Jo Daviess County Courthouse

Ceremony

Our Farm

Happily Ever After Party!

OUR WEDDING, TWO SPECIAL MOMENTS

Our Wedding

Jack and Melissa met in graduate school in the fall of 2021. During orientation, Jack noticed Melissa right away and quickly found an excuse to ask her out for coffee—under the guise of discussing a class paper. Melissa soon realized this wasn’t just about schoolwork—it was definitely a date! From that moment, Jack had won the day. Their first&nbsp;official&nbsp;date (the one where both knew it was a date) was at the Art Institute of Chicago. From the start, everything between them felt easy and natural. Even Franklin seemed to approve, happily tagging along on car trips to Portage Park. Whether it was the treats or the backyard, he fell in love too. From there, life unfolded in the best ways—trips to California to visit family, weekends with Robby filled with mini golf and go-karting, and the renovation of a century-old bungalow (where Jack became the Chip to Melissa’s Joanna Gaines). And of course, their engagement! Life, as it does, got "lifey." Between finishing grad school, navigating COVID, losing loved ones, and beating breast cancer, Jack and Melissa faced every challenge side by side, their love and respect only growing stronger. Sharing a passion for the environment, they purchased 24 acres in the Driftless Area of northwestern Illinois. This next chapter has brought them even closer as they put into practice the very ideas they studied in graduate school—the same place where their love story began. Today, their farm is a source of joy and connection, a place to share with family and friends. Jack and Melissa can’t wait to celebrate their first day as newlyweds surrounded by the people they love most.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

AIRPORTS

Approximately 14 miles from Galena

Dubuque Regional Airport

Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to Elizabeth.Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to Galena.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

LODGING

In general, you can expect a 15–40 minute drive on scenic rural roads to and from lodging locations. Below is a link to Trip Advisor's Top 10 Galena Hotels: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g36022-c2-Galena_Illinois-Hotels.html Hotels - Galena offers a wide variety of hotel options. If you’re looking for something conveniently located between our farm and downtown Galena, we recommend Eagle Ridge Inn. AirBnb - Highly recommend this option. There are great AirBnb's in Elizabeth, Savanna, and Galena. Bed &amp; Breakfast - Quite a few options here as well. Motels: Grant Hills Motel and The View, Simple but with great reviews. Campgrounds - The closest options to our farm are the Mississippi Palisades, Vel Terra, and Apple River Canyon PS! We also saw some Black Friday Deals popping up.

Located in town. Near our local coffee house, brewery, and sandwich shop.

The Three Elizabeths Guest House

Business Amenities 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 miGrant Park - 2 km / 1.3 miWashburne House Historic Site - 2.2 km / 1.4 miBelvedere Mansion - 2.3 km / 1.4 miGalena-Jo Daviess County History Museum - 2.4 km / 1.5 miOld Market House - 2.4 km / 1.5 miLinmar Gardens - 2.5 km / 1.6 miOld Blacksmith Shop - 2.6 km / 1.6 miDowling House - 2.6 km / 1.6 miWest Street Sculpture Park - 3 km / 1.9 miHorseshoe Mound - 4.9 km / 3 miGalena Golf Club - 6.7 km / 4.2 miCasper Bluff Land and Water Reserve - 8.7 km / 5.4 miJ Dubuque Monument - 9.4 km / 5.9 miEagle Ridge Resort Golf - 10 km / 6.2 miThe 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

Grant Hills Motel

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.

Eagle Ridge Inn

Farmers Guest House

Located near the Village Ski Center, this hotel is 8 miles from downtown Galena and offers views of the Mississippi River, on-site dining options and an indoor pool. Free WiFi and free parking are available. Every room at Chestnut Mountain Resort includes a cable TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms also offer a seating area and view of the river. This resort has lodging conveniently located near the slopes, a ski/snowboard school and ski &amp; snowboard rental on-site. Ski equipment hire is available. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or grab a drink at the bar. A mini-golf course, children’s playground and hot tub are all available at the resort. There is also a gift shop on-site. Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum is 6.8 mi from Chestnut Mountain Resort, while J Dubuque Monument is 9.9 mi away. Belvedere Mansion and Galena Historic District are both less than 7 miles away from the resort.

Chestnut Mountain Resort

Enjoy garden views at this Galena hotel, with amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and concierge services. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The hotel also offers express check-in/check-out and luggage storage. Free self-parking is available onsite. Relax in one of the 10 air-conditioned rooms featuring Smart TVs and digital programming. Bathrooms include designer toiletries and hair dryers. Blackout drapes/curtains provide privacy, and housekeeping and irons/ironing boards are available upon request. Located in the historic district, the hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Belvedere Mansion and West Street Sculpture Park, and a short drive from attractions like the Horseshoe Mound and Galena Golf Club. Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) is 22. 5 miles away.

Hotel Galena

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

Aldrich Guest House

With a stay at Goldmoor Inn in Galena, you'll be on a river, within a 10-minute drive of Chestnut Mountain Resort and Mississippi River. This 4-star bed &amp; breakfast is 2. 3 mi (3. 8 km) from Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve and 5. 4 mi (8. 6 km) from Horseshoe Mound. Pamper yourself with onsite massages or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. Additional features at this bed &amp; breakfast include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and wedding services. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite. Satisfy your appetite for dinner at the bed &amp; breakfast's restaurant, Goldmoor Dining, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 18 guestrooms, featuring fireplaces. Kitchenettes are outfitted with refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have jetted bathtubs and complimentary toiletries.

Goldmoor Inn

Trip Advisor - At Belle Aire Mansion Guest House, a bed and breakfast inn just minutes from historical Main Street in Galena, Illinois, we provide gracious comfort with romantic, relaxing rooms, and friendly, personal service unmatched in the Galena area. Circa 1836, this Federal Mansion, at one time an old farmhouse, has been operating as a premier bed and breakfast for over 30 years. Belle Aire Mansion Guest House is surrounded by eight peaceful acres and features a cozy antique-filled interior. Cuddle up in one of two suites with a warm fireplace opposite a soothing double whirlpool, or choose one of three intimate rooms. Whether strolling down the tamarack-lined lane or sitting on the veranda absorbing the pastoral setting, at Belle Aire Mansion Guest House, you will find the getaway you desire. Belle Aire Mansion Guest House is a child friendly establishment. There is covered motorcycle parking available at no charge. Veterans always receive a discount (Military ID or DD-214 required). AMAC Members be sure to ask about our exclusive AMAC discount (AMAC ID required).

Belle Aire Mansion Guest House

Trip Advisor - Walk out of this private, king-sized bed room and take in a breathtaking view of our lake and panoramic tri-state vistas at LeFevre Inn &amp; Resort, Galena, IL. Room also includes a wood-burning fireplace, sofa sleeper, coffee maker, mini refrigerator and hair dryer.

Le Fevre Inn & Resort

Trip Advisor - Cloran Mansion is an elegant bed and breakfast set in historic Galena, Illinois. The home was built in 1880 and is a beautiful example of Victorian Italianate arcihitecture. The modern comforts coupled with historic charm make it perfect for romantic getaways, renewing friendships or just making a solitary retreat. Each of the six rooms has a private bathroom, with five of them featuring a double Jacuzzi tub. What's more, the Cloran is located on 1.5 acres of property featuring wonderful gardens, a relaxing gazebo, a small pond with waterfalls, and a patio with fire pit. A filling and delicious country breakfast comes with each room and is served each morning in our lovely dining room. Guests staying in Antonio's Cottage are allowed to bring pets for a small fee. Each room has different amenities, including those that make it more accessible for those with disabilities.

Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast

Trip Advisor - Jail Hill Inn earns rave reviews for its immaculate cleanliness and exceptional service, with many travelers praising the attention to detail and personalized care. The location is ideal, close to restaurants and shops, while the luxurious amenities, including gourmet breakfasts and spa-like bathrooms, are frequently highlighted. Spacious, elegantly decorated suites impress guests with their blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Overall, the inn is considered an exceptional value, providing a pampering experience that justifies the cost for many travelers.

Jail Hill Inn a Boutique Hotel

Trip Advisor - Completely updated and under new ownership. This beautiful Bed &amp; Breakfast in located in downtown historic Galena, just a short walk from all the shops, restaurants and museums. No city stairs to climb. The property is both pet friendly and family friendly. Some rooms are on the ground level, some have access to a kitchen, some are suites, two rooms can be rented as an adjoining suite. Five rooms have a whirlpool tub and fireplace. One has an oversized soaking tub with fireplace. All rooms have private baths, high speed wifi, amazon echo shows and smart tv's with premium television service. Complimentary continental breakfast is included.

Riverboat Suites

Trip Advisor - Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Galena, DeSoto House Hotel is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions, DeSoto House Hotel makes it easy to enjoy the best of Galena.DeSoto House Hotel is a family-friendly hotel offering a flat screen TV and air conditioning in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests.Plus, guests can enjoy a lounge, which has made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Galena. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.While staying at Desoto Hotel, visitors can check out Root Beer Revelry (0.0 mi) and Old Market House State Historic Site (0.2 mi), some of Galena's top attractions.If you like Mexican restaurants, Desoto Hotel is conveniently located near Los Aztecas II, Campeche Restaurant, and Ayalas Las Margarita.There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular waterfalls such as Thunderbay Falls.Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure or both, DeSoto House Hotel is sure to make your visit to Galena one worth remembering.

DeSoto House Hotel

Trip Advisor - Gravitate to Galena. After a wonderful day shopping more than 100 antique stores, marveling at historic 19th-century architecture, playing a round of championship golf, hitting the slopes or experiencing one of Galena's many unique restaurants, the Stoney Creek Hotel rooms and theme suites are the perfect place to unwind. Relax by the fire or in our indoor heated pool. We look forward to your arrival.

Stoney Creek Inn Galena

CAMPGROUNDS

Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

Apple River Canyon State Park

Travel

Visit Galena 

COFFEE

Melissa's favorite coffee shop. Great pastries and panini sandwiches.

The Wired Rabbit Coffee House

Cute coffee shop in Elizabeth. Yummy pastries and sandwiches.

Terrapin Station Cafe

BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER

Our favorite brunch spot! Make a reservation.

Otto's Place

Big Bill's Sandwich Shop and Coffee Bar

Lola’s Deli

Fried Green Tomatoes

BOOZEY

Highway 20 Brewing Company

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.

Massbach Ridge Winery

HIKING, GOLF, KYAKS, SPA, MUSEUMS, SHOPPING...

Hiking with goats. Reservation required.

Hoof It Goat Treks

Hike in the Palisades. See views of the Mississippi.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

North Golf Course and Pro Shop

Nuts Outdoors

Stonedrift Spa

Ulysses S Grant Home

Galena & U.S. Grant Museum

Galena Apothecary

Zip Lines, Mini Golf, Mississippi River Boat Ride

Things to Do

Registry

RSVP, ATTENDANCE, & EVENTS

Pros Dish on What to Wear to a Wedding

40 Affordable Guest Dresses to Save Money

Affordable Suits? They're a Click Away

Dress Code: Country Chic Our celebration will be outdoors in the crisp, beautiful countryside, so think polished yet comfortable. Cozy layers like sweaters, wraps, or a stylish jacket are perfect for staying warm.The terrain can be a little uneven, so choose practical footwear such as wedges, block heels, or boots—anything that keeps you steady and comfortable as you enjoy the day with us.Travel Tip: Rural roads can take a little longer than expected—give yourself a few extra minutes to enjoy the beautiful drive in.Feel free to ignore the fashion advise below - unfortunately it comes with the website template and we can't take it down!

Melissa + Jack

Melissa + Jack

Photos