Bistro Bella Vita

Rehearsal Dinner

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

Politics is an interesting thing. You are always on the road, running around, and meeting a ton of people.&nbsp;Jessica and Zach met for the first time in 2017 at an old Radio Shack turned One Campaign Office in Dearborn. Jessica was working for soon to be elected Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Zach was the Regional Field Director for the One Campaign. They scarcely managed to introduce themselves before they were pulled in opposite directions. After the 2018 cycle came to an end, Jessica and Zach thought it was time to take a break from campaign work and both got jobs working for Governor Whitmer. Jessica with the Legislative Team and Zach with the Appointments Division. Despite working for the same person, they managed to miss each other at staff meetings and other office-related events until several mutual friends decided to meddle. It started with board games nights where Jessica and Zach were conveniently the only single people and escalated till Valentine’s Day 2020 where over several infamous mop buckets of beer at Crunchy’s, Zach asked Jessica out. The pair managed to fit in two dates before the world shut down in March 2020 due to COVID. Global pandemics are stressful. Working for a Governor during a global pandemic was even more stressful. But Zach and Jessica made the best of it. They spent hours on FaceTime getting to know each other, eating dinner, and doing paint-by-numbers. They didn’t have a normal start to their relationship with a lot of delayed firsts, but it only made them stronger. As they ran around with their crazy jobs and delt with what life threw at them, they fell in love doing what the love: jumping in lakes, playing board games with friends, eating good food, and hanging out in their cozy home in Lansing with Avocado and Rue. In August of 2023, what started as a fun day at the Detroit Zoo turned into the absolute best day when Zach schemed to close the butterfly house and popped the question.

Our Story

Photos

I met Gabes in second grade (23 years ago!) when my family moved to Grand Rapids, and we’ve been inseparable ever since! She has a heart full of love for animals—so much so that her home is basically a rescue sanctuary! Though we live in different cities, we’ve perfected the art of picking up right where we left off. Our texting game might not be the best, but we’ve perfected sending endless stacks of TikToks to keep the laughter going. I’m so incredibly lucky to have her by my side, today and always. ~ Jessica

Gabes Hensch

I first met Noah in high school at my cousin Teddy’s house, where we spent all-nighters playing video games and drinking energy drinks. After college, we both lived in Ann Arbor and continued the all-nighters, but we replaced the energy drinks with beer. We’ve spent our fair share of time on the golf course, and he’s always been there to give me a break from politics when I need it most. Despite living in different states now, we have a nonstop group chat that keeps us connected, and it feels like we’ve watched every big game together. ~ Zach

Noah Tobes

If I ever had a younger sister, I’d want her to be just like Zoe. As an only child with a small family, Zoe and her older brother, Zach, are my closest family and my ride or dies. Through every family trip, Zoe’s been my roommate and my partner in crime. I live vicariously through her and she’s the one I turn to for advice on just about anything. Honestly, I’m just lucky to have her by my side. Go Birds!!! ~ Jessica

Zoe Quayle

I met Mark our freshman year while playing for the Okemos High School hockey team, and from there we both went to U of M. We kept the passion for hockey alive in college with season tickets for Michigan Hockey and were roommates for three years in college. Whether it’s playing countless hours of driveway tennis in high school, heading up north for trips, or logging more hours watching sports than we care to admit, we’ve shared many memories over the years. Anytime we text each other random, funny sports moments out of the blue, it feels just like we’re back on the couch together like old times. Visiting each other in Chicago and Michigan is always a blast, and I know we’ll continue making memories for years to come. ~ Zach

Mark Speier

Bri and I met in 2017 while working on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s campaign. We met at work when she was hired as my supervisor, and I’ll admit, I was nervous we wouldn’t get along. But from day one, we clicked instantly, and it felt like we’d been friends forever. She’s one of my favorite people to spend time with, from trying new restaurants to going all out with holiday decoration shopping. ~ Jessica

Bri Sauer

I’ve known David since preschool, but after going to different schools and reconnected at the end of high school, we both found ourselves at U of M. From reconnecting in high school to becoming college roommates , we spent countless hours in the UGLi, trying (and failing) to study, throwing a frisbee around, sharing music, playing video games and navigating the dreaded North Campus. Now, as adults, whether we’re sharing smash burgers on the patio or sharing our latest YouTube finds, we’re still as goofy and weird together as we were back in the day. ~ Zach 

David Thomas

I met Caroline during our freshman year at Alma College in 2013 through mutual friends, and I’m so thankful we crossed paths. We lived together our junior and senior years, and made some unforgettable memories. She’s one of my closest friends, and I can truly say she’s the kindest person you’ll ever meet. She’s an amazing gardener—her green thumb is legendary!  ~ Jessica

Caroline Croom

I met Dylan in freshman gym class and little did I know that would be the start of years of memories and adventures. We spent almost every day together in high school, and summers meant waking up to find him already at my house, ready to dive into hours of Call of Duty and Halo 3. During college, we visited each other in Ann Arbor and East Lansing for concerts, football games, or any reason we could think of. Now that he’s living in Portland, it’s a little harder to get together, but every time we do, it feels just like the good old days. ~ Zach

Dylan Miksicek

Danialle and I met during our very first week at Alma College in 2013, in our freshman seminar. I’m not the best at making friends, but after we went out for ice cream together after class, I knew we were destined to be friends for life. From surviving the chaos of Model U.N. to being roommates at conferences in New York and in India, we’ve shared so many unforgettable moments. She’s always been a constant source of support and laughter.  ~ Jessica

Danialle Stebbins

I met Erik in high school, and we’ve been great friends ever since. In high school, it was a lot of hanging out playing video games or summer bonfire, and when we both ended up at U of M, it felt like we were roommates — even though we never actually lived together. He’s the guy who got me through Stats class, and I’ll always be grateful for that, and I was always happy to listen to band practice while sprinkling in games of Sorry. We’ve watched countless U of M football games in college together and now in the Lansing area where we both live, and I’m looking forward to many more games and good times with him in the future. ~ Zach

Erik Bertilrud

Alexandra is my soon-to-be sister-in-law. From the moment I met her, it was clear we’d become fast friends. I always love spending time with her playing board games, working on puzzles, or sipping wine. Whether we’re in Ann Arbor or by the lake in Higgins, we always have a blast. I’m so excited to have her as part of my life, and I’m lucky to not only gain a sister, but a lifelong friend. ~ Jessica

Alexandra Hayward

I met Rishi in high school, and it seemed that our houses became the home bases for hangouts. I still think about our epic ping pong and pop a shot matches. After high school, we didn’t skip a beat and lived together for three years at U of M. From many nights spent at the Brown Jug to sweating out every U of M football game, we’ve shared many great memories in college. It is always great to visit him in Chicago, and no matter where life takes us, I know we’ll always find time to get together. ~ Zach

Rishi Shah

Wedding Party

Q + A

Where to Stay We have room blocks at the JW Marriot and the AC Hotel in Downtown Grand Rapids. Please use this link to book through our room block: <a href="https://book.passkey.com/e/50880651?utm_source=3416832&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=295294000&amp;trkid=586044358&amp;linkid=3404500947" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://book.passkey.com/e/50880651</a> <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/grrjw-jw-marriott-grand-rapids/overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">JW Marriott Grand Rapids</a>235 Louis St NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503 <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/grrar-ac-hotel-grand-rapids-downtown/overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AC Hotel Grand Rapids</a>50 Monroe Ave NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503 Other hotels in the area: <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/grrzd-hyatt-place-grand-rapids-downtown?src=adm_sem_crp_chico_crp_ppc_NAM-UnitedStates-MI-GrandRapids-HP-GRRZD_google_Evergreen2022_e_hyatt%20place%20grand%20rapids%20downtown&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjH63xdUggjtFbU87xpl_52jLPk_a0_6yelG5af8DtOtsToMBEt9SzhoC-1cQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hyatt Place Grand Rapids</a>140 Ottawa Ave NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503 <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/grrdt-courtyard-grand-rapids-downtown/overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Courtyard Grand Rapids Downtown</a>11 Monroe Ave NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503 <a href="https://cityflatshotel.com/grand-rapids/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CityFlatsHotel</a>83 Monroe Center St NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503 Transportation The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a 20 minute drive from Downtown Grand Rapids. Along with Uber, Lyft, and Metro Cabs, there are several rental car agencies at the airport. Additionally, there is Amtrak Station located Downtown Grand Rapids at 440 Century Ave SW.

Travel

Grand Rapids is home to over 40 breweries! Not only does the City have a plethora of breweries, but many of these breweries offer tasty meals to pair with their award-winning brews. A few of our favorites are New Holland - Knickerbocker, Founders, and Stella's Lounge (more of a whisky bar then brewery but the vibes are funky and fun).

Beer City Ale Trail

The John Ball Zoo is located just a few minutes outside of Downtown. The zoo houses more than 2,000 individual animals representing over 200 different species from over 30 countries.

John Ball Zoo

Proudly ranked among the most-visited art museums worldwide and named the Best Sculpture Park in the United States by readers of USA Today in 2023 &amp; 2024, Meijer Garden's collection showcases over 200 captivating sculptures along with indoor and outdoor gardens. Meijer Gardens is located 10 minutes outside of Downtown.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

The Grand Rapids Public Museum was founded in 1854 and is among the oldest history museums in the United States. The museum boasts the largest collections of historical and cultural artifacts and scientific specimens in the state with over 250,000 items in their collection.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is the presidential museum and burial place of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States (1974–1977), and his wife Betty Ford. The museum is the only such facility under the auspices of the National Archives and Records Administration to be separate from the presidential library, which is located approximately 130 miles to the east in Ann Arbor. he Museum offers a 15,000 square foot permanent exhibit, and a 3,500 square foot changing exhibit gallery.&nbsp;

Jessica & Zachary

Jessica & Zachary

Registry