Venue Bella Giornata

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Tim and I meet in February 2017 in Big Rapids, MI. He had just opened his first Dominos and I was going to Ferris state, looking for a job while in school. Our story was not love at first sight, but I did notice him immediately when I met him. It was like he had some magnetic pull to him. Throughout our first year working together we had a normal and great working relationship. He taught me all there was to know about the business and I also learned along the way little things like that he loved documentaries and EDM music (which would end up being some of our favorite music to listen to together). I stayed with him through his working career and then our personal side of things started to change. After a year of working side by side we discovered we wanted another sort of relationship as well. We moved to Grand Rapids to open a new store that I was in charge of and we decided to take our relationship public, and we also decided to get a dog together; our cute little Zoey b.

The early days 

Like every couple out there our relationship wasn't without problems. Working together was not always easy, we talked about work constantly. Tim and I always connected on our dedication and commitment we put into our work..... but it was those traits that also took us away from each . Then, as if 2020 wasn't already hard enough in the middle of a pandemic my whole world changed. I decided to fight a battle that I had been shoving down my whole life. I decided to go to court for a sexual assault that happened to me as a child. This trauma brought things out of myself and us that was devastating at times. While Tim was amazing and patient and understanding, I on the other hand had a lot to work on and learn from. So we took a break. Even so, he was always there for me. Even if I couldn't return the sentiment his love and care for me never wavered. He even ended up being a character witness in my case for me. I wasn't working for him anymore but we still stayed in touch. Until one day he asked me to come back and help, and I did. Once working together again we rekindled our relationship and decided to try again; this time we went up north. Work was starting to become busy with Tim opening two stores in the same year and he trusted me to help him run even more of the company having my hand in every store. We started looking at rings; it seemed like everything was falling into place.....but something felt off for me. So in the November of 2023 I broke it off and moved back home to Detroit.

Life happened.....

In December of 2023 Tim and I decided to meet up and talk about everything. Upon meeting he shared with me all that he had learned about himself and expressed his concern for me at this time in my life. His vulnerability helped me realize that I needed to start my journey back with therapy and learning from all the mistakes I had made in the last couple of years. Tim again never wavered in his unconditional love for me even when I was finding it hard to love myself. We got back together and this time it was different. On June 6th 2024 I proposed. It was at a karaoke bar; I sang and choreographed a dance, he had no idea. He said yes and ending up proposing to me with a ring of my own a week later on a beach in Florida. While we did not have an easy or perfect story we have learned so much about ourselves in the process. We have asked each other all of the hard questions and we have faced scrutiny and doubt at times from just about everyone in our lives. We are not perfect, but one thing is for certain, our love has transcended all of the flaws. I can't wait to take this mans last name.

The start of our forever

Our Story

Photos

Known Kate for 12 years! Met at McDonalds and became fast friends. Kate would often try and keep Sarah late at work just to spend more time with her. You would think Sarah and Kate are polar opposites but they suck to each other like magnets, bringing out the true best parts of one another. They share the love for things as deep as mental health awareness and Taylor Swift. While also trying to watch football so they can spend more time with their men. They have a weekly schedule that they have to hang out once a week at least and long voice messages and screen shots are never out of the question. They show up for each other in the good and the bad. Nothing is too much information and judgement has no place in their friendship. When most people think of soulmates they think of an intimate relationship, but Sarah and Kate have found soulmates in each other as well as in their fiancees

Sarah Noelke

Kate's sister, the organized one. She is the crafty one that will make sure everyone is having fun but also everything is gorgeous in the process. She is a ride or die and when shit hits the fan you need her in your corner. She stands up for the people she loves with a intensity that is admirable. Kate and Sarah have had many adventures together including traveling to Texas, being each others dates to weddings, and also doing matching halloween costumes. They both have the same guilty pleasure, reality tv often when Kate would come visit from school you would find her sharing a bed with Sarah watching the Kardashians. You could call Sarah at three in the morning to drive four hours to come help you and she would start driving right away and not even ask a question. Ride or die is and understatement. 

Sarah Estepp

Kate's sister that is as talented as she is smart. Need a makeup suggestion? Julias got you. Need a book idea? Julias got you. Go to the bar with her and she will protect you with her life. Even going so far as to yank a drunk girl off Kate to protect her hair extensions and dignity, the hulk strength is real when Julia's sisters are in danger. She's silly, goofy and real. She's a mean dancer on the dance floor, but her hair and makeup will stay on point through the whole night. Julia has fixed Kate's hair on multiple occasions including the one time Kate cut her bangs wayyyyy to short and Julia braided them back into her hair for a whole two weeks straight until they grew out. Julia and Kate in the last couple of years took a trip to Miami together where they both experienced luxury flying first class together and hitting the beach and bars every night, to even trying some odd food together like steak tartar (they were not a fan). 

Julia Estepp

Taylor and Kate have been friends for over a decade! She's been with the bride and her family through every single move and obstacle through the years that she's basically an extension of the family. Kate's childhood is full of late night sleepovers, mixed cds, road trips and vacations with Taylor. Some of her favorite memories with Taylor throughout the years is being on the phone with Taylor as she proceeded to fall down the stairs, or when she was little and was riding her bike over to Kate's house and flew off her bike when she saw a raccoon move. Kate and Taylor even spent Taylor's 21st birthday together in Disney drinking around the world and then driving the day before Christmas eve the 19 hours exhausted and slap happy. Big life events they have always showed up for each other, whether it be graduations, court cases, and even proposals. The love and memories shared between these two go back for what feels like their whole life. She will always be the Leslie Knope to my Ann Perkins :)

Taylor Schanz

Haley and Kate met in high school their freshman year and became fast friends. They did sports together, and took classes together. Even after high school ended and they both went to different schools across the state they still kept in touch. They're the type of friends that no matter what is happening in each others lives when they are together it is a great time. Always considering themselves the moms of the friend group they bonded over their love of helping others. Whether it be spring break trips together, or going all the way to Nashville to see the solar eclipse and sleeping in a car outside of Walmart (accompanied by their other best friend Taylor) the laughter and nostalgic memories are plentiful with these two. Just being around one another Kate feels lighter then ever and is always reminded of what unconditional love in friendships feels like. They call each other twinsie for a reason :)

Haley DeVos-Roy

Jane and Kate met in elementary school in the lunch room because they were always the last two eating and they bonded. They became fast friends spending ever recess together making up dances and doing gymnastic routines. They spent a lot of time outside of school together also with sleepovers were the girls would stay up till the wee hours in the morning talking or playing games on the computer, often getting yelled at for being too loud with their laughter. Both Jane and Kate were very shy growing up so mostly just kept to themselves. Fast forward to now, every time Kate and Jane get together the conversations never end. Wine nights till late in the night catching up and laughing about all the memories they've shared. No matter how much time has passed when they get together it's like no time at all. They are a staple in each others lives. They call each other their twin flames.

Jane Perry

Skyler and Kate meet in 2025 at Olive Garden. While Skyler was her manager they hit it off quickly and secretly became best friends. After Skyler left Olive Garden and they could actually see each other their friendship took off. They quickly learned that they were both avid readers along with both being Tequlia girlies! They often trade books as much as they trade stories. Even though their friendship is new it is clear that they have a lifelong connection that makes it seem like they've always been a part of each others lives. 

Skyler Murrary

Bill is Tim's little brother. They are six years apart but when they stand next to each other you'd think they're twins. Bill and Tim lived together in Chicago, IL and lived and worked together up north in Mackinaw. Bill followed Tim's footsteps and graduated from Western (Wastern) University. Bill has embraced his inner Kenny by making it his mission to embrace environmental conservation. Whether its yelling at Tim for cutting the trees at the lake house or ripping out the weeds, Bill will let you know. They both share the love of hockey and the outdoors. Bill is compassionate and empathetic. The McMullens' are family men. 

BIll McMullen

"Cornellllll" as he is called by all, has been friends with Tim since they were in middle school. They started the years playing hockey together and later in life they partied together. There was 4-5 spring break road trips to Panama City Beach Florida. Brandon was there for Tim's graduation of college for the infamous $300 bar tab night that ended with no tip. These boys stories go back decades and they have plenty of them. Nowadays Brandon lives in Saint Joe, MI with his family and his three kids where he bleeds more Michigan Blue then any other michigander. Him and his wife like to celebrate every point, touchdown, and maybe even flag with a little celebratory drink. Regardless of Cornell's rowdy nature when he was younger he has always been ahead of his peers. Paving the way in career, and family. Tim and Cornell share the same sense of humor and are a riot in the same room together, but only if doesn't involve spending money because Brandon and Tim are both very frugal. 

Brandon Cornell 

Justin is Kate's little brother. Kate being the oldest and Justin being the youngest they were always called the bookends growing up. Both very shy growing up they kept to themselves a lot. While quiet Justin is a genius in many regards. He is mister fix it when it comes to anything car. He can watch a youtube video and within 10 minutes understand the problem and the solution. He's observant and thoughtful. 

Justin Estepp

Josh is Kate's cousin. Growing up Josh was always Kate's favorite cousin and she spent most of childhood following Josh around. Whether it was watching him skateboard or watching him play video games Kate was always glued to his side. Now as adults in their lives Kate has watched Josh turn into a thoughtful, vulnerable, wildly intelligent and kind human being while also being hilarious. He will always be one of her favorite people.

Josh Estepp

Marc and Tim met through work at Dominos in 2010 in Minnesota where Tim worked for Marc. They grew close and realized they shared a lot in common.  They even lived together in Houston Texas to continue to work for Dominos and then near each other in Wisconsin. Even though Tim and Marc aren't as close now (distance wise) as they once were they still share a work alcoholic mentality and the ongoing dream of eventually putting themselves first instead of their careers. Tim has always respected Marc for his emotional intelligence, business intellect, and the way he has always had a knack for showing people how much he cared through words. 

Marc Richard

Brookie Cookie as she is lovely called by the Bride is Kate's cousin. Brookie grew up coming over to Kate's house in the summers and the lines between cousin and another sister a thin. Brooke is full of life and energy! Growing up Brooke and Kate were always told they look alike and even share the same "goose-like" and beautiful laugh. Her smile lights up a room. Brooke is kind, thoughtful, creative, and gorgeous inside and out. 

Brookie Estepp

Wedding Party

Q + A

We do have a room block here, just tell them you're for the McMullen wedding

Fairfield Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Wyoming

Hyatt Place Grand Rapids-South

Home2 Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids South

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

3:30pm- Ceremony4:00-5:00pm- Cocktail hour 5:00-5:30pm- Speeches5:30-Dinner6:00pm-First dances9:30pm-Bar closes10:00pm-End of event

Itinerary 

Cocktail hour apps

Caprese skewersWatermelon and feta skewersFruit skewersCheese fondue

Mains

*all entrees are platted* Nantucket bread baskets House salad, dressings: Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette Michigan maple glazed chicken with Fingerlings and squash medleyorTop Sirloin steak with Mashed potatoes and green beans orVegetable lasagna with grilled vegetables, spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, and alfredo sauce

Desserts

Fruit platter Nantucket mini dessert bar assortmentHomemade cupcake assortment

All food courtesy of Martha's catering

Maureen Ryer-Wakefield (Brides mom) 

Carol Yacavone (Groom's Mom)

Maureen was born in 1973 and is the youngest of 11. She's the baby of the family and pretty much grew up as an only child because of the giant gap between her and her siblings. Maureen met Tom at a party when they were 17 where he asked Maureen to marry him that very first night....and then they proceeding to go on dates and actually get to know each other. They got married at 21 and had Kate at 22. Maureen found out she was pregnant with Kate on New years eve. She and Kate share a love for reading and wine.

Carol was born in 1952 and is the youngest of 2. She has an older brother and sister and was also the baby of the family. Carol met Kenny in college at Central Michigan (Fire up chips)! It was her freshman year of college and Kenny's was a couple of years older. They were becoming close friends and Kenny decided to invite Carol back to his room to meet his roommate. Carol was smitten from the start; impressed by his intelligence and good looks. After Kenny graduated he waited for Carol and a couple of weeks before she graduated they eloped. :) They returned to his home town Big Rapids so that he could earn his second degree in pharmacy and five years later they had their first child; a daughter Rosie. Rosie was born special needs and needed a lot of attention and care. Six years after having Rosie they finally decided to try again for another kid, that's when they had Tim. Their first boy! Tim and his mom share a similar work ethic and a need to stay busy.

Kate & Tim

Kate & Tim

Menu

Cocktail hour apps

Mains

Desserts