Christ the King Catholic Church

Rehearsal Dinner

Bayside Park

Welcome Cocktails by the Bay

Molly and Briar's Wedding

Ceremony

Reception

The Friend Home

Happily Ever After Brunch

Summer

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Our Wedding

Let us know if you can Save the Date - August 1, 2026! We’d love to know if you think you’ll be able to join us in Traverse City for our wedding! Please respond to our <a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/qkypZnnUqWY2RdVFWby3Wn?guestToken=67cb1390a4ce857f24fdfb1922de254611724d9d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paperless Post</a> to let us know if you might be coming. This isn’t a formal RSVP, so you’re not locked in—but it really helps us get a better sense of numbers for planning. Heads up: Traverse City is a popular summer destination, so if you’re thinking of coming, check out the Lodging page soon to find a place to stay. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Save the Date

The Wedding Weekend Itinerary

Friday, July 31 at 6:30 - 8:30 pmWelcome Cocktails by the BayBayside Park5705 Munson Ave, Williamsburg, MI 49690Welcome cocktail party for all invited! The soon-to-be married couple can’t wait to welcome everyone and begin celebrating the impending nuptials. Meet for refreshments and celebration at Bayside Park in Williamsburg. Saturday, August 1 at 2 pmThe Wedding CeremonyChrist the King Church3801 Shore Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690THE big day! The sacrament of matrimony will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church with a reception following at nearby Garvey Barn. The ReceptionGarvey Barn7490 Lautner Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690Cocktails at 4:30 pmDinner &amp; Dancing at 5:30 pm Sunday, August 2 at 9 am - noonNOTE THE NEW TIME - beginning at 9 amHappily Ever After BrunchThe Bride's Home3739 Winter Leaf Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686A brunch send off for the bride and groom as they leave for their honeymoon. Questions? Email conciergefrienddowker@gmail.com

TIME BETWEEN THE WEDDING AND COCKTAILS?

Here is what is nearby when you have 60 - 90 minutes...

Visit the <a href="https://musichouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music House Museum</a>The Music House Museum offers a unique collection of instruments that provide guests with a walk through the history, the artistry and the engineering of automated music. See why it's a unique and historic Northern Michigan icon. Entrance is $20 and tickets for Seniors, Veterans, and AAA are deeply discounted, Active Duty tickets are complimentary. <a href="The Grand Traverse Resort" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grand Traverse Resort</a>SHOPPING: Enjoy specialty shops in the main lobby area of the GT Resort.DRINKS: Jack's Tap Room is a great place to enjoy a spirit. Or head to the Clubhouse for a drink at the Grille.JUST FOR FUN: Take the tower elevators up to the 16th and 17 floors for a view of East Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding landscape. <a href="https://www.turtlecreekcasino.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Turtle Creek Casino</a>Feeling lucky? Try your odds at the local casino. <a href="https://www.mcgees72.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">McGee's on 72</a>A great spot for a quick drink overlooking the Grand Traverse Resort greens! <a href="https://www.franksbayviewinn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bayview Inn</a>Looking for a local watering hole? You found it at the Bayview Inn, say hi to the owner Frankie! Need Something / Forgot Something?<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/locator/walgreens-2350+n+us+highway+31+n-traverse+city-mi-49686/id=7369" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Walgreens</a> on US31N is nearby.<a href="https://www.meijer.com/shopping/store-locator/236.html?cmpid=LM:Web::::05112021::GoogleGrocery" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Meijer</a> on M72 has just about everything anyone could forget on their trip.

Itinerary 

We want you to have as much fun at our wedding as we do! If the pages on this website, or the Q&amp;A below, have not answered your questions or you have a unique request or need for the weekend, please reach out at conciergefrienddowker@gmail.com. We look forward to helping you plan a great time "Up North"!

Questions?

UPDATE 06/22/2026We're seeing some good rates at TC hotels: <a href="https://traverseblossom.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Blossom Hotel &amp; Suites</a>, <a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/travelodge/traverse-city-michigan/traverse-city-mi-travelodge/overview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Travelodge by Wyndham</a>, <a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/traverse-city-michigan/howard-johnson-of-traverse-city/overview?iata=00093763&amp;cid=PS:1njz20xu06imhwb&amp;cq_cmp=23829195808&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23829195808&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADjacG0101MTRjXHiLoPGwGUNum3u&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwuuPRBhAnEiwA2Ji8esZjFSYfLYxH-Q4sJw23Ll0IpLUUwcfX2MYcXudZA-lFCs90i5tz2hoCHLkQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Howard Johnson by Wyndham</a>, <a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/michigan/acme/sleep-inn-hotels/mi174?gclid=CjwKCAjwuuPRBhAnEiwA2Ji8emXXkZxkIZ19aBN2baierHloXlLgJt5Z_zCL5M0RwM7wg_ds5JWeoxoCQwQQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sleep Inn </a>(Acme/Williamsburg/TC). and <a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/acme/wmgno/hoteldetail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Holiday Inn Express</a> (Acme/Williamburg/TC), and <a href="https://www.thetruenorthproperty.com/all-rentals/hotels-collections/gold-coast/?sort_by=min_bedrooms_number" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gold Coast Inn </a>(Acme/Williamsburg/TC). ORIGINAL POST:Make your hotel reservations EARLY! Northern Michigan is a popular summer travel destination, and Traverse City is tops on the list. Rooms fill fast, wedding blocks are rare, and rates can be higher during peak season. Also, the high demand for rooms makes it difficult for all wedding guests to stay at one location and can make rates a bit pricey. Check out the hotels below, which includes non-traditional lodging such as a campground with cabins, and short-term rentals. Also, visit the Beach District's <a href="https://www.eastbaybeachdistrict.com/explore/hospitality/hospitality.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lodging link</a> for additional hotels convenient to the church and reception venue. The nearby Traverse City Horse Show, an A-rated horse competition, also has a useful <a href="https://traversecityhorseshows.com/plan-your-trip/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lodging link page.</a> Here are some great AirBnB options:<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1287915771444001169?adults=4&amp;check_in=2026-07-26&amp;check_out=2026-08-02&amp;location=Traverse%20City%2C%20MI&amp;search_mode=regular_search&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1776555526_P38bCzrCVXERAkwe&amp;previous_page_section_name=1001&amp;federated_search_id=3347b7ba-b451-4ab7-ad30-c1310104e255" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Conveniently located on the east side of TC</a> - easy to get to places and to bike to places, this is recently completed construction.<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45537607?adults=4&amp;check_in=2026-07-26&amp;check_out=2026-08-02&amp;location=Traverse%20City%2C%20MI&amp;search_mode=regular_search&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1776555966_P3ySpHnynPgGKIhW&amp;previous_page_section_name=1001&amp;federated_search_id=cfa8d97b-24f9-4a47-9fdf-9fce56c255b8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Here's another in the same area </a>that is new construction.Here's a <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/54384825?adults=4&amp;check_in=2026-07-26&amp;check_out=2026-08-02&amp;location=Traverse%20City%2C%20MI&amp;search_mode=regular_search&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1776556077_P3Y5dL5itUjssI5J&amp;previous_page_section_name=1001&amp;federated_search_id=7b3a9c25-e110-422b-bd3f-168ff6103f8e&amp;modal=PHOTO_TOUR_SCROLLABLE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">downtown option</a>.<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1465332781292827784?adults=4&amp;check_in=2026-07-26&amp;check_out=2026-08-02&amp;search_mode=regular_search&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1776556296_P32eO0qQjf_PyyK1&amp;previous_page_section_name=1000&amp;federated_search_id=d8aea712-febf-49d2-b488-9dcf0559c29f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great location of the bike trail</a>. And VRBO options:<a href="https://www.vrbo.com/2441896?chkin=2026-07-26&amp;chkout=2026-08-02&amp;d1=2026-07-26&amp;d2=2026-08-02&amp;startDate=2026-07-26&amp;endDate=2026-08-02&amp;x_pwa=1&amp;rfrr=HSR&amp;pwa_ts=1776557123503&amp;referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudnJiby5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&amp;useRewards=false&amp;adults=4&amp;regionId=179906&amp;destination=Williamsburg%2C+Michigan%2C+United+States+of+America&amp;destType=BOUNDING_BOX&amp;latLong=44.772976%2C-85.403975&amp;searchId=41f09190-7dfc-43b0-a60a-37d6c60e1d8c&amp;sort=RECOMMENDED&amp;top_dp=403&amp;top_cur=USD&amp;userIntent=&amp;selectedRoomType=70690926&amp;selectedRatePlan=0004e8ec039befbe41a683ffd4db534865bf&amp;expediaPropertyId=70690926" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Convenient to east side </a>- has kitchenette and two bedrooms - more like a hotel - super great lake view<a href="https://www.vrbo.com/2792674?chkin=2026-07-26&amp;chkout=2026-08-02&amp;d1=2026-07-26&amp;d2=2026-08-02&amp;startDate=2026-07-26&amp;endDate=2026-08-02&amp;x_pwa=1&amp;rfrr=HSR&amp;pwa_ts=1776557643836&amp;referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudnJiby5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&amp;useRewards=false&amp;adults=4&amp;regionId=3577&amp;destination=Traverse+City%2C+Michigan%2C+United+States+of+America&amp;destType=BOUNDING_BOX&amp;latLong=44.763058%2C-85.620628&amp;bedroom_count_gt=2&amp;searchId=05a3d995-1042-424a-92d1-b186304bef02&amp;sort=RECOMMENDED&amp;top_dp=275&amp;top_cur=USD&amp;userIntent=&amp;selectedRoomType=78141715&amp;selectedRatePlan=00046e9b34ac5ac844e49ae3feecfccbf443&amp;expediaPropertyId=78141715" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great value and not a bad drive</a><a href="https://www.vrbo.com/pdp/lo/115718091?chkin=2026-07-26&amp;chkout=2026-08-02&amp;d1=2026-07-26&amp;d2=2026-08-02&amp;startDate=2026-07-26&amp;endDate=2026-08-02&amp;x_pwa=1&amp;rfrr=HSR&amp;pwa_ts=1776558106945&amp;referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudnJiby5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&amp;useRewards=false&amp;adults=4&amp;regionId=553248635976431221&amp;destination=Kalkaska+County%2C+Michigan%2C+United+States+of+America&amp;destType=BOUNDING_BOX&amp;neighborhoodId=888385556026052608&amp;latLong=44.734173%2C-85.175887&amp;bedroom_count_gt=2&amp;searchId=107e8fb0-f7eb-4b2c-b381-9dfd84361d50&amp;sort=PRICE_LOW_TO_HIGH&amp;top_dp=347&amp;top_cur=USD&amp;userIntent=&amp;selectedRoomType=326706234&amp;selectedRatePlan=403163102&amp;expediaPropertyId=115718091" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">In the heart of Traverse City! </a>Above shops downtown. Walk to so much! If you have further questions or are having any issues, please reach out to concierge@gmail.com or the bride or groom.

The Most Reasonable Hotels Around<a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/traverse-city-michigan/howard-johnson-of-traverse-city/overview?CID=LC:q68ryvg9cq3avi8:25593&amp;iata=00093796" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Howard Johnson by Wyndham</a><a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/traverse-city-michigan/days-inn-and-suites-traverse-city-michigan/overview?CID=LC:iqv0j1dklijly45:3606&amp;iata=00093796" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Days Inn &amp; Suites</a><a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/traverse-city-michigan/super-8-traverse-city/overview?CID=LC:yytq4fvvehxh7se:32518&amp;iata=00093796" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Super 8</a><a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/baymont/traverse-city-michigan/baymont-inn-and-suites-traverse-city/overview?CID=LC:cfixxwa8fefdt79:17889&amp;iata=00093796" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Baymont</a><a href="https://www.seasonsinntc.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Seasons Inn</a><a href="https://tceconolodge.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Econolodge</a><a href="https://www.thesierratc.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Siera Motel</a><a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/travelodge/traverse-city-michigan/traverse-city-mi-travelodge/overview?CID=LC:fkqqcjhla7b6gbb:15394&amp;iata=00093796" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Travelodge</a><a href="https://kasa.com/properties/the-vic-hotel-by-kasa-traverse-city?utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=nonpaid&amp;utm_campaign=GMB&amp;utm_term=VisitHotelWebsiteButton&amp;utm_content=VCT&amp;propertyType=&amp;petsAllowed=&amp;parking&amp;bedCount=1&amp;bedroomCount=0&amp;bathroomCount=1&amp;amenities=&amp;adultGuestCount=1&amp;childGuestCount=0&amp;infantGuestCount=0&amp;travelingForBusiness=false" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Vic</a><a href="https://traverseblossom.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Blossom Hotel</a> Gold Coast Inn - a reasonable find!

The Cherry Tree Inn is located right on the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. A local favorite, it has beautiful views and is located minutes from the church and reception venue. You will not be disappointed with this selection. use the link to reserve your stay: https://reservations.cherrytreeinn.com/promo?offerCode=WED&amp;hotel=TVCCTI

The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a family-focused destination with something for everyone...pools, golf, dining, shopping. It is a stone's throw from the church and reception venue. Visit <a href="https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/?_gl=1*1s1jgw7*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAwYrNBhDcARIsAGo3u31ie9Pwlbw81tPJN15IAappIE5M3LJ2rs_RWDFzP7bnTlZrLSOwuyAaArTjEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADiRMG5trgnV4OwXwXGJQFK_yQFBW" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">grandtraverseresort.com.</a>

Residence Inn is a new hotel and conveniently located near the area attractions, and the church and reception location. Visit the <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1770055066299&amp;key=CORP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link for a 10% wedding discount rate</a>.

The <a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/acme/wmgno/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-EX-_-US-_-WMGNO" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Holiday Inn Express </a>is located adjacent to the Sleep Inn and both are near the church and reception venue.

Tru TC is a Hilton group hotel and is located south/southwest of Traverse City. While it is a little further from the church and reception venue at about 10 miles away and 20+ minutes with summer traffic, it is still a reasonable distance and offers a better price during the high-demand summer season. It is not located along the bay, but is extremely convenient to places of everyday shopping like Target, Kohls, Meijer, and a multiple of chain restaurants like Olive Garden, Applebees, and Chick-fil-A. Use the reservation link by April 15 at https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=TVCMIRU&amp;groupCode=91Y&amp;arrivaldate=2026-07-30&amp;departuredate=2026-08-03&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Home2 is an all-suites Hilton hotel located south/southwest of Traverse City. While it is a little further from the church and reception venue at about 10 miles away and 20+ minutes with summer traffic, it is still a reasonable distance and offers a better price during the high-demand summer season, particularly for an all-suite stay. It is not located along the bay, but is extremely convenient to places of everyday shopping like Target, Kohls, Meijer, and a multiple of chain restaurants like Olive Garden, Applebees, and Chick-fil-A. Use the reservation link by June 25 at <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=TVCTCHT&amp;arrivalDate=2026-07-30&amp;departureDate=2026-08-02&amp;groupCode=CHTFDW&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Friend-Dowker Wedding </a>

<a href="https://www.timberridgeresort.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Timber Ridge</a> is a fun and unconventional stay that will make you want to think outside the box more often! From cabins to cottages to bunkhouses to yurts...you'll enjoy the fun, family atmosphere at Timber Ridge and you might even get in a swim or enjoy their Moomer's ice cream! (Voted #1 by Good Morning America).

The Traverse City area has a plethera of AirBnB's, VRBO's, and short-term rentals. There are many sites with listings, like <a href="https://www.visitupnorth.com/traverse-city/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit Up North</a>, the <a href="https://mittengrouppropertymanagement.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mitten Group</a>, <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/search?semcid=VRBO-US.UB.GOOGLE.DT-c-EN.VR&amp;semdtl=a112250887756.b1132771901322.g1kwd-380777923390.e1c.m1Cj0KCQiAwYrNBhDcARIsAGo3u32jXnMKuKIFBNEcbzdn8ZPFS6mcas9OcPtXfDX8wMUAmVYWj1rQl68aAk93EALw_wcB.r1.c1.j19220997.k1.d1723437235052.h1b.i1.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1traverse+city+rentals.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=12250887756&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACTxZ9aw9PjbLvgNa_36QuKyTokhw&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAwYrNBhDcARIsAGo3u32jXnMKuKIFBNEcbzdn8ZPFS6mcas9OcPtXfDX8wMUAmVYWj1rQl68aAk93EALw_wcB&amp;destination=Grand+Traverse+County%2C+Michigan%2C+United+States+of+America&amp;regionId=6338713&amp;sort=RECOMMENDED" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VRBO</a>, <a href="https://www.traversecity.com/hotels/vacation-rentals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Traverse City Tourism</a>, <a href="https://www.traversecity.com/hotels/vacation-rentals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">True North Property Management</a>, and <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Traverse-City--Michigan/homes?refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;place_id=ChIJ3Sna17IyHogRIVZ0Pz_cv0c&amp;date_picker_type=calendar&amp;search_type=AUTOSUGGEST" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. <a href="https://www.elevatedstays.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Elevatedstays.com </a>specializes in area short-term rentals in the area, and particularly has mulitiple units where many can stay with group common areas like an "up north" campfire experience near the heart of TC. The wedding is on the east side of Traverse City, so if you see areas named Acme, Williamsburg, East Bay Township, Old Mission Peninsula, you are in close proximity to the church and reception venue.

Still confused about lodging? Feel free to reach out to conciergefrienddowker@gmail.com.

Lodging

Cherry Capital Airport is a convenient way to visit Traverse City. It’s the second most popular airport in Michigan and one of the fastest growing riderships in the country. There is a surprisingly good availability of regional flights, with regular direct flights to twenty airports nationally. As TVC is an active airport, it’s best to make reservations as soon as possible. Grab a window seat because flying into Traverse City is beautiful! Otherwise, your best options are flying into Detroit for a 3.5 hour drive north, or into Chicago for a 5 hour drive. Grand Rapids (2 hours from Traverse City) and Flint airports are also options. We know it sounds like a long drive, but it’s honestly so pretty once you get ‘up north’ that we promise you’ll hardly mind.

Cherry Capital Airport

Traverse City Tourism

There are five car rental companies affiliated with the Cherry Capital Airport…Hertz, Budget, National, Enterprise, and Avis. When booking, make sure you choose the company’s rental office located at the airport at 727 Fly Don’t Drive, Traverse City.

Car Rental

Do you have questions about getting to or around Traverse City? Reach out to conciergefrienddowker@gmail.com.

Travel

In addition to sharing our special day with you, we are excited to share Northern Michigan with our visiting friends and family. We both grew up in the area – Briar grew up in Gaylord about an hour north of where Molly grew up in Traverse City. We both love visiting home and are excited for you to enjoy it as well. There are far too many things to do in the Traverse City area to list, but check out a few links below. If you have something special in mind you would like to do and don't see it below, reach out and we can help you find it. The possibilities are endless...we have rock hunting, beaches, curling, ice skating, children's museum, go-kart racing, dune climbing, escape rooms, bike rentals, endless hiking, and a multitude of fabulous restaurants from fine dining to carryout picnics. Need help making your plans? Email conciergefrienddowker@gmail.com.

See why Traverse City and the surrounding area are so special with a trip to the heart of TC, Front Street. Shopping includes items for foodies, wine lovers, artists, hikers, fashion gurus, tourists, and so much more. Check out the ever-popular Cherry Republic, Spice Merchants, Backcountry North, Fustini's Oils &amp; Vinegars, among others. Be sure to check out the bride's favorite spot...Good Harbor Coffee &amp; Bakery...their coffee, lattes, mochas are only surpassed by the delicious scones. Hit this favorite spot for an early morning coffee and check out the Saturday morning Sara Hardy Farmers Market, located a block away. Tell Alice at Good Harbor that Molly Friend sent you!

TC Shopping...a little something for everyone!

The Beach District, just outside of Traverse City in East Bay Township, is a thriving sector boasting beautiful parks and lakefront beach access, vibrant hotels &amp; restaurants, bustling retail &amp; service locations and multiple recreational opportunities. Hike or bike the&nbsp;<a href="https://traversetrails.org/trails/tart/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TART trail</a>&nbsp;extending east into Acme, or west into Traverse City. Grab some sandwiches from the&nbsp;Bayside Market&nbsp;for a beach day, then dine on locally smoked bites at&nbsp;Smoke &amp; Porter. If you’re planning a trip from out of town there are an incredible array of hotel options featuring gorgeous beaches and comfortable accommodations. Add thrills to your stay with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.breaknwaves.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">jet ski</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;boat rentals, or fly high on a parasailing adventure! Explore East Bay Beach District, where the sun meets the shore. The putt putt golf is the best anywhere and enjoyed by all ages!

The Beach District

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is&nbsp;a 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan coastline in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, known for its massive sand dunes, forests, beaches, and cultural features like historic farmsteads and a lighthouse.&nbsp;There is no picture that do the Dunes justice - it is spectacular! The park is administered by the National Park Service and is about a 45-minute drive from Traverse City.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Visit the site of our first date - the Village at Grand Traverse Commons! There 480 acres worth of shopping, dining, and recreation trails. This site is one of the largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse sites in the country. We find it historic because we fell in love here!

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Ten wineries in the beautiful northern Michigan region are located on Old Mission Peninsula, adjacent and north of Traverse City. The views and the wine are spectacular and will not disappoint. Visit one or visit them all! If you want to visit them all, check out the many wine tour vans and buses available in the area.

Old Mission Wineries

Discover why Traverse City and the surrounding area has been repeatedly ranked as one of the "Top 10 Small Town Beer Scenes" by USA Today. Local agriculture is at the heart of the breweries who embrace the microclimate created by Lake Michigan. You may find a few of these local brews, ciders, whiskeys, and vodkas at the reception!

If Breweries, Distilleries, and Taprooms are more your style...

Things to Do

We were introduced by friends who were dating at the time. Molly was in her senior year of high school and Briar was on leave from the Army. We exchanged numbers and were texting for a couple months before planning to meet when Briar came home for Christmas. We quickly hit it off and spent a few days together hiking, getting coffee, and driving around town trying to find more excuses for the day not to end.

How We Met

We started dating and were long-distance for some time while Molly went off to Ohio State and Briar moved to Fort Campbell. With so many life changes and limited transportation to make long-distance work, we decided to just be friends as we navigated new stages of our lives.We started dating again in 2019 and making weekend trips to Kentucky and Ohio. We became long-distance pros and looked forward to moving from six to three hours apart as Briar moved to Fort Benning and Molly began her Master's at Mississippi State. Most weekends were spent together in Mississippi where we visited surrounding towns and were top-tier Mississippi State fans attending football and baseball games.In between all of this were little moves for internships and jobs, finding times to align holidays and time off and work schedules, and long drives and plane rides. But when you’re finding your way to your favorite person anything is possible. We're both in Pennsylvania now working on our degrees and enjoying sharing day-to-day life. Long-distance gave us the opportunity to appreciate sharing little things like grocery shopping trips together, coming home to share stories about our days, and getting to spend lazy Saturday mornings making breakfast together.

Long-Distance Pros

Briar orchestrated a proposal that was a total surprise! He suggested a hike to the Mt. Nittany overlook on one of his days off (actually he suggested we go home for a weekend where he would have taken me on the hike we took on one of our first dates. I claimed I was too busy to take a weekend to go home. I then had to schedule a meeting over the day we originally planned to take the hike ... oops, third time's the charm). It happened to be a particularly icy day, but we grabbed Roo and started the hike anyways. The uphill hike took us three times as long as expected as we slid backwards, used sticks and trees to help pull ourselves up the ice-covered hill, and Roo scampered between the two of us as we slid around the trail. I couldn't figure out why he was so determined we get to the overlook. We finally made it to the top and set up a tripod we use to take photos on hikes, solo trips, etc. and walked to the overlook for a picture. Roo, as a paid actor in this proposal, rolled over for a belly rub as we posed for the picture. As Briar bent down to scratch her, I noticed he was pulling a ring out of his vest...- Molly

The Proposal

Our Story

We will be posting engagement and wedding photos here as we receive them! Share your photos of the wedding weekend with us at <a href="https://www.friend2dowker.com/share-your-photos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WebUploader</a>! and use #friend2dowker on any social media posts.

Photos

Taylor and I are childhood best friends and grew up inseparable. Our friendship has spanned middle school, high school, colleges, and countless states as we've supported each other side-by-side, over hours-long FaceTime calls, or just sending videos saying "that's you". Some of my favorite memories are of us as honorary members of each other's families, dragging each other along for mundane chores and errands, and making everything more fun by doing it together. From getting Jeeps stuck to crashing dirt bikes to tag-teaming a waitressing job, we make an excellent chaotic, giggly team. Taylor is currently an airline pilot, which is somewhat jarring after taking driver's ed together. Taylor has shared some of my most ridiculous, embarrassing, and memorable moments with me throughout my life, so I'm excited to share one of the biggest days of my life with her once again. 

Taylor Lundberg

Joey and I started hanging out in grade school but really began the troublemaking in high school. Joey and I routinely began planning our after school and weekend adventures together. Whether it be fishing, hunting, golfing, or going for a late night BK ice cream run we were always in the truck together.  After graduation we decided to explore the world in our own ways with Joey taking a major role in his family business  of construction and me leaving for the Army. Through all this time we talked routinely every day with a phone call or by playing hockey together on Xbox. Every trip back home entailed a detailed plan of how we could use our time together and go back to doing the things we loved as kids before we somehow grew up. The adventures are surely not over as we continue to talk daily and plan our next golf, hunting, or fishing trips with the addition of our growing families. One thing is for sure, Joey and I are best friends and always will be. 

Joey Ross

Wedding Party

Ready to have a little fun?!?! <a href="https://bettingonthewedding.app.link/CwlbS0KT2Tb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bet on Molly &amp; Briar’s wedding day</a>…what will she wear, will he cry, what flavor cake will they have? Bets are free and will be closed on the wedding day. Bet for your right to win bragging rights and a fun wedding takeaway! <a href="https://bettingonthewedding.app.link/CwlbS0KT2Tb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bettingonthewedding.app.link/CwlbS0KT2Tb</a>

You Can Bet On It!

Registry

Dress Code

Please share your photos with us, we can't wait to enjoy them! We are using a photo websharing page called WedUpLoader - it does NOT require an app.Just visit the page for the picture's event and share away! Thank you for sharing our special day and sharing your wonderful photos. <a href="https://weduploader.com/friend2dowker" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Share photos of the RECEPTION</a> <a href="https://weduploader.com/friend2dowkerwelcome" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Share photos of the WELCOME COCKTAILS BY THE BAY</a> <a href="https://weduploader.com/friend2dowkerbrunch" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Share photos of the HAPPILY EVER AFTER BRUNCH</a> <a href="https://weduploader.com/friend2dowkerrehearsal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Immediate family members can share photos of the REHEARSAL for all to enjoy.</a> Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1698792457963021" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/friend2dowker/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!

Molly & Briar