Hotel Nichols

Wedding Weekend Kick-Off Meet & Greet

The Fields of Michigan

Rehearsal/Welcome Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Mike and Melanie were lucky enough to meet through a mutual friend (Stephanie) shortly after they both found themselves newly single. One casual afternoon, Steph texted her friend/coworker (Mike) inviting him to join her and a few friends out in Chicago. Among them? Melanie Haywood. Many drinks and a handful of laughs later, the group slowly dwindled, one by one, until only Mike and Melanie remained. It was at this moment, to Mike’s dismay, Melanie exclaimed she was going to go home. Without a handshake, hug or even a parting smile, she swiftly turned around and practiced the art of speed walking – a pace that put the term “beeline” to shame. Mike wandered off in the opposite direction to report back to his friends about how he’d comedically struck out. There were a few Instagram exchanges afterward, but despite Mike’s charm (and persistence), Melanie wasn’t ready to hand over her “digits” just yet. It wasn’t until Mike posted a photo of a dish he’d made—appealing to one of their shared passions: food—that things finally began to take a turn. And so began the humble beginnings of their love story. From there, they spent nearly every or every other evening together. Living only a few blocks apart made it rather easy. With the intention of “taking it slow,” Mike moved out of his budget-friendly roommate setup and into a place of his own... and no, it wasn’t dog friendly. Therefore, you can imagine how little time he spent there. Talk about a savvy investment! After about 18 months, they were ready to take the next step: moving in together. Their pup Millie was simply thrilled by the decision. They eventually found a place in one of their favorite pockets of Chicago—Logan Square. So many memories were made in that space that it only made sense to bring in someone new to share them with. Enter: Moose. Eventually, after many conversations and some serious reflection, they made the decision to move closer to family and set their sights on Michigan. Grand Rapids felt like the perfect middle ground—offering the city feel they loved, a yard for the dogs, and the draw of the great outdoors. Being an equidistant drive from each set of parents/sibilings made it that much easier. The idea of marriage had come up more than once, early and often, because everything between them just clicked. Melanie made it clear she hoped to return to her home state one day, and Mike had always imagined life somewhere outside the Chicago suburbs. Some might call that coincidence—but it felt more like fate. So much so, in fact, that Mike had already been not-so-secretly working meticulously on a rather important purchase... with plans to ask a significant, life-altering question once the move was complete.

MRH to MRS

Our Story

Joyce Zellin

Kelsey Conway

Lo Lemberger

Stephanie Mastrodonato

Ava McKeel

Taylor Morgan

Mikelle “Waldman”

Nicole Koloszi

Kyle Duff

Matt Salvo

Trey Waldman 

Brandyn Ambrosy

Chris Lulay

Joey Storto 

Drew Jacobi 

Tyler Hovious 

John LeMay 

Wedding Party

We invite the Wedding Party and immediate family to stay on site with the Bride and Groom at The Fields. The Bride and Groom have secured each of your stays already and you will each receive an email to finalize the reservation and payment process. Check-In is Friday, October 3rd at 3:00pm. Check-Out is Sunday, October 5th at 10:00am. Option for early check-in at 2:00pm is available at an additional cost. Breakfast is included in your stay and runs from around 8:30-10AM. It will be served in the main building (the “Willow”). For those who are staying on site, please join us for a rehearsal at 5pm and a welcome dinner at 6pm at The Fields on Friday evening.

We have on hold the Victoria Resort in downtown South Haven for our guests until 8/15/25. We will call to extend this deadline if needed. This boutique resort really gives you the true South Haven experience! Visit their website below for details and call directly to book or email info@victoriaresort.com. Please ask for Elizabeth when you call. King Deluxe $329 Queen Deluxe $299 Mini-Suite $299 Standard Queen $269 Cozy Queen $249 Cottage A accommodates four guests in two bedrooms, (Queen, Two Twins), kitchen, bathroom, living room, porch, grills, picnic table @ $499 Cottage B accommodates four guests in two bedrooms, (Queen, Two Twins), kitchen, bathroom, whirlpool tub, living room, porch, grills, picnic table @ $499 Cottage C accommodates six guests in three bedrooms, (Queen, Queen, Two Twins), kitchen, bathroom, living room, deck, grills, picnic table @ $649 Cottage D accommodates four guests in two bedrooms, (Queen, Two Twins), kitchen, bathroom, jacuzzi tub, living room, porch, grills, picnic table @ $499 Bushies Bungalow accommodates two guests in one Queen bedrooms, couch, kitchen, bathroom, deck, grills, picnic table @ $259

Victoria Resort Bed & Breakfast and Cottages

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn South Haven for our guests at a discounted rate. Please use the link below to book directly and use code 'HSW' or call the hotel directly and mention the Haywood/Salvo room block or use Group Code: 1004.

Hampton Inn South Haven

Travel

Transportation Schedule will be as follows: 3:30 pm Pick up Guests at Hampton Inn South Haven (04299 Cecilia Dr, South Haven, MI 49090, USA)3:45 pm Drop off guests to The Fields of Michigan (154 68th St, South Haven, MI 49090, USA)4:00 pm Pick up guests at Victoria Resort (241 Oak St, South Haven, MI 49090, USA)4:15 pm Drop guests off at The Fields of Michigan (154 68th St, South Haven, MI 49090, USA)

Melanie & Michael

Melanie & Michael

Registry