Giant City Lodge

Rehearsal Dinner

Historic Bell Hill

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Please upload any photos you took at our wedding to our google drive by following the link below! <a href="https://weduploader.com/upload/zdCDz0uagb1RtKcJ?utm_source=site&amp;utm_medium=linkCopy&amp;utm_campaign=upload&amp;utm_content=zdCDz0uagb1RtKcJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wed Uploader Folder</a>

UPLOAD WEDDING PHOTOS!

Maddie is a big fan of the New York Times Games, so she made some herself! Find links to those games down below!

<a href="https://connections.swellgarfo.com/game/-O4MZ-JeB4Ifr3Q9YiR9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wedding Connections</a>

<a href="https://mywordle.strivemath.com/?word=qbzwj" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wordle</a>

<a href="https://puzzel.org/en/crossword/play?p=-O4MihdVZSErXlyWYFI3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crossword</a>

Wedding Games

Paul and Maddie met in their freshman year of high school. Paul, the new student, caught Maddie's eye, with his intelligence and deep blue eyes. After talking casually for a few months, they decided to start dating. Despite the butterflies and fleeting glances, their initial high school romance was brief, a sweet chapter that closed as quickly as it began, partly due to their youth and the growing pains that come with going through high school. Two years later, with a driver's license and bank account acquired they tried again. A simple, yet magical day hiking at Kankakee State Park rekindled their spark. Walking, talking, and the sweet awkwardness of Paul holding Maddie's hand set their hearts aflutter. That night, through heartfelt texts, they confessed their feelings, leading to another date and their first, somewhat clumsy, but perfect first kiss. Since then, their bond grew stronger with each shared adventure. Their love withstood the test of the COVID-19 pandemic and two years of long distance, as Maddie pursued her degree in Carbondale and Paul in Atlanta. Realizing they couldn't bear the distance, Paul moved closer, and they started a new chapter together. They became a family with their beloved dog and three cats who found their way into their lives and hearts. Their journey reached a new height when Paul proposed at the Little Grand Canyon on their fifth anniversary. It's been a beautiful adventure of growth, love, and companionship. Maddie and Paul are excited to step into this new chapter of their lives together.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Holiday Inn Carbondale-Conference Center, an IHG Hotel

Comfort Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn Carbondale

Home2 Suites by Hilton Carbondale

We have some negotiated rates for a few hotels and VRBOs relatively close to our venue. Feel free to view those accommodations at the link below. <a href="https://hotelblocks.theknot.com/EventPage7672001" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://hotelblocks.theknot.com/EventPage7672001</a> We also have a few other recommended locations nearby down below.

Near Anna City ParkTreat yourself to a stay in one of the 11 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring private spa tubs and LCD televisions. Kitchenettes are outfitted with microwaves. Cable programming and DVD players are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature jetted bathtub

Davie School Inn

Oak Grove Cabins

Travel

Do you like wine and nature? Then you will love the many wineries across Southern Illinois! You could spend hours at just one, or you could hit multiple in one day! The bride and groom highly recommend all of the wineries on the Shawnee Wine Trail, but here are a few of their favorites: Pomona Winery, Alto Vineyards, Blue Sky Vineyards, Hickory Ridge, and Owl Creek (especially if you love cider!).

Shawnee Wine Trail

This beautiful state park is only a few miles from Carbondale, and it is an extremely beautiful place to camp, hike, climb, picnic, or even just taking a scenic drive! There are many hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty, and there is an amazing visitor center. Finally, no trip to Giant City State Park is complete without a stop at Giant City Lodge, which serves amazing all-you-can-eat fried chicken, and delicious homestyle meals.

Giant City State Park

A bit of a drive, but this majestic trail is a must for anyone visiting Southern Illinois! This short but moderate hike will have you spending hours looking out at the amazing rock formations. This nature trail is full of truly breath-taking sites.

Garden of the Gods

Discover the unique flavors of Southern Illinois at Scratch Brewing Company in Ava. Known for its innovative use of locally foraged ingredients, Scratch offers a diverse selection of craft beers that capture the essence of the region. The beer menu changes each weekend since each beer is made from locally farmed and foraged ingredients. Enjoy a tasting in their cozy taproom or beautiful outdoor garden, and experience the creativity and craftsmanship that make Scratch a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. Maddie and Paul highly recommend the goat cheese pizza for dinner as you sip your way through your beer flight.

Scratch Brewing Company

A quaint and quirky boardwalk with unique shops, art galleries, and local crafts. It's a delightful place to explore and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Home of the hippies, and just barely outside of Giant City State Park.

Makanda Boardwalk

Experience a unique natural wonder with its steep cliffs, lush vegetation, and scenic trails. The hike offers a challenging adventure with rewarding views of the canyon. This trail is where Paul proposed to Maddie.

Madison & Paul

Madison & Paul

Wedding Games