Wedding Day

The Old Stone Chapel

Ceremony

Historic  Onesto Event Center

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story officially started in July 2021 with my new job, a move to Ohio, and my first attempt to meet someone on a dating app (thanks Bumble.)What people don't know is that in April 2021, I was living in Virginia, unemployed, and had been offered a job at the University of Dayton in a state I had never stepped foot in. At the same time, I was offered a similar job in Florida at a university that nobody turns down - yet I did - because I felt like something (or someone) was calling me to Dayton.I still vividly remember swiping right on Megan and thinking about how beautiful and intelligent she looked. I also remember how excited I was when we matched. (Side note: Megan still doesn't like telling people we met on a dating app so sometimes she says "we met through mutual friends" or we just make something up.)Meg and I started chatting on Bumble, and I quickly asked her out on a date... but she was actually 3 hours away in Uniontown, and only matched with me because she was on the app when she was at a wedding down in Dayton (thank you, fate!). So... I did what any respectable guy would do - I waited for her to come back to Dayton in a few weeks for school.Megan and I had an instant connection, even virtually. For the first few weeks, we would both stay up way later than normal to keep chatting. I was very nervous the first time we talked on the phone. I remember being on a Bumble date with a different girl and seeing Megan had sent me a message. I "went to the bathroom" just to read it and reply to her... and that was my last date with anyone other than Meg. Even before our first in-person date, I knew she was the girl I wanted to pursue.For our first date and first meeting in-person, Megan (against the wishes of her parents, myself, and anyone else with a brain) insisted on meeting me at my apartment before we went to dinner. We went to dinner at a spot called Basil's on Market in Dayton (since closed, RIP) and she got a shrimp dish (right after telling me she doesn't like seafood.) We had a great time despite her total misunderstanding of my sarcastic personality.We were pretty much inseparable after that. We started dating "officially" on September 22, 2021. We spent a lot of weekends watching football (Megan knows at least 20 NFL teams' starting quarterbacks now) and traveling to watch Anna (Megan's sister) play soccer (in between some complaining about the referees). The first time I met Megan's parents, Mr. Stevens went the wrong way for ~40 minutes before we realized we were going to the wrong soccer field in Indiana. I had to go to the bathroom so badly the entire ride, but was afraid to ask them to stop.Throughout the fall, Megan and I got to know each other on a much deeper level. We had a lot of serious, vulnerable conversations, and I definitely brought out her emotional side. She met my family, who instantly loved her. She finally started to accept Oliver the Cat as her own son. She helped me change my car's brake light (great story), which was the moment I knew I was in love with her and wanted to be with her forever.On New Year's Day, 2022, we said "I love you" for the first time. She did say it first, but I basically prompted it...In May 2022, she finished her classes at Cedarville, and we embarked on a year of long distance. There were many trips both ways from Uniontown to Dayton, but that year showed me how much we were willing to struggle and sacrifice to give our best to each other (and how easily I could buy Abby's approval with ginger beer). This was also when we decided that wherever her residency took her, I would be tagging along.In winter 2022, I began seriously looking at rings as we started talking about getting engaged. On January 19th, I bought the ring, and on January 28th, 2023, I very nervously talked to her parents about my intention to propose to their daughter while Megan was out getting coffee (typical).The rest of my spring was spent recovering from shoulder surgery, waiting to see where Megan's residency would send us, and planning a very intricate proposal, while convincing Meg I "didn't have a ring yet" and "I wouldn't propose until she graduated."I knew all along that if I was going to surprise her, I had to do it in March or April, so with the help of some sisters and some co-workers, I shocked her with a proposal on April 15th, 2023 - but I'll let her tell that story. In the months since then, we've celebrated our engagement, moved to North Carolina, started new jobs, added a kitten to the team, and began to plan for this wedding. In those months, I've only fallen deeper in love with who Megan is. She is truly my best friend (she used to hate when I said that). She shows interest in the things that matter to me and supports me in everything I do. (She now asks if we can watch the Braves!?) She is the most positive influence on my life. She is incredibly driven and astoundingly intelligent. I adore her family and even like their dog. I never get tired of Meg, and she puts up with my shenanigans better than any other human on Earth. I can't and won't imagine my life without her, so I'm planning on marrying her instead.

Anthony's Version

If you have made it this far, 1) you're a real one and 2) since Anthony described our story perfectly, I am going to tell my side of the proposal. Ever since we began seriously talking about our future together, Anthony has been adamant about wanting the proposal to be a complete surprise. I was always a little skeptical about how he would pull that off since it had been impossible for him to keep many (if any) secrets from me. We started looking at rings during our visit to Richmond in January 2023. As my graduation plans started to be discussed, Anthony told me his family wanted to come and meet my family that weekend. This was my first clue that he may have other plans for that weekend. Anthony was only allowed to lie about the proposal, so every time he tried to convince me it wasn't happening graduation weekend, I just kept telling myself that he was lying (sorry babe, I shouldn't have doubted you).April 3rd started my last pharmacy rotation and I was definitely ready to graduate. I already found out I matched at my top residency choice and planned out the big move to NC. I was trying to find any way to finish the rotation ASAP and mentioned to Anthony about working April 15th &amp; 16th instead of visiting Dayton for the weekend. It didn't take much for Anthony and my mom to convince me that skipping Dayton that weekend wasn't a good idea (shoutout Jodi!). The Monday leading up to the proposal, a college friend reached out about getting together and we planned a double date for Saturday night. I got to Dayton on Friday and Anthony "randomly" brought up my ring size and how he didn't think what was measured at the jeweler was accurate (this man was STRESSIN'). He ran to make a fake ring from the paper wrapper of a straw and was relived when it fit my finger. How this didn't make me suspicious, I have no clue!! We spent the entire morning at a golf tournament and Anthony was acting completely normal. We head back to start getting ready for dinner and I realize I didn't bring a dress that matched the restaurant vibe. Anthony hands me his credit card and tells me to "go get something that makes me feel beautiful" (what an angel &lt;3). As we are about to leave for dinner, Anthony proceeds to ask me about his outfit at least 5 times (which shoes, which belt, shirt tuck vs not tucked, which watch, etc.... not exaggerating at all). Despite his signs of starting to stress, I wasn't picking up on anything too weird. We started to walk out the door and he handed me my keys even though he was planning on driving. I was about to question him but he set them aside as we rush out to make the reservation. We walked to his garage and Anthony sneakily flipped the battery in his garage door opener so it wouldn't open and we had to take my car (come to find out I needed my keys for part of the proposal). On our way to the restaurant, Anthony wasn't following the GPS. That didn't make me suspicious since he knew his way around Dayton much better than me. He turned down the road to take us to a local park that we spent time at throughout our relationship and I immediately looked at him and saw his eyes starting to tear up (brb crying). I started saying there is no way this is happening and quickly realized that proposing graduation weekend was never his plan. We pulled up to the pond and he takes my hand and walks me to a bench with his keepsake box wrapped in a chain with a gold lock. Anthony admits he didn't have the key to unlock the box. It took me a minute or so but then realized I had been carrying around the key on my car keys since Valentine's Day (his planning is unreal). I unlocked the box and found everything from my keepsake box. After reminiscing on the past year and half, he finally popped the question (!!!!). He pointed across the pond to a photographer taking our photos and then one of his coworkers jumped out of the bushes and shouted "She said YES!" We were congratulated by strangers visiting the park and walking around the lake yet I was still in utter shock that he got me completely by surprise. Our families were eagerly waiting our phone calls/facetimes on our way to dinner. It really is true what they say about the dinner after you get engaged. Being able to listen to the entire planning process was my second favorite part of the night. Anthony exceeded any idea I had for the proposal and feel incredibly blessed I get to do life with him forever. He truly is my best friend and marrying him is the greatest gift. April 5, 2024, we can't wait for you!

The Proposal - Megan's Version

Our Story

Photos

Em and I have been nearly inseparable ever since we we born. She may be my cousin, however our relationship has always been more like sisters. She has been right by my side in each stage of my life and knows me better than I know myself at times. She can sense my mood and needs with just a quick glance and I couldn't imagine having anyone else be my right hand on the best day of my life.

Emily Buetner

Height: 6'1"        •            Superpower: Elite video game player        •        
Known Anthony since: June 2nd, 1998        •        Trait Anthony would steal from him: Ability to talk to (or at) anyone        •        Random memory: Too many to name. We used to have a ping pong table that involved so much cheating that we had a signed paper of "rules" on the wall, and tallies for how many games each of us had won. Garrett definitely added tallies on his side when nobody was watching. I still love him though.

Garrett Carson

Rach has been my built in best friend since day 1. She's my older sister who always has my back. Even though she moves all over the country with the military, she continues to make an effort with keeping up on my life. Rachael is loyal, generous, and always down to have a good time. My wedding wouldn't be the same without her.

Rachael Stevens

Height: 5'10"        •            Superpower: Mayonnaise Consumption        •        
Known Anthony since: 2003, ish?        •        Trait Anthony would steal from him: Composure, levelheadedness, discipline        •        Random memory: One time at the beach, Evan got CRUSHED by a golf course sprinkler. Evan also gave me the best piece of advice I've ever heard on love - and it's part of the reason Megan and I are together. Won't be sharing it, though.

Evan Morrison

Anna is such a special person. She has the biggest heart of anyone I ever met. She holds me accountable in many areas of my life and always offers grace with a listening ear. She may be my younger sister, but she is someone I look up to and hope to emulate. Anna recently got married and I am so excited to walk through this new stage of life together. 

Anna (Stevens) Stewart

Height: 6'3"        •            Superpower: Can snap a football 3 miles in the air        •        
Known Anthony since: 2002 or so        •        Trait Anthony would steal from him: Easygoing attitude, stunningly good looks        •        Random memory: Graham and I grew up playing football together. Among many memories, he broke Evan's arm while scoring a touchdown, and we also played soccer with a football during practice. Graham is one of my closest and longest friends.

Graham Latham

Abby (Abigail - she hates when I call her that) completes the Stevens' girls. She is encouraging, hilarious, and friendly to anyone. I can always count on her to be my shopping buddy (oops!) and is my #1 hype girl. Abby is the family member who always answers my phone call (unless she's at the Dusty). She is no longer my annoying little sister, but one of my best friends. 

Abby Stevens

Height: 5'9"        •            Superpower: Ability to fall asleep ANYWHERE        •        
Known Anthony since: August 2014        •        Trait Anthony would steal from him: Insane musical talent        •        Random memory: Garrett and I were pretty inseparable in college. We sat courtside at a basketball game and heckled Michael Qualls and Bobby Portis for 40 minutes straight. Michael Qualls was not happy with us. We have also been known to text back and forth names of old South Carolina basketball players to see who can name the most "irrelevant" player. I love that guy.

Garrett Lash

Four years of pharmacy school brought me one of my best friends. Karley was someone who I knew in undergrad, yet have no idea why it took us until grad school to actually become friends. From living together before she got married to spending every Thursday night cramming for our exam, Karley has been there through it all. She shares my love for coffee and Target and is someone that I can always count on even though we live miles away. 

Karley Shoultz

Height: 5'10"        •            Superpower: Anything outdoors (mountain biking, skiing)        •        
Known Anthony since: 2004ish        •        Trait Anthony would steal from him: Ability to be quiet       •        Random memory: Brett's house was the best spot for sleepovers growing up. One night, we were playing manhunt in his neighborhood, and I got horrible poison ivy. I am still terrified of poison ivy, and I am also unable to identify it. Brett has been a great friend of mine for a very long time.

Brett Nicol

Kels and I became best friends on the softball field. Despite her transferring to another high school, going to separate colleges and now living in different states, our friendship has stayed constant. Kels is someone I know will always give me her honest opinion, has some of the best music recs, and has been a positive influence in my life. I couldn't imagine getting married without her by my side.

Kelsey Taylor

Height: 6'0"        •            Superpower: Tricking people into taking non-alcoholic jell-o shots at Jimmy Buffett concerts         •        
Known Anthony since: Also 2004ish        •        Trait Anthony would steal from him: Ability to deflate a volleyball with a serve        •        Random memory: During my HS football glory days, we won a home game and the students stormed the field. There is a hilarious picture of Tucker next to me in an orange full-body suit and you just have to trust that it's him under the spandex. Tucker is always down for a game of poker - and is one of my best friends.

Tucker Evans

Wedding Party

If you need some outfit inspo, check out <a href="https://pin.it/3o9kkgl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this link</a>!

Q + A

Click <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/the-stevens-carson-wedding2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> to direct you to our booking block!

DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown

Click <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=CAKNCHT&amp;arrivalDate=2024-04-04&amp;departureDate=2024-04-06&amp;groupCode=CHTSCA&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> to direct you to our booking block!

Home2 Suites by Hilton Canton

Click <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1695303283094&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> to direct you to our booking block!

Fairfield Inn & Suites Canton South

Travel

Only 5 minutes from downtown Canton, and 1 hour from downtown Cleveland! Anthony is going with a group on Friday morning if you are in town.Around the museum, there are lots of restaurants and a TopGolf simulator.

Pro Football Hall of Fame

One of our favorite nearby spots for dinner or a drink.

Gervasi Vineyard

Apparently there is a speakeasy there, too.

Canton Brewing Company

Megan highly recommends the truffle fries.

Table Six Kitchen + Bar

Anthony has never been there but maybe history is your thing.

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

Opening weekend at home for the local team.

Akron RubberDucks

Just in case you need to buy us anything last minute. There is also a Dave &amp; Buster's, a Golf Galaxy, and a Chuck E. Cheese (for Garrett.)

Megan & Anthony

Megan & Anthony

Travel

DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown

Home2 Suites by Hilton Canton

Fairfield Inn & Suites Canton South