The Homestead Reception Center

Rehearsal

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

RSVPs ARE NOW CLOSED.

PLEASE REACH OUT TO US FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING YOUR RSVP.

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Melissa Janik

James Smith

Deborah Janik

Darryl Palmer

Sarah Nika

Terrence Mayfield

Angela Reiley-Glassel

Jaxson Carey

Wedding Party

Q + A

A handful of people have reached out to us about local camping sites near our venue, and Melissa would like to recommend the campsite at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site! Located on the land where Abraham Lincoln lived before moving to Springfield (and next to the theatre where Melissa worked as a teenager) is a campsite in the woods near the Sangamon River with over 150 camping spots. The site is only 6 miles (8 minutes) north of our wedding venue and is perfect for our adventurous friends and family that would also love to explore nature and learn some of Cental Illinois' rich history while visiting the area!

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Campground

- 8 miles (9 minutes) north of the wedding venue- 10 rooms have been reserved for our wedding- You can book for both nights or just the night of the wedding, whichever works best for you- Be sure to let them know you're booking for the JANIK-SMITH wedding!- This hotel has no elevator. If you need a ground-level room due mobility issues, be sure to specify that when you book

Riverbank Lodge

Due to issues when trying to reserve blocks, there are no other hotels blocks at this time. We would, however, like to recommend some of the more classier, historic, and interesting places in Springfield to stay: President Abraham Lincoln Springfield Doubletree Hotel - 14 miles (21 minutes) southeast of the wedding venue. This hotel this in the heart of downtown Springfield. It's a perfect location for those of you who may want to see the historic sites and check out the vast variety of shops downtown Springfield has to offer. Country Inn &amp; Suites by Radisson, Springfield, IL - 22 miles (29 minutes) southeast of the wedding venue. This hotel is right off of Interstates 55 and 72, perfect for those coming in from out of town that don't want to stray too far from the major roads and highways. Located at the end of Dirksen Parkway, this hotel is conveniently located near a variety of restaurants to choose from. Just to the east on the other side of the interstate is the beautiful Lake Springfield. Route 66 Hotel &amp; Conference Center - 17 miles (28 minutes) southeast of the wedding venue. If you want to feel like you fell out of 2024 and onto the Mother Road itself, look no further. This unique hotel is completely decorated in everything Route 66 you can imagine. From the bedding to the walls to even the pool, this is a vintage gem in the heart of Illinois.

Travel

For Drinks:

- Buzz Bomb Brewing Company (Bar; Springfield, IL)- Floyd's (Bar; Springfield, IL)- Grab-A-Java (Coffee; Springfield, IL)- Hae's (Coffee; Springfield, IL)- Mockingbird Bakery (Coffee; Rochester, IL)- The Wakery (Non-Alcoholic Bar; Springfield, IL)- Whimsy Tea Company (Tea; Springfield, IL)- Yellow Bird Cafe (Coffee; Springfield, IL)

For Food:

- Papo's Cafe (Breakfast, Cafe; Springfield, IL)- Charlie Parker's (Breakfast, Diner; Springfield, IL)- Incredibly Delicious (Bakery; Springfield, IL)- La Peep (Breakfast, Diner; Springfield, IL)- Mockingbird Bakery (Bakery; Rochester, IL)- Sunrise Cafe (Breakfast, Diner; Springfield, IL)- The Taco Joint (Mexican; Springfield, IL)-Third Shift Kitchen (Pub Food; Springfield, IL)- Taki Taco (Ice Cream, Boba: Springfield, IL)

For History:

- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum &amp; Library (Springfield, IL)- Lincoln's Tomb / Oak Ridge Cemetery (Springfield, IL)- The Dana -Thomas House (Springfield, IL)- New Salem State Historic Site (Petersburg, IL)

For Nature:

- Lake Springfield (Springfield/Chatham, IL)- Lincoln Park (Springfield, IL)- Lincoln Memorial Gardens (Springfield, IL)- Washington Park &amp; Botanical Garden (Springfield, IL)

For Shopping:

- 217 Comics, Cards, &amp; Games (Springfield, IL)- The Crazy Daisy (Gift shop, Items made by local artists; Petersburg, IL)- Moonbeams &amp; Magpies (Metaphysical; Petersburg, IL)- Old Capitol Farmer's Market (Saturday mornings only; Springfield, IL)- Unique Enchantments (Metaphysical; Springfield, IL)

Our Favorite Local Places

Registry

Traditionally, a registry is gifts for the couple as they are about to move in together and begin their lives, but as most of you know, we've been living together for three years now. We already own a house and have collected everything we need for it. What we haven't collected together is unique memories and experiences. In lieu of gifting us things we already have, we encourage you to give us the gift of future memories. Some ways you could do this is:- by contributing to our nestegg or honeymoon fund so we can save up for these adventures- gift cards to your favorite restaurants- a nice card and writing down the story of your favorite date inside

Melissa & James

Melissa & James

Photos