Bay Pointe Inn

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Please RSVP by September 30th

Please be aware of construction running along 31 and 196 coming North (as well as the construction coming out of Chicago). This is starting roughly around the state line from Indiana into Michigan, and intermittent from there to Shelbyville. Both Apple Maps and Google Maps have been rerouted to this construction so everyone should be good to follow their GPS!  Please be aware of this as you are making your way up to the venue, and note this in travel times!

Our Wedding

We met on a student music video film set at Huntington University, where we played best friends and I, who played the female friend, was in love with him. 
Being on a film set, we got some down time as the crew set up for each scene, which meant there was a lot of time for conversations to get to know each other. 
 
At that time, neither of us even imagined we would be setting up our wedding website. I believe we actually said to each other at one point that "we were done dating for a while, especially at Huntington." It wasn't until December of that year at a music/theater department Christmas party we reconnected and started talking. 
While we were both going through tough times, we found comfort in each other's friendships. 
But thanks to some of our friends, (thanks Karissa, Parker, Carson and Sommer) scheming together to "coincidentally" getting us to hang out with each other, we agreed to go on a date and share some of our favorite movies with each other. 
It's funny because we went out twice, but the whole time we were both uncertain about how the other felt about us. Carson was getting an earful about how much I liked Zach, and Sommer was hearing all about how Zach liked me. Sommer and Carson were probably getting tired of hearing all about it and finally told us to just pluck up the courage already. 
So at 2 in the morning on Feburary 15th/16th (we still don't fully know our exact date) Zach asked if he could hold my hand and then asked me to be his girlfriend. 
 
Unfortunately, a month later, COVID hit, and I was sent to Fort Wayne, while he was sent home to Chicago. We were caught off guard at trying to handle this new relationship now long-distance, but for some reason, I wasn't worried at all. As the rom-coms say, I was quickly falling hopelessly head over heels in love with Zach. He took me home to meet his family at their house in Ludington, Michigan. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I think he started the whole "where is this going" talk, and I just looked at him and blurted out "I'm falling in love with you." I was terrified because I said it after just one month and thought I had scared him. But he got a huge grin on his face and said he was falling in love with me too. 
 
I think I almost threw up from relief. 
 
Ludington became a very significant place to us over the two years. We would try to spend our whole summers there together and we'd go up on random weekends. He taught me about boating with his family and the intense Fourth of July parties. I hate the cold and small towns but I fell in love with Ludington. Still, I was convinced he was going to propose in Chicago at his home town. 
On December 17th, we got into Ludington around 7pm, and Zach's brother Max had said that they had just lit the downtown Christmas tree and we should go take pictures. He then told me I should change to look nicer. I didn't think twice about it. 
In front of the Christmas tree in downtown Ludington at a solid 20 degrees, Zach told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. Through tears and squealing, I'm pretty sure I said yes (they aren't kidding when they say it's a blur) but I'm still wearing the ring so we can take that as a good sign.

Our Story

Photos by Sarah Rank Photography Photos by Jenna Rose Photography

Photos

I've known Maria my whole life. She is my big sister and my Moose (also featuring the ring bearer Kolbe). I think I've known for a while she was always going to be apart of my wedding party, even when we were kids. I can't imagine getting married without her by my side (I also can't imagine keeping my sanity through this process without her). 
It's weird to think that we're all grown up now, but I'm glad I got to grow up with her. 

Maria Zurbuch

I will never forget the first day at a new middle school when this one kid came up to me and asked for my name and told me his. Little did he know that he changed my entire life. I went from little to no friends to having him as one of my best friends in the world. From the classroom, to basketball, the gym, and many other wild adventures, I am thankful for having Jacob in my life. 

Jacob Daley

Kateri is my other big sister. I think it's crazy to think of how close we've gotten now that I'm not an annoying little sister who tells on her to mom. I love how close we've gotten to each other over these past few years, and I'm so grateful to have her by my side on this special day!

Kateri Smith

This is my little brother who I am honored to have him up there with me. He takes the cake for knowing me the longest. He been there for me in time like only brother can. When we were planning this wedding, I knew he had to be up there with my by my side as he’s always been and I will always be by his. 

Max Williams

I have known Megan for literally longer than half of my life. We grew up together since we were in PDA at The Fort Wayne Sport Club (I think that's about 6 or 7 years old). We played soccer all the way until we graduated high school, and split ways. She's actually the reason I went to Huntington in the first place, so I guess in turn, without her I never would have met Zach. So she's one person to thank for this day happening. She's my bestest friend and my Buff.

Megan Gilpin

I met Justin way back when we were 5 years old. We grew up in the subdivision next to each other and ran in similar circles until we went to separate middle schools. Then when high school came around and we both wen to Aurora Christian High School. That first day we were like, “wait a minute, that’s him.” We then both were on the basketball and track teams our freshman year where many inside jokes were formed. We continued to run around in the same group of friends causing trouble and driving way too fast. Cloud, thank you for being my one of my best friends for so long.

Justin Arb 

Eleni Hansen and I (Zach) became friends our junior year of high school on a trip to visit Huntington University. We stayed in contact and ended up at HU together with her studying theatre and me studying music, but being the only only major for my graduating year she invited me into the theatre group. She is a great friend in times of need or celebration. Late Taco Bell runs and philosophical conversation trying to figure out life solidified our friendship even deeper. She is one of my best friends and I am so thankful for her and her friendship. 

Eleni Hansen 

Carson is my (Julia's) best friend. It just seems right that he's there with me on this amazing day, and it doesn't matter whose side he's on. I would never say this to his face, but he means the world to me. I hope he catches the bouquet.

Carson Cunningham

ReBecca and I met as castmates in our college production of "Silent Sky", where we might have caused each other to miss cues, and definitely tried to get each other to break character on stage. Now we've ended up living together, and I'm so thankful for the way our friendship has changed and grown over this year and a half into one of my best friends!

ReBecca Zorn

Lex and I have grown incredibly close over the year we've known each other. It helps that we actually have a lot in common, and we literally share a room. I'm so incredibly grateful to call Lex one of my best friends who stands with me on my special day. 

Lex Wright 

Joe has become a friend to me very quickly. From his first attempt at intimidation to the instant bonding over Anderson East to advice about life and more. Joe is a fantastic man with a big heart and I am glad to have him here with Julia and I on this day. 

Joe Smith

I&nbsp;actually&nbsp;met&nbsp;Skye&nbsp;while&nbsp;she&nbsp;was&nbsp;doing&nbsp;a&nbsp;tour&nbsp;of&nbsp;Huntington's&nbsp;campus&nbsp;with&nbsp;her&nbsp;sister&nbsp;Sommer&nbsp;who&nbsp;was&nbsp;actually&nbsp;my&nbsp;RA.&nbsp;She&nbsp;met&nbsp;both&nbsp;Zach&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;dorm&nbsp;lounge&nbsp;that&nbsp;night.&nbsp;Here&nbsp;she&nbsp;is,&nbsp;once&nbsp;my&nbsp;roommate&nbsp;and&nbsp;still&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;best&nbsp;friends&nbsp;who&nbsp;I&nbsp;can&nbsp;trust&nbsp;to&nbsp;make&nbsp;sure&nbsp;I&nbsp;commit&nbsp;to&nbsp;my&nbsp;impulsive&nbsp;thoughts,&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;bridesmaid!

Skye Vadeboncoer

If you ever need advice or a friend you can count on, Parker will be there. He is a great man with a great heart. He is selfless and supportive. I am thankful to have him here with Julia and I. 

Parker Zurbuch

Jessica&nbsp;is&nbsp;my&nbsp;mini-me&nbsp;and&nbsp;my&nbsp;partner&nbsp;in&nbsp;crime.&nbsp;She&nbsp;means&nbsp;the&nbsp;world&nbsp;to&nbsp;me,&nbsp;and&nbsp;just&nbsp;as&nbsp;she's&nbsp;been&nbsp;through&nbsp;thick&nbsp;and&nbsp;thin&nbsp;with&nbsp;me&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;past,&nbsp;it&nbsp;just&nbsp;seems&nbsp;right&nbsp;she's&nbsp;standing&nbsp;next&nbsp;to&nbsp;me&nbsp;on&nbsp;this&nbsp;special&nbsp;day!

Jessica Till

Charlie is my cousin and is becoming an outstanding young man. Charlie is funny, creative, silly, outgoing, and brave amongst many other great qualities. I’m thankful he’s my cousins and thankful for him on this day. 

Charlie Winterhalter

Wedding Party

What's the attire?  The attire is Cocktail or Black Tie Optional. But whatever you feel comfortable with! (Just don't show up in a white dress...don't be that person).  Here's a good guide to wedding dress codes: <a href="https:" target="_blank">Every Wedding Guest Dress Code, Explained (brides.com)</a>

Q + A

Hotel Rates for Wedding Block: <a href="https://hotelblocks.theknot.com/EventPage6861299" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://hotelblocks.theknot.com/EventPage6861299</a>

Not a fan of hotels? No problem!Air bnb on a lake is pretty popular!<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Shelbyville--MI/homes?adults=2&amp;place_id=ChIJfz0qPvrSGYgRozS9YTkpTqg&amp;checkin=2022-10-21&amp;checkout=2022-10-23" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Airbnb® | Shelbyville - Vacation Rentals &amp; Places to Stay - Michigan - Airbnb</a>

To get special rate, must book by 9/21/2022 (see link above)This hotel is 25-30 minutes away from venue!

Quality Inn Grand Rapids South-Byron Center

**Group Rates through The Knot!**This hotel is 18-20 minutes away from the venue!

Best Western Plus Wayland Hotel

**Group Rates through The Knot**This hotel is 20-25 minutes away from the venue!

Julia & Zach

Julia & Zach

J&Z

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Reception