john and sarah

RSVP

John and Sarah's Big Day

09∙19∙26

you're invited

Your presence is requested at the wedding of
John Travis Childers & Sarah Mae Nelson

Saturday, the nineteenth of September, two thousand twenty-six
at a quarter to three in the afternoon

at the home of Tim and Sheila Leahy
366 County Rd KB · Saux Head Lake · Marquette, Michigan

💍
The Ceremony · 2:45 p.m.

Join us for lakeside as we say "I do." Please arrive by 2:30 so we can begin on time.

🍽️
The Reception · 4:00 p.m.

A BBQ buffet, yard games, dancing, and celebrating together into the evening.

🌙
The Afterparty · After Sundown

The celebration continues in downtown Marquette.

Kindly respond by Monday, the seventh of September

rsvp

travel details

✈️
Fly Into

Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT)
225 Avenue G
Gwinn, MI 49841

45 minutes from venue
Rental cars available

flights

🏨
Stay At

The Ramada Inn
412 West Washington Street
Marquette, MI 49855

30 minutes from venue
Room block available 9/18-9/20
Book by 8/25 for best price

room block

things to do nearby

🥾 Get outside

Hike up Sugarloaf Mountain for a sweeping view of Lake Superior, stroll the trails and gather agates at the shoreline of Presque Isle Park, or make a real splash jumping off of Black Rocks.

☕ Grab coffee and a bite

Sip the best espresso in town at Dead River Coffee Roasters, or stop by the Trenary Toast Cafe downtown for coffee and a taste of Trenary Toast, a famous Finnish/U.P. treat.

🥕 Visit the Farmers Market

Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm at the Marquette Commons (112 S. Third St.). Local produce, baked goods, and U.P. makers - a low-key way to spend a Saturday morning before the big day kicks off.

🌊 Take a day trip

About 45 minutes east of Marquette, the little town of Munising is the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Grab lunch at Eh! Burger, hop aboard a glass-bottom shipwreck tour, then loop back toward Marquette on M-94, where you can chase three waterfalls along the way — Alger, Wagner, and Laughing Whitefish.

🏛️ Visit a museum

Dig into local history at the Marquette Regional History Center or the Marquette Maritime Museum down by the harbor. Then drive 15 minutes west to Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Ishpeming, where you'll find a wonderful roadside stop with quirky exhibits and "Big Gus," the world's largest working chainsaw.

q & a

When and where is the wedding?

We are having a backyard ceremony and celebration on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at John's aunt and uncle's home (366 County Road KB) on Saux Head Lake in Marquette, Michigan. The ceremony begins at 2:45 pm and the reception will kick off at 4 p.m. We'll wind things down at sunset and make our way into downtown Marquette to close out the night.

Where should I stay?

We've reserved a block of rooms at the Ramada Inn in downtown Marquette, located about 30 minutes from the venue. Follow the link below or call (906) 629-6887 and mention the Childers/Nelson wedding block. Please book your room by Tuesday, 8/25, for the best price!

For something with more character, the Landmark Inn is a restored 1930s hotel near Marquette's Lower Harbor; if you're feeling adventurous, you can ask if the the sixth-floor Lilac Room (supposedly haunted by the "Lilac Lady" still waiting for her sailor lost to Lake Superior) is available. The Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast is a working 1896 lighthouse-turned-inn on a cliff over the lake, about 30 minutes north. Campsites and cottages are plentiful - just reach out to Sarah or John if you're looking for further recommendations!

room block

How do I get there and where do I park?

From Marquette, head north on County Road 550 (you may hear it called Big Bay Road) for about 14 miles, then turn right onto County Road KE. You'll stay on a paved road for just over a half mile then turn left onto a dirt road (it's well-maintained and smooth, so any car will do just fine). Stay on the road for just over a mile until you reach the driveway. We'll have signs posted along the roads and again when you arrive to point you toward parking. There is a trailhead lot just past the house (366 County Road KB) with ample parking, and attendants will be on hand with to give a lift to anyone who'd like one.

A quick tip: cell service gets spotty the further north you go out of town, so we encourage you to download, screenshot, or print your directions before leaving Marquette!

What time should I arrive for the ceremony?

Please plan to arrive by 2:30 p.m. so we can begin the ceremony promptly at 2:45.

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Both the ceremony and reception will be held outdoors in a grassy yard by a lake, so please dress with that in mind! In the event of rain, we'll do our best to keep everyone dry and move forward with our plans as best as we can under tents.

What should I wear?

As previously mentioned, this is a backyard wedding, in September, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Our dress code is casual - jeans are welcome. Since we'll be celebrating outdoors, sunglasses, flat shoes, and layers are all great choices.

What will the weather be like?

Mid-September is many a Yooper's favorite season with crisp, comfortable afternoons (mid-60s) and cooler evenings (low-50s). That said, our weather can be moody! Keep an eye on the forecast and bring your flannel.

Are children allowed to attend?

Yes, we would love to have your little ones celebrate with us. Please include the names of children attending on your party's RSVP.

Are photos allowed during the ceremony?

Yes! We have a dedicated photographer joining us all day, but we would also love to see the moments you capture! We will provide a link with everyone to share their photos with us.

Will I receive a paper invite?

No — we decided to go paperless after some postage troubles with our save-the-dates (sorry if yours was affected!). Everything you need is right here on the website, and if you have any questions please ask Sarah or John. We look forward to sharing lovely printed programs with you on the big day!

Who do I contact with questions?

Text, call, or email Sarah:
☎️ 906-869-3327
✉️ sarahmaenelson@gmail.com

How and when do I RSVP?

Please RSVP right here on our website by Monday, September 7, 2026. If anything's confusing or it's simply easier, you can text Sarah at 906-869-3327 or email sarahmaenelson@gmail.com.

rsvp

registry

Your presence is the only present we need - we can't wait to celebrate with each of you. But if you'd like to give, we've set up a cash registry with our heartfelt thanks.

registry

rsvp

We can't wait to celebrate with you! Please let us know if you'll be joining us by Monday, September 7th. Just fill in your name, then click the plus sign to add guests and children. After you've entered all guest names, keep scrolling! There are a few more questions. When you get to the bottom, tap the Click to Submit button to send us your RVSP.

If anything here is confusing (or if it's simply easier!) you are welcome to text your RSVP to Sarah at 906-869-3327.

John & Sarah's Big Day - 09∙19∙26

Add a Guest to Your Party

Are there any dietary restrictions or allergies in your party that we should be aware of?

What song is going to get you on the dancefloor?

Please share any questions, comments, or well wishes you have for the couple!