Black Star Farms

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

For any one who doesn’t know, Skylar and Brendan met on a dating app. A few days before Thanksgiving, Skylar went on hinge to actually delete the app; however her curiosity overcame her and she took one last look at her likes. As she was quickly swiping left not paying attention to the profiles, something made her stop to look at Brendan’s profile. She swiped right almost immediately. Skylar figured out later in the relationship, Brendan joined the app just a day before. After matching, they clicked instantly. They skipped “what’s your favorite color?” And went straight to deep conversations. They would stay up until early hours of the morning talking even if it left the other only a few hours to sleep. They didn’t care because talking to each other was the best part of their days. After only talking for two days Brendan told Skylar the military wouldn’t let him go home for Thanksgiving. Without a second thought Skylar asked her mom if she could invite him to Thanksgiving. Her mom said of course! Thanksgiving rolls around; Brendan came up with the idea of before meeting Skylar and her family face to face for the first time, let’s go on a little coffee date before to see if there’s a connection. He surprised Skylar with flowers and a miniature foam soccer ball. To this day, that is one of the most thoughtful gifts she’s ever gotten. The connection was instant and time flew by on their coffee date; they made it back home for Thanksgiving dinner just in time. Two weeks and a few dates later, Brendan asked Skylar to be his girlfriend. Nine months later, a few days before Brendan was stationed to Norfolk, VA, he asked her to marry him where they had their first real date at Cypress gardens with a paper ring (Skylar is low key obsessed with Taylor Swift so she greatly appreciated the Taylor reference). Two and a half months later he proposed with a screen shot of the ring in the kitchen of their new house… the next day the real ring came. This time he proposed on the stairs of their house as Skylar held Saint back. A few days later, Skylar had to drop Brendan off at base to be deployed. It was one of the hardest things she’s had to do; and one of the hardest things for him to have to turn his back and walk towards the boat away from her. Deployment wasn’t all sad. It taught them a lot of skills and bettered others. Yes, the holidays apart weren’t the easiest and making life decisions without each other were just as hard; however, it taught them that time together is precious, never take anything for granted, communication is key when limited contact is in place, and take being able to talk for only two minutes as a gift. The space between them made their relationship and love for each other stronger, which neither of them thought was possible. September 28th 2024, will be the start of a new chapter in their crazy, unordinary, perfect story; they can’t wait to share it with all their closest and welcoming friends and family.

Thanksgiving With A Stranger Who’d Become Their Forever

Our Story

A Look Into Our Journey

Krystal and Skylar met in college when they were in the same sorority. After Krystal shortly joined, she became Skylar’s Little. They became not just sorority sisters because of Greek life; they became more than that. Krystal brings the sun when the skies are grey. They’ve been through the worst of times and the best of times; however no matter what, they come out each time stronger than before. From thousands of miles away, they are always by each other’s side. They also love the occasional surprise trips to see each other. Skylar is so blessed to have such a light in her life. They were meant to be sisters. Krystal is starting an apprenticeship to become a professional dog trainer! Skylar can’t be anymore thrilled with all of Krystal’s successes and to be one of her biggest cheerleaders.

Krystal Sydow

Skylar and Mairead met through Tanner, Skylar’s little brother. If you ever ask Tanner, he’ll take full credit for how close Mairead and Skylar became instantly. They don’t give him the credit. Mairead and Skylar don’t just act like best friends; but act like sisters. One minute they will be boosting each other’s confidence, then the next minute they will take embarrassing photos of each other. Though Mairead and Skylar have only known each other for almost 2 years, they’ve learned a lot together. From learning how to play a confusing board game to trying new foods; their friendship will always be an adventure. They’re truly partners in crime. That’s ironic because after Mairead is finished with school, she wants to work for the FBI… Oops. 

Mairead Boland

So many memories come to Skylar when she thinks of Alexa and their journey. Skylar and Alexa met on set of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 2. During breaks, they did nothing but laugh. After the first day of filming, they extended filming hours so Alexa couldn’t drive back to Texas that night. After knowing Alexa for only 12 hours, Skylar invited her to room with her in the extra bed. Little did they know, they’d become the best of friends. After that, they were roomies for the rest of season 2. Skylar couldn’t ask for a better roommate to spend season 2 with. Alexa was the ball of light that Skylar didn’t know she needed. Alexa tries to see the positive in everything; especially when Skylar thought it was a good idea to use coal for a bonfire… it’s a long story don’t ask. Since Skylar now lives in Norfolk and Alexa now lives outside of DC, they’re only 3 hours apart. They plan on having girls weekends (featuring Brendan) and blaring Taylor Swift. 

Alexa Cortes

Juliet and Skylar met when they founded Chi Omega in college. Going through that unique experience brought them closer and closer. Juliet always thinks of others before herself. When they were in college, Skylar had to look for an apartment; Juliet dropped everything and found Skylar an apartment that had the most amazing roommate. That roommate and Skylar are still friends to this day. Juliet truly has a heart of gold. Skylar and Juliet have been through pretty big stepping stones and miracles throughout their friendship and Skylar wouldn’t trade those for the world. Though Juliet lives hundreds of miles away, she always checks in not only with just Skylar, but her family as well. Skylar is so proud of all her successes and can’t wait to see what a wonderful nurse she will become. 

Juliet Keller-Dabner

Kelli and Skylar... What isn't there to say? Though, they weren't able to meet in person long, that didn't matter because they became sisters instantly. They bonded over their mutual love for animals, and the relationship grew from there. She is truly the second big sister Skylar didn't know she needed. When Brendan and Skylar were able to visit their home, they welcomed Skylar with open arms as if she was part of the family. Skylar still remembers the moment when Kelli went out of her way to sit with Skylar who was sitting by herself, and started girl talk instantly. To this day, Brendan still doesn't know what they said about him; and like sisters they both will make sure it stays like that. Kelli is a world renowned German Shepard breeder and Skylar can't wait to see was God has in store for her. 

Kelli Shoemaker

Avery is truly the sweetest social butterfly you will ever meet. Skylar and Averys first encounter was at Averys sister's wedding. Skylar and Avery randomly started to dance to a Taylor Swift song; though they didn't know each other, they started dancing together (Gotta love the Swiftie community). During the annual summer family camping trip, Avery and Skylar got closer. Almost every night, Skylar and Avery would look at the stars and spot the constellations. During one of the beach days, they spent the whole time building objects and food with sand. Skylar is so blessed to have gotten so close to this intelligent Curious George.  

Avery Richards

Nate and Brendan have been through many adventures together. Nate and Brendan met freshman year of college through a club on campus. They weren't close at first; however, a club trip to Washington, DC would change that. In the van, Brendan randomly sat next to Nate, and they spent the whole time talking. They learned they had a mutual love for country music, doing red neck activities, and both had a passion for triathlons. They were so passionate that they started a triathlon club together. Fast forward to COVID, Brendan decided to stay in Grand Rapids, and their friendship flourished even more. Who knew joining a random club and picking a random seat, would lead to a life long friendship?  

Nate Huene

Tanner is the younger brother of the bride, Skylar. Tanner met Brendan on the same day as Skylar did; Thanksgiving 2022. Though, Tanner kept his distance, he still welcomed Brendan into the house. On Tanners defense the Bills were playing (Go Bills!) and he's a major fan, so the Bills were top priority. Though their first meeting was brief, the other interactions were not. Brendan, Tanner, Skylar, and Mairead have spent hours playing different games together, going to eat, Top Golf, so on and so forth. Brendan and Tanner acted like brothers almost immediately with smart aleck commentary and a mutual care for one another. As Skylar watches their bond to continuously grow, it warms her heart more and more. 

Tanner Banks

Tyler Shoemaker

Jonathan Maybray

When Skylar asked Mike how he met  Brendan, Mike replied "So, one day when I was 10 years old, Brendan showed up in. my room, pooped his pants, and started crying. He didn't leave. That's how I met him." Surprisingly, Skylar was not expecting this response, but she knew it was too good not to share. Thank you Mike!

Mike Shanahan

Matt Shanahan

Cassin Shoemaker

Blayden Shoemaker

Lucas Mallery

Caroline Mallery

Randy Boike

Burt and Korina Banks

Ron and Sandy Shanahan

Mary Tarbell

Trenton and Mary Katherine Banks

Hi I’m Saint! I know Mommy and Daddy were only doing these for the wedding party, but I wanted to be included since Mommy won't let me come to the wedding. Rude, right? Anyway, I met Mommy when I was only 8 weeks old; I’m 3 and a half now, so that is a long time ago. Mommy spoils me all the time with tons of loving, treats, and gives me her food like all the time. Daddy asks her to not spoil me as much, but everyone knows I have Mommy wrapped around my paw. Daddy became my Daddy on January 27th, 2023; I gave him presents and even wrote a letter telling him how much I loved him and how I wanted him to be my Daddy. When I first met Daddy on Turkey day, ooh I love turkeyyy! Don't you love turkey? It's soooo good! Wait what was I saying? Oh yea! I somehow knew he was going to be my Daddy; so I let him give me pets and I even laid next to him on the couch after dinner. I know right? Crazy! Though, Daddy hasn’t known me as long, he loves me unconditionally; even when I tore up one of his favorite shirts. I really tested his patience that night. I’ve been a part of Mommy and Daddy’s story from the beginning and seen the different chapters in their relationship. I for one think they were made for each other.  I’m so excited to have them as my parents. I wouldn’t ask for any other people who could love me as much as they do. Here’s to playing house forever and secretly having Daddy wrapped around my paw even if he denies it. I love you Mommy and Daddy!

Saint Magnolia

Wedding Party

Q + A

Reservations are to be made by August 12th, 2024

Park Place Hotel and Conference Center

Cambria Hotel Traverse City

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars) “Seriously the cutest ever! They just get each other on a whole different level. Brendan is everything Skylar needed, even the stuff she didn’t know she needed. My favorite couple and I would give 10 stars if I could!” -Krystal

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 Stars) “If you’re looking for a couple to hang out with, look no further than Brendan and Skylar! They are fun, adventurous, and supportive of each other. They will make you laugh, inspire you, and brighten your mood. They are the best couple ever, and I highly recommend them. I had to subtract half of a star due to how far away they live.” -Mike Shanahan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️    (5 Stars)    “Brendan and Skylar are a match made in heaven. They are both adventurous, fun-loving, and great dancers. I've only met Skylar once, but I could tell right away that she is the perfect partner for my brother. She is very supportive of his overseas work, and she is also very smart. She gets to plan the whole wedding by herself, which is a good thing, because Brendan has no clue about flowers, cakes, or colors. He just wants to make her happy, and he does. They are so in love, it's almost sickening. But in a good way. I can't wait to see them tie the knot and start their new life together. They are the best couple ever, and I'm not just saying that because I'm related to one of them. OK, maybe I am. But still, they are awesome. 10/10 would recommend. Or maybe only 5/5? I'm not sure what the scale is. Hopefully it's not out of 100. 😬”   -Matt Shanahan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️    (10 Stars)    “Skylar's kindness knows no bounds, always radiating warmth and goodwill. Her sense of humor is a constant source of joy, adding a touch of laughter to every moment we share. What truly sets her apart is her unwavering support—no matter the situation, she is consistently there, making her an invaluable and cherished friend. Crazy to think we only met two years ago, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful and dependable friend in my life!”   -Alexa Cortes

Reviews On The Couple

Appetizer (Cocktail Hour)

-Black Star Farms Cherry BruschettaIdyll Farms Truffle Chèvre, Basil, Arcturos Cabernet Franc-Soaked Cherries -Honey Blueberry CrostiniChèvre, Blueberry, Chives, Spicy Honey -Cilantro Lime Shrimp -Caprese SkewersCherry Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil

Salad

-Harvest Garden Salad Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Grilled Squash, Charred Red Peppers, Parmesan, Creamy Italian Vinaigrette

Entree 

-Slow-Roasted Beef Short Ribs Black Star Farms Red Wine Demi-Glace -Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breast Fresh Herbs topped with Gruyère and Madeira Mushroom Sauce -Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Gruyère, Vodka Sauce -Chicken Tenders and Tater Tots (Children’s Meal)

Skylar & Brendan

Skylar & Brendan

Travel

Park Place Hotel and Conference Center

Cambria Hotel Traverse City