Marriage License Signing!

Mini Rehearsal & set-up followed by Dinner

Temple Emanuel

Brit Ahavah - Covenant of Love

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

How We Met

We met on Bumble! We matched and messaged each other May 22, 2018. Susie: Zoe had such a warm, wholesome look, and she mentioned her Peace Corps service on her profile, which I highly admire. I knew she'd have good stories to share. It was an easy swipe right situation.On our first date (Saturday, May 26th), we sat on the beach of Port Sheldon and talked for hours, then had dinner at Sandy Point.After a few more dates, I (Susie) asked Zoe to go steady with me June 13th. She was watching a softball game I was playing in. I gave her a photo album of a few pictures I had printed, and a note saying, "I'd like to fill this album with you."

Engagement

Zoe proposed to Susie Sunday, May 17th, 2020.Zoe had spent months planning and coordinating with several people to surprise Susie at work (Trader Joe's). Then Covid-19 raced around the world, complicating all her plans. She was resilient, and bounced back with creativity. She coordinated a car train to parade outside of the store, and activated a Zoom link for friends and family who couldn't be present. She had 'insiders', co-workers of Susie's, to make sure Susie could be in the front of the store, and to play special music. Zoe hopped out of the last car in the pouring rain and asked if Susie would marry her. She said yes!

We Bought A House! 

Knowing that we wanted to spend our life together, it made sense to make an investment for our future. Zoe and I signed the papers for 1324 Walnut Street at the end of June, and we moved in at the end of July.

Marriage License Signing

The global pandemic caused so many uncertainties and delays in all of our lives. We had originally wanted to get married June 13, 2021, two years after we started dating. As months went by under quarantines and lock downs, we realized it would be a long time before we could celebrate en masse. When Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed into the supreme court, many hearts sank. Her stances about LGBTQ issues are well known. It's only been federally legal to marry a person of the same sex or gender since 2015 in the U.S., and it is possible this right could so soon be challenged. Like many same-sex couples, Zoe and I decided we wish to be married as long as legally able, so we signed our marriage certificate Wednesday, November 4th, 2020. We appreciated the understanding, flexibility, and generosity of those at Temple Emanuel, our family and friends.

And now...

After a year and a half, we now look forward to celebrating our Brit Ahavah (Covenant of Love) with family and friends! While variants of covid still whirl around, we are grateful for the service of science and medical professionals. Our marriage has been tested by global and personal transitions, and we are better for it. We look forward to celebrating our growing and deepening love with you!

Our Story

Wedding Party

Brides

Also known as  "Bird" in the Post family (she can whistle like a bird), Susie was born in Kentucky and raised in Ohio and Michigan, making her solidly Midwestern. She moved to Grand Rapids in 2013 to study Art Education, and decided to claim Grand Rapids as her home.

Susie

Zoe, AKA "Bear", hails from Holland, MI, with Dutch roots reaching back for generations. After serving a term with the Peace Corps, a job brought Zoe to Grand Rapids, where she's settled down with Susie. 

Matrons of Honor

Rebekah, affectionately known as "Becky" by friends and family, is Susie's second oldest sister and a dear friend. She could be easily described as spunky, tender, resilient, and daring. Susie cherishes Becky, and laughs her hardest when around her. 

Rebekah Most

Carlie is Zoe's older sister, and is hilarious, thoughtful, and stalwart. For years she threatened Zoe that Zoe wasn't allowed to have a secret elopement, and her threats paid off: when Zoe and Susie decided to have a quick marriage-license signing, it was openly acknowledged and Carlie was able to attend :)

Carlie Shults

Ushers

Doctor Brady Post is is Zoe's older brother. Currently a professor in Boston, we look for any reason to get him back in the area ;)  Intellectual, hilarious, and adventurous, he's a perfect personality to greet guests. 

Dr. Brady Post

Keaton is Zoe's younger brother, and the closest witness to Zoe and Susie's relationship. He's seen them at their worst and best. His presence and support has been so valuable. Charming, sharp, and fun-loving, Keaton's a no-brainer for greeting our loved ones. 

Keaton Post

Keagan is Susie's nephew, Becky's oldest son. He is hard-working, talented, and incredibly kind and helpful. We're glad he's on our team! 

Keagan Most

Cody is Susie's nephew, Becky's youngest son. He is perceptive, thoughtful, and fun-loving. We're glad he's on our team! 

Cody Most

Flower Folks

Joy is Susie's niece, Becky's daughter.  Observant, lively, and chatty, Joy is, well...a joy! 

Joy Most

Preston is Zoe's nephew, Carlie's oldest son. He knows more bird species than Zoe and Susie combined. He is gentle and thoughtful - a perfect choice petal tossing!

Preston Shults

Supporting Roles

Rabbi at Temple Emanuel, Schadick has overseen Zoe's conversion and our covid wedding ceremony. 

Rabbi Michael Schadick

Affiliated with Temple Emanuel and Ahavas Israel, David is a soulful cantor with a passion for prayer.

David Fair

A fellow alum of Bethel University (where Susie studied ASL Interpreting), Philip has blessed Temple Emanuel with his musical talents. We are grateful for his friendship and services!

Philip Pletcher

1715 Fulton St EGrand Rapids, MI 49503http://www.grtemple.org/

Zoe has found great meaning in Jewish traditions and completed her conversion September 12th, 2020. Temple Emanuel has been an inclusive and welcoming community to us. While Susie is not religious, she is proud to identify as "Jew-adjacent", and enjoys celebrating many Jewish rituals with Zoe.

The Venue

Photos

Registry

Stay The Weekend! 

If you don't have family in town, we recommend you stay with a local Grand Rapidian! If you can, come early and stay for a few days - there's so much you can do here!

Susie & Zoe

Susie & Zoe

The Venue

Temple Emanuel