Stonegate Manor

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner & Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Jenna and Maddox were not destined to meet. Despite living less than 5 miles away, there was no common ground that gave them an opportunity to find each other. Maddox was working full time, on strange hours, and Jenna was preparing for a backpacking trip through Europe. But then in March 2020, everything changed. Jenna and Maddox both had vastly different plans that were abruptly altered with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jenna picked up a "temporary" cashier job at Meijer while her trip was postponed, and Maddox moved from the sidelines of sporting events to Shipt, delivering groceries during stay at home ordinances. Maddox made a point of always looking for the checkout lane with the cashier with the pretty eyes, even if the line was long and he was going to be late for delivery. His persistence led to small talk, jokes, and instant connection once they started to talk more and get to know each other. Maddox was looking for a chance to give Jenna his number, and she suddenly wasn’t present at work for several days in row, causing Maddox to panic, thinking he missed his chance. A small fib from Jenna regarding a non-existent ankle injury when she returned to work was the perfect line for Maddox to offer his expertise in sports medicine and he jumped at the chance. In the midst of the pandemic when most people were relagated to virtual meetings, Jenna and Maddox found each other in person, at the one of the only places that it was acceptable to visit. Their connection was immediate, and they quickly became inseparable, sharing humor and joy, dare I say in an “infectious” manner.

Yes, really, we met at Meijer. No, we are NOT kidding.

Since then, their relationship has grown, Maddox has made way too many terrible puns, and Jenna has gotten Maddox to share her joy of travel and adventure, where ever they go!

Our Story

Photos

Alex and Maddox met when Maddox was in grad school with a chance meeting one day. This friendship is the best example of being in the right place at the right time. Alex has been an integral part in many of Maddox and Jenna's camping adventures, and the friends have found great opportunities to be present and connect with nature and each other on those trips. Channeling the spirit of the peace and solemnity of nature, the couple has chosen Alex to lead the ceremony of this momentous day. 

Alexandria Quinlan

Kelly and Maddox met at work, as Kelly teaches in one of the schools where Maddox had been an athletic trainer. Despite having no direct connection to athletics, Kelly became a training room staple once a friendship blossomed. Now, after several years of friendship (that doesn't make sense on paper), Maddox and Jenna are excited to have Kelly take part in their special day and there is no better choice for a reader than an educator! 

Kelly Ray

Neither Tess or Jenna can actually remember just how they met and connected through the thralls of their sorority at Ferris, but one day Jenna appeared and never really left! By day they shared their need to pack their extra-curricular plates till they were heaping and by night, they shared the same house (and boxes of wine) where they crafted, cackled and created general chaos (in the best way!). From college roommate to Maid of Honor, Jenna is over the moon to have Tess stand beside her! 

Tess Strasser

Taylor and Jenna met on the very first day of kindergarten. Their last names ensured they sat right next to each other and they haven't stopped yapping since. New schools and new towns kept them physically distant, but they've been close knit besties for over 23 years. They've bonded closely over slumber parties, music and of course, espresso martinis. Jenna had the privilege to stand in Taylor's wedding just this past June and it's a delight to know Taylor will stand beside her just 3.5 short months later!

Taylor Stark

Jenna and Maggie met their freshman year of high school through colorguard. When they weren't swinging 6 foot poles gracefully, they were overtaking Maggie's basement to feast on candy and ensuring Maggie's parents invested in good quality ear plugs. Now, they've traded that time for sharing coffee, spending time with the other goofballs they befriended in high school and always finding a reason to laugh.

Maggie Haley

Bryanna and Jenna are also sorority sisters and have shared many college and post grad days filled with St. Julian wine (or whatever was cheapest), laughing over goofy impressions and memes galore. Jenna stood in Bryanna's wedding in September of 2023 and is incredibly excited to have her stand alongside her this fall!

Bryanna Schmekel

Jenna and Madilyn met through their sorority in college. Madilyn is fellow bridal party member/Maid of Honor extraordinaire, Tess',  Little! Jenna and Madilyn clicked right away and share their love of all things Taylor Swift, crafting and Shrek. Jenna stood in Madilyn's wedding in June of 2024 and is thrilled to have her stand alongside her big day in return.

Madilyn MacDonald 

Caitlin, better known as CC, and Jenna met in community college through of all people, Jenna's ex. Once they both graduated from their respective universities, they returned to the Elgin area where they began playing in the same beer volleyball league together. They've since connected over their love of food/cooking, memes and trying out their non-existent Netflix comedy special material on each other. 

Caitlin Conlon

Katie and Maddox found each other freshman year of high school, purely due to sharing a course load of mostly honors classes. However, their friendship really accelerated when Katie got in the wrong carpool vehicle at pick up.  Since then, Maddox and his dad haven’t let her forget about it, and Katie returned the favor by making sure Maddox didn’t forget about any assignments or upcoming tests. Finding a friend with as insane of a sleep schedule was a blessing for Maddox, as Katie was always his first call late at night when the calculus homework was starting to look a little extra squiggly. Even all these years later, and being halfway across the country, Katie has always been just a phone call away - but thankfully (for everyone’s sake) the only tangents getting mentioned these days are purely conversational. 

Katie Suchyta

Alissa met Maddox while working at Home Depot in Bloomington, IL during his grad school years. Who knew that was the place to also buy friendships? Maddox and Alissa's friendship began to seriously take root at the first social event they attended together, which was naturally a concert. Maddox and Alissa both share the experience of being scorned by their respective entitled felines, and their mutual love of pop-punk and emo trash music, dad jokes, and self- deprecating humor has held these two together like Nine Inch Nails across what seems like Seventy Times Seven years.  

Alissa Darrow

Andrew and Maddox met at work during Maddox's time at Jacobs High School, with Andrew working in the PT clinic with most of the athletes. Due to the close relationship and the constant communication, Jenna quickly started to tease Maddox for "seeing someone else" and having a "work husband". Now Andrew gets to stand by and see his ex-work husband finally become a "real" husband. 

Andrew Sibenaller

Despite being Jenna's older brother, Colton made the easy choice to stand with Maddox on their special day. Maddox considers himself beyond lucky to be gaining a best friend and a brother in law.

Colton Steele

Max & Maddox became friends back in high school, when they both had interest in becoming an athletic trainer. Despite Max pivoting from that path, the two stayed in touch and continued to make many bad puns over the years. 

Max Gleiss

Nick and Maddox were coworkers at Home Depot when Maddox was in grad school. They quickly became friends over the shared interest of lifting weights and making bad jokes. Since then, Nick has always been willing to help Maddox out of a tough spot and be the biggest hype man, both in and out of the gym.

Nick Burge

Wedding Party

Q + A

Please use the following <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=BEHCWGI&amp;arrivalDate=2025-10-09&amp;departureDate=2025-10-12&amp;groupCode=SRW&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;aarpRate=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">direct link</a> if you would like, otherwise enter the Group code on the site under "special rates" on the main site. The hotel block closes when all rooms are filled or on September 9, which ever comes first. For this hotel, we have secured a number of rooms within the block that have 1 King size bed, or the option for 2 queen size beds depending on your travel plans and preferences. However, looking to book a room with the 2 queen size beds, the guest count must be increased to 4 (regardless of actual travel party size) for those to be available as an option to select. We have a majority of rooms reserved for the night of Saturday, October 11, but also have a smaller number available within the block for Friday, October 10 should anyone wish to travel in to town early. If you wish to extend your checkout past Sunday, October 12, you will have to book a separate reservation for that out site of the reserved block. We have partnered with Max Transportation and Car Service to provide a shuttle from both hotel locations to and from the venue.

Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor / St. Joseph

Please use the following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1747159171754&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">direct link</a>&nbsp;if you would like, otherwise enter the Group code on the site under "special rates" on the main site. The hotel block closes when all rooms are filled or on September 9, which ever comes first. For this hotel, only rooms with single King size beds are included in the block. We have a majority of rooms reserved for the night of Saturday, October 11, but also have a smaller number available within the block for Friday, October 10 should anyone wish to travel in to town early. If you wish to extend your checkout past Sunday, October 12, you will have to book a separate reservation for that out site of the reserved block. We have partnered with Max Transportation and Car Service to provide a shuttle from both hotel locations to and from the venue.

SpringHill Suites Benton Harbor St. Joseph

Round trip shuttle service provided by Max Transportation and Car Service from both hotel locations to the venue. No additional booking reservation is needed for our guests, but we will just need a estimated head count as we get closer to the date.

Max Transportation and Car Service

Travel

Enjoy the fall season surrounded by pumpkins, cider and a farmer's market!

Jollay Orchards

Enjoy wine tastings, tours and live music! Be sure to check hours of operation before planning your visit.

12 Corners Vineyards

Grab a beer (you know we would), enjoy a casual dinner and kick back on the patio.

North Pier Brewing Company

Explore this market to find local wines, cheeses, teas, coffees, beer and crafts. Maddox and Jenna have personally been here and can attest how fun and enjoyable it is to wander the stalls and try new items from the vendors!

The Market

An eclectic shop featuring furniture, clothing, home decor, and jewelry, plus workshops!

SIFT & Urban Garage Market

Enjoy a wide beach, an event pavilion for a nice fall picnic and pier access.

Silver Beach County Park

A rustic-chic bistro with riverfront views offering a farm-to-table American menu &amp; craft cocktails.

bread+bar

This park has a mile-long shoreline known for sand dunes, undeveloped land &amp; 3 inland lakes.

Grand Mere State Park

This pub &amp; cafe has a converted stable indoors and features pizza, microbrews, live music &amp; a beer garden.

The Livery

This free-admission gallery has studios, art projects, and performances!

Box Factory For the Arts

Things to Do

Registry

Please RSVP <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuqVmbc8mr5XgbrjIFjiiH1jKooBRImX3yWBDr46ekowdKfw/viewform?usp=preview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!

Please join us for our wedding shower, hosted by Mike and Jodie Steele. This will be primarily an outdoor event, with tent cover provided. The pool will be open, weather permitting, and there is potential for a bonfire later in the evening as well. We do want to notify all guests due to potential allergy concerns that several pets including 3 dogs, assorted chickens, and ducks will be on the property as well. Please refrain from bringing additional furry guests. The menu will primarily consist of barbecue, with some vegetarian options available. Please let us know of additional dietary concerns, and we will do our best to accommodate. Some alcoholic beverage options will be provided, but also feel free to BYOB if you would prefer options not listed on the RSVP.

Jenna & Maddox