Waters Edge Event Center

Wedding Day

Summer

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Blessing and Natalie have been friends since 1st grade! They've been on numerous adventures together, like going to Myrtle Beach for their senior trip, Blessing surprising her with a private flight for her 20th birthday, and the many accidental almost car accidents because of Blessing's driving. There is never a dull moment when they are hanging out together. There is nothing Natalie and Blessing won't do together whether it's talking on the phone for 7 hours or riding the Sling Shot and wondering why they both agreed to do that. Even with their long distance friendship for the past 3 1/2 years, they know they can go to each other about anything and will always be there supporting each other. Blessing has always been a part of some of Natalie's big milestones in her life and she couldn't imagine not having Blessing by her side on her wedding day!

Blessing Mupinga

Natalie has been a part of Emma's whole life! They grew up together seeing each other every year for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, but what really bonded them as cousins was getting to spend a week together at Grandma Silk's house over the summer! They would open their own beauty shop and their Aunt Megan would be their best customer! They would also put on shows for the family and definitely gave main character energy! What really solidified their bond was when Emma chose to go to Miami with Natalie! Their competitive nature from their childhood when they would play games like, Don't Wake Daddy or Rio on the Xbox 360, would definitely kick in during their time at college together when Emma would beat Natalie almost every single time playing Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch. While Natalie might be salty about losing, she wouldn't want anyone else to stand next to her on her special day!

Emma Silk

Sydney and Natalie met through a random bible study and later realized all the different ways they were connected! They were both in Delight (a women's ministry on Miami's campus) and their roommates when they met used to be roommates! With all the weird connections they had, they knew that God placed them together! They became close through their bible study and grew even closer when they started leading Delight together! Their biggest bonding moment was when they drove 6 hours to North Carolina for their first Delight conference and of course stopping at Buc-ee's on the way there and on the way back! Natalie was so blessed to be a bridesmaid in Sydney's wedding in June to watch her as God blessed her marriage! Before Natalie was even asked to be a bridesmaid in Sydney's wedding, she knew that she wanted Sydney to be a part of her wedding party and can't imagine the day without her! 

Sydney Brandstetter

Natalie would not know what she would do without Ella (and her roommate, Mercedes)! Ella and Natalie met through Delight when they were placed in the same small group together freshman year. (God for sure had a hand in their friendship!) Natalie was looking for more Christ-centered community and when she met Ella and found out she played soccer, so she knew they would be good friends! Ella and Natalie have built a beautiful relationship where they are able to go to church together and pray for each other in good times and hard times! Natalie is so grateful for Ella's continuous support and prayers throughout college. While Ella had a busy soccer schedule Natalie loved that Ella still made time to eat ice cream, go swimming, or even watch the Summer Olympics! Natalie is blessed to have Ella with her and supporting her through this time!

Ella Futch

Mercedes is one of the sweetest people Natalie knows and she is so grateful for her! Mercedes and Natalie met through Delight and Natalie knew they would be good friends when she found out Mercedes was on Miami's soccer team! Not only did they go to church together but when they first started hanging out, outside of Delight Mercedes invited Natalie to her birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Unfortunately, Mercedes steak looked a little questionable, but nevertheless this was a great memory they would share through their friendship! Natalie will never forget when she had tears falling down her face at a Delight Worship Night and Mercedes praying over her. Natalie is going to miss going to Miami Soccer games and watching Mercedes killing it on defense and breaking some ankles, but Natalie is beyond excited for her to be a bridesmaid!

Mercedes Schroer

Julia is not only Jacob's sister, but she is also Natalie's friend. Julia and Natalie bonded over going to Cedar Point together, Julia doing Natalie's nails (like the queen she is) and occasionally playing some board games! Natalie loves to support Julia, watch her cheer, and do crazy flips (when she's not crippled)! They have been blessed to go on some great adventures together, like going on a cruise to the Bahamas and going to Kings Island! Natalie loves being goofy with Julia like dancing with the waiter on the last night of their cruise or singing "Mississippi Queen" completely wrong in their stateroom or screaming when they go through the tunnels on Magnum at Cedar Point! Natalie had always wanted a sister growing up and now she is so blessed to have Julia as a sister! She can't wait to see Julia tear it up on the dance floor as her bridesmaid!

Julia Gartner

Caleb is the brother of Jacob, the life of the party and his lifelong partner-in-crime. He was always someone that Jacob admired with his whole heart, never failing to amaze him with his athletic and academic abilities. It has been the greatest blessing to have a built-in best friend that has been there since he can remember, sharing numerous memories with him through the years. Jacob still feels bad for throwing a bad pass to Caleb as they were trying on their new cleats in the backyard, leading him right into the pond where he got a super deep cut and a broken knee cap. However, this was just the beginning of so many memories and years of making Dad mad. Words alone aren't enough to depict the gratitude Jacob holds in his heart for Caleb, and he is so blessed to have such an awesome young man by his side on this special day. 
P.S. I'm sorry for chasing you with my toy dragon while you were crying and screaming, love you :)

Caleb Gartner

Introducing Jacob's best friend Jack, who continues to blow his mind every single day. He is the most talented person that Jacob has ever met, whether it be in music, pickleball, cooking, theatre - you name it and he can do it. Jack has such a heart of a servant, always willing to put the needs of others above his own and caring for them in such a compassionate manner. It is unfathomable to think that this friendship had not existed prior to February of 2024, and now he is one of the best men. It is such an honor to have him in Jacob and Natalie's life, and he is one of the greatest answered prayers from God himself. The Lord has blessed this future marriage with a lifelong friend who will always be there for the both of them, and it is so exciting to know you all will get to meet him! It has been the greatest blessing to have a young man so on fire for God alongside Jacob, for he pushes him every day to keep turning his eyes back to Christ and allows him to pour his heart out. Words will never be enough to describe a man like Jack Walker.

Jack Walker

What a blessing to now introduce Derek, one of Jacob's best friends that was divinely placed into his life in September of 2023. After joining Cru and praying for God to surround him with men after the Lord's heart, Jacob was gifted with one of the funniest, warm-hearted people he's ever met. After joining his Bible study, Jacob found such joy being around Derek and absolutely loved getting to know him more. Throughout numerous lunch dates, Bible studies, and late night fires, Jacob found himself a young man that could show him true vulnerability and what it looks like to be real with difficult topics. God truly knew what He was doing when He placed this young man into Jacob's life. He sent a man who is always willing to lay hands on you and bring your struggles to the feet of the Father. Alongside the beautiful spirit within Derek is also the goofiest guy who leaves you laughing until your stomach hurts. One specific moment that will never be forgotten is the laughter in the cabins of fall retreat that left Jacob crying in the top bunk with his stomach in pain. What a joy it is to be around someone like Derek, especially when Krischev makes an appearance!

Derek Porter

Bryan is Jacob's discipler and mentor, an amazing spiritual leader, and one who is leading his lovely wife and young kids in a way that is honoring to God. He is such an example and role model for Jacob, showing him how to love, lead, care, and be a light to our loved ones and to the world. Bryan was able to relate to Jacob in many areas and guided him through struggles with Biblical truths, encouragement, and stories of how he dealt with similar struggles and overcame them. Above all else, Bryan has shown that there is nothing greater than taking steps of faith and watching how God uses them. He is not only someone that is looked up to, but he is a friend and a brother in Christ. He is an amazing Spikeball player, a walking library, a defensive specialist in basketball, and throws an amazing spiral, but above all of those things, he is a mighty man of God. He was a divine gift into Jacob's life and has allowed him to let his heart dream again. It is an honor to know that Bryan's impact does not stop at Kent State, but will continue on for the rest of Jacob's time on earth.

Bryan Kane

Billy is the older twin brother of Natalie's and one that Jacob has had some amazing experiences with. He always seems to find himself either at the movies, inviting Jacob and Natalie to come with him, or going mini golfing with them. He even witnessed Jacob crush Natalie's sunglasses in his pocket as he fell over a hill on the course. While at Universal Studios in Orlando, he and Jacob ran back to ride the Spiderman ride one more time before their vacation time came to an end. The fun times seem to never end with Billy, and a quick trip to the dollar store can even turn into him almost getting backed into by an elderly woman. It was amazing as Jacob and Natalie got to watch him run the 4x400 meter race at the state meet in Dayton alongside his brother. It was amazing for them to watch him succeed as they thought back to when they would run in the trails and he would go flying by. It is such a blessing to know that Billy will be part of their lives forever, and Jacob is especially excited for the many more adventures to come with him as his brother-in-law!

Billy Silk

Last but not least, Sean is the younger twin brother of Natalie's and one who continues to show Jacob how bad he is at running. One of the first things that comes to mind with Sean is the discipline that makes him great in many areas, especially when it came to running. Jacob and Natalie had such an opportunity to watch the work ethic of a young man push him beyond his limits and succeed at a state level many times in different events. Although he took this very seriously, Sean is someone who always knows how to make Jacob and Natalie laugh. Whether it be him picking on Billy, absolutely carrying Natalie in cornhole, or floating down the not-so-lazy river, his fun side is one that brings so much joy. He is one that perfectly balances seriousness with fun, and Jacob still finds himself laughing at the fact that he backed into Natalie's car, but that doesn't need more detail lol. What a joy it is to know that Jacob and Natalie get to experience so much more of Sean in the many years to come!

Sean Silk

Wedding Party

Q + A

Waters Edge Event Center is located in Ashland, Ohio, about 1 hour from Akron, Ohio and 1 hour from Columbus, Ohio. We have rooms blocked off at a Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites about 30 minutes from the venues for guests. See below for more details!

32 minutes east from the venue.*Rooms are blocked off for guests. There is a limited number available. You can book through the phone number given above or through the booking link below. The rooms are under Silk Gartner Wedding. Message Natalie or Jacob if you stay here so they can keep track of numbers. Here is the link to book:<a href="https://www.hiexpress.com/redirect?path=hd&amp;brandCode=EX&amp;localeCode=en&amp;regionCode=1&amp;hotelCode=CAKWO&amp;_PMID=99801505&amp;GPC=SGW&amp;cn=no&amp;viewfullsite=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hiexpress.com/redirect?path=hd&amp;brandCode=EX&amp;localeCode=en&amp;regionCode=1&amp;hotelCode=</a><a href="https://www.hiexpress.com/redirect?path=hd&amp;brandCode=EX&amp;localeCode=en&amp;regionCode=1&amp;hotelCode=CAKWO&amp;_PMID=99801505&amp;GPC=SGW&amp;cn=no&amp;viewfullsite=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CAKWO&amp;_PMID=99801505&amp;GPC=SGW&amp;cn=no&amp;viewfullsite=true</a>

Natalie & Jacob

Natalie & Jacob

Travel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wooster by IHG