Reserve Hotel ASAP! They all book up months before Halloween! Please RSVP as soon as possible & before August 1, 2026.
Melinda & Timothy
Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres- The General Parker Room
Wedding Day
6:15 PM–6:45 PM
Ceremony
6:30 PM–10:00 PM
Reception
10:00 PM–1:00 AM
Wedding After Party on Main Street
Our Story
How Our Paths Crossed: Gift of Hope & the Funeral Director
Tim sat in his usual spot at the front table at the Mclean County Funeral Directors Association conference in Bloomington, IL, hosted by Kevin Smith from Calvert Memorial. Tim saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen setting up her table for Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network. Tim commented on the Spotted Cow Melinda had at the table that she was going to give away as a raffle prize, and Melinda said, "You must be my Front-Row-Joe for today". That's all it took. Melinda and Tim became best friends that day. Tim tells Melinda that he paid no attention to the CE presentations that day, that all he heard was "Embalming, blah, blah, blah" because all he could think about was his next conversation with Melinda.
Falling in Love
Tim said it was love at first sight, but Tim knew the instant he saw Melinda had fallen in love with him..... in Galena, taking the shuttle bus from Eagle Ridge Resort down to Main Street. Tim was talking to the shuttle driver about fishing and glanced over at Melinda. Melinda was staring at him with the most "I'm in love with you" eyes. Melinda said to Tim that she saw how Tim loved to talk to strangers, just like her. Tim and Melinda love meeting new people, and one of their favorite things to do is go out to dinner and strike up conversations with strangers.
We're Engaged!
On June 28th, 2025, Melinda and Tim stayed at the Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Galena. Melinda was getting ready inside, and Tim told Melinda he was stepping outside to talk to his dad. Little did Melinda know that Tim was actually calling Melinda's mom Sherrill to ask her permission to marry him. Sherrill happily said yes. Tim went inside and asked Melinda if she wanted to go check out the fish pond. They walked out to the pond, and they sat on the park bench. Tim got on one knee, with tears in his eyes and barely able to speak, asked Melinda to marry him. Melinda absolutely said YES!
The Wedding - Why Galena?
It took more than 4 months to decide when and where they wanted to get married. It wasn't until Tim's mother, Julia, gave some great advice : "Have the wedding somewhere special to you! Don't worry about everyone else." Tim and Melinda knew there were only a few places truly special to them separately, but their most special place together was Galena. That's when the idea of getting married in Galena, at Halloween, came about. They then called the Desoto Hotel on Main Street to see if there were rooms available for Halloween of 2026. There were! They booked all 17 rooms so that family and friends could stay there on Main Street Halloween night, which was also the night of the Galena Halloween Parade.
Our wedding colors are nothing other than: Calvert Blue & Gift of Hope Purple, of course. Sorry, no CEUs will be given this weekend.... although it was discussed ;)
Wedding Party
Dress Code
FRIDAY COCKTAIL/ SATURDAY HALLOWEEN THEME
Friday; Bride and Groom will be dressed in cocktail attire, but we want you to come as you please! Dress up, dress down. We don't care, as long as you are there!
Saturday: Halloween Parade & Wedding. Halloween costumes are encouraged, but not mandatory ! Have fun! Go all out! Dress as a member of the wedding party if you want to ( bride, groom, priest, flower girl) . It is ok to have full face paint, costumes, etc. Be creative!
Travel
Nearest Airports
Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) - 24 mins to Galena, IL
Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) 1.5 hours to Galena
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 3 hour drive
DeSoto House Hotel
*****THIS IS WHERE MELINDA,TIM and the WEDDING PARTY ARE STAYING! We are also staying Thursday night, so feel free to add another day to your reservation too if you want to. This hotel has a parking garage and is right on Main Street! lt is a less than 7 minute walk to the wedding venue restaurant. We do have some rooms reserved for family and friends. If you would like us to switch these rooms into your name call the hotel and let them know you would like to reserve one the ASHER WEDDING BLOCK rooms under your name. These are 1 king bed and 2 double bed rooms. We reserved 16 rooms total. 10 extra rooms available for our guests to switch their name under the reservation, but now ( 05/22) we are down to 3 rooms left. Book now!
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa
**** THIS HOTEL HAS SHUTTLE TO MAIN STREET FROM HOTEL AND BACK*******The Resort is in the heart of the Galena Territorys rolling countryside in Galena Illinois among the continuous 6800 acres of pristine countryside. Eagle Ridge is the Midwests finest resort featuring 63 holes of championship golf indoor and outdoor fitness facilities plus a world of family recreation. The Resort also has a variety of restaurants offering it all from elaborate buffets to intimate dinners as well as room service. Stonedrift Spa offers massages and body treatments of all kinds. There is also horseback riding and hot air balloon rides. Eagle Ridge has it all to help you get away from the hectic nature of daily life. The Resort features 15000 square feet of Meeting and Conference facilities for meeting of 10 to 750 people. Some of our accommodations are pet friendly for a fee. Our hotel is smoke free.
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
Best Western Galena Inn & Suites
Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or take in the view from a garden. This bed & breakfast also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a picnic area.
Dining
A complimentary full breakfast is included.
Business Amenities
Free self parking is available onsite.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 6 air-conditioned rooms featuring fireplaces and flat-screen televisions. Cable programming and DVD players are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature jetted bathtubs and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include refrigerators and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Attractions
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum - 2 km / 1.3 mi
Old Market House - 2.1 km / 1.3 mi
Dowling House - 2.1 km / 1.3 mi
Linmar Gardens - 2.2 km / 1.4 mi
Old Blacksmith Shop - 2.2 km / 1.4 mi
West Street Sculpture Park - 2.4 km / 1.5 mi
Galena Golf Club - 2.6 km / 1.6 mi
Grant Home - 2.8 km / 1.8 mi
Belvedere Mansion - 2.9 km / 1.8 mi
Washburne House Historic Site - 2.9 km / 1.8 mi
Grant Park - 2.9 km / 1.8 mi
J Dubuque Monument - 5.2 km / 3.3 mi
Horseshoe Mound - 6.4 km / 4 mi
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve - 11.7 km / 7.3 mi
Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge - 12.9 km / 8 mi
The preferred airport for Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast is Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 34.1 km / 21.2 mi
Location
Located in Galena, Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast is within a 5-minute drive of Old Blacksmith Shop and Galena Golf Club. This bed & breakfast is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Old Market House and 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum.
Headline
Near Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum
Lamberson Guest House
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access. This bed & breakfast also features concierge services and a picnic area.
Dining
A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
Business Amenities
Featured amenities include luggage storage and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Rooms
Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 4 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring fireplaces and flat-screen televisions. Your memory foam bed comes with premium bedding. Cable programming and DVD players are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include complimentary bottled water and portable fans, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Attractions
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Linmar Gardens - 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
Old Market House - 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
Dowling House - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
Old Blacksmith Shop - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
West Street Sculpture Park - 1 km / 0.6 mi
Grant Home - 1 km / 0.6 mi
Washburne House Historic Site - 1 km / 0.6 mi
Grant Park - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
Belvedere Mansion - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
Horseshoe Mound - 4.3 km / 2.7 mi
Galena Golf Club - 4.3 km / 2.7 mi
J Dubuque Monument - 7.2 km / 4.5 mi
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve - 9.7 km / 6 mi
Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge - 10.9 km / 6.8 mi
The nearest major airport is Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 36 km / 22.4 mi
Location
With a stay at Lamberson Guest House in Galena, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum and Old Market House. This bed & breakfast is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Linmar Gardens and 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Old Blacksmith Shop.
Headline
Near Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum
Galena Inn
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access. This bed & breakfast also features concierge services, a picnic area, and barbecue grills.
Dining
Full breakfasts are available daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee.
Business Amenities
Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. This bed & breakfast has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 10 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms have hair dryers and bathrobes. Conveniences include complimentary bottled water, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Attractions
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Linmar Gardens - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Old Market House - 0.6 km / 0.3 mi
West Street Sculpture Park - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
Dowling House - 0.7 km / 0.5 mi
Old Blacksmith Shop - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Belvedere Mansion - 0.9 km / 0.5 mi
Grant Home - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi
Washburne House Historic Site - 1 km / 0.6 mi
Grant Park - 1 km / 0.6 mi
Horseshoe Mound - 4.2 km / 2.6 mi
Galena Golf Club - 4.4 km / 2.7 mi
J Dubuque Monument - 7.4 km / 4.6 mi
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve - 9.4 km / 5.8 mi
Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge - 10.6 km / 6.6 mi
The nearest major airport is Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 36.2 km / 22.5 mi
Location
With a stay at Galena Inn in Galena, you'll be near ski lifts, within a 15-minute walk of Belvedere Mansion and Grant Home. This bed & breakfast is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Washburne House Historic Site and 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Galena Golf Club.
Headline
Near Linmar Gardens
Hotel Galena
Aldrich Guest House
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access. This bed & breakfast also features concierge services, a fireplace in the lobby, and a picnic area.
Dining
Grab a bite from the snack bar/deli serving guests of Aldrich Guest House. Mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held daily. A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Business Amenities
Featured amenities include luggage storage, a library, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 5 individually decorated guestrooms. Your memory foam bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Attractions
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Washburne House Historic Site - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
Belvedere Mansion - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Grant Park - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Grant Home - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Linmar Gardens - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum - 0.9 km / 0.5 mi
Old Market House - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi
West Street Sculpture Park - 1 km / 0.6 mi
Old Blacksmith Shop - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
Dowling House - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
Horseshoe Mound - 3.3 km / 2 mi
Galena Golf Club - 5.2 km / 3.2 mi
J Dubuque Monument - 7.9 km / 4.9 mi
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve - 8.6 km / 5.3 mi
Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge - 9.8 km / 6.1 mi
The nearest major airport is Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 36.7 km / 22.8 mi
Location
When you a stay at Aldrich Guest House in Galena, you'll be in the historical district, within a 5-minute walk of Washburne House Historic Site and Belvedere Mansion. This bed & breakfast is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Grant Park and 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from Grant Home.
Headline
Near Washburne House Historic Site
Avery On Prospect Hill Guest House
Annie Wiggins Guest House
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access.
Dining
A complimentary breakfast is included.
Business Amenities
Free self parking is available onsite.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 7 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Bathrooms have separate bathtubs and showers and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include irons/ironing boards, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Attractions
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Belvedere Mansion - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
Washburne House Historic Site - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Grant Park - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Grant Home - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Linmar Gardens - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
West Street Sculpture Park - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Old Market House - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi
Old Blacksmith Shop - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
Dowling House - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
Horseshoe Mound - 3.3 km / 2.1 mi
Galena Golf Club - 5 km / 3.1 mi
J Dubuque Monument - 7.7 km / 4.8 mi
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve - 8.6 km / 5.4 mi
Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge - 9.9 km / 6.1 mi
The nearest major airport is Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 36.6 km / 22.7 mi
Location
With a stay at Annie Wiggins Guest House in Galena, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Belvedere Mansion and Washburne House Historic Site. This bed & breakfast is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Grant Park and 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Grant Home.
Headline
Near Belvedere Mansion
Stoney Creek Inn Galena
Grant Hills Motel
Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 33 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have bathtubs or showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary newspapers, as well as phones with free local calls.
Attractions
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Grant Home - 1.5 km / 1 mi
Grant Park - 2 km / 1.3 mi
Washburne House Historic Site - 2.2 km / 1.4 mi
Belvedere Mansion - 2.3 km / 1.4 mi
Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum - 2.4 km / 1.5 mi
Old Market House - 2.4 km / 1.5 mi
Linmar Gardens - 2.5 km / 1.6 mi
Old Blacksmith Shop - 2.6 km / 1.6 mi
Dowling House - 2.6 km / 1.6 mi
West Street Sculpture Park - 3 km / 1.9 mi
Horseshoe Mound - 4.9 km / 3 mi
Galena Golf Club - 6.7 km / 4.2 mi
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve - 8.7 km / 5.4 mi
J Dubuque Monument - 9.4 km / 5.9 mi
Eagle Ridge Resort Golf - 10 km / 6.2 mi
The nearest major airport is Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 38.2 km / 23.7 mi
Location
Located in Galena, Grant Hills Motel is within a 5-minute drive of Grant Home and Washburne House Historic Site. This hotel is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Grant Park and 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Belvedere Mansion.
Headline
Near Horseshoe Mound
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Galena, IL
Lefevre Inn and Resort
Treat yourself with massages and facials. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, wedding services, and barbecue grills.
Dining
A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily.
Business Amenities
The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Rooms
Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 12 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring fireplaces and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and DVD players are provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Attractions
Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.
Horseshoe Mound - 1.6 km / 1 mi
Washburne House Historic Site - 3.5 km / 2.2 mi
Belvedere Mansion - 3.6 km / 2.2 mi
Grant Home - 3.6 km / 2.2 mi
Grant Park - 4.2 km / 2.6 mi
Linmar Gardens - 4.2 km / 2.6 mi
Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum - 4.4 km / 2.7 mi
Old Market House - 4.4 km / 2.7 mi
West Street Sculpture Park - 4.5 km / 2.8 mi
Old Blacksmith Shop - 4.6 km / 2.8 mi
Dowling House - 4.6 km / 2.8 mi
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve - 4.9 km / 3.1 mi
Mississippi River - 6.8 km / 4.2 mi
Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge - 7.3 km / 4.5 mi
Galena Golf Club - 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
The preferred airport for Lefevre Inn and Resort is Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 40 km / 24.9 mi
Location
With a stay at Lefevre Inn and Resort in Galena, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Horseshoe Mound and Washburne House Historic Site. This hotel is 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Grant Home and 3.8 mi (6.1 km) from Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve.
Headline
Near Horseshoe Mound
Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa
Belle Aire Mansion Guest House
WorldMark Galena
Chestnut Mountain Resort
**** Please Read****Day of Wedding/Parade Parking, shuttle, road info
Parking/ Shuttle/ Road Closure Information
****Very Important****
Please know that to be at the wedding location ( Campeche Restaurant) at 5:00pm to begin dinner, you must plan for parking or take a shuttle bus in if you are not staying at the DeSoto Hotel. DeSoto hotel guests will take a 7 minute walk from hotel to restaurant. You will not be able to drive your car up to this location at all past 3pm. The roads will be shut down. Come early. Find Parking with the instructions below. Explore Downtown before reservations at restaurant at 5:00pm.
-Shuttles run from the Walmart lot to downtown starting at 3:30 PM for a Suggested donation fare: $5.00 per rider ages 6+
-Overflow parking: Tractor Supply & Medical Associates lots
-Last outbound shuttle downtown departs at 5:30 PM
· No shuttles during the parade (for safety)
· Return shuttles: after parade until about 9:15 PM
· Downtown pick-up/drop-off: near Galena City Hall
· City of Galena Parking Lot closed (no public parking)
· Handicapped parking: South Main Street/Gazette Lot with City approval — call 815-777-1050
· Parking will be limited; see City parking map & Know Before You Go page
For more event details and visitor information, visit our Event Insider Guide!
From Hotels to Downtown Galena
Hotel Route stops at Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa, Country Inn and Suites, Palace Campground, Stoney Creek Inn, Best Western Designer Inn & Suites, Irish Cottage Inn & Suites, and Grant Hills Motel.
Saturdays: 11 am - 10 pm. Operating seasonally.
The Depot Park Lot on the east side of the river offers all-day free parking for tour coaches, buses, and recreational vehicles. The lot is accessible from Bouthillier Street. Tour coaches and buses should park in the designated area under the Highway 20 bridge. They may unload downtown on Green Street next to City Hall, but are not permitted to park in the downtown or residential neighborhoods. Parking for recreational vehicles is marked with signs along the black metal fence in the Depot Park Lot
Beginning at 10:00 AM:
o No parking on Washington Street between S. Commerce Street and Main Street
o No parking on Perry Street between Commerce Street and Main Street
Beginning at 12:00 PM:
o No parking on Commerce Street from Perry Street to Franklin Street, both sides.
Beginning at 3:00 PM:
o No parking
§ Main Street, for the length of the floodgates to Meeker Street - any vehicles not moved by 3:00 PM will be towed.
§ Franklin Street, between Bench Street and N. Commerce Street.
§ Commerce Street, between Hill Street and Franklin Street.
§ Hill Street, between Commerce Street and Bench Street.
§ Warren Street, between Main Street and S. Commerce Street.
§ Water Street for the parade participant lineup.
§ Green Street, by the Post Office.
§ Commerce Street, by the Post Office, including the diagonal parking spaces.
§ City lot by the Galena Gazette - Handicap parking only. Call to reserve your spot: 815-777-1050.
Registry- Your PRESENCE at our wedding is the greatest gift of all.
Photos
Things to Do
The Haunted Galena Tour Company
Walking tour featuring ghost stories and haunted stops from the 1800s led by guides in period outfits.