Bachelor/Bachelorette Party

White House Wedding Chapel

Ceremony Rhearsal & Lunch

The White House Wedding Chapel

Wedding Day

Wedding

The Residence of the Bride and Groom

Reception

Our Wedding

OUR STORY

'Hey, how are you?'I turned around, eyes caught in a bout of glaring sun, surprised to find a strikingly handsome stranger sitting against the wall. It was not his handsomeness alone which intrigued me, but his uncanny resemblance to the main character from my book (a character I'd been drawing pictures of for years). The two of us began a lively conversation in no time. I told him about the novels I was writing. He told me he was studying crystal healing. We couldn't stop talking. 'I'm Madyson by the way,' I said. 'What's your name?''Julius.' He smiled warmly.After a while, we got up and walked around together. It was early June—the second day of my first Pagan Festival—I had expected to make friends with like-minded people, but something about this man tantalized me beyond friendship. Not long after our initial encounter, he brought me back to his tent and flirted with me unabashedly for the rest of the day. We'd begun to play little mind games with one another, bantering and joking through contests of wit. Even so, neither of us made our feelings completely clear until that night.Once the sun had set, I decided to enter among a female-only group who gathered together for a frivolous Dionysian parade. After our ritual leader made her fervent speech about love, sex and alcohol, we quickly touched our plastic cups of wine together and got busy adorning ourselves in glow-necklaces and glow-bracelets. 'It's all about the passion ladies,' she said. 'Now we must go out on the prowl and catch ourselves some men!'First we wandered out onto the dark fairgrounds in a wavy line, singing and dancing to the beat of distant drums. Julius hadn't left my thoughts all night, and when the group split up to capture unsuspecting members of the male gender, my good friend Lindsay pushed me gently. 'Go and find your bearded man.'The camping area was nearly desolate at the time. Some of the tents were set up facing one another and I felt as if I was meandering through some sort of tiny village. There was a faint blanket of fog that settled in the grass, growing denser where I peered into the distance. A figure had begun approaching me—a tall, dark figure with long, curly hair. He beamed as we came closer to one another. "So how's the ritual going?' he asked.'I don't know…' I said slyly. 'Apparently I'm supposed to find a man to kiss.'We had begun to circle one another. 'Oh really? And how's that going?''I don't know yet.' I stopped in front of him and looked upward, attempting to fit his entire stature in my vision. 'I'm supposed to find my Dionysus, and I think I've found him right here.''Aww,' he said, nearly blushing. 'So what happens next?''Just a kiss,' I told him playfully.'Oh, how I've longed to kiss those heavenly lips.' (Yes he actually said that!) It wasn't long before he took me into his arms. We walked together a small distance back to is tent where there was more privacy and shared our first kiss. I had never felt such incredible euphoria in my life. Afterward I was shaking and tingling, unable to comprehend what just happened.He was forty-four, he told me. I was twenty-three. And yet the years between us felt like nothing. We held each other deep into the night—two strangers who believed ourselves mysteriously reunited under the stars. The next day, we lay side by side in his tent. I gazed into his eyes and touched the contours of his face. 'You look like my soul,' I told him.'Your soul has a beard?' He laughed.'Yes, actually,' I said, and proceeded to expose my inner Jungian geek as I described the concept of anima and animus. He listened to what I had to say and found it interesting—which was comforting to me, knowing we had only grazed the tip of my glaring weirdness. Luckily I found out soon enough that we were both complete and utter weirdos who complimented one another in the best kind of way...

June 14th, 2014:

On our second anniversary, Julius and I decided to have a picnic at the exact same spot we'd met two years before. Throwing out our picnic blanket upon the grass beside the seemingly ordinary—yet secretly legendary—wall, we sat close together, munching on fresh Panera salads and reminiscing. We had even decided to wear the same clothing that we wore that fateful day, a decision which made it all the more surreal for me. I was a bit giddy sitting there in that spot, musing about how much meaning the human mind can place upon a simple wall and patch of grass, when Julius began digging around in the dirt. 'I planted something here two years ago,' he said. 'Where is it?'I didn't think much of it at first. Julius is, after all, about as strange as I am—and when it comes to our dynamic as a couple especially, odd behaviour isn't exactly rare. 'What is it, Honey?' I asked.'I planted something in the ground two years ago…it should be right here…''I really don't know what you're talking about.' I laughed. 'Planted what?' I started digging around in the dirt to assist in his abrupt, bizarre endevour. Moments later something caught my eye. I pulled it from the dirt and realised relatively quickly that it was some sort of ring. Even so, I was still somehow painfully oblivious to the matter at hand. It was covered in dirt, you see, and so I couldn't yet discern its beauty. 'What is this? Is this it?' I asked.'Yes!' He grabbed it from me and in a matter of seconds, knelt on one knee and said, 'will you marry me?'I had not expected this to occur. Not even a little. I was completely and utterly surprised. Of course, he hadn't really hidden the ring there two years ago, but it certainly seemed that way. It was a bit like a magic trick. After telling him yes, I was so dumbfounded I held out the wrong hand. It was pretty funny. Then, securing the ring on the proper finger, we wandered around the fairgrounds for the rest of the day in a romantic haze. What a uniquely beautiful ring, I kept thinking. It really is unique. Just like us.

June 14th, 2016:

Our Story

Details

Monica has been a close friend to both me and Julius for only a couple years, yet it feels like we've known her forever! Already, we've had more than a handful of memorable experiences together. We  also share a love of geeking out about intellectually mystical things--I believe we could probably talk for days on end without noticing the time pass by. Just an incredible woman inside and out.

Monica Harmsen

Chris Vega

Katrina was Julius's good friend long before we met each other and was ultimately the catalyst in bringing the two of us together.  She was there with  Julius at Pagan Fest that faithful day, and I loved her immediately. She is warmth, kindness, fun and strength all wrapped up in one package. It is difficult to imagine our lives without her.

Katrina Marie Saunder

Russ Painter

The one who told me "go find your bearded man"-- and now I'm marrying him! Lindsay is a long time friend of mine from art college, a super intelligent, creative woman who was there for me when times were rough. We have evolved together so much over the years, it's fun to look back at our friendship as well as forward.

Lindsay Mathers

Austin Brown

Also one of my long time friends from art college, Sara is undoubtedly of of the strongest people I know. She is an absolute riot and always knows how to make me laugh, especailly about how similar our crazy lives can be. Empathetic, smart, caring and just a joy to be around. 

Sara Manley

Mark Janette

Diana and Julius go way, wayyy back; and like his other long-time bestie, Katrina, I loved Diana right away. She is an incredibly  fun yet down-to-earth, caring woman with a pioneering spirit. We both share a love of planning things, even if everyone else around us doesn't! There's no doubt we had a strong connection from day one.

Diana Savarese

Mike Kaminski

Maria is the smartest, cutest and sweetest little girl I've ever met. She is the daughter of my beautiful cousin, Jennifer, and I can tell already that she has her mother's strong will and loving heart. I really wish we lived closer to one another!

Maria Davis

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Just call the Days Inn and Suites in Roseville and tell them you're with the Brown-Nowak wedding. Rooms have to be booked before the 14th of August to receive the group rate."With a stellar location directly off I-94 and close to downtown Detroit, our Days Inn &amp; Suites Roseville hotel offers great value. You will also find shopping, casinos, the financial district, St. John Medical Center, and Mt. Clemens Regional Medical Center within easy range of our hotel."This straightforward hotel is 8 miles from Metro Beach Metropark on Lake St. Claire and 15 miles from downtown Detroit.The traditional rooms provide free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus microwaves, minifridges, and tea and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add kitchenettes. Kids 17 and under stay free with an adult.Hot breakfast and parking are complimentary. Other amenities include a casual restaurant/bar, plus a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness room. There's also a business center and meeting space.

Days Inn and Suites Roseville

Travel

Since our wedding is so late in the evening, I imagine anyone who comes to town early might want to know a good place to grab a nice breakfast, brunch or lunch. I highly recommend Mr. Paul's; the best Restaurant in Roseville. Simply exquisite food and atmosphere. (If you're looking for something a little less fancy, Roseville has plenty of options. We have Ram's Horn, Logan's, Applebee's, Coney Island and Cracker Barrel to name a few. Or, for anyone in a more of an exotic food-mood, check out the Royal Thai Cafe. )

Mr. Paul's Chop House

This is just a really cool place full of extremely unique items as well as bunnies, turtles and other creatures! If you're looking for unusual gifts and a shopping experience you'll never forget, look no further.

The Road Show

I've never done one of these myself, but it sounds like a blast!

Beakout - The Room Escape Game

Not Included in the Detroit tour is the DIA--a glorious cultural gem of Detroit!

Detroit Institute of Arts

Don't forget, Downtown Detroit is only 15 Minutes away from Roseville. If you desire a more urban setting for your escapades, the city certainly isn't out of reach! Discover the historic landmarks and hidden sites of a great American city in flux on this walking tour of Detroit. Ride the People Mover to a vibrant Greektown neighborhood, see grand structures like the Guardian Building, and enjoy a classic Detroit treat.Meet your guide and venture through the historic neighborhoods of Foxtown and Paradise Valley before hopping on the elevated People Mover train for a ride to bustling Greektown. Once there, step into a pastry shop for a wedge of honey-laden baklava, and listen as your guide describes the fascinating history of a nearby church that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.Board the train once more and head to the Civic Center. The center's classically-inspired "The Spirit of Detroit" and unique "Joe Louis Fist" sculptures are powerful symbols of the city's proud history.From here, gaze upwards at the imposing Renaissance Center, a modern complex of glimmering glass skyscrapers that is home to General Motors. Next, you're led to the beautiful Guardian Building to marvel at the colorful tile mosaic designs in its grand Art Deco lobby.Afterwards, the aroma of sausages cooking on the grill draws you to the American Coney Island restaurant where you can try a spicy coney dog, a classic snack among Detroit natives.

MADYSON & JULIUS

MADYSON & JULIUS

Things to Do

Mr. Paul's Chop House

The Road Show

Beakout - The Room Escape Game

Detroit Institute of Arts

Small-Group The D You Must See Tour