Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

Welcome Drinks

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

The Blue Jay

After-Parties

Fall

Our Wedding

They say to find someone to love, you should do what you love. We both love video games, so it makes perfect sense that we met in May 2019 while playing an online multiplayer game called Overwatch. Dave was in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Leah was in Chicago, Illinois. The only visual we had of the other was an XBox profile picture.

Leah loved Dave’s boisterous sense of humor (and thought his voice bore an uncanny resemblance to Mark Ruffalo’s), while Dave was always finding excuses to play just one more game together (even though he was an hour ahead). Our virtual connection deepened when Dave adopted a dog, giving him the perfect excuse to ask for Leah’s phone number to exchange photos and advice. Our first in-person meetup was finally arranged in July 2019 at Buddy’s Pizza in Grand Rapids, marking the start of a “medium-distance” relationship. We spent weekends driving three hours to see each other — Dave in his Jeep with Goose the German Shepherd, and Leah in her Honda Fit with Birdie the Beagle. After some negotiation over 'ball', the dogs also bonded and became an iconic duo.

In March 2020, after less than a year of dating, the pandemic prompted Leah to pack for what was assumed to be a two-week, work-from-home visit to Michigan. Those two weeks turned into two and a half years, during which we navigated the challenges of lockdown, renovated the house, learned to ski, enjoyed competitive weekly game nights with friends, and grew closer with Dave’s extended family.

In the spring of 2022, we moved back to Chicago when Leah's job returned to the office. We then purchased our first home together in Roscoe Village in August 2023. After Goose’s passing in February 2024, we adopted the newest addition to the family: a pit bull/rat terrier mix named Poppy.

Our journey together these past six years has been marked with incredible experiences: northern lights in Iceland, a total solar eclipse in Arkansas, family vacations in Northern Michigan, and a new niece and nephew, Bree and Sinan. We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you all on September 13th, 2025.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Registry

Trolley service will be provided between the hotels and Meijer Gardens on the day of the wedding. Downtown Grand Rapids Pick ups: 4:00 PM and 4:45 PM Please meet at the Amway/JW Marriott Ballroom entrance turnaround: 218 Pearl St NW. If you are interested in exploring the Gardens before the ceremony, please consider coming on the 4:00 PM shuttle. Country Inn and Suites Pick-Up: 5:05 PM Return shuttles will depart from the reception from 9:00-11:00 PM, with the last shuttle leaving at 11:15 PM for the Blue Jay.

Located 10 minutes from the wedding venue and down the block from the Amway Grand Plaza. The couple's recommendation! A discounted rate has been reserved for our guests until 8/12/2025. Please use the link below to book within the block.

Courtyard Grand Rapids Downtown

This hotel is incredibly convenient to the ceremony and reception venue as it is just 1 minute away. Also very close to the airport and freeway for anyone traveling in. A discounted rate has been reserved for our guests until 8/11/2025. Please use the link to book within the block.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI

A unique and historical experience only 9 minutes from the wedding venue. The couple's recommendation! A discounted rate has been reserved for our guests until 8/12/2025. Please use the link below to book within the block. SOLD OUT, PLEASE CONSIDER THE COURTYARD INSTEAD!

If you are coming in from out of town, you can arrive in Grand Rapids by flying into Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Take a taxi, Uber/Lyft, or other ride share option to your next destination!

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Vernon J. Ehlers Station is served by Amtrak, and is another great travel option. From this station take an Uber, Lyft, or other preferred ride share option.&nbsp;

Vernon J. Ehlers Station

Travel

Q + A

While you can explore the interior greenhouses on our wedding day, we encourage you to enjoy a day outside at Frederik Meijer Gardens experiencing the gardens and sculpture park.

With over 1,000 animals, the John Ball Zoo is a great place to visit with family and friends. In addition to seeing the animals, you can also engage in other exciting activities such as ziplining!&nbsp;

John Ball Zoo

Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a great place to visit with family and friends. With more than 5,000 items on show, you are more than likely to find something to enjoy.&nbsp;

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Spanning three floors, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has over 25,000 pieces ranging from fossils to classic cars. Here you can learn more about the culture of Michigan, history, science, and more!

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Top 10 national Craft brewery with a taproom in a former trucking depot that was modeled after a German beer hall, complete with a patio and beer garden. Try Dave's favorite All Day IPA, enjoy food and handcrafted sandwiches, or take a tour of the brewery!

Founders Brewing Co

Located in the East Hill area of Grand Rapids, Brewery Vivant has European inspired beers. Enjoy some cold ones or tour the brewery during your stay in Grand Rapids. You can also enjoy a bite to eat from their French and Belgian inspired food.&nbsp;

Vivant Brewery + Spirits

Enjoy a full drink menu that includes craft beer, artisan spirits, handcrafted cocktails, wine, and cider at New Holland Brewing - The Knickerbocker. In addition to a wide selection of drinks, they have a diverse menu of food to choose from.&nbsp;

New Holland Brewing - Grand Rapids Brewpub (The Knickerbocker)

Enjoy a specialty coffee at Madcap during your stay in Grand Rapids. Visit&nbsp; this modern cafe at one of their three locations!&nbsp;

Madcap Coffee Company

If you can’t decide to enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, visit Squibb off of Wealthy Street! Enjoy coffee, tea, baked goods as well as cheese plates and wines.&nbsp;

Squibb Coffee and Wine Bar

Enjoy a sunny day at Grand Haven State Park. With a shop and restaurant filled boardwalk, Grand Haven offers plenty of activities to do. If you are a corn dog enthusiast, make sure to stop by Pronto Pups if you are in the area!&nbsp;

Leah & Dave

Leah & Dave

Registry

In addition to the items below, we are also registered at West Elm. Link can be found at the bottom of the page.