Sylvandale Barn

Wedding Day

Reception

Summer

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Our website will hopefully help to answer your questions and help you to know what to expect for the wedding! It has extra information about how we met and the journey we've taken so far. We are so grateful to have so many family and friends celebrate our marriage, and can't wait to share our special day with each of you.

Our Wedding

Riley and I met a couple of summers ago at the lake in the most charming, small-town way. At the ripe age of 19, I had finally decided it was time to get a grown up job instead of playing with my cousins at the lake all summer, but I figured what better place to have to work than Hayward. I enjoyed my days off on the water and playing volleyball on the beach. I quickly befriended my other young college student co-workers at Trails, one of whom was so kind and welcoming as to invite me over to hangout on his boat with his local friends from high school. I nervously accepted. When I showed up to his house, all of his friends and family were packing up the boat so I walked down to the dock and joined them. I was probably very quiet that day and spent most of my time sitting and talking with my co-worker's mom and sister. But there was Riley. Those who know him well will laugh when I say this next part, but I thought I had him pinned down as a total frat boy. The look was complete with a backwards hat, sunglasses, beer in hand while throwing the football with his buddies. We did not talk much that day, probably just once when I asked what he did and he told me that he was not in college (and surprisingly, not in a frat).The rest of June and July was filled with many more invites amongst this new group of friends. Late night campfires and game nights, impromptu volleyball games in the rain, and lots of wakesurfing. I remember feeling so giddy to have found these special people who made the world seem so much more colorful and vivid, and so full of laughter. You'll have to ask Riley what he thought of that time, I'm sure it felt the same as it always had since these had already been his friends for a while. It was only new to me. I began to grow more comfortable with these sweet friends, but especially with Riley. He would often linger after our other friends had left so that we could go lay on the dock and look at stars. We would share secrets and make up stories about the constellations, watching as the moon made it's way across the sky. Although I was a part-time waitress, Riley was working as a very full time laborer. I have no idea how he did it, but he would stay up with me into the wee hours of the morning and then still get up for work at the crack of dawn and work a full day of manual labor. He sacrificed a lot of sleep to get to know me without our friends around. If that isn't true love, I don't know what is.As we were spending more time together, my family's attention was certainly caught. Although I had brushed it off as being "just friends", my parents and even my aunt began to comment on the undeniable chemistry that Riley and I shared. When we actually started to talk about what our relationship was, Riley won me over easily.We started dating on July 30th, 2021 with just a week left before I was supposed to be leaving to go back to school in North Carolina.

The Beginning

The Distance

I will admit, I was not optimistic that our long distance relationship was going to last. Riley was so sweet though that I figured I might as well give it a try. I was honestly surprised when it was Halloween and we were still together. But nevertheless, we Facetimed frequently and were still enjoying one another's company. Riley even came to visit me in North Carolina a few times, which solidified his dedication to making our relationship work. By the time that I was home for Christmas, it became abundantly clear to me (finally!) that we were serious and that this relationship was going to last, and mean significantly more to me than I was ever expecting. Riley walked alongside me with patience as we navigated the trials and tribulations of meaning so much to one another from a thousand miles away. He was so tender and forgiving when my heart weighed heavily because of the distance. He had his gaze set forward, and continued to move in that direction with purpose and a steady determination that was the rock of our relationship. While I may have carried anxiety and doubt over the difficult journey ahead (years more of long distance), he carried himself with steadfastness and consistency. For this, he is my hero.We continued on day-after-day, relaying our days back to one another over the phone. Enjoying sweet visits together when I had breaks at school or he could sneak away from work. We have shared many adventures during these times: visiting friends, applepicking, hiking, running a marathon, skiing, and concerts. Even now as I'm writing this, we are in different states and just catching each other on the tail ends of our days. It has been a long journey, but well worth it. By the time I graduate in May, we will have completed nearly three years of long distance. Our time apart has been immensely difficult at times, and just as rewarding at others. It has helped us to grow independently and also as a couple. We treasure our time together and are grateful for one another in a unique way, which is in large part due to how many days we wished to be together but could not be.

The Next Chapter

My favorite day yet! New Year's Eve of 2023. Because of my family's exceptional scheming and Riley's tedious planning, I was thoroughly surprised and elated when he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. He chose to propose in one of my favorite places in the world - Snowmass, Colorado. We were skiing and in our full snow gear for the occasion, which I loved and felt very us. Hopefully you can see our sheer joy and excitement in the photos :)As we now begin to transition from dating to engaged to married, I cannot help but reflect on all that the Lord has done for us and through us in these years. He has given us the courage to be vulnerable with one another and be fully seen. He has helped us forgive when the other does not deserve it. He has offered us a taste of holy and righteous love - something that Riley and I strive to offer one another each day we move forward. We are so grateful to have found each other, and even more grateful to have matured together in faith and love. We trust that God has great plans for our lives and are so excited to get to start that journey together. And just as excited that you might join us for the first step - our wedding! A day to celebrate the faithfulness of the Lord and his blessing on our lives through our marriage. We cannot wait for you to be a part of the celebration; make sure to bring your dancing shoes! It is going to be such a joyous occasion.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

More updates about overnight accommodations will be coming soon! We are hoping to get a small hotel block, but are unable to block a large group of rooms because it is peak season for visiting the area. We encourage you to look into booking accommodations sooner rather than later. Some of our friends and family may also want to look into AirBnBs or other house rental options in the area. Below we've also linked a few hotels in the area. If you are looking for other lodging options and are open to staying a little further outside Hayward, you may want to look into the Grand Pines Motel &amp; Resort (9 miles from Hayward, 715-462-4006), Treeland Resorts (15 miles from Hayward, 715-462-3874), or Best Western Spooner Riverside (28 miles South of Hayward, 715-635-9770).

Near National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and MuseumMake yourself at home in one of the 66 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing board

Flat Creek Lodge

Affordable rooms with Northwood’s Decor. Our classic motel features large, new rooms with a great patio view. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee-maker. The motel is located next to The Steakhouse for convenient access to fine dining and cocktails.They are within walking distance to many area attractions and&nbsp;located just 1 mile from Downtown Hayward.

The Steakhouse & Lodge

Family owned motel - Easy trailer parking with plug ins for boats - Hometown service - Clean cozy rooms - Daily Housekeeping - No Pets - Close to downtown and area attractions - Motorcycles welcome - Free WI-FI - Picnic area.

Hannah & Riley

Hannah & Riley

Registry