The Cheney Place

Wedding Rehearsal

The San Chez A Tapas Bistro

Rehearsal Dinner

Beacon Corner Bar

Welcome Drink

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

It all started at a bar, with mutual friends, vegas bomb shots, a stick of gum, and a captivating conversation regarding psychology and graduate school. It later developed into a lasting friendship in which the phrase "friend zone" was utilized for 2+ years before their relationship blossomed into the "more than friend zone," eventually landing themselves into a full blown romantic relationship. Drew once said to Jess, "It's been you since the moment I saw you in that bar," and I think most of our friends and family quickly discovered after Drew and Jess became "friends" that something else was brewing between these two in their early-mid 20s.

The Beginnings

If you ask me if I was looking for love in my small college town bar in April of 2017; freshly graduated from undergrad and getting ready to move across 2 state lines for graduate school, you'd be right in the assumption that I was not. But Drew happened. This kismet force of man waltzed into my life that night and irrevocably changed its course forever. Drew and I remained friends for 2 years after we met, talking nearly every day, divulging the triumphs and defeats we navigated in our early-mid 20s, and becoming closer with each text, phone call, and facetime we shared, along with each in person visit we managed to sneak in anytime I was home from graduate school. Fast forward to the late spring-early summer of 2019 our relationship took a turn for the better, when we both finally came to our senses and realized what was, and may have always been between us. A certain type of love that deserved to be acted upon, spoken about, and experienced by us both. Drew and I started out long distance as I was finishing graduate school in St. Louis in 2019; and we experienced long distance many times in our relationship, including my work and clinical experiences in Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Arkansas, and everywhere in between. We have now lived in 3 different cities, including Grand Rapids, MI; St. Louis, MO; and now Ann Arbor, MI. Through this all, Drew has stayed consistent, resilient, ever present, supportive, and gentle throughout all our moves, job changes, life changes; the good and the bad. AND through this all both of our families have been the bees knees. I love Drew's family and friends as my own, and cannot believe I am so blessed to now have them in my life forever as well. Drew truly was and is this captivating force of a human being, who has this innate ability to make other's feel important, heard, loved, and cherished by simply being who he is. I am enamored with him, and still can't believe I get to experience all life has to offer with him by my side. Cheers to being a Whitney very, very soon.

Jess' Version

College graduation is a time full of emotions that truly run the gamut. Emotions such as excitement, anxiety, joy, sadness, and satisfaction, but for Jess her first of many college graduations (we love our Doctor Queens) was where she found love -- whether she wanted to or not is up for debate. In April of 2017, I was in college at the only Ivy League college in Michigan, THE Saginaw Valley State University, finishing up my degree in Psychology so I could be a professional mind reader/advice columnist. When my friend Swiercz (thats in fact his full name) asked me if I wanted to drive out to Alma College to see some friends, I figured the night would consist of reading our favorite book of the bible (Job, obviously) and enjoying a night of fraternal bonding. Somehow instead we ended up at the local watering hole, Bravehearts. I was minding my own business, probably talking about fantasy football or something fantasy football adjacent, when another friend of ours grabbed me by the shoulders, spun me around, and I heard a have you met Drew? Still recovering from the dizziness, I let out what I assume was a perfectly annunciated Hello! with that million dollar smile of mine accompanying it. When my eyes focused I was absolutely taken back by the beauty of the girl my friend had just introduced me to -- Im sure youve guessed that it was in fact Jess! Luckily, (I think?) I become more talkative when Im nervous, and apparently so does Jess, because we talked the rest of the night. By the end of the night, I had said enough to deserve her number, and playing it cool I waited a whole 15 minutes to text her. Over the following 4 years, we would text every day, talk on the phone most days too, and make time to see each other when we were both in Michigan. After 2 years Jess had become my best friend and I finally worked up the courage to have the terrifying conversation with her about feelings. I sent her a long text exposing her for being in love with me, and that I felt the same. She visited me for another friends graduation in May of 2019, and that was the beginning of the next 4 years leading up to this point. Long distance was the norm through the first year and a half, then we were able to be together in Grand Rapids, Michigan, St. Louis, Missouri, and now Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since the start of our relationship we have gotten a dog, Jess has taught me how to ski, and I have taught her that the lever/switch under the rearview mirror reduces the glare during the night. On the 4th of July, I proposed to Jess at her grandparents lakehouse in the spot where John and Shari (her parents) were married (shout out to Shari for the photos!), and the neighbors were sweet enough to provide a firework display just for us! Although we are trying to stay mindful and in the present with the process of wedding planning, we are undoubtedly excited about celebrating our love with our loved ones Oct. 18th, 2024!

Drew's Version

The diamond belonged to Drew's Great, Great Aunt Edna on his mother's side. The diamond itself was created anywhere from 1890-1930 based on the cut and clarity. VINTAGE and BEAUTIFUL. Anyone who knows Jess knows her soul is old. She adores antiques, the elderly, and especially family heirlooms. She is truly honored and touched that she gets to wear this stunning ring for the rest of her life. Drew's family gifted Jess and Drew the diamond to forever symbolize their love and devotion to one another. They will cherish it for the rest of their days.

A Moment for the Ring.

Our Story

Photos

Allison Osika

Abby Melvin

Maggie Armstrong

Taylor Grootwassink

Nicole Novak

Miranda Burg

Dori Swiercz

Cabien Everitt

Austin Swiercz

Riley Pashak

Travis Pashak

Grant Markel

John Burg

Rob Novak

Wedding Party

If you have questions not answered above, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Q + A

This hotel has a block designated for Thursday through Saturday for those traveling out of town and wanting to make it a weekend getaway :) You can book directly with the link or call the number above! You may also modify the booking for only one night if you choose as well. Must be booked by Sept. 13th 2024

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids North - Walker, an IHG Hotel

This particular hotels has a block for Thursday through Saturday for those traveling out of town and want to make it a weekend getaway :) You can book with the link or call the hotel directly! You may also modify the booking for only one night if you choose as well. Must be booked by Sept. 13th 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

This hotel has a block designated for Thursday through Saturday for those traveling out of town and wanting to make it a weekend getaway :) You can book with the link or call the hotel directly! You may also modify the booking for only one night if you choose as well. Must be booked by Sept. 13th 2024

Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

There are plentiful options on Airbnb if hotels are not up your alley. The wedding is located in Northwest Grand Rapids .

Airbnb

There are plentiful options on Vrbo if hotels are not up your alley. The wedding venue is located in Northwest Grand Rapids.

Vrbo

Travel

Here is a website that details all the fun attractions in the GR area for you to peruse! Have fun! Below are some highlights!

Experience Grand Rapids

Places to Visit

Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

John Ball Zoo

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Places to Eat and Drink

Founders Brewing Co

Grand Rapids Brewing Company

Click on the link below for more options for drinks!

Jess & Drew

Jess & Drew

Photos