Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Our story begins on the night of the Floyd MayweatherJr. and Connor McGregor fight. Before this event that gave two friend groups an excuse to hangout, we were no more than classmates. I had the audacity to tell Shaelen the boy she was rumored to be crushing on wasn't good enough for her. For the little I knew about both of these people, 'twas a bold statement. This unbacked claim started the most important relationship of my life. Shaelen and I quickly became close during our senior year of high school. We shared happy memories of breaking the legal limit of times circling a roundabout (7 is the limit), driving through my first drive-thru, trying for nearly 30 minutes to check Shaelen's blood sugar while we cried of laughter, and jamming to "When it rains it pours" by Luke Combs while going 20 under the speed limit in the ice storm. Early on in our friendship, I learned of the hardship Shaelen and her family were experiencing. Her brother Trace was suffering from an undiagnosed degenerative neurological disease. Trace was as well-rounded as men come: a man of faith, a fierce athlete, an artist and poet, a servant, an older brother of both mischief and enduring love. On Sundays, Shaelen's family led a community rosary for Trace. Once I learned of it from Shaelen, I showed up every week I could. I was backed by 3 of my best friends from high school. Typically, I would host Drew, Jake, and Clay at my house. We'd eat my mom's dessert of the week, then drive together to go pray at Shaelen's house. The story of Trace is inseparable from our relationship. It's how I came to know and love her family. It's how I got to witness the reliance and depth of her faith that I so admire. It's how I learned to and proved I would show up for Shaelen. Trace you are loved and missed. Continue to pray for us in Heaven. A strong friendship is the only label you could put on Shaelen and I's high school experience. So strong that when Father Haan suggested in class that dating should not coincide with strong girl-guy friendships, I (who was dating someone else) immediately looked at her and shook my head no. We made each other better, but this is not quite the story of high school sweethearts. Although if you look into Shaelen's journal, you'll find evidence of the first roots of romance. She would write prayers and notes asking for the relationship to reveal itself as it was meant to be. Prayers do get answered. We went our separate ways in college, but kept in touch. Loneliness was a shared difficulty our freshman year. We kept each other company over the phone and Shaelen made occasional visits to Purdue. I even went to her formal with her as a friend, which is funny because the next time I went I was her fiancé. During the breaks I would go back to the rosary, but on my own. Our friendship continued to grow on those Sundays. By the time the pandemic came around, Shaelen was one of the people I couldn't help but see. We'd use ice cream as an excuse to spend hours in the car chatting and laughing. Finally, I asked her on a date, and was met with genuine surprise and joy on her part. We talked and prayed our way through initial doubts and my own overeagerness. Since then, our relationship has consisted of many walks, lots of finding the nearest Mexican place, cooking together, tennis, disc golf, chess, cards, phone calls, 90 day novenas, and enough laughter to rival the best stand-up comedians' shows. Most of our relationship took place at an hour-drive distance. On our first date, I gifted Shaelen a journal and a note that asked her to be my girlfriend. Needless to say, I jumped the gun and freaked Shaelen out a little bit, but I was ready, not backing down from the commitment. Edges were smoothed out and Shaelen took my nice idea and made it better, as she tends to do. We used that journal to be the outlet for our distance. Feelings, prayers, recaps, games, etc. would make it into the journal, and then it'd be passed to the other person when we saw each other again. It was beautiful, fun, cathartic, and important for our relationship to be so strong. On December 4th, 2021, I put the ring in this journal. We took a walk on the canal. I brought the journal with me and we found a bench under string lights, next to the water. I read my notes from the journal and got down on one knee. We have been so blessed by incredible friends and family who have supported us again and again. Thank you. We cannot wait to party with you all at our wedding and to dance the night away. I steal the wise words of Natasha Bedingfield for our story... "the rest is still unwritten." We are so excited for the rest of this unwritten. Thank you for taking the time to read our story.

Our Story

Photos

Mackenzie Hayward

MAID OF HONOR Best friends since the fourth grade, Shaelen and Kenzie have made their way through many stages of life together. This summer will be no different as they BOTH celebrate their marriages and serve as maid of honor in one another's wedding!

Jack Haddad

BEST MANJack and Will went up the hill to fetch... wait wait wrong story. Jack and Will have been best friends throughout college, although their relationship started in high school. They share passions for disc golf, cooking, and faith. This summer they will both be married and be each other's best man.

Maris Bulger

BridesmaidMaris is the beloved little (but taller) sister of the bride. Her humor and creativity bring joy to Shaelen and Will frequently. She is a very talented athlete and an even better friend!

Caleb Kaopuiki

GroomsmanCaleb is the long time close friend of Will. Since playing basketball together in 4th grade, the two have had an inseparable bond. They are both welcomed as family in each other's households. Caleb is the closest thing to a brother Will had growing up.

Emily Kleck

BridesmaidEmily and Shaelen began their friendship when they met as fellow counselors at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa. Despite the distance (Emily in D.C. and Shaelen in Indy), they've remained closer than ever and cherish each chance they get to see each other.

Clay Hepp

GroomsmanIn high school, where there was a Will, there was a Clay. The two shared a special bond of inside jokes, disc golf, basketball, and trying their best to be kind. Clay will be attending IU med school in the fall. He continues to be a role model and great friend to Will.

Hannah Hawkins

BridesmaidHannah was originally a friend of Will's early in their college careers. Will spent most of his time third wheeling Hannah and her fiancee and the best man Jack. However, after living in the same area, Shaelen and Hannah have grown to have an exciting and Christ-rooted friendship.

Will Farrens

GroomsmanWill and Will share a lot of things in common: Their name, their height, their love for basketball, even their disease! They met at Chris Dudley Basketball Camp for type 1 diabetics in Vernonia, OR. Although rare, when they get to see each other Will and Will have a special friendship that always makes memories.

Jordan Bann

BridesmaidJordan is the best built-in role model Will could ask for. As the eldest sibling, Jordan set and continues to set a high standard in so many aspects of life. She is an amazing mother of a 1-year-old, excellent at her job, and an even better big sister.

Michael Bann

GroomsmanMike is Will's brother-in-law and the creator of Daddy dance parties. His daughter Teagan now shows off many dance moves of her own. Mike is an extremely hard worker and is starting a critical care fellowship this summer. He is a servant to both his family and community.

Kelsey Welch

BridesmaidKelsey is Will's sister who still cannot believe he is older than 13-years-old, let alone getting married. Will proudly became Funcle Will when she had her son Milo. She is an inspiration for her faith, goof, and parenting.

Andy Welch

GroomsmanAndy is Will's brother-in-law. He gave Will the brother he always wanted. He is kind hearted, God fearing, and a great role model both as a brother and father.

Wedding Party

Q + A

Ceremony

Mass to begin at 2:30 p.m.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church4217 Central AvenueIndianapolis, IN 46205

Reception

Cocktail Hour to begin at 5 p.m.

The Wellington Fishers Banquet &amp; Conference Center9775 N By Northeast BlvdFishers, IN 46037

Room blocks have been reserved for your convenience. Mention Bulger/Oberndorfer wedding when you call, or use the link below for access to our room blocks!

Home2 Suites by Hilton Fishers Indianapolis Northeast

Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Northeast/Fishers

Room blocks have been reserved for your convenience. Just mention Bulger/Oberndorfer wedding when you call the number above!

Shaelen & William

Shaelen & William

S&W

Wedding Day