Willow Grove Events

Wedding Day

Ceremony Begins

Fall

Our Wedding

Okay, so we met on Hinge...AND IT WORKED! That's a popular dating site nowadays for those of you who don't know. We had our first real date lined up for a BSU game, but we couldn’t wait that long—so we decided to meet at the gym earlier that week. That gym meet-up turned into a park hangout, and honestly, we both kind of knew right away there was something good here. Lacey thought Riley was hot, which slightly terrified her. Riley thought Lacey was beautiful, which also made him incredibly nervous. It was perfect!!! We kept things rolling with gym sessions, lunch meetups, and deep conversations about life, values, and what kind of people we wanted to be. Riley taught Lacey disc golf, lots of historical facts + big words, how to handle conflict with more patience and forgiveness, as well as he showed her a love unlike anything she had experienced before. Lacey taught Riley pickle-ball, that dogs are actually God's greatest creation, a deep love to handle situations by being straight to the point while holding truth and grace, as well as that he would always be fully loved and never let go. The coming months were new and exciting! But, it wasn’t always butterflies and protein shakes—we’re both really honest (sometimes to a fault), and that led to some tough conversations. Instead of tapping out, we stuck it out. We worked through things, leaned on God, and ended up building something stronger than either of us expected - we couldn't have made it without intentionally pursuing the Lord and being willing to follow His call. Now the proposal… total curveball. The original ring got delayed and then caught up in a dispute. Cue stress, overthinking, and postponing the big moment, but then Riley found an even better ring, threw together a sweet plan at Kathryn Albertson Park with music, gifts, and drinks—and surprised Lacey. It was one of those moments where everything just felt&nbsp;right. Now we’re here, planning a wedding, still showing up for each other, and honestly just really grateful.

Lacey & Riley's Love Story!!!

Our Story

First Date

Engaged!!!

Photos

Arayah and Lacey met while serving in a young adult ministry called "The Porch" in Boise, and from the start, Lacey knew she was someone the Lord wanted her to cross paths with. Their friendship quickly deepened, eventually leading them to become roommates — sharing an upstairs space, a bathroom, and countless late-night Coke runs to the gas station just for fun. Whether they were chasing rainstorms through grassy fields, thrifting for hidden treasures, or worshipping at prayer nights, every moment with Arayah has been and will continue to be full of adventure, laughter, and heart.

She has been a steady, nurturing presence in Lacey's life — compassionate, wise, and full of grace. Lacey says, "I can’t imagine this day without her by my side. She has left such a huge impact on it. This friendship has only brought me closer to the Lord and I'm so thankful!"

Arayah Passero

Desiree and Lacey met at Boise Calvary Church, and from their very first coffee date, she knew Desiree was a keeper. (; Their friendship grew through deep conversations, lots of laughter, and a shared love for Jesus. Not long after they met, Desiree fell in love — and Lacey had the honor of standing beside her on her wedding day!

Desiree has always been such a real, honest, and vibrant friend. She brings a little extra zest to life and makes everything more exciting just by being herself. Lacey says, "I’m so thankful she’s part of this day and I'm so thankful the Lord brought me her and her entire family - they have made my life so much better!" Desiree has been an incredible example as a friend, a wife to Anthony, and a mother to her three, soon to be four, little ones. 

Desiree Olvera

Teresa moved to Lewiston in 2020 during the heart of COVID and became one of Lacey's roommates — and soon after, one of her closest friends. The girls quickly bonded over a love for the outdoors, faith, and, let’s be honest, a shared appreciation for good company and good stories. Though they couldn’t travel much that year, they made the most of life indoors. Teresa even helped Lacey slow down and enjoy the little things… like binge-watching a great show! (they did that a lot, haha)

Lacey shared, "She brought so much joy and energy to our home, especially by initiating legendary girls’ nights! There were charcuterie boards, margaritas, nachos, wine, dancing, and a ton of laughter. Those were some of the sweetest, most fun memories, and I’ll always be grateful for her friendship through that wild season." Teresa is the friend that always adds a little more sparkle to every occasion and reminds us all to make the most of life!

Teresa Giandonato

Sarah and Lacey met through mutual friends in Boise, and over time, their friendship has grown into something really special. The girls connected through a shared love for photography, creativity, and the great outdoors — hiking, exploring, and soaking in the beauty around them always seemed to breathe life into both of their souls, but what’s brought them closest is a shared desire to honor Jesus and keep Him at the center of their lives. "Our friendship has been marked by authenticity, deep conversations, and a beautiful sense of peace. I’m so grateful for Sarah’s steady heart and creative spirit — it means the world to have her by my side and its a gift to have a friendship like this," Lacey said. "She's also the queen of fashion and has an eye to make anything pop!" 

Sarah Imel

David and Riley met in early 2017 at North Idaho College after being placed in the same group project for an interdisciplinary course. David and Riley have maintained a close friendship for the last eight years through David's travels, including living in New York City, Spokane, and Wisconsin, where he currently lives with his wife, Paige. Despite living thousands of miles away, David always makes time to call Riley and talk to him like he's down the street. He's wicked smart, has a great character, is absolutely cracked at Halo 3, and is a truly good man and husband. Most importantly, he's an exceptional friend.

David Ballinger

Connor and Riley met in 2018 at the Boise State BroncoShop right after Riley moved to Boise State to finish his diploma. Connor became Riley's first true friend in Boise, and has continued to be a great friend since. Connor works in the same school district as Riley, and is one of the most unwavering Boise State fans you will ever meet. He is a fantastic host from tailgates to poker nights, a dedicated basketball coach, and is the best fantasy football commissioner around. Everybody loves Coach Connor.

Connor Martin

Ryan and Riley met in 2019 at the Boise State BroncoShop via Connor. Ryan is one of the kindest and most generous people there is. He opened up his home to Riley for a year in 2021, but that just one of the many examples of Ryan's great character. He is a versatile handyman, a brilliant financier, and a dedicated husband to his wife Crystal, also a good friend of Riley's. He is truly one of the most trustworthy men that Riley knows.

Ryan Snyder

Steven and Riley met in 2019 via Connor and Ryan. A wizard mixologist, Steven is one of the most passionate and creative bartenders you can find. Give him a flavor profile and he'll whip you up something extraordinary. A true Chicagoan, Steven loves, and hates, his Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks, and won't hesitate to tell you how much. He is reliable and always willing to help a friend out too. He and Riley have been roommates since 2022.

Steven Shaver

Hunter and Riley met in 2020 via Ryan, but, to both of their surprise, knew each other from a class taken together at North Idaho College in 2016. Hunter is a lawyer based out of Phoenix, Arizona, and makes fantasy football trades with the savviness of one. However, he is a two-time champion of our Lincoln League fantasy football, a rare distinction held only by him, and Riley. He is a great friend, and loves his bros as much as he loves his Chiefs.

Hunter Young

Kyland (left) and Kennedy (right) are the sons of Anthony and Desiree—and truly two of the sweetest boys you’ll ever meet! From the moment they came into Lacey's life, they brought so much hope, energy, and joy. 

These two love to laugh, love to pray, and have BIG hearts! They have given Lacey a glimpse of the kind of love and joy God might have planned for Riley and Lacey's future. 

Having Kyland and Kennedy be part of this day means so much. Their presence is a symbol of hope, child like faith, and the kind of beautiful chaos that makes life so special and worth every minute!

Kyland & Kennedy

Aspen (left) and Lily (right) are Riley's nieces. Aspen belongs to his oldest sister Kristie and Lily belongs to his older sister Emily. Aspen is a very hard worker on the ranch that her family runs in Wyoming, a wonderful helping hand to her mom and dad. She is a friend to her older sister Emerson, and a loving sibling to her newborn twin sisters, Sage and Hadley. Lily is a fun, adventurous spirit with a big personality, and is the spitting image of her mother. She is very loving to her family and especially her older brother Carson. She and her uncle Riley are best of friends. Riley and Lacey can not wait to share this experience with these two young ladies!

Lacey & Riley

Lacey & Riley

L&R

Wedding Day

5:00 PM–10:00 PM

Ceremony Begins