Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Wedding Ceremony

Family Photos

The Waddell Center

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

As the maid of honour and the bride's younger sister, I am truly honoured to stand by her side on this special day. Shannon has been a part of my life since day one, and has been my built in buddy. She has always been my role model so watching her find love makes me so proud. I’m excited to celebrate this next exciting new chapter in her life!

Julia Mellema

I’m JC, Hayden and I met freshman year as roommates. Instantly we became like brothers. From late night discussions to all the adventures throughout the years, Hayden and I always have had an unspoken connection. After living with Hayden and playing baseball with him for 4 years, I know I can always count on him to be there by my side in any situation. 

JC Fortmann

Shannon and I met freshmen year in our oral rhetoric class, where she gave speech after speech about how great Canada is. We didn’t become close until our sophomore year while working in the admissions office. We goofed off way more than we probably worked. She is the funniest, kindest person I know and I’m so honored to be part of her special day! 

Annika Leys

I’m Matthew, aka Mattyray or Ice, and I’ve known Pooka since our freshman year of college in 2018. Hayden and I have built a bond around our shared love for baseball, life, pranks, and rock music. I really came to appreciate Hayden on the baseball field with his made-up catchphrases for the guys and his constant yelling that made the ups and downs of the season more enjoyable for everyone on the team. Whether it’s been through baseball or our off-field adventures, Hayden has always been a steady source of light and clarity in my life. Our late-night porch tea sessions in Okemos and his visits to see me in Chicago are moments I’ll always treasure. If there’s one thing that stands out about Hayden, it’s that he’s a ride-or-die friend who will always be there for anyone in need.

Matthew Raymond

As her older sister, I've known Shannon her whole life. I taught her everything she knows including how to drive. From keeping her entertained by reading to her as a baby to working together at Rosa to hearing about her adventures in university, I've watched Shannon grow into a wonderful person. I'm so proud of the things she's done and can't wait to see how Hayden helps her continue to flourish.

Kristin Mellema

Puka and I met at Calvin and were teammates on the baseball team. We’ve enjoyed plenty of good times throughout the years including trips to my hometown, Traverse City, where Puka was my family’s adopted son celebrating holidays and family dinners. Puka was also the adopted housemate at the Woodlawn house throughout a couple years in college while he was couch hopping. Throughout the 6 years of friendship we’ve shared plenty of laughs, beers, fights, and heart to heart talks when things get tough in life. Can’t wait for many more years with you in my life and so excited to be celebrating yourself as well as your better half Shan. 

Tommy Gallagher

Shannon and I met at a Health Sciences visit weekend at Calvin in March 2018 and immediately bonded over our Canadian heritage.  Little did we realize that we would spend the next 6+ years side-by-side.  From the tortures of public speaking class to endless study sessions to walking the graduation stage together (twice!), Shan and I shared many laughs (and notes) throughout our years of schooling.  Between study sessions, I started to hear about a new army boy Shannon had met.  Since then, I have loved watching Shan and Hayden grow in love and am so grateful to be in both of their lives.  I cannot wait to stand beside such a great couple on their wedding day and throughout their many adventures to come!

Kaitlyn Wilson

Is from Canada, but feels displeasure for winter as it is too cold. He enjoys golfing and went to elementary school with Indiana Hoosiers QB Kurtis Rourke. Also Hayden’s favourite right handed pitcher of all time. Favourite movie is Ratatouille or The Batman (2022). 

Jacob met Hayden for the first time on a visit to Calvin before freshman year and thought that Hayden was the most interesting man he’s ever met. No one has come close to this day. They played on the Calvin baseball team together and have remained close even though separated by borders. 

Jacob Schuurman

Shannon and I met in grad school at Calvin University, where we became friends through countless group projects, navigating externships, and enduring way too many long classes. I’m so happy our friendship grew beyond being classmates because she has truly changed my life in so many ways, including introducing me to the best Canadian snacks—Coffee Crisp candy bars and All Dressed chips! She’s been there for me through the highs and lows of becoming an SLP, a mother, buying and selling a home, and moving (she literally showed up to help my husband and me load the heavy furniture into the U-Haul and even scrubbed the bathrooms at our new place). One of our most memorable adventures was when Kaitlyn and I had to track down her missing visa by cornering the postman and personally delivering it to her across the Canadian border. We’ve been through it all together, and I’m so honored to be her friend and stand by her side on her big day!

Gabrielle Billow

Hayden and I have known each other ever since elementary school and became close through the little league Mariners team. From airlift fights to game nights, our families have been together and making memories for as long as I have known. So happy to see Hayden grow and become the guy he is today. 

Owen Reeder

We first met in grad school and became close friends through various group projects, our shared interest of working in pediatrics, and vent sessions. Through the torturous group projects and long study sessions we got to know each other better. Excited to be a part of this celebration!

Meagan Stump

My first ever semester of college, I saw this funny blonde across the history classroom. I never would’ve thought she would become one of my best friends and greatest supporters. Working together in Calvin’s Admissions Office we became close, watching movies during dinner during Covid and doing life together outside of work made us family. Through are own personal highs and lows, I can always call on her and now her amazing partner, Hayden. Everyone who meets Shanny and Hayden knows that they light up every room they go into. I am so thankful to be standing by their sides as they exemplify playful, joyful, Christ-like love. Oh, and by the way, Shannon may be the most nervous person ever crossing the boarder. Good luck Hayden. 

Joey Snella

Wedding Party

Q + A

Airports

<p>Airport is 20 minutes from Downtown Grand Raids, best place for guests flying in.</p>

Shannon & Hayden

Shannon & Hayden

Travel

Airports

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Hotels

Hampton Inn Grand Rapids North

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Rapids North