The Oakland Mill

Our Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Photos by KNZ Photography!          Her website: www.knzphotography.com

Our Wedding

We met in our Science Education Methods class at Iowa State in the Fall of 2019. With there only being a few undergrad science education majors, Marianna had to take her class with the graduate students. Walking into that room, she sat next to her friend Aaron, which also happened to be at the same table that Zach was sitting at. From that first day, they became friends and would regularly sit together during class. Eventually, Zach and Marianna worked together on a group project which prompted Zach to send her a few extra emails. Unfortunately for Zach, Marianna was seeing someone at the time. The fall semester ended and the second half of the class continued into the spring semester of 2020. This time, Marianna decided to leave Iowa State and move back home to the Quad Cities. Unsure of where she went, Zach sent her an email to check in. Seeing the email, Marianna read it and had every intention to respond. However, a few weeks past and getting no response, Zach decided to find her on Facebook. Seeing her profile and that she was now single, Zach decided to send her a message through Facebook Messenger. Feeling bad about unintentionally ghosting his email, Marianna responded and reconnected with Zach. From there, they Facetimed the entire 3 hours drive from Ames, IA to Nauvoo, IL as Zach had graduated from ISU and was moving back home for the summer. Zach eventually asked Marianna out and drove 2.5 hours from Nauvoo, IL for their first date. The first date was 13 hours long and included pancakes from her favorite breakfast spot, a surprise picnic, and guitar serenade by the Mississippi River. Two weeks later they made it official on May 30th, 2020. 4 years later, on May 27th 2024, Zach recreated their first date to celebrate their 4 year dating anniversary. He surprised Marianna by proposing at the exact spot where they had their picnic.

How We Met 

Our Story

Photos

Jermey Ward 

Bridesmaids 

Emma Vincent 

Aimee Bradbury-Johnson

Courtney Tinsman 

Kaitlyn Taylor 

Tori Taylor 

Groomsmen 

Keaton Roach 

Nick Krone

Angela Bentler 

Peter Hurd 

Patrick Hurd 

Ushers 

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer 

Maddie Ward 

Lincoln Ward 

Wedding Party

Dress Code

Q + A

Here is the schedule for the shuttle to and from the Courtyard to the Oakland Mill: Afternoon: Shuttle 1:1:15 pm- Leaves the Courtyard2:00 pm- Arrives at the Oakland Mill Shuttle 2:Leave Courtyard by Marriot at 3:00 pm&nbsp;Arrive at the Oakland Mill at 3:45 pm&nbsp; Evening: Shuttle 1: Leaves the Oakland Mill at 9:00 pm Arrives at the Courtyard by Marriot at 9:45 pm Shuttle 2: Leaves the Oakland Mill at 11:00 pm Arrives at the Courtyard by Marriot at 11:45 pm

Wedding Shuttle Schedule 

We have reserved a wedding block at the Courtyard by Marriott for the weekend. A shuttle to and from the venue will also be provided. Last Day to Book is Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bettendorf

Closet airport to the wedding hotel! Only a short 11 minute drive from QC International to the Courtyard by Marriott.

Quad Cities International Airport

Another option for those flying to spend the weekend with us. This airport is a little further from the hotel. It is about an hour and 20 minute drive from Peoria International to the Courtyard by Marriott.

General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport

Travel

Things to Do