The Silver Fox

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Bryan and Becca met as young freshman at Western Illinois University in the small town of Macomb, Illinois. They both found themselves living at Thompson Hall, and it was at that very dorm that their story began. They quickly started running into one another in the cafeteria, going to and from class, and outside the dorms. Before they knew it, they were spending nearly every day together after classes and going out on the weekends. Whether it was bowling, grabbing a bite to eat, weekend parties, binge-watching television, or suffering through GenEd assignments together, they spent little time apart. Although they did not see it at first, everyone around them knew immediately that they should be together. In the beginning they denied it, not willing to risk the wonderful friendship they had formed so quickly into their college years. But, as you have probably guessed, that did not last long. Bryan and Becca continued to see each other constantly. With what little there was to do in Macomb, they always made the best of it and found ways to have fun - as long as they were together. Then one fateful night after hours of midnight conversations led to learning nearly everything about one another, Bryan decided to finally make things official. He coaxed Becca, and some friends, to take a midnight road trip to Michigan... in the middle of January. After the group walked about a mile in the cold and snow through the woods and brush, they made it to the frozen beach. The water had frozen to ice on the sand, creating the most beautiful scene against the night sky. The stars in the darkness were infinite. Little did they know, that night was the start of the rest of their lives. For over seven years since that night, they began to build their lives together. After countless concerts, Taco Bell dates, craft beers poured, Blackhawks games, miles of road trips, antique shops, hours of cartoon watching, two Western Illinois college graduations, two years of graduate school, four Riot Fest weekends, and the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series, their story comes to Christmas 2016...when Bryan finally popped the question! What started out as what Becca thought was a simple Christmas gift ended up being so much more. Becca began to unwrap a multi-layered box full of photos of the two of them, mixed in with polaroid camera accessories - a ruse Bryan was using to keep her off the trail. As the boxes got smaller, the pictures inside got older. Then, in the last box, were photos from the very beginning - photos of a couple who didn’t know where life would be taking them. 18-year-olds eating Taco Bell and enjoying their first year of college. Underneath those photos was a Cubs shirt, but this was no ordinary Cubs shirt. Bryan had it personalized with “Wood” and the number 16 on the back to represent the year. When Becca held up the shirt, she was at first confused, but thankful. She then put down the shirt and saw Bryan on one knee, the ring in hand. After stumbling over some words, she was finally able to get out a “YES!” And of course, the rest is history, but this story is far from over.

I’ll Be Your Honeybee

Our Story

Details

Photos

I met Becca in kindergarten. We were assigned naptime spots across from each other (with a bookcase separating the two of us) and quickly learned that the gap between the wall and the bookcase was a great way we could continue to play while being forced to “sleep”. It wasn’t long before the two of us were separated for talking too much, but luckily that didn’t mean the end of our friendship! 21 years, countless concerts, and all the laughter later, here we are!I met Bryan through Becca. After hearing about him from Becca, I added him on Facebook (before meeting him) to scope him out. From there, I decided that Bryan was going to have to be one of my friends whether he liked it or not (thank God he was ok with it). Now, when he isn’t calling me his personal assistant, I am helping him finish the Taco Bell box he ordered at lunch and we are replacing the lyrics to some of our favorite songs with our own!One of my favorite memories/activities with Bryan and Becca would have to be&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;nights when we go to Beauty Bar for Emo Night: we eat free pizza, have $1 Old Styles, take overpriced photo booth photos, and “sing” songs that get a little residual teenage angst out by bands we used to listen to in junior high/high school at the top of our lungs. Every time we go, we say we won’t stay long and always end up regretting it come&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;morning. I don’t think we will ever learn.I cannot wait to see these two get married and see what the future holds for “the future Woods”! I know that this wedding will be just as fun as the two of them and full of great tunes, dancing, and me catching the bouquet ;)

Ashley Hess

I'm Erik, Bryan's older brother and best man.&nbsp; I live in Des Moines, Iowa with my wife Lindsey.&nbsp; I'm a CPA and the film "The Accountant" is an accurate depiction of my life.&nbsp; I've known Bryan for 26 years and 3 weeks as of this writing. The earliest stories I have of being a big brother were asking my parents if we could get a dog instead when asked how I would like to have a little brother and either trying to feed or kill Bryan by shoving a grape up his nose.&nbsp; I enjoy hockey, arguing about music and film, and working 65+ hour weeks four months out of the year when I'm supposed to be writing bios about myself.&nbsp; I'm looking forward to standing up at my little brother's wedding and hopefully giving a speech that is 85% as good as the one he gave at my wedding last fall.

Erik Wood

Matt Adamec

I've known Bryan as long as I can remember. No seriously, almost every childhood&nbsp;memory&nbsp;consists of my two best buddies&nbsp;(Bryan and Eddie). The stories of our destruction and terror began at the age of two. Thinking about my favorite&nbsp;memory&nbsp;really makes me realize how much we have shared together and how hard it is to pin-point just one. When I&nbsp;first met&nbsp;Becka&nbsp;I&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;felt like their&nbsp;personalties&nbsp;complemented&nbsp;one others'&nbsp;amazingly. They are the perfect team! I remember we went antique shopping&nbsp;(one of Bryan’s favorites)&nbsp;and he bought a black and white photo of a quartet band. I thought it was so adorable how supportive Becka&nbsp;was about Bryan's strange fascination&nbsp;with collecting old photos of people that he knows he'll never get the chance to meet. Fast forward to&nbsp;2 AM... Bryan is now intoxicated, mumbling sweet&nbsp;nonsense and holding his new prize possession to his chest like it was part of him. I remember we were all trying to sleep and Bryan was saying something along the lines of, "I wonder if they were on the Titanic... Do you think they died on the Titanic....? Maybe this photo was taken on the Titanic..." suddenly I hear Becka politely&nbsp;ask&nbsp;Bryan to put down the photo and they can talk more about it&nbsp;tomorrow. The way they've&nbsp;always supported&nbsp;each other has always been so beautiful to see. I'm honored and excited to be part of my two best friends big day! I couldn't have&nbsp;pictured a better pair. Love ya both!!!

Michael Van

I'm Amanda, the fiance of Becca's brother, Matt. I'm also the mother of Becca and Bryan's niece, Millie, and nephew, Dude,&nbsp;two old, derpy beagles. Though I'll officially be a part of the family this year, I've considered Becca and Bryan to be family for some time now. As an only child, I like to think that I've been able to adopt them as the siblings I never had! One of my favorite memories with Becca and Bryan was when we first met. Not long after Matt and I started dating, I went home with him to Chicago for Lollapalooza. I met Becca quickly,&nbsp;then the three of us were off to spend three whole days together at the show. A HUGE storm blew through and soaked us and everything at Grant Park. Soaking wet and covered in mud, we stuck around to watch the Foo Fighters, then hurried to catch our train back to Brookfield only to be just a few minutes late and facing a two-hour wait in the wee hours of the morning for the next train. That's how Matt and I both met Bryan, as disheveled, mud-covered messes climbing into his car as he swooped in to save the day. We thanked him with a case of beer and haven't gotten rid of him since. I can't wait to celebrate this fantastic couple and meet everyone at the wedding! If you run into me, talk to me about craft beer, hiking, kayaking, true crime and podcast recommendations.

Amanda Fowler

Hi I am Sarah Wood. Name sound familiar? That's because I am Bryan's very wonderful little sister! I am a student at Illinois State University studying special education. I am extremely excited for this wedding for many reasons but the most important one is I'm getting an amazing sister like Becca. I have known Becca since I was in middle school so she has had to put up with me since my extremely awkward phase. For that I thank you. Since I met her I loved her, even though the first 5 times I met her they were waking me up from a deep sleep. From that point on I knew you were perfect for him. I love my brother(s) more than anything so I am so grateful that Bryan found Becca.&nbsp;I love you both and I'm so excited to have another Wood!

Sarah Wood

Living a stones throw away, I have know Bryan about as long as I have known how to walk. Knowing someone for a lifetime makes it impossibly difficult to narrow down a favorite memory, because every one in my top 10 includes him. I met Becca on my first trip to Western, and i have to say my favorite memory with her is our attempt to see the Foo Fighters in Wrigleyville. I think the part I am looking forward to most about the wedding is seeing two of the best people I have ever known take the next step in their lives together. I am truly honored to be a part of this ceremony and I look forward to seeing what lies in store for them in the future.

Eddie McNamara

It all started with a lobster sticker.&nbsp; I met Becca at LT when we had a freshman algebra class together.&nbsp; Our teacher would have us compete for "cool stickers" on our tests.&nbsp; Becca had received the coolest lobster sticker, and I couldn't help my jealousy when I swiped it right off her binder.&nbsp; Even though me and Becca were somewhat opposites with not a whole lot in common, we still became amazing friends after numerous sleepovers watching "The Mighty Ducks" and roaming around DTLG with our "lemonade."&nbsp; After over a decade of friendship, I am super excited to stand by her side on her special day!

Sarah Brenden

I met Bryan way back when we were just little runts running around St. Peter's Church in Elmhurst, Illinois. While I was just an innocent, adorable little kid attending to my studies, I knew Bryan to be the one out destroying the world on his skateboard. Despite our differences, our love of music brought us together in high school to form the greatest rock band that has ever lived, Orange Hat Jenkins. Since then, it has been amazing to see the ways in which he has grown to become a truly thoughtful and caring person. When I first met Becca while visiting Bryan at Western Illinois University, I knew he had picked a keeper. Although Becca has never been afraid to join in on our crazy antics, it has always been good to have someone as our voice of reason. I am extremely grateful to have Bryan and Becca in my life, and am truly excited to see how they spend their lives together.

Jordan Brasko

I was lucky to meet Becca and Bryan during our freshman year at WIU. We met outside of the dorms, played a few games of sand volleyball, and now here we are celebrating their wedding! Becca and Bryan weren’t dating when we met but they were inseparable and it was only a matter of time until the two became an item. It’s been a pleasure to third wheel their relationship and to watch their love story unfold. Since we have packed so many memories into the past eight years it’s impossible to pick a favorite, but I’d say that living with them is what stands out the most to me as we became more like family and laughed non-stop for an entire year. I can’t wait to see these two amazing people tie the knot and hit the dance floor! &nbsp;Love you both so much!

Sammy Cuthbert

12 years ago on a skateboard. That's how I met Bryan. When you have a friend like Bryan, someone who's always down to do anything, the memories and time pass so quickly that 12 years can feel like a blink of an eye. One second we’re laughing at the skatepark and the next second my best friend is getting married.Some of my best memories with Bryan are simple memories but ones I’ll never forget. Like all of the midnight adventures we would go on, driving around with no destination, blasting music until we somehow found our way back home.My first time visiting Bryan in college he introduced me to Becca. It's funny because when I first met her my instant thought was “she's just as dorky and out going as Bryan, they’d be perfect together”. Shortly after that, they started to date and I can't tell you how happy I was for them because they were and still are so perfect for each other. I’m not ashamed to say that I was a third wheel for most of their relationship after that. Huge shout out to the both of them for never for a second making it awkward for me. From going to the zoo, road trips out of state, countless concerts or even a lame antique shop. It was always a fun time, thank you guys for being the best couple to 3rd wheel with & being the best friends I could ever ask for.I cant wait to see what life has in store for them down the road, Congratulations Bryan & Becca!

Tom Shedd

I met Bryan and Becca freshman year of college. I remember seeing this little boy walking around the dorm in skinny jeans and punk rock T-shirts and I thought to myself, “I kinda hate that kid, if he’s even old enough to be in college.” Fast forward a few weeks later, that same kid in skinny jeans is part of my pledge class of my fraternity. So I was stuck with Bryan for all of the Fall semester. In that time Bryan met Becca. Becca and I quickly became friends by bonding&nbsp;over making fun of Bryan. Since then the three of us basically lived together for three years. My favorite memory of us together has to be sharing a hotel room for every formal, especially that one formal...

Kevin Barnai

I first met Becca the summer after our freshman year of high school at Warped Tour through mutual friend, and since then she&nbsp;has been one of my absolute best friends. She has always supported me throughout some of the happiest times of my life, as well as my lowest points. I’ve never felt judged or like I could not be myself with Becca which is one of the things I love most about her. During our freshman year of college, I met Bryan while visiting Becca at WIU. I remember being struck by how much of an effort he made to befriend me that weekend and that it was very obvious he cared greatly for Becca. I could not have imagined a better life partner for Becca than Bryan. Over the years, Becca and Bryan have been two of the most important people in my life. They both have such big hearts and are two of the most genuinely kind and generous friends I’ve even had. My life is better because they’re a part of it and it’s truly an honor to be a part of their special day.

Daniele Mazar

Becca and I were in the same pledge class in Chi Omega&nbsp;and quickly became friends and roommates! I met Bryan through Becca, and the three of us spent many days “wagon-wheeling” and making unforgettable memories together! I got to know these two love-birds just as their love was just beginning and cannot wait to celebrate with them (at&nbsp;what is sure to be the wedding of the century) in September! All my memories with “The (future) Woods” are filled with laughter! I am so thankful to be part of their wedding and can not wait to make more amazing memories with them!!!This is my favorite picture of the three of us because it captures college in the best way possible, Dorm rooms, messy lives, put together appearance, and of course (in true 2011 fashion) a mirror pic!

Meagan Pennington

I met Becca in our sophomore year gym class and then became extremely close in our junior year physics class in high school. Her compassionate and fun loving personality kept our friendship strong the past ten years and I could not be happier and more excited for her next step in her journey! Bryan was introduced to us in college and fit right in with his kind spirit and goofy personality. So glad you two found each other - love you both!&nbsp;

Maura Coleman

Becca is one of my friends who I have known so long I cannot remember when we first met. We both grew up in Brookfield but became close friends at LT high school. Adventure Ed, The Academy Is&hellip;, and endless Brookfield parties are a few things that brought us so close. Our high school group of friends are very close and some say intimidating, but when Becca introduced us to Bryan, he fit in seamlessly and became one of us. Bryan is a perfect fit for Becca. They both are generous, loving people who are always there for you no matter what. My memories with them are always happy and filled with laughter. I cannot be more excited to be part of their special day!

Tiffany Barrett

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Transportation will be provided for guests to and from hotels and the wedding. Hotels with block-rates are listed under Accommodations. Busses will meet at each of the hotels on a staggered schedule before the wedding. This schedule will be provided to hotel guests upon arrival.

To & From the Wedding

If guests decide to book your rooms at these hotels outside of our room block, please let us&nbsp;know so that you will still receive a welcome bag and transportation schedule. Cannot wait to celebrate with everyone!

Update! 8/22

All rooms at the Fairfield Inn &&nbsp;Suites in&nbsp;Ottawa have been booked for Saturday! 

Guests still needing accommodations should check out the Quality Inn and Super 8 hotels in Ottawa&nbsp;where the Adamec/Wood wedding block rate is still available. Transportation to the Silver Fox will be provided from these hotels as well.

Update! 8/27

City Cab - Ottawa

A block of rooms is reserved under Wood/Adamec Wedding. Rooms must be booked by 8/21 to receive block rate.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ottawa Starved Rock Area

G & R Cab - Ottawa

Streator Cab - Deborah Cooper

A block of rooms is reserved under Wood/Adamec Wedding.

Quality Inn

Super 8 Ottawa Starved Rock

Travel

Our go-to place for tasty local brews!Open: Monday-Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday 3pm-12am, Saturday 11am-12am, &amp; Sunday 11am-8pm<a href="http://tangledrootsbrewingco.com/brewery-tours/" target="_blank">Click here to book a brewery tour!</a> Daily 4pm

Tangled Roots Brewing Company

This farm-to-table restaurant is part of Tangled Roots Brewing Company.&nbsp;Savor the good food and beer in their comfortable atmosphere. TRBC grows their own produce, in addition to sourcing ingredients from local farmers. Try the bison burger with bourbon-onion marmalade or try the dry-rubbed pork chop with cherry whiskey brine.

The Lone Buffalo

"Gypsy soul with a cowgirl spirit." Cute little boutique just blocks away from The Silver Fox. Great service, selection, and atmosphere!

Wild Hearts Boutique

Enjoy a quick bite and a drink atop a bar that is...you guessed it, an aquarium! This casual place also has an outdoor patio.

A'Lure Aquarium Bar/Restaurant

Starved Rock Park is a world apart from anything else in Illinois! You will know it the minute you enter the park, as you wind your car through the towering trees. Amazing waterfalls are active in the spring and after heavy rains. The park has&nbsp;13 miles of trails to explore. The Illinois River offers fishing, boating, extraordinary views and great places to relax. Visit the Lodge and see the largest two-sided fireplace in Illinois! Or for the full Park experience, stay in a cozy Lodge room or Cabin right inside the park.

Starved Rock State Park

Although smaller than Starved Rock, this state park has many natural beauties of its own - look for the cavernous Cascade Falls. There are also many bluffs and canyons that make for great hiking.

Matthiessen State Park

Climb to the top of the sandstone bluff at the summit of Buffalo Rock snd be treated to a sweeping view of the Illinois River. Wander through magnificent stands of oak, cedar, and pine in paths that Illinois Indians once traveled. Look for the two American bison that call Buffalo Rock home.

Buffalo Rock State Park

This 9 hole course&nbsp;located in Ottawa is open to the public. It&nbsp;has a full service bar and restaurant that offers family friendly casual dining.

Pine Hills Golf Club Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy a drive down this National Scenic Byway that follows routes along both sides of the picturesque Illinois connecting communities from Ottawa all the way to Havana.

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway

Built in 1856, this three-story, 22-room Italianate mansion was said to be the most expensive private home in Illinois at the time. Tours of the mansion and it’s lovely gardens are offered daily excluding Tuesdays. The Reddick Mansion is located across the street from Washington Square Park, where the First Lincoln-Douglas debate took place in 1858.

Reddick Mansion Association

Settle in at this chic tasting room in Utica, where you can sample award winning wines. Pull up a chair at the tasting bar, or take your glass into the lounge area or three-season patio. Try the dry red Cabernet Franc or the crisp ISC Brut sparkling wine, sided with a nosh plate that includes three different cheeses, prosciutto and flatbread crackers.

Rebecca & Bryan

Rebecca & Bryan

Photos