Wedding Day

Ceremony

Custer State Park

Reception

Our Wedding

One Ring To Rule Them All...

You Nerd. We know you finished that sentence. We met online in 2023, on Hinge (shh don't tell them we are not a commercial). Melissa initiated the conversation by telling Donovan that in his profile where he listed the nerdy things he was into, that he forgot Planet of the Apes. How dare he. Donovan answered back and apologized for his error in neglecting to mention that. Thus began a fascinating few conversations. The first meeting? Unconventional, but what can Melissa say, she doesn't do conventional or normal. Donovan agreed to meet Melissa at a laundromat. We spent some time chatting and getting to know each other as Melissa was washing her bedspread. Then we explored Hyvee (grocery store) because errands are way more fun with a friend. As we continued our conversations, we hung out more and more. Donovan, was smitten, Melissa, was happy. Then came the real test, Melissa was moving apartments. Donovan, barely a month and half into talking was kind enough to help her move. That's when Melissa knew he was the one who was going to stay. He helped finish packing, helped her load her car and his and helped make a few trips to the new apartment. From there Melissa and Donovan continued to spend time together and shared the similar nerdy interests. In 2024 Donovan proposed and obviously Melissa said yes. The rest of the story, begins here.

Our Story

Photos

The bride and Heather met at work, where their “team bonding” quickly escalated from library coffee breaks to combing through a house to search for an unwelcome visitor. spoiler: (someone was hiding in the closet). Their friendship truly solidified during an infamous bathtub cat-washing incident—a slippery, wet, and slightly bloody, but ultimately character-building experience. Since then, they’ve been inseparable, surviving questionable conversations, endless laughs, and bonding over spicy chicken nuggets (poor Dylan). Life has taken them to opposite corners of the map—South Dakota and Massachusetts—but distance has only made their questionable decision-making stronger. If you see them whispering during the wedding… it’s probably about something ridiculous.

Heather

Tristen is Donovan's best friend, Having helped him through all sorts of trials and stresses. a bit of a nerd (nah really?)

Tristen

Seth

Elizabeth

Elaena is one of Donovan's closest friends since he moved to South Dakota, they met while gaming and still hang and chat about games. 

Elaena

The goofy older brother of Donovan. We were companions in our interests of the fantasy world and old weaponry. We bonded over our war gaming, especially the Lord of the Rings game. A favorite memory of the groom is during a particularly active session you were playing Sauron and I was blocking the main forces while you decimated the other side.   Even as we got older, we discuss our games and appreciate each other’s strategies and ideas.  

Wedding Party

Q + A

A block of rooms are reserved and will be released on August 31st 2025. Please call to make the reservation and reference the Morehead/McClain Wedding. When you call you can ask if there are any discounts that apply to the room or cabin type. Please know that there are also cabins that are potentially able to be reserved.

State Game Lodge

Located 20 miles from Mount Rushmore, Comfort Inn & Suites in Custer has rooms with air conditioning and free WiFi. Built in 2001, this 3-star hotel is within 9 miles of Black Hills National Forest and 5.8 miles of Crazy Horse Monument. The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. The hotel offers a buffet or American breakfast. Rush Mountain Adventure Park is 24 miles from Comfort Inn & Suites. Rapid City Regional Airport is 48 miles from the property.

Comfort Inn & Suites Custer - Crazy Horse Area

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Pros Dish on What to Wear to a Wedding

40 Affordable Guest Dresses to Save Money

Affordable Suits? They're a Click Away

Feel free to wear a dress or dress pants, for men, button down or polo shirt. Please no jeans/band shirts/ etc. This is semi-Formal or Midwest formal (if you know you know).

Melissa & Donovan

Melissa & Donovan

Registry