Wedding Ceremony

Ceremony

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

They first met on the Voccis courts (a.k.a. the tennis courts). Voccis is a Concordia University – Nebraska original sport that is a mixture between volleyball, soccer and tennis. It is a place where you can meet lots of new people, be yourself, and just have a good time. Jason was an avid Voccis-goer and never missed a week. One Friday at the beginning of Emma’s freshman year a group of friends introduced her to the game. The relationship started small with simple small talk, but little did they know that this would blossom into something so wonderful.

Jason was also involved in a running group that he and a couple of other friends would do every Tuesday and Thursday down on the trail. One fateful day, they were running at the same time as Emma who was on her own run. She decided to ask if she could join them, and they said yes! This was an integral moment in the formation of their relationship because from this point on, Emma and Jason were able to talk and get to know each other better and discover they shared similar values and most importantly, faith.

When the year came to an end, their conversation didn't stop. A few days later, Jason got a text on his phone from Emma asking if his family’s kitchen was finished (Emma’s family was also redoing their kitchen). His answer was no, but it opened a whole new world of conversation. They continued to ask each other questions and neither person let the conversation stop. It soon became a whole summer of letter-like texts about each other that would take hours to write and respond to. They bonded over many different things, from Jason shooting raccoons, interesting stories from Emma's tour boat and reminiscing about their childhoods. Emma and Jason quickly formed a unique commitment and connection with each other.

That summer, Jason's dad had his annual work meeting in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, only a couple hours away from Emma's house. Jason’s dad had always wanted Jason to join him at these yearly meetings and since the meeting was close to Emma, Jason couldn’t resist. Jason’s dad didn't know this underlying purpose though, but it all made sense to him soon enough.

When August 5th rolled around it was getting pretty obvious that they were both hoping to become more than friends. When Emma picked up Jason from Mt. Pleasant they loaded up the beef he brought from Nebraska, then toured Emma's old stomping grounds. They had lunch in Frankenmuth, went to Bronner's (The World's Largest Christmas store), and many other places. After Frankenmuth, they headed to Emma's house so Jason could meet her family and drop off the meat he brought from Nebraska. At this time, Jason was just a random guy from Concordia they had heard about all summer.

After dropping off the meat at Emma's house and briefly meeting her family we drove up to Port Austin and got giant ice cream at Grindstone City General store. The ice cream was the best ice cream Jason had ever tasted. Deconstructed s'more flavor was astonishing and hit the spot!

Then they walked out to the break wall in Lake Huron and watched the sunset. Jason had been sending Emma pictures of the sunset every night throughout the summer and this was the first one they were together for. As the sun was going down with a beautiful sunset, Jason asked the question "Would you like to be my girlfriend?" Emma looked back and thankfully said "yes" and they hugged with some tears in their eyes. They walked back to the shore where they dipped their toes into the water and went back to the car as a couple.

The next afternoon, Emma took Jason back to Mt. Pleasant where she met his dad for the first time. Jason introduced her as his girlfriend, which shocked his dad. Immediately, Jason’s dad connected the dots and realized why Jason made the 13 hour trip from Nebraska. Saying goodbye that night was hard, but they were excited to be together soon at Concordia.

Fast forward to the next summer, Jason spent a whole week (with little sleep) researching rings. He then enlisted the help of Emma's best friend and roommate, Nora, to get an idea of the style of ring she wanted. He sent Nora a bunch of pictures which she then edited to look like a Tik-Tok asking "which ring do you like?". Emma had no clue that Nora was fishing for information, but she was able to collect all the information Jason needed to find the perfect ring.

After months of planning and working with Nora, they got Emma to believe they were taking practice engagement photos for Jason's sister Sara, which was all just a ploy to propose to Emma. They went out to Pawnee Lake and started taking pictures like normal and then after some code words ("Do you think a cow has ever swum in this lake?") Nora knew it was time. She told Jason to look out over the water so she could take a picture, and then Emma did the same thing. While Emma was preoccupied, Jason went to the camera bag to retrieve the ring and get down on one knee behind Emma to start the next chapter in their life. Spoiler alert, she said yes again! 2 for 2!!!&nbsp;

Our Story

Photos

Jack Leuenberger

Bride and Groom's college friend and Groom's roommate.

Lukas Stapek

Matthew Jansen

Devin Conley

Bride and Groom's college friend and Bride's roommate.

Nora Betts

Claire VanTol

Hannah VanTol

Sara Umland

Austin, Nathaniel, and Ryan Freund

Wedding Party

Q + A

There are many hotels within 15- 20 minutes of the reception venue. The hotels in Bay City, Saginaw and Frankenmuth are all good options. Below are suggested hotels:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront

Rental Houses in Bay City

Comfort Inn Bay City - Riverfront

Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth

SpringHill Suites Frankenmuth

Zehnder's Splash Village

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Frankenmuth, an IHG Hotel

Lodging

Frankenmuth, Michigan

(approx. 25 minutes from the reception venue)

Frankenmuth is 'Michigan's Little Bavaria' sporting Bavarian architecture and German style food. It is a great city to visit, with great hotels, waterparks, shopping and delicious food! You can spend anywhere from a couple hours to a whole day here!

The City of Frankenmuth

This is where Emma has worked as server and boat captain for the past few summers! They offer boat tours down the Cass River, in Frankenmuth, with wine and chocolate tasting on board! All the chocolates are handmade, and the wines are made from Michigan grapes. *Grape juice and beer is available on the boat upon request.

Frankenmuth FunShips

You really can't miss the world's largest Christmas store! They have every type of ornament and Christmas decoration you can think of. The store itself covers 2.2 acres of ground.

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland

The Thumb of Michigan

(approx. 1+ hours from the reception venue)

Lake Huron should be a good temperature in July! Stop at the beach on your way to Grindstone General Store for a swim or to at least dip your toes in the lake. This beach doesn't require any day passes or permits!

Swim in Lake Huron

Southeast Michigan (Detroit Area)

(approx. 2 hours from the Reception Venue)

This is one of Emma's favorite historical sites in Michigan. The Village takes you back in time as you see the houses of famous people like Miriam Webster, the Wright Brothers, and Thomas Edison, and so many more. Carriage, train and Model-T rides are also a great way to see the village. Henry Ford took great care in moving these building and preserving them for the future. This activity will take an entire day! Bring your own food or get it in the village.

Greenfield Village

Located right next to Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford museum is another great stop. Here you can see things like Rosa Parks' bus, the chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in at his assassination, presidential cars, trains, cars, Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile, and more! This is a full day adventure!

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

This art museum houses one of the largest collections of art in the United States, housing artists such as Van Gogh, Matisse, and so many more.

Detroit Institute of Arts

Located in the original headquarters and music recording studio for Motown Records, the Museum is home to an extensive array of authentic company artifacts, photographs, costumes and other valued memorabilia.

Motown Museum

The Upper Peninsula (U.P.)

(approx. 2.5+ hours from the Reception Venue)

Mackinaw Island is located in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. There are no motorized vehicles on the Island, just horses and bikes. Rent a bike, or bring your own to ride the 8-mile loop around the island and explore its many hidden gems. If you visit on a Wednesday, you can tour the Govenor's Summer Residence. Pro-tip: Make sure you look carefully at the ferry schedule if you want the chance to go under the Mackinaw Bridge!

Mackinaw Island

The Soo Locks allow cargo ships to go between Lake Superior and Lake Huron which are at two different water levels. Take a boat tour of the Locks, learn how they work, and see Canada!

Soo Locks

Tahquamenon Falls is the largest waterfall in Michigan sending approximately 50,000 gallons of water per second over the edge. Make sure you visit both the Upper and Lower Falls, located in two different areas. Pro-tip: When you visit the Lower Falls bring dry clothes and secure waterproof shoes because you are allowed to wade into the water and enjoy the cool water.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

See this National Lakeshore by boat tour! You won't regret it (even if it is raining)! The sandstone cliffs are beautiful with their unique colors and shapes carved by the water. We recommend taking a tour with this company: <a href="https://picturedrocks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pictured Rocks Cruises</a> Pro-tip: While you are in the area stop at the visitor's center and pick up a map of the area and go in search of waterfalls. Some are located in the National Park, while others aren't.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Michigan's Largest freshwater spring! Make a quick and free pit stop to look into the perfectly clear water. A floating raft on a pully system will take you across the spring.

Jason & Emma