Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner

The Parlor TC

Welcome Party

BlueBridge

Wedding Day!

Winery Tour

Our Wedding

Lauren and Jeff met on Bumble! It was a casual meet-up at their favorite (arcade) bar.  Lauren was pleased that Jeff was the first non-creepy person she had met off of a dating site.  Then Lauren disappeared to Europe for 2 months, leaving Jeff hoping he would meet up with her again.  When Lauren returned, she asked Jeff to meet for a drink so she could catch him up on her travels.  They played Mario Cart and Lauren dared Jeff to steal a cowboy hat off of one of the mannequins  - he did attempt (Lauren loved it, the bartenders did not). They then danced the night away at a gay bar. And now they are getting married.

The Meeting

Jeff and Lauren have been together for nearly 5 years. During this time they’ve adopted two babies (cats) and traveled the world together. They’ve visited Italy, Greece, Portugal, Peru, Alaska, and Hawaii. Other hobbies they enjoy together include frequenting VFW karaoke, kayaking, and playing Mario Cart.

The In-Between

They were on vacation in Alaska, the first big trip since the pandemic.  Jeff carried around the ring in his pocket for 10 days.  Every time they came to a beautiful spot on a hike or look-out on the drive, Jeff would think “this is the spot I’ll propose” but then he’d get too nervous. SO on the last hike on the last day, after summiting an incredibly difficult and beautiful trail, they had their celebratory beer.  They were about to leave when Jeff got down on one knee and asked Lauren if she’d be his forever adventure partner.

The Engagement

Our Story

Photos

The bride’s Partner in Crime since freshman year of college. Voted “Craziest Time” 2010. World traveler and lover of extreme sports.

Roxanne Kruger

The bride’s soul sister. Queen of Vegas. Enjoys dogs, an inflatable slide and “The Chainsmokers”.

Lucy Lloyd

Bride’s first Minneapolis bestie.  “Gay of Honor”. The only person who can yell at the bride & get away with it.

Bobby Palmer

Friend of bride since middle school, “Gabe of Honor”. Captain of the Wisconsin Dells.

Gabriel Worden

Brother of the bride. Voice of an angel. Real life mountain man.

Kevin Gussel

Oldest brother of the groom. Grateful his kids will be home for the celebration. Lover of Miller Lite.

Scott Neely

Second oldest brother of the groom. Newlywed. Self-taught professional wood worker.

Andy Neely

The groom’s twin. Newlier wed. Favorite song “Crystal Baller”.

Matt Neely

Sister (in-law) and best man’s better half. Even more grateful kids will be home for the celebration. Enjoys ranch dressing.

Christie Neely

Wedding Party

Q + A

Cherry Capital Airport

Beautiful 2 hour drive to Traverse City, much more affordable than the Traverse City airport

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Mention the Gussel/Neely wedding See Q&A for questions

Courtyard Marriott

Brookside Cottages & Resort

If you are staying at the cottages, please check in at front desk. They know what cottage you are staying in and will provide key. We will have light brunch on Sunday morning at The Rose Bud cottage at 8:30AM. It is the largest cottage placed back in the woods. For those staying on Thursday and Sunday evening, you are also set with the cottages. I will Venmo request everyone following the wedding. The total will be based on the cottage you stayed and the number of nights. We are estimating $100-$200 total/couple for Friday & Saturday stay.

Ellis Lake Resort

Jeff & Lauren booked Ellis Lake Resort (5 min walk from venue) for many of their friends. Once we have RSVPs, we will place people into cottages. The cottages are booked for Friday and Saturday nights (can be booked for Thursday as well as Sunday- we will get this set up). There will be a room block at Courtyard Marriott in Traverse City. Please reserve by 9/7/22. For more affordable options, we recommend Air BnBs. Brookside Cottages & Resort is a 5 minute drive from the venue, where many family members are staying. This is very affordable and offers rustic cabins (will require you to bring bedding & towels) as well as larger homes for rent. For questions, please contact Lauren or Jeff!

Travel

Our personal favorites are Chateau Chantal and Bonobo Winery

Old Mission Penisula Wine Trail

Mission Point Lighthouse & Old Mission Point Park

Ask for Matt! Connects to the TART Trail, a paved bike path from Traverse City to Sutton’s Bay through recreation areas, natural preserves, orchards, historical neighborhoods 

Bike Rentals

Historical, renovated, sprawling facility (former state run asylum) set among acres of indigenous northern MI trees with restaurants, shops and Left Foot Charile’s winery and hard cider bar (a personal favorite of ours)

The Asylum (The Villages At Grand Traverse Commons)

The Crown Golf Club

The Good Bowl - Vietnamese Slabtown - best up north burger Firefly - great location and great food U & I - dive bar! The Parlor - pizza, patio, amazing cocktails Rare Bird - brewpub Traverse City Whiskey Co. - great cocktails The Filling Station - microbrewery

Lauren & Jeff

Lauren & Jeff

Wedding Party