It all started one balmy August eve... Nick had been spending his evening afloat on his boat and Braden was busy slapping some paint on a piece of pottery at a local art studio... in what can only be described as a modern twist of fate, they both whipped out their phones and were matched based on geographic location alone. A simple "Hey" kicked off what would become an epic love story.

The following evening Nick, perhaps feeling bold from his aquatic adventures, offered to buy Braden a drink (after his day spent at a fundraiser at the county fair). Despite Nick's questionable fashion choices ("douchebag jeans") and his beatup pickup truck ("he might be a redneck") and Braden's ("equally douchey") personalized license plate and the slight linger of manure from the county fair's finest pig pens on his plaid button-down shirt - the two hit it off right away.  

Fast forward 7 years and here we are, well, you are, reading about us and getting ready to celebrate our marriage. Because sometimes, love blossoms in the most unexpected of places... like an app on your phone.

Our wedding will be held on August 23rd, 2024 in an intimate ceremony with a limited number of family and friends. Due to the small size, this event is by invitation only. Cake, champagne, and entertainment to follow. 

The wedding reception will be held on August 24th, 2024 and we look forward to celebrating with all of you. Come prepared for a night of entertainment with light hors devours, and drinks, of course! 

There is no official dress code for either event - we ask that you come as you are (we like you that way) - but, if you're in the mood, we would *love* to see you sparkle!

We ask that you RSVP as soon as you are able - feel free to use the automated system on this website (Braden thinks it's really super fancy and cool) - or, feel free text/call! Due to the availability of alcohol and Braden's questionable taste of music, we kindly ask that the kids sit this one out. 

We feel truly fortunate to already have a well established home - and your presence in our lives is gift enough, but if you are so kind as to feel like a gift is appropriate to help us celebrate, cash or checks are preferred. 

It is our privilege and honor to be able to host both our wedding and the reception at our home. Please refer to your invitation for the physical address.

 The Best Man: 
What can be said about Nellie Neal (that he hasn't already said about himself)? At least two things really, maybe three. He's a geniune friend, damn good person and has always had my back. From the day we met at a tradeshow (who knows where) we hit it off and we've been bitchy together ever since. Our adventures have taken us all over the world (and even almost caused Nick and I to break up in the beginning after an ill-timed gondala ride in Las Vegas... which, in retrospect, while a super fun Instagram post, may not have been the best thing to show a new boyfriend). I'm pleased to announce that I was finally able to convince Nellie to come to visit Michigan - all it took was meeting the love of my life and telling him he could wear whatever he wanted to our wedding - just so long as he stood as my best man. 

The Wedding (Reception) Singer: 
Daniel Shevlin
Daniel has made a multi-skilled career as an actor, singer, and cellist living in New York City. Most notably, he is the cellist of Well-Strung, the singing string quartet, whom have performed in various venues across the globe and have been seen on the Today Show, The Amazing Race and Watch What Happens Live!  He has also appeared Off-broadway in the Sandbox (written and directed by Edward Albee), has toured the U.S. and Asia in productions of Cabaret and Rent, and has worked regionally both as an actor and cellist in many theaters including the Arvada Center (CO), the Maltz-Jupiter Theater, Riverside Theater (FL), and Mason Street Warehouse (MI), to name a few.

Can I Get A Witness (or Two):

AJ and Ace Himm
Life has been a crazy ride, and I couldn't be more grateful to my kids for showing me what unconditional love means. We are grateful to have been loved by a tender soul who was looking for love in all the wrong places and had no clue what he was agreeing to when I asked him out for a drink. He bonded with the kids right away, and as a result, I couldn't be more grateful. My kids are worth more than my life itself, and I couldn't think of anything more appropriate, or meaningful, that their involvement in our love story. 
 

It's All About The Pianist: 

Ryan Holley-Mallo

What's a gay wedding without a pianist? Ryan is an accomplished musician originally from the Saginaw area who, in his own turn of events, and with a story similiar to Nick's found his own happily ever after. We cannot wait to have him wow you with his many talents. 

The Lady of Love: 
Sarah Burke

We were both thrilled when Sarah said she would officiate our wedding ceremony. We could not think of a better person for the job. A family friend, an amazing mother (cook... hostess... the list goes on).  It truly is an honor to have her be a part of our lives, not just on our wedding day but throughout the years.