Wedding Party
Amanda Walko
Bride
Amanda grew up knowing Shay as her brother’s friend. It wasn’t until a couple years ago that she FINALLY gave him a chance and look where we are now! Amanda recently completed graduate school at CMU. Following graduation, started working as a Physician Assistant for Branislav Behan Orthopedics in Bay City and absolutely loves it! Her and Shay just bought their first house together and are working to turn it into a home. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husky Aspen, reading, and spending time with Shay.
Shay Methner
Groom
After more than 10 years of patience, Shay finally took a shot on Amanda and it clearly worked out! Shay and Amanda have known each other for years. After getting engaged in October 2023, they bought their own house and are working to turn it into their home. Shay recently got promoted at Corteva and will now be working as an operator! In his free time, Shay enjoys hunting and fishing. It is rumored that he loves fishing more than Amanda but he proved that wrong when he proposed instead of going fishing ♥️
Emily Merritt
Matron of Honor
Emily and Amanda have been friends since 6th grade. They have remained best friends despite going to college and living 2 hours apart from each other. It wasn’t hard for Amanda to choose who her number one gal would be when the big day came! Emily currently lives in the Grand Rapids area with her husband Corey and his son Easton. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially camping at Silver Lake!
Tessa Chandler
Bridesmaid
Tessa and Amanda met Freshman year of college through cheer and have been through it all together! Tessa is originally from Howell Michigan but has lived in Raleigh NC since 2018. She has 2 pittys, Oliver and Luna, with her fiancé Matt. She is the lead MRI technologist at Duke University Hospital. In her free time she enjoys trying out new restaurants with friends, hanging out with the doggos, and staying active in the gym or outside activities!
Kate Odykirk
Bridesmaid
Kate and Amanda met for the first time their freshman year in college while both on the cheer team at CMU but didn’t become close friends until living together their junior year or college. Despite living across the country from each other, they are still able to pick up right where they left off! Kate is originally from Mt. Pleasant but currently lives in Seattle Washington with her new fiancé Sean and their dog ! In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and exploring outdoors!
Brittany TenHaaf
Bridesmaid
Amanda and Brittany’s friendship started when 2 awkward/shy people reached out to one another and decided to carpool to Mt. Pleasant from Midland every day for PA school. I guess 2 years of spending nearly every day together leads to a pretty good friendship! Brittany lives in Midland with her Husband James and their Bernese doggie named Bodhi. She works as a PA-C at My-Michigan OBGYN! I’m her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and is working on perfecting her backyard garden!
Ali Houghton
Bridesmaid
Ali was the last bridesmaid to be asked to join the bridal party…but only because Amanda had to wait for her brother Logan to propose before she could ask ♥️ Amanda is beyond excited to have her as a sister! Ali currently works at Midland Animal Clinic and is in school to become a Veterinary Technician! In her free time she enjoys being outside and spending time with her Fiancé and their dogs, Remi and Kimber!
Cade Methner
Best Man
Cade is Shay’s younger brother! Although they had their normal siblings fights growing up, they have kept a great relationship through the years. After high school Cade ventured out west spending time in Colorado, Utah, and other states before he settled down in Sarasota Florida. The warm weather sucked him in and he has been down south for the last few years! In his free time Cade enjoys spending time with friends, taking trips back home to visit family, and just being outdoors!
Jacob Coffey
Groomsman
Jacob and Shay met when Jacob ran over Shay’s brother, and best man, Cade at a little league game. Shay planned to confront him the next day at school but found him sitting next to some mutual friends between the two. Clearly the conversation didn’t go the way Shay had initially planned because they have been great friends since! Jacob lives with his new wife Hallee in Cleveland Ohio and their two dogs Jameson and Julep! He works for Cleveland Steal as an engineer. In his free time he enjoys playing beer league hockey, golfing, and spending time as a newly wed!
Zach Donoghue
Groomsman
Zach and Shay first met in 2nd grade and the two have been best friends since! Zach lives in Sanford with his fiancé Lexi and their black lab Cal. He is working at Three Rivers as a master plumber. In his free time he enjoys spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, hanging out with Lexi and Cal, and traveling!
Cam Donoghue
Groomsman
Cam, who is Zach’s younger brother, was in the same kindergarten class as Shay’s younger brother Cade. It’s safe to say the 4 boys became good friends and have caused their fair share of trouble over the years! Cam lives in Sanford with his cat Vlad. He is working for LeBeau Cabinets. In his free time he enjoys spending time with friends whether that be watching football, hanging around a bonfire, or traveling!
Logan Walko
Groomsman
Logan is a year between Shay and his brother, Cade, in school. He actually met Shay while playing baseball on the same team as Cade when they were around 10 years old. Living less than a mile apart, it only made sense that the three boys became good friends through the years. Logan is actually Amanda’s brother and was shocked to find out his sister was dating one of his best friends! But after the initial “protective brother” feeling passed, he gave his approval and is looking forward to finally having calling Shay a brother (in-law)! Logan and his fiancé Ali recently bought their first house together in Sanford with their 2 dogs, Remi and Kimber, and 6 ducks! He works for local 85 as an apprentice pipe fitter welder.