Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Lex and Steven's romance began in the heat of Summer, July 9th 2014.They didn't know each other at first, but had mutual friends at Brighton High School that set them up to be officially introduced to each other at the Oak Point Country Club Pool.They instantly felt their connection.They dated on and off for 2 years, but they ultimately decided to pursue other interests.However, on August 12th of 2020, they rekindled their friendship and bonded over their mutual separations from their partners, giving them a serendipitous opportunity to grow closer to one another.Despite the 5 years they spent apart, they say it felt as though no time had passed. Even though they had grown in many different aspects of life, they still felt like they were the same people that met at the pool all those years ago.

How They Met

After Lex and Steven began their official relationship, Lex got a dog Rollo in January of 2021. This furry friend made their relationship feel like a little family.They spent nearly every day together, and loved to pass the time playing board games, card games, and Pokemon. Their shared love of Indie Rock Music was another thing they enjoyed bonding over.

Early Relationship

Lex and Steven packed their things and moved in together. They found an apartment across the state in Grand Rapids and decided that was where they wanted to build their life together.There, Steven worked in the restaurant business and Lex was pursuing her second degree Masters at GVSU for school counseling.They enjoyed the proximity to their friend Tessa, they explored new food and shopping places, and frequented the beach often.They rescued and welcomed into their little family their new cat Ivar and Lex's favorite family pet, Black Cat, came to live with them as well.Their little family was filling out nicely.

Shaping Their Life Together

Lex and Steven then moved to Milford and Lex got her first job working as an ABA which propelled the trajectory for her career. Steven also flourished in his position at the same company which brought them closer together and allowed them to figure out what the rest of their lives would look like.

Moving Closer to Family 

Lex pursued her Masters degree in ABA and they moved into their first house in Royal Oak in May 29 of 2024. Around this time, Lex finished her Masters Degree and sat for her board exams.Rollo loved the new space in their back yard.They enjoyed taking walks at their local park, and hosting their friends for group game nights, and frequenting the flea market.Right after Lex received her BCBA, Blackie became ill and sadly passed away. Lex and Steven buried him in their back yard and for that reason, that house will always have a special place in their hearts.Through her Aunt Kelsie, Lex found out there was a young malnourished kitten in the area that needed a family. When they heard of a small black kitten resembling Blackie, they knew what they needed to do. That small, mangled kitten filled a Blackie-sized hole in their hearts. They decided to adopt him with the help of Kelsie's Mom, a Vet Tech in the area, and welcomed them into their growing family.In May of 2025, Steven began working at MI Turf Pros. He was thrilled to have this opportunity to work with a team of like-minded guys and return to working with his hands, this time in a way that also incorporated strategy &amp; design. This new occupation was fulfilling to Steven.

Laying The Foundation

Steven knelt down to ask Lex to be his wife on January 19th, 2025.Lex was snuggled upstairs with a bad head cold and Steven, being the doting boyfriend, brought her cheese quesadilla and broccoli soup (one of her favorite comfort meals).In their bedroom, loft upstairs, the ceilings were extremely slanted, so Steven was constantly bent over when he was moving around.Lex barely noticed he wasn't in fact bending over, but was kneeling with a ring in his hand.This moment was simple, but highlighted the true caring character of Steven towards Lex and how he would always be there for her in sickness and in health.Of course, she said yes!

The Proposal 

In November of 2025, Lex and Steven bought their first home in Highland, Michigan. This 1800's single-family Folk Victorian home met &amp; exceeded their dreams for a first home.This new home offered a sense of antique charm and style that's impossible to replicate. Beyond this, they have a big fenced-in back yard, close proximity to a nature area with hiking trails, and only a 5 minute drive from Lex's immediate family.With more space for play, Lex and Steven thought Rollo would enjoy having another dog to run around with. After a lot of anticipation, they welcomed home their new puppy Ragnar in January of 2026.They are enjoying new opportunities to work on home projects together. Combining Steven's handy craftsmanship and Lex's eye for design, they are eager to begin reaping the benefits of their work and dedication to their lives together.

Building The Cornerstones For The Rest Of Their Lives

Our Story

Photos

Tessa and Lex have been ride or die best friends since 2016. Back then, they bonded over music, dry humor, and the horror that is public highschool. Though their lives have changed drastically over the years, their bond and intrinsic understanding of one another has remained. Dr. Tessa Muench now lives in Connecticut with her dachshund Winnie, practicing emergency medicine.

Tessa

Norah is Lex’s younger sister, although for years they were mistaken as fraternal twins. Fights over stuffed animals, pretending to survive natural disasters in games of ‘Cabin in the Woods’, and dancing to Taylor Swift’s debut album, took up much of their childhood years together. Nowadays they enjoy thrifting adventures for clothing and decor, sharing music, and making fun of their dad (lovingly). Norah is a pilot currently studying at Embry Riddle in Daytona, FL. She is a commercial multi-engine pilot, pursuing her certified flight instructor license.

Norah

Diamond and Lex met as competing practicum students, as they were both pursuing their master’s degrees. Their relationship began as frenemies, but once they ended up at a second company together, it became clear that their rivalry should be abandoned in favor of being best friends. They are now both working as Board Certified Behavior Analysts at their third company together, with no plans to part ways professionally any time soon. While in some ways being polar opposites, Diamond and Lex have found they balance one another perfectly. After all, pink goes well with green.

Diamond

Lex and Caitlin met while working together in 2022 and very quickly formed a bond deeply rooted in mutual understanding. Caitlin now lives outside of Chicago with her fiancè Zach, and works as a licensed therapist. Despite the distance, their friendship has been unwavering and continues to be a source of unconditional love for both of them.

Caitlin

Erin and Lex met while working in the ABA field back in 2022. After only a few group hangouts outside of work, they realized that they are one and the same. Love for early 2000’s Disney movies, indie pop music, and board game marathons quickly bonded them. Erin continues to work as a behavior technician providing ABA services to children of all ages.

Erin

Noah (girlfriend Selena pictured) recently moved from Grand Rapids to Scottsdale, Arizona in pursuit of better golfing weather and advancement in his career. Steven and Noah met on the first day of college at GVSU, and remained inseparable until Steven’s early departure from college. Today, their friendship consists of dry humor, testing out new video game releases, and occasionally sharing music. 

Noah

Gabe is the eldest of Lex's 2 younger brothers. Gabe has a brilliant sense of humor and enjoys fishing, cars, riding motorcycles, and snuggling up with his dog, Magnus. He graduated from Hartland High School this year and is looking forward to spending the summer relaxing. He especially loves going over to Lex and Steven's new home to hang out and play board games.

Gabe

Zeke (Isaac) is the youngest brother in the Alberta clan and he has always been the wild child. He turned 16 this past spring and is enjoying his new freedom on the road. During his free time, Zeke likes to snowboard, skateboard, ride motorcycles, and eat sushi. He loves that Lex and Steven live right down the road and has fun spending time with them and their animals.

Zeke

Tyler lives northern Michigan with his wife Noelle, and their many pets. Steven and Tyler met through mutual friends and bonded through their shared similar sense of humor and values in life.

Tyler

Eric lives in Grand Rapids with his girlfriend Liz, and their beloved puppy. Steven and Eric met while they were attending GVSU as members in Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Eric has an incredible sense of humor and a love of video & board games- both of which contributed to he and Steven’s strong friendship. 

Eric

Wedding Party

Polished yet playful!For this summer celebration, guests are asked to wear semi-formal outfits in light, breathable fabrics.Women: Pair your outfit with dressy sandals or heels suited for grass.Men: Lightweight suits or blazers with dress shirts (ties optional).Note: No blue jeans or satin fabrics

Dress Code

Q + A

Located in Watervliet, Comfort Inn & Suites has a bar. With a fitness center, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property has a 24-hour front desk and an ATM for guests. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a TV and free toiletries. A continental breakfast is available at Comfort Inn & Suites. Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is 38 miles from the property.

Comfort Inn & Suites- Watervliet

Comfort Suites Benton Harbor - St Joseph is offering accommodations in Benton Harbor. Featuring a fitness center, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy city views. At the hotel, the rooms include a desk. The rooms at Comfort Suites Benton Harbor - St Joseph come with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Continental and American breakfast options are available at the accommodation. Comfort Suites Benton Harbor - St Joseph can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. South Bend Regional Airport is 30 miles from the property.

Comfort Suites Benton Harbor - St. Joseph

Located off Interstate 94, this hotel is 1 mile from shopping at Fairplain Plaza. It features an on-site business center, a daily continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms offer cable TV. A microwave, fridge and coffee maker are provided in all rooms at Quality Inn & Suites Benton Harbor - St Joseph. The simply styled rooms also include an in-room safe and a work desk. Quality Inn & Suites Benton Harbor - St Joseph is a 5-minute walk from Celebration! Cinema, and a 6-minute drive from Benton park. Blossom Trails Golf Club is 3 miles away.

Quality Inn & Suites Benton Harbor - St. Joseph

Courtyard by Marriott St. Joseph-Benton Harbor in Benton Harbor has 3-star accommodations with a shared lounge, a bar and barbecue facilities. Providing a restaurant, the property also features free bikes, as well as an indoor pool and a fitness center. Facilities include a sun terrace and free WiFi is available throughout the property. Free private parking and a business center are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk. South Bend Regional Airport is 29 miles away.

Courtyard by Marriott St. Joseph Benton Harbor

For our out-of-town guests who may find it beneficial to secure lodging accommodations, we have included a list of nearby hotels.*We ask our guests to book their lodging on their own account as we do not have an existing reservation at any location*

Travel

Water Activities &amp; Parks: Spend a day at Paw Paw Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. Sunset Park offers scenic lake views, while Flaherty Park features a disc golf course, picnic areas, and a playground. Family Fun: Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park provides year-round fun with water slides and a lazy river. Breweries &amp; Wineries: Arclight Brewing Company is popular for its varied craft beer selection and homemade sodas. Moonrise Winery offers a scenic setting for tasting local wines. Local Flavors &amp; Shopping: Visit JW Morlock &amp; Girls Farmstandfor fresh, local produce. Stop at Mo'e Pies, LLC for locally famous pies. Nearby Attractions: Visit the nearby Sarett Nature Center for hiking trails and nature education.

Lex & Steven

Lex & Steven

Travel

Comfort Inn & Suites- Watervliet

Comfort Suites Benton Harbor - St. Joseph

Quality Inn & Suites Benton Harbor - St. Joseph

Courtyard by Marriott St. Joseph Benton Harbor