Bennett’s Publical Family Sports Grill

Rehearsal Dinner

Canopy Creek Farm

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Jenna and Michael’s House

Brunch with the Newlyweds

Our Wedding

Jessica’s Tale of Events... I was traveling to Tampa Bay, Florida in July of 2023 with a group of teens from Connect Church in Valley City, ND. The week was filled with several God-filled moments, including the first time I met Taylor. I had some free time one afternoon and some other chaperones and I decided to play a large connect four game in an area designated for games/relaxation. I happened to ask a guy sitting on this couch ( Taylor) if I could set my stuff next to him. As I lost my game of connect four, I went to grab my things and began a conversation with Taylor. We sat on the couch for roughly an hour. In that hour, I got his name, where he lived and what church district he was part of. That was it. We said our goodbyes and went on with the rest of our day. When I returned back to the hotel that night, I prayed to God , asking him that if I was supposed to meet this man again, in the crowd of over 10,000 people, please let it happen. I wanted only what was in Gods will. To my surprise, the next day, as we were walking to our seats for the service, there Taylor was. He remembered my name and said, "Hey Jessica!" and gave me a high five. I thought to myself, Wow, that is ironic that I ran into him again. From that moment on, I was set on finding him on social media. You obviously know I ended up finding him on Instagram, messaged him and the rest was history. Well, not quite. We spent the next 3 months texting, FaceTiming and began to plan trips to see each other. Taylor came to North Dakota in October. I visited him and his parents in November. It was after my trip to Ohio I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Taylor. I introduced Marleigh to Taylor in December, as we traveled to Ohio to celebrate my birthday and New Years. We spent the next months visiting one another either in Ohio or North Dakota and even met in Chicago in February. It was after our trip in December/January that I knew I wanted to be close to Taylor and his family and also needed a fresh start. I decided Marleigh and I were going to officially move to Ohio. We sold our house, packed our things and moved in June to Columbus, Ohio. Fast forward to September. We were heading to Michigan for a family wedding. I had no idea that would be the weekend my dreams would come true. Taylor proposed on the shores of Lake Michigan and I of course said YES! It was a magical moment, shared with family and friends. Our love story is truly a testament to Gods goodness and faithfulness. For me personally, I had to surrender my life fully to God; specifically my relationship dreams. I had several of my past relationships fail because I wasn't letting God be our guide. When I met Taylor, I was not looking for a relationship. Apparently God had different plans! When I met Taylor I knew I felt something different than I had ever felt before. There was immediate feelings of comfort, familiarity and a sense of home. I knew that Taylor would be a provider, protector and leader in our relationship and future marriage; all things I have had to do for several years on my own. Taylor and I have both lived very different lives from one another, but somehow God has brought us together and both of us have learned how to unite together with grace and love as a couple to glorify God. I am so thankful God has brought Taylor to our lives! I cannot wait to see our love grow throughout our marriage. Taylor’s Tale of Events… In 2022, I was recommended to be a leader for NYI at NYC in Tampa Bay, Florida in the summer of 2023. Having gone to two different NYC's in 2011 and 2015, being afforded this opportunity was something totally unexpected, but I was excited for what it all entailed. I got to the hot sun of Florida and immediately started working and serving behind stage and during all of the services. On the second day, I needed a change of scenery, so I went over to the exhibit hall to see the different booths and events taking place. I found a couch to relax on after running into quite a few family friends to scroll on my phone. Simply just relax and soak it all in. Seeing the joy and intrigue on the faces of the teens, reminiscing about my time at NYC over a decade prior. As I was on the semi-broken couch, a girl came up to me asking if she could put her stuff on the couch while she played giant connect four. I kept scrolling on my phone and the same girl who asked to put her stuff on the couch, then asked if she could sit there while her friends were playing the game. This girl ended up being Jess. I will be 100% honest, I was not in the mood to converse with people, but if you know me, I never turn down a conversation. So we sat and talked, talked some more, and kept talking. It felt like we knew each other our whole lives. It was so natural. We talked about having ADHD and life in Ohio and North Dakota and our experience at NYC thus far. Eventually, her two friends wanted to go, so she left with them and that was that. I did not go to NYC looking for a relationship, so in classic male fashion, I saw it as a great conversation with an attractive girl from North Dakota. The next day, during one of the services, I was headed to the bathroom and who do I pass while going to her seat: JESS! I gave her a high five and said, "Hey Jess," and kept walking. The next day, I look at my phone once I got back to my hotel room and saw that I had a DM on Instagram. It took me a minute to figure out who it was, but it was Jess again. We spend the next few months messaging on Instagram, texting, calling, Face Timing, and eventually seeing each other again in October. I was so nervous on my journey to North Dakota, but I figured, this was God-ordained from the beginning. Seeing her in her element was so much fun and meeting some of her family in her hometown was a cool experience. She then visited me in November and met some of my family. It was during this visit that I knew that was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. From December to May, we spent a lot of time on FaceTime and calling each other on a daily basis. Lots of texts, memes, and humorous videos. We saw each other once a month and even met each other in Chicago in February of 2024. Marleigh even joined! Jess and Marleigh packed their bags and officially moved in June of 2024. My amazing parents came with me to help the journey of moving and they got to see where she had lived most of her life and meet some amazing family members. We got engaged in September at the most beautiful beach in South Haven, MI and were lucky to have my entire family there for the special occasion. We both look forward to building a life together and growing our family. Our love grows stronger each day and can't wait to get married in November!

Our Story 

Pictures of Us

Whitney has been my best friend since 2009. She resides in California with her husband Mychal and our ring bearer Leo. She has been there through it all and knows me almost better than I know myself. Despite us living hundreds of miles apart, we still are very intentional about calling and visiting each other at least once a year! Whitney has literally loved and supported me through every high, low and in between. We have both been waiting for the day where I find the love of my life, and it is finally here. This day wouldn’t be complete without her! 

Whitney Mente

Bobby and I met at MVNU in 2011. We immediately clicked and I was lucky that his parents began working at MVNU, giving us even more time together during summers in college. Even after college, we we make it a point to get together in Columbus or Atlanta. He has been there for me and I for him over the last 14 years. This day wouldn't seem right without him by my side. He is married to Marissa and I am honored to have Bobby as my best man.

Bobby Hamill 

Shauntel is my sister and resides in Minnesota with her husband Jake and four kids. My sister and I grew up living within 50 miles of each other in ND and we had no idea each other existed until 2014. We met for lunch one day, and that was the start of our relationship. She has been there through some of the hardest times in my life and continues to be one of my biggest supporters. Growing up an only child , it was my dream to have a sister. So when I finally found her, it was such a blessing to not only gain a sister but 2 nieces and 2 nephews along with a brother in law. I am so thankful for God crossing our paths. I couldn’t imagine the day without my sister standing next to me! 

Shauntel Pulak 

Jake is one of those guys that you feel like you’ve known forever. I honestly don’t remember when we met. Probably 2009 or 2010, I’m not sure. I was friends with his older sister when I was on NCO Impact team, but we really connected at Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) in 2011. We were roommates in college and have stayed in touch ever since. He has supported me and was by my side through some tough times and I’m honored he’ll be standing by my side again. Him and his wonderful wife Sarah live in Columbus.  

Jake Sherer

Jenna is my soon to be sister-in-law. She lives in Middletown, Ohio with her husband Michael and our flower girl Wren. When I first met Jenna, I could tell we were going to have a great relationship. We have a lot in common and always have a great time when we are together. I am excited to have another sister! 

Jenna McDonough 

Michael and I met in 2018 when he began dating my sister, Jenna. He is more than a brother-in-law, but the older brother I didn't know I needed. He is an integral part of our family and a dear friend of mine. Him and Jenna married in 2021 and had their beautiful daughter, Wren, in 2023.

Michael McDonough 

Kara is one of my close friends whom I've known since high school. She lives in Valley City, ND with her husband Brady and two children. Kara and I first met when Harvey and Fessenden joined together in sports. We played Volleyball, Basketball and Track together. Although we knew each other back then, it wasn't until Kara and Brady moved to Valley City where I was already living that we became closer friends. We played on the same softball team in Jamestown as well. Kara has supported me as a friend and is always cheering me on! I am blessed God re-connected us and that she is able to stand next to me on our big day! 

Kara Anderson

Nate, Nate, Nate! A true joy and friend of mine. Not only is he  one of the pastors at our church, but one of my closest friends. We have been co-counselors at kids and youth camps for NCO for years and him and his family are near and dear to my heart. Nate is married to Kristen and have four kids: Cole, Brody, Gage, and Kaleah.

Nate Porter

Celia is one of my close friends who currently resides in Minnesota with her daughter. Our relationship began in 2016 when we were working together in Valley City. Over the years, Celia has supported me in areas of life and we have been through a lot together. We have worked, traveled and shared many memories together. We have that kind of friendship where we might not talk for months but when we do have time to catch up, it’s like nothing has changed! I’m so glad to have the friend who has walked with me in my lows, finally stand next to me while I marry the love of my life!

Celia Johnson

One of my longest friends, Nate and I met in Mount Vernon in 1999! We are also only 2 days apart, but he is over a foot taller than me. Even though we have lived apart for over 20 years, we reconnected in college because he had two summer internships in Mount Vernon. A truly reliable friend that is always up for a fun time. Fun fact: his son Remy and I share a birthday!

Nate Forseth 

Abi is a new friend of mine but an OG to the West Family. She has been one of Taylor's closest friends since birth. Abi lives in Michigan. Her parents and Taylor's parents have been friends for years. I think it's safe to say she's almost like another sister-in-law!

Abi Larimore

Josh and I met in college at MVNU. We were in different friend groups, but still found ourselves crossing paths and spending time together. After graduating, I moved to Columbus and he lived in northern Ohio. Him and Bobby would come and visit me in Columbus and made lifelong memories for many years in Cbus. Josh, Bobby, and I also had the privilege of spending time in Belize together.

Josh Selle

Carlotte is one of many cousins on Taylor's side of the family. It has been a joy to watch Charlie grow up and become the young lady she is. With a beautiful smile and spirit, we are happy she is part of our special day.

Charlotte Alderman

Cole is a sweet spirit that attends church with Jess and Taylor. I have watched Cole grow over the last 6 years at NCO kids camp and I am blessed to have him part of our special day.

Cole Porter

It goes without saying, Marleigh is Jessica's daughter who is spunky with a creative spirit. She brings joy to our lives and loves unconditionally. With a wide imagination and adventuresome soul, Marleigh has been a blessing for Taylor and a joy for Jess since birth.

Marleigh Meland (soon-to-be West)

Hudson is one of many cousins on Taylor's side of the family. His mom, Megan, is Taylor's first cousin. It has been a joy seeing him grow up and watch him welcome Marleigh in to the family flawlessly. His love of play and imagination is what makes Hudson, Hudson. We are so excited he is part of our special day.

Hudson Dean

Wedding Crew

Q + A

Must book by October 15th. This location also is offering a FREE shuttle to and from the hotel on 11/16 (wedding day) throughout the entire day. Please message Taylor with any questions on the shuttle. Just enter the dates youre interested in, and it will take you to the group rate page to complete the booking. Guests are also welcome to call to book reservations using the group name Meland West Wedding, or the group code MWW.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton South - I-675

Courtyard Dayton South

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Dayton International Airport

Travel

National Museum of the US Air Force

Topgolf West Chester

Rhinegeist Brewery

Whether you are looking for a date night, weekend brunch, or group dinner party, Taylor's family has an array of restaurants in downtown Cincinnati: Crown Republic Gastropub, Losanti, Rosie's, Crown Cantina, Five on Vine, and Marigold.

Jessica & Taylor

Jessica & Taylor

J&T

Wedding Day

4:00 PM–4:30 PM

Ceremony

4:30 PM–5:45 PM

Cocktail Hour

6:00 PM–11:00 PM

Reception