, grilling on his rooftop balcony, meeting and then walking to Cavs games, and the best sporting event I have ever had the privilege to attend, the ALCS game 3 of 2024.

Evan Ferrara

* Longtime friend of the Groom
* I was fortunate enough to be Kyle’s personal masseuse. I made the mistake in high school as being the only one who could hit Kyle's spot on his huge back. I sadly am still asked to this day, “Hey Ross, can you just get my spot real quick, please?”
* Kyle was another one of my friends that we achieved our Eagle Scout rank together, as well as shared a night at Summer Camp when we had to go out into the elements and build our own shelter and sleep in it all night, if you know either of us we just chatted for the entire night and slept when we got back to camp so we didn’t have to go to flag raising.
* Kyle and I have always been close through scouts, school, sports but out friendship really flourished during our college years while we both worked as servers and were going through Greek life at the same time, I knew we would be friends for a long time when I woke up at 5:30 am and left for Columbus to make it to block (Pregame for OSU football game) at 8 am (which was worth waking up early, and if you know me, I do not enjoy waking up early).

Kyle Patrick

* Longtime friend of the Groom
* My partner in every sport we played growing up against Eli and Zach, from whiffle ball, basketball, football, lacrosse, and hockey.
* Yet another person who terrorized me whenever we would play Super Smash Bros, definitely the best out of all of us.
* I had the benefit of living with Noah for 2 years at Brady St, and it was awesome living with someone who can grill with the best of them. Shout-out to Fred (and Maria, of course) for showing him all he knows on the grill!
* Noah has shown me the power of consistency. I think back to our time at Brady, watching him grind for his new job at RSC for almost two full years, only to see his hard work pay off with an awesome promotion. I really appreciate his work ethic, and I learned a lot from watching him.

Noah McCarty

* Brother from another mother of the Groom
* I truly didn’t know what to think about Nick when we met; it was definitely in Pittsburgh around Gretchen’s and Leslie’s parents, so he was very tame. Wow, as time went on, did I learn more and more about what makes Nick, well, Nick. He continues to amaze me with the remarkable accomplishments he has achieved both professionally and personally. He recently received the Emerging Leader award at his work conference for completing a half marathon and participating in an Iron Man race (which Leslie also did, so a shout-out to Les).
* On the other side of things, if there is one thing that people will learn from attending the wedding is Nick will dance his ass off, and always knows how to have the best time, no matter what is going on or where it is.
* I was always so happy to have one brother that I could learn from and look up to, and it makes me even happier that I now have two, successful, smart, strong, and impactful brothers to look up to.

Nicholas Vaglia

• Approaching a longtime friend of the Groom
• Big thanks to his fiancée for wanting to move to Kent after they graduated, because without that decision, I would not have met either of them. Nick has evolved into someone that I continue to find a lot of qualities that align with me.
* This year has been so much fun coaching lacrosse with Nick; the memories from this season will last a long time (or until we finally have a winning season).
* To me, Nick is someone that you can always count on; if I need Nick, I know he would drop what he is doing and be there, and that is something that I really admire and hope I can provide to my friends that same quality.

Nick Latshaw

* Approaching a longtime friend of the Groom
* Holds record for fastest ankle taped in 2025 (behind T Slatt, of course)
* Trent the Trainer has such an interesting back story between the two of us. During Kyle’s undergrad time at The Ohio State University, he had a random roommate, and it turned out to be Trenton; however, we never crossed paths the few times I went to visit Kyle. All of that changed in 2021 when Trenton decided to get his Master's Degree at Kent State University, and by some miracle, we had mutual friends and started to become friends while hanging out at Nick and Emma's and doing other activities around Kent.
* Just a short couple of years later, he is now one of two Athletic Trainer for Roosevelt High School, and now every spring, during my favorite time of the year, lacrosse season, I get to watch him do what he does best. He is incredibly knowledgeable within the entire sports medicine space, and I would have never thought of him as a teacher, but I know all of the kids who get to go through the sports medicine career tech program will be so glad they got to have a mentor like Trenton.

Trenton Langjahr

* Longtime friend of the Groom
* Officiant of the Wedding
* Resident red-haired friend of the group
* Will is another one of my friends who could be found near me all throughout my childhood, from scouts to sports to band to school classes.
• He was also a resident of the coveted 118 Brady St, and wow, do we have some awesome memories at that house with him. Feel free to ask him about any of the nights that he had there
• Will is someone who listens so intently, and something that you all will come to find out that I admire so much about Will is his ability to captivate an audience while he speaks. He always conveys the message so well with great conviction and articulation.
* Will was also the first member of the Troop to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout after our charter was reborn, and watching him complete that set the groundwork for me and all of the Eagle Scouts that the troop has gone on to honor.
*Will, thank you for marrying us. It made sense for you to be the one to stand up there with us and be there for the most significant moment in our lives. We love you and are so grateful for our friendship together. 

Will Kulis

Wedding Party

General Information

RSVP & Attendance 

Travel and Accomodations

Dress Code & Weather

Other Helpful Details

Q + A

Hilton Fans, Stay Here! The Hampton Inn Downtown Fort Myers is a Hilton Hotel, perfect for Hilton Honors members looking to earn or redeem points!- Walking distance to downtown: 10 minutes.- Walking distance to the venue: 23 minutes.- Drive to the venue: Approximately 6 minutes. A comfortable and convenient stay with free parking and complimentary breakfast in the heart of Fort Myers! Last Day to Book: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown

Marriott Lovers, This One’s for You! The Luminary Hotel is a Marriott Hotel, perfect for those who love their Marriott perks!- Walking distance to downtown: Just steps away!- Walking distance to the venue: 15 minutes.- Drive to the venue: Approximately 4 minutes. A great option for a stylish stay in the heart of Fort Myers! Last Day to Book: Friday, September 26, 2025

Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection

Accommodations

Food and Drinks The Firestone Skybar; Martini Bar – Rooftop drinks with a view! Oxbow Bar and Grill – Great waterfront dining with fresh seafood. The Lodge – A fun BBQ spot with self-pour beer taps. Downtown Social House (SoHo) – Trendy cocktails and live music. Shopping and Exploring First Street – Stroll through historic downtown with cute boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops. Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center – Check out local art exhibits and cultural events. IMAG History and Science Center – Interactive exhibits for all ages. Outdoor Fun Centennial Park – A beautiful riverfront park to relax and take in the views. Sunset River Cruise – Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Caloosahatchee River. Bike Rentals – Rent a bike and explore downtown on two wheels. Live Music and Entertainment The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon – A go-to for live country music and dancing. Florida Repertory Theatre – Catch a live show at this historic venue. Explore and Stroll River District – Walk along the charming, historic streets filled with shops, restaurants, and live music. Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Tour the beautiful homes and gardens of two American innovators. Fort Myers Riverwalk – Enjoy scenic waterfront views and a peaceful stroll along the Caloosahatchee River.

Downtown Fort Myers

Fort Myers Beach is a beautiful barrier island community located on Estero Island, just off the southwest coast of Florida. Known for its soft, white-sand beaches, stunning sunsets, and relaxed atmosphere, it's a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters and laid-back charm. Distance from Downtown Fort Myers Fort Myers Beach is approximately 15-17 miles (about a 30-40 minute drive) from downtown Fort Myers, depending on traffic and your exact destination. Key Places to Visit in Fort Myers Beach Times Square – A lively hub near the pier with beachfront restaurants, shops, and entertainment. It’s the perfect spot for casual dining and people-watching. Lani Kai Island Resort Rooftop Bar – A classic Fort Myers Beach spot with amazing Gulf views, tropical drinks, and live music. The Lani Kai is known for its party vibe. Yucatan Beach Stand – A popular spot with great food, drinks, and a lively outdoor bar setting. Wahoo Willy's Tiki Bar &amp; Grill - A newer spot on Fort Myers Beach that has quickly become a favorite for its laid-back island vibe, great food, and fun atmosphere. Lah De Dah Beach Bar &amp; Grill - This waterfront bar is inspired by iconic hideaway bars, combining elements of a well-worn bar, rustic honky-tonk, and retro dive bar. It's known for its flowing drinks and lively entertainment.

Gretchen & Ross

Gretchen & Ross

Things to Do

Downtown Fort Myers

Fort Myers Beach