Sonshine Barn Wedding & Event Center

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

It was a match made it heaven... Or in modern day terms, on the apps! Riley and John both matched on Bumble in the late spring of 2023. Riley likes to joke around that she made the first move, since she messaged him first!

How we met

Our first date was grabbing coffee in downtown Lexington, then perusing the farmers market to support the local economy. They chatted and walked around all morning, and grabbed some pizza for lunch. After the date, John described Riley as "particularly tolerable" and would be interested in going on another date in the near future (which happened to be the following day).

First Date

Less than a month of dating, Riley was so captivated by John that she invited him to Michigan for their esteemed 4th of July party! He hesitantly but excitedly accepted and purchased a plane ticket. His parents believed he was a bit crazy traveling across the country to see a girl he just met. We like to say that it was just meant to be. Everyone was smitten when they met John that weekend, and knew Riley picked a great one.

Meeting the (Griffin) parents

A few months following, Riley and John travelled to Wisconsin to meet his parents and sister. A short trip of 3 nights still lead to many memorable moments. Meeting many of John's close family, an attempt at a round of golf, connecting with his sister and a fun trip to a fall craft festival. Riley likes to think that John's parents really fell for her at this moment, with his mom saying she is welcome to visit anytime, even without John!

Meeting the (Marrs) Parents

Engagement

Our Story

Photos

Delani Hall

Kipling Gillespie

Lauren Duflo

James 

Karen Bretz

Robby Griffin

Carol Jean Abraham

Nancy Griffin

Sherill Marrs

Wedding Party

Q + A

Otsego Resort

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gaylord, an IHG Hotel

Tru by Hilton Gaylord

1.5 hour drive from the venue.

Cherry Capital Airport

3.5 hour drive from the venue.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Travel

Wine tasting, sand dunes, and local cherries! Traverse City has something for everyone. Enjoy exploring downtown, grab a bite to eat from a local establishment, or visit one of the many wineries in the area. Be sure to stop in to the <a href="https://www.cherryrepublic.com/pages/cherry-republic-in-traverse-city" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cherry Republic</a> to sample everything cherry!

Traverse City

Mackinac Island is a step back in time, where the only transportation is horse carriage, bicycle, or your own feet! Explore the down town area that is located next to the water, rent a bike and ride the 8 miles around the island, or become a "fudgie" and taste the quintessential treat of the island! Our recommendation is to drive over the Mackinac Bridge to St. Igance, and take <a href="https://www.sheplersferry.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shepler's Ferry</a> to the island.

Mackinac Island

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry

At Treetops, joys of summer await, captivating the hearts of all golf enthusiasts. Our five championship golf courses, including our famous par-3 Threetops, draw golfers from far and wide, promising unforgettable rounds amid the lush greens and rolling fairways. You and your friends won't be able to just play 18, so plan a stay and enjoy it all.

Treetops Resort

Things to Do

Registry

October 4th Itinerary

3:00 pm - Guests arrive 3:25 pm - All guests seated 3:30 pm - Ceremony begins 4:15 pm - Ceremony ends 4:45 pm - Cocktail hour begins 5:45 pm - Wedding party grand entrance 5: 50 pm - Bride and Groom grand entrance 6:00 pm - First Dance 6:05 pm - Cake cutting 6:10 pm - Dinner served 6:40 pm - Speeches/Toasts 7:00 pm - Parent Dances 7:10 pm - Anniversary dance 7:15 pm - Open dance floor 7:20 pm - Desserts served 10:00 pm - Pizza delivered 10:45 pm - Last call for drinks 11:00 pm - Reception ends

Riley & John

Riley & John

Registry