La Venture Grove

Wedding Ceremony

Reception

Cocktail Hour

Our Wedding

In 2016, Hayden introduced himself to Tara at Matt the Miller's Tavern in Carmel, IN. At the time, they shared a love for beer and decided to meet at HopCat in Broadripple. Four hours flew by between the two of them. Tara enjoyed Hayden's sense of humor and Hayden noticed he found comfort in Tara's company. Within a few months, Hayden began introducing Tara as his girlfriend to his family and friends. Within their first year, they grew an unbreakable bond for one another. In 2017 they made a life changing decision to reside in South Florida. Many trials and tribulations took place between the years, but they conquered every obstacle out of love and trust in God's plan. Tara and Hayden continue cherish the importance of their companionship and count each day together as a blessing! Some highlights in their relationship include exploring many places such as the Everglades, The U.S. Virgin Islands, unique coffee shops, and many botanical gardens! Their hearts also remain full with their two crazy, but loving Aussie pups. When given the free time, they enjoy spontaneous road trips together. They look forward to taking on new adventures for many years to come! THE PROPOSAL Hayden always loved the idea of bringing the *SPECIAL* moment to Fairchild Botanical Garden. He specifically noted the greenhouse, where a beautiful Chihuly sculpture stands perfectly centered between tropical plants and a fish pond. It was one of the first memorable places both he and Tara visited in Miami. To keep the proposal a secret, Hayden asked Jeff and Rachel Thomas (the coolest friends you'll ever meet) to explain they'd enjoy a double-date to Fairchild.Upon their arrival, Tara was confused and concerned about the group "skipping" multiple exhibits. If anyone knows Tara well enough, this might bring some humor to the story. Once the group reached *THE* greenhouse, Hayden asked their friends for a "picture." As they stood in front of the Chihuly sculpture, Hayden expressed his love to Tara and asked for her hand in marriage. Tara continues to admit it was the BEST day of her life!

You Could Call it Love 

Our Story

Photos

Emily and Tara met in early middle school and sat next to each other on the school bus! After school, they’d watch Gilmore girls, jam to music, or talk about their love for Chris Brown (during his innocent days). Emily is like the big sister Tara never had. She is always down to have a good time no matter where she is! How time flies, Emily is by Tara's side in the most special way possible, as her MOH! 

Emily 

Vanessa and Tara met at Carrabba's Italian grill, as servers. Vanessa was the FIRST friend Tara made after her big move to South Florida. From the moment they've met, Vanessa has always treated Tara like family. They've shared moments where they've laughed, cried, and laughed until they've cried. Six years have passed, and they remain co-workers (at Restoration Hardware in West Palm). Two peaches in a tree, always. Tara looks forward to laughing, crying, laughing and crying with Vanessa on her wedding day!  

Vanessa 

Samantha and Tara became friends through Vanessa! Samantha is also one of Tara's closest friends from Florida. The three became "the trio" while working at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Delray Beach. Samantha and Tara instantly bonded through laughter, art, craft beer, and adventures together in and outside of Florida. Tara admires the amazing heart Samantha has, and she looks forward to re-living their fun-filled friendship on her wedding day!   

Samantha 

Maria and Tara made their favorite memories as bartenders at Matt the Miller's Tavern and Langton's Irish Pub in Carmel, IN. If you haven't already noticed the Facebook posts, Maria is also known as "Linda” from an inside joke they share (it’ll never get old). Maria has always been one of the most thoughtful, best friends Tara could ask for. Going into adulthood, Maria inspires Tara to stay positive through every obstacle! Tara couldn't plan her wedding without Maria's support! 

Maria 

Stephanie and Tara met in middle school, but their friendship blossomed in high school! Tara's father use to joke around about Stephanie being "Tara's twin." They've shared a love for art,  trips to the movies, Valero slushies before school, football games, pumpkin patches and so much more! Tara enjoys that Stephanie is always up for an adventure, big or small. Since Tara has moved to Florida, their bond in sisterhood has never changed. Stephanie is always a phone call away. During the planning process, Stephanie helps Tara tame her inner "bridezilla” and keeps her mindful. 

Stephanie 

Patience is Hayden's amazing step-sister. She was one of the first family members Tara met when her and Hayden started dating. Tara loved how incredibly sweet, patient, and supportive Patience has been throughout the years! If Tara and Hayden lived in northern Indiana, they would probably become next door neighbors to Patience and her family. Patience and her husband have 3 amazing children in Knox, Indiana. Tara looks forward to making more memories with Patience during the bachelorette and wedding day, as they OFFICIALLY become each other's bonus sisters! 

Patience

Jackson is Hayden's brother and they have developed a close relationship over the years through their similar taste in music and general outlook on life. Even though Jackson lives in Indiana and Hayden lives in Florida they stay in contact almost daily. They both help each other and encourage one another when times are difficult as well as praise and recognize each others accomplishments. Hayden is very proud of the man Jackson has become and couldn't imagine not having him there on the day he takes one if the biggest steps in life. 

Jackson 

Scott is Hayden's step father. He was Hayden's coach in little league baseball and soccer and taught Hayden the importance of good sportsmanship and that winning isn't always the most important thing.  Through his example and the way he always strived to help others and get better each day, Hayden has been able to become the man he is today.

Scott 

Mike is Hayden's dad. They have a close relationship that they maintain through weekly phone calls and daily texts. They share a love for the outdoors and the beauty of nature. Hayden chose Mike to be a groomsman because he couldn't imagine not having his dad, who taught him so much, stand with him, like he always has, as Hayden took another major step in his life.

Mike 

Hayden and Jeff met via open mic a few years after Hayden and Tara moved to Florida. Hayden started reaching out to Jeff more and more to experience about handling certain life situations. As their friendship blossomed, both Hayden and Tara became close with Jeff and his wife Rachel. Even though Jeff and Rachel have moved out of Florida, but the two stay in touch regularly. 

Jeff

Dylan is one of Hayden's closest friends that he's made since moving to Florida. They both share a passion for adventure and being spontaneous. Through kayaking trips, UFC fights, Magic The Gathering, and music, their friendship has grown and strengthened. Although Dylan has moved out of state they still stay in contact and get together as often as possible. 

Dylan

Erik and Hayden are cousins. Erik is a few years older than Hayden and the rest of the cousins, so the two weren't as close growing up as they are now. They still had good times at Grandma Irmi's and Erik's parents house but the relationship they have today didn't really form until Tara bought Hayden an Xbox for Christmas in 2019. Hayden hadn't played video games in years. Hayden, Matt, Erik, Alex (Hayden's cousin), and Josh (Hayden's brother) started playing video games together multiple times a week and when covid shut the world down they played even more. This brought them all closer together than ever.

Erik

Matt is Hayden's cousin. Fortunately growing up their whole family lived relatively close to one another, so every Sunday they would get together at Grandma Irmi's for lunch. The cousins would go swim in the lake and make "sculptures" from the clay they pulled from the lake, or play catch with the football, or go fishing. Hayden and Matt are only one year apart so when Hayden moved to his dad's and started attending the same school as Matt he was introduced to all of matts friends. They would all take walks around town and skateboard or drive to Michigan to see a show. Even though the two are 1,800 miles apart they still stay connected through video games and a "cousin's" group chat. 

Matt

Wedding Party

Q + A

Tara &amp; Hayden are SO glad you're celebrating with them! Please refer to the information below if you are traveling from out of state. If you are flying, we recommend flying into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) no later than Thursday, the 21st of March. Please expect to rent a car during your travels. Everyone is welcome to have a specific destination based on their preferences. However, we recommend staying in St. Augustine or Jacksonville, FL! These two cities have a lot to offer as you enjoy your time in Florida. Please search Airbnb.com or reserve your rooms at the hotels listed below.

Closest Hotels to the Venue 

In Jacksonville (Southside)Make yourself at home in one of the 122 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while 49-inch Smart televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.With a stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Sout This hotel is 35 minutes from JAX airport and 25 minutes away from the wedding venue.

Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville South / Bartram Park

In Jacksonville (Southside)Make yourself at home in one of the 125 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops. 32-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and microwaves.With a stay at Extended Stay America Suites Jacksonvi

Extended Stay America Suites Jacksonville Baymeadows

Staying in Jacksonville

In Jacksonville (Southside)Make yourself at home in one of the 137 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, and housekeeping is pr This hotel is 31 minutes from the wedding venue and 29 minutes from JAX airport.

Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park

This hotel is 19 minutes away from the airport and 34 minutes away from the wedding venue.

Marriott Jacksonville Downtown

Staying in St. Augustine

This hotel is 42 minutes from wedding venue and 1 hour away from JAX airport.

Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

This hotel is 1 hour away from JAX airport and 40 minutes away from the wedding venue.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District

Traveling

Things to Do in Jacksonville, FL

Need a break from the city life? Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a public beach and park located in the Mayport along the Jacksonville Beaches area. There is plenty to discover within the 447 acres of KAH's mature coastal hammock! Here you can discover the natural beauty of Florida's lakeside and ocean air! It's absolutely beautiful.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Jacksonville's Northbank riverwalk has one of the best views of the St. John's River. You'll find beautiful murals painted throughout the canal and if you're feeling adventurous, there is a shoreline canoe/kayak launch! It is also conveniently located next to downtown Jacksonville (Just a 7 minute drive!)

Northbank River Walk

MOCA is a fantastic museum with ever-changing exhibits to bring contemporary art to life for its visitors. It's suitable for all ages. In addition, the museum is located downtown, next to James Weldon Johnson Park and plenty of coffee shops! We recommend grabbing coffee at Urban Grind, Back to the Grind, or Ground Level. Enjoy a day to relax and take in the culture of Jacksonville's urban district.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Things to Do in St. Augustine, FL 

Take a day break at Anastasia State Park! The pristine white sand beaches and ancient sand dunes are captivating to all visitors. However, there is more! More than 1,600 acres of this land will also lead you into the tidal marshes, maritime habitats of northeast Florida. Check out TripAdvisor to schedule a tour (the wildlife is abundant of birds, dolphins, and manatees)!

Anastasia State Park

The Lightner Museum is the way of those who enjoy the extraordinary art and history of St. Augustine. Not only are there plenty of galleries and tours, but they offer an exquisite cafe that is known for its roasted duck leg, quiche, and wahoo. Besides the museum is St. Augustine's historic district if you plan to extend your daytime adventures.

Lightner Museum

This should be #1 on your list of things to do in St. Augustine! St. George Street is perfectly located for travelers to discover shops, dining, and most importantly its history! Historic sites include Old city gates, colonial quarters, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. After sight seeing, feel free to grab a bite at Prohibition Kitchen or check out the St. Augustine Distillery for afternoon fun! There is so much to explore along St. George Street.