Wedding Day

Muskegon Elks Park and Campground

Ceremony

Watermark 920

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Ray and Mary met on Tinder in the summer of 2018. Mary swiped on Ray because he looked like he owned a sailboat, ran 5ks and proposed robbing a bank for their first date. Ray swiped on Mary due to her unique hat collection and was dying to know the story behind them. Turns out, Ray didn't own a boat or run 5ks and Mary didn't own those hats either. However, they spent the summer getting to know each other by connecting over their mutual love of music, food and adventures. They officially started dating on September 1st of 2018.Their first date as a couple was a day at the Muskegon Polish Festival, after a trip to the ER. Ray broke his finger in a competitive game of air hockey against his brothers the night before. Since then Ray and Mary have traveled together as much as possible (and safely during the pandemic). Visiting Arizona, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Chicago, Florida, Hawaii, Cozumel, the Cayman island, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica, Curacao, The Dominican Republic and Aruba. They have had cocktails in ALL of those places and they have expanded their whiskey collection to over 100 bottles. In 2020, Ray and Mary had plans to visit Scotland, but Covid had other plans for them. Instead they got a dog, which they named Skye after Isle of Skye in Scotland. Honestly, Skye is irreplaceable and they wouldn't have wanted it any other way. July of 2021, Ray proposed to Mary while they were swimming in Lake Michigan. Ray was kneeling in the lake to propose, and Mary knelt with him. She didn't know what was going on, but joined him since she knew how much Ray doesn't like to be cold in the water. Together kneeling in the water Ray proposed and she said yes. As far at the authorities know, Ray and Mary have not yet robbed a bank.

Dating Algorithms for the win 

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Lindsay Hendricks

Brian Pepera

Tricia McSweeney

Richard Kendall

Kelly Bondie

Brian Witt

Wedding Party

Q + A

Our planned Hotel Block is at the Delta Hotel and is located downtown Muskegon. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and bar, free onsite covered parking, heated indoor pool, fitness center and 24 hour business center. Refrigerators are standard in all rooms along with wireless high speed internet access. A block of rooms is available at a reduced rate (use code NCW) for a period, so please reserve your room before September 15th.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Convention Center

The Shoreline Inn is a lovely hotel in Muskegon. Less than a half mile from the venue and less than a mile from downtown. While we do not have a hotel block here, this is a great location. It is a bit further from all the activities of downtown Muskegon.

The Shoreline Inn

This hotel is the furthest away from downtown Muskegon, and about a 15 minute drive from both the venue and the ceremony space.

Baymont Inn & Suites Muskegon

For the adventurous!Muskegon State Park has camping and Yurt rentals. Reservations for our wedding weekend don't start until April 14th.

Muskegon State Park Channel Campground

Muskegon has a variety of <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Muskegon--Michigan--United-States/homes?tab_id=home_tab&amp;refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;flexible_trip_dates%5B%5D=april&amp;flexible_trip_dates%5B%5D=may&amp;flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=weekend_trip&amp;date_picker_type=calendar&amp;query=Muskegon%2C%20Michigan%2C%20United%20States&amp;place_id=ChIJ2Z49qcN8GYgRQCX3NJE1fiQ&amp;checkin=2022-10-14&amp;checkout=2022-10-16&amp;source=structured_search_input_header&amp;search_type=autocomplete_click" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> and <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/search/keywords:muskegon-michigan-united-states-of-america/arrival:2022-10-14/departure:2022-10-16?petIncluded=false&amp;filterByTotalPrice=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vrbo</a> rentals. We understand if you feel more comfortable staying in a private home with a kitchen. We would recommend staying closer to the lakes. Either Lake Muskegon or Lake Michigan. This will be the most convenient for you in traveling between our ceremony space (near Lake Michigan) and our Reception Venue (near Lake Muskegon)

Local Rentals in Muskegon

Airports

Flights in and out of Muskegon will be priced a bit higher in and out of Muskegon County Airports.

Muskegon County Airport (MKG)

Outside of the Muskegon Airport, The Gerald R. Ford International airport is the closest airport to the wedding.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)

The Detroit Metro Airport is about 3 hours from Muskegon, Michigan.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Travel & Accommodations 

Explore Muskegon

Ray grew up in Muskegon, and Mary moved to Muskegon in 2019. We love Muskegon and all that it has to offer. October is a beautiful time to see all our city has to offer. While it is most likely too cold to go swimming we have great museums, parks, restaurants and bars. This section is curated with some of our favorite places, that we hope you get a chance to experience while you are in town.

The Lakeshore Museum has so much to offer when visiting Muskegon. The museum has several different sites throughout the city, including the main museum, the hertiage museum, and then several historical sites. One of our favorite sites in Muskegon is the Hackley and Hume homes, which are open for tours until the end of October. These historical homes were build by two Lumber Barons who made their millions during the mid to late 1800s.

Lakeshore Museum Center

Aquastar Cruises are one of our favorite Summer/Fall activities. They offer different day and evening cruises. While it will be chilly on Lake Muskegon in October, bring a coat because this is a beautiful experience. The weekend of our wedding is the last weekend for sailing on the Aquastar. They have a Sunset Cruise planned from Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6pm.

Aquastar Cruises

Pere Marquette park is where Ray and Mary got engaged in July 0f 2020. This beach is probably one of the best kept secerts along Lake Michigan. There is walking access to a light house, along with the ability to walk along the breakwall (only in good weather). During the summer there is a parking fee of 5 dollars. However, during the colder months there is no cost to park. While it is too cold to swim, you can see the beautiful lake and watch boats and large freighters move between Lake Muskegon and Lake Michigan

Pere Marquette Park

Ever been on a submarine? We have! The USS Silversides Museum is an excellent stop. The Museum consists of 3 areas, the museum proper, the USS Silversides Sub, and the US Coast Guard Cutter McLane. Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 4pmFriday &amp; Saturday: 10am – 5:30pm

USS SILVERSIDES Submarine Museum

Muskegon State Park is home to 3 miles of breathtaking shoreline (2 miles along Lake Michigan and 1 mile on Muskegon Lake). There are some lovely (but not always well marked) trails. Many Muskegon residents use this as their preferred beach. There is also a campground and yurts for rental. One of the park's popular features is the blockhouse that was originally built by the CCC in the 1930s to provide opportunities for visitors to see in all direction. It sits on the highest point in Muskegon County. This is a state park, and if you are a Michigan resident who has a Recreation Passport access is free. Other wise accessing the park is a 12 dollar per car fee.

Muskegon State Park

This is a treasure of Muskegon, Ray and Mary are Members of the Museum. General admission is 10 Dollars for adults. 8 Dollars for senior citizens (65+). 16 and under is free. HOURSSunday: 11am-5pmTuesday: 11am-5pmWednesday: 11am-5pmThursday: 11am-8pmFriday: 11am-5pmSaturday: 11am-5pmCLOSED MONDAYS and major holidays.

Muskegon Museum of Art

Food

These are some of our favorite places to eat in Muskegon, all levels of fancy included. Muskegon offers a huge variety of food, but also a ton of pizza. So just a heads up.

This is our FAVORITE sandwich shop and it is literally next door to our reception venue. It is also one of the first places in Muskegon Ray brought Mary too. They don't have a fancy website, but their facebook page contains the whole menu for over the phone ordering. They are open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch hours only (11am to 3pm). Ray typically gets "The Fatty" (careful it's giant) and Mary get the Italian Stallion.

Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack

Walkers is the restaurant attached to the Delta Hotel. They have a nice dinner menu and serve breakfast too. It's a lovely addition to downtown.

Walker's An American Brasserie

If you are looking for a great burger, this is the place to be. Ray typically orders either the wet burrito or a burger with onion rings. Mary traditionally gets the shroom burger.

The Station Grill

Capones' works to serve Chicago style deep dish. Just know if you order a deep-dish it will take a bit more time. Often a popular weekend stop, so I would suggest calling ahead to make a reservation. ProTip: Capone's is a Speak-Easy style restaurant, so it can be hard to find. The door of the restaurant says "The Anti-Saloon League," If you find that door you are in the right spot.

Capone’s Speakeasy & Pizzeria

Hearthstone Bistro

Drinks

We have listed out some of our favorite places to drink. We have given our recommendations, but also suggested things based on how Mary's Parents, Mark and Pat, would drink (mainly Labatt Blue and Blue Light) and how Ray's parents, Dave and Pat would drink (which are non-alcoholic drinks). Hopefully everyone can find something they like.

Literally one of our favorite things about Muskegon is the Downtown social District. You think Las Vegas is the only place you can enjoy a beer on the side walk, think again. In the social district you can purchase beverages from participating establishments in a "social district cup" and then you are free to walk around downtown enjoying that drink. This is a great thing to do if you want to enjoy the fall colors and not commit to a place. Or if you are like, we take our dog downtown and get a beer and go for a walk together. Some establishments have an up-charge for purchasing in social district cups, so please keep this in mind and enjoy responsibly! There is something for everyone in the social district!

The Muskegon Social District

One of our favorite bar's around town, we try to visit Wonderland at least once a week. Wonderland is a distillery crafting spirits in Muskegon. Their tasting room has rotating seasonal cocktails, and their staff is outstanding.The kitchen produces great appetizers, cauliflower crust pizzas and a really nice taco tray. Right now, some of our favorite cocktails there are: The Whiskey Bramble, The Rooftop Garden, any of their old fashions (Mary has a soft spot in her heart for the Smoke and Leather Old Fashioned).Literally you cannot go wrong with any cocktail, but also do not hesitate to talk to the staff. They are great. If you stop by during your visit, tell them Ray and Mary sent you! Mark and Pat: this place doesn't serve beer, but they have liked the "L.S.D" cocktail and the Whiskey Bramble. Dave and Pat: They would drink one of the house-made mocktails, the home made ginger beer, or any of the pops they have.

Wonderland Distilling Co

The Brewer's Lounge is located less than a mile from the Delta Hotel, in the same parking lot as the Aquastar. Ray and I think Pigeon Hill produces the best beer in Muskegon. They also have wine and cocktails on tap. They have a simple food menu, with some great Cactus Chili. If you are someone who considers themselves a craft beer person, this should be a stop on your list! Mary and Ray have VERY different beer tastes. Ray likes the Renny "The most crushable double IPA ever" while Mary normally picks darker beers like the Oatmeal Cream Pie (OCP) or The Salted Carmel Porter (SCP) if either of these are on nitro and you are a dark beer fan, both are solid choices. Mark and Pat: would probably like the Walter Blonde Ale. But you can always ask for samples at the bar. Dave and Pat: would probably order some food off the menu, and order some pops.

The Brewer's Lounge at Pigeon Hill

Located in Downtown Muskegon, less than two blocks from the Delta Hotel is Burl and Sprig, a great rum based bar in Michigan. They have an Asian/Pacific Island based food menu and some delicious cocktails. We recommend the Brussel Sprout appetizer. Mary likes the cocktail "The Lumberjack in Paradise" And Ray enjoys their "Curveball" If you drink like Mary's parents and you prefer Labatt Blue or Labatt Blue Light - you won't find beer at this bar. However, they have had the Lovelace and the Ape Shit, and enjoyed both.

Burl & Sprig

Things to Do

Registry

West-side Wedding Shower

We were so excited to send you invitations to our shower, that we forgot to check the date first. So please know that the shower is Sunday July 24th, not July 23rd.

Mary & Ray

Mary & Ray

Engagement Photos