Wedding day

Alumni Chapel at Michigan State University

Ceremony

The Graduate Hotel - East Lansing

Reception

Gift Registry <a href="https://www.amazon.com/wedding/share/andyandmary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/wedding/share/andyandmary</a>

Our Wedding

Some love stories begin with fireworks. Ours began with a help desk ticket. We both work at MSU — Andy in Health Care IT and Mary in Health Care Pharmacy. At first, we were just faces in passing, working near each other but not quite together. That changed when Mary started handling the IT side of things for the pharmacy. Suddenly, Andy’s name kept popping up… usually attached to problems only he could solve. Calls for help turned into conversations. Conversations turned into laughter. And before long, we weren’t just colleagues — we were two people who looked forward to seeing each other every day. It was natural, easy, and somehow inevitable. On February 12, 2015, we went on our first official date. And from that day on, everything started falling into place. Over the years, we’ve built a life filled with love, patience, and two very spoiled dogs — Ace and Birdie. And just shy of a decade together, Andy decided to pop the question. In classic Andy fashion, he did it on February 11, 2025 — the day before our 10-year anniversary. Not because he couldn’t wait another day, but so no one could say he waited ten years. Ten years, one proposal, two dogs, and countless memories later — it turns out love looks a lot like a friendship that never stopped growing.

Our Story

Photos

Mary's sister Anna will stand by her side as her Matron of Honor

Anna Bates

Andy's cousin Josh will stand by his side as Best Man

Josh McLeod

Andy and Mary are so excited to have their niece, Kyla, preside over their ceremony.

Kyla O'Donnell

Andy and Mary's niece Amira will be reading a special dedication for their ceremony

Amira Bates

Andy and Mary have asked their nephew, Finn, to carry their rings. 

Finn McLeod

Andy and Mary have asked their nephew, Carver, to carry their rings. 

Carver McLeod

Andy and Mary have asked their niece, Scarlett, to be their flower girl. 

Scarlett McLeod

Wedding Party

Parking Info

Located in East Lansing, a 2-minute walk from Jack Breslin Arena, Graduate by Hilton East Lansing provides accommodations with free bikes, private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel has a restaurant and a bar. The hotel features family rooms. The reception at the hotel can provide tips on the area. Popular points of interest near Graduate by Hilton East Lansing include Wharton Center, Michigan State University and Spartan Stadium. Capital Region International Airport is 8.1 miles away.

Graduate by Hilton East Lansing

Less than a mile away from Michigan State University, Marriott East Lansing at University Place features an indoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant and bar, and complimentary airport shuttle services. Every room at Marriott East Lansing at University Place provides a 42-inch flat-screen TV with premium satellite channels and a sofa bed. A work desk and coffee maker are also included. Bistro 43 offers healthy, hearty American fare for breakfast. Guests can relax with a cocktail or grab a bite for lunch and dinner at the Great Room Restaurant and Lounge. An on-site fitness center is offered on-site and features modern cardio machines and free weights. Flexible meeting and event space is also available at the hotel. Spartan Stadium is 1 mile away from the hotel. East Lansing Train Station is a 9-minute drive away. Popular nearby attractions include the Riverwalk Theater and the Turner-Dodge Mansion, both within 10 minutes' drive from Marriott at University Place hotel.

Mary & Andrew

Mary & Andrew

Wedding Party