Shadow Lake

Wedding Ceremony

Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and Reception to Follow

Bartender 1

Our Wedding

Eighteen years ago, on the weekend of September 20th, Brenda and Chad went on their very first date—though neither of them knew it would be the start of forever. They shared Thai food, a bottle of wine, and a simple plan for a nice evening together. After dinner, they wandered the streets of downtown Ames, talking and walking for nearly three hours. By the end of that weekend, they had already discussed families, the desire for children, religion, politics, and dreams for the future. From that moment on, their connection grew into a lifelong, loving partnership. Along the way, they discovered they had more than a few things in common—including a deep love of sports, playing Blackjack together, and traveling. Whether cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes or the team associated with one of Brenda's many universities, getting excited over an Indiana Fever win, watching their daughter compete at gymnastics, or catching any game they can together, sports have been a constant thread that has brought joy, friendly banter, and unforgettable moments into their lives. Their greatest joy came with the arrival of their daughter, Mallory, who has grown up surrounded by love, loyalty, and laughter. Together, the three of them have created a home full of warmth, playfulness, and mutual support. Brenda and Chad also share a love of travel and spending time with family and friends—and they hope to instill that same love of exploration, connection, and togetherness in Mallory as she grows. As they look to the future, they also hope to increase their date nights and travel more, both around the U.S. and the world. Now, after 18 wonderful years, they have decided to make their eternal commitment to each other official. With Mallory by their side and loved ones around them, they are excited to celebrate the next chapter of a story that has already been rich with meaning, adventure, and love.

Our Love Story

Our Story

Photos of Us Over the Years

Mallory, our amazing daughter, stands beside both of us as our Maid of Honor.  She is not only the greatest joy in our lives, but also the heart of our family. Mallory has grown into a strong, kind, intelligent, independent and beautiful young lady.  Mallory is a junior in high school this year. She loves travel and adventure and is exploring her college options - preferably where Mom does not work!  Having her stand beside us on this day - full of love and laughter - means more than we can ever express. We love you to the moon and back, Baby Girl  -  a million times over!

Mallory Lohman-Cox

Tracey is Brenda's childhood friend and college roommate at the unforgettable, Shingle Shack. From elementary school recess, cheerleading and basketball in junior high and high school, to college late nights, and a shared passion for all things football and college sports, they have shared a lifetime of laughter, memories, and more inside jokes than they can count. Tracey and Brenda have been by each other's sides through every stage of life, including celebratory events and in times of need and support.  Tracey is not just a friend. She is the family I chose and having her here today means the world!  Thank you to her and her husband, Tom, for building this beautiful venue where we are celebrating today!

Tracey Wise

Let's take a moment to throw it back to the glory days of Chi Omega Gamma and the Shingle Shack at Augustana College, where friendships were forged over pledging their sorority, microwave ramen, late-night exercise parties followed by ice cream and beer, too much pizza, Frisco Burgers, Sunday Wendy's buffet, and lots of late night talks. That is where Stacey and Brenda became more than just college roommates - they became family. From cheering loudly for Augie on the sidelines, to surviving classes by day and living it up by night, or their many Chi Omega Gamma "activities," these were the adventures that forged their forever friendship and sisterhood beyond their sorority.  The bride is so thankful that we crossed paths 30 years ago and she is standing by her side today and always.

Stacey Kelley

Chris has been the groom's partner in crime since college at the University of Iowa. They met in the back of their German class where they held court as the class jesters. Roommates during college and after, their friendship has been a wild ride ever since. Chris in known for being well-read and quick-witted, as well as generous and kind. They have shared long conversations about almost any subject and have been loyal friends for more than 35 years. Chris brings the panache to the group and groom is pleased to have him stand by his side today and celebrate this great day together.

Chris Bailey

Scott is the groom's younger brother and is known for his unwavering loyalty and has been by the groom's side since childhood.  The groom shares a close bond with him in having shared hilarious childhood adventures and wild times.  Scott's generosity is never ending and has always been the first to give the shirt off of his back and is there to help if asked. Scott is always ready with hilarious remarks and shares the groom's trait of having a hearty laugh.  The groom is pleased to have him stand by his side and celebrate this great day together.

Scott Cox

Ryan is the groom's youngest brother and was introduced to him as the groom's 7th birthday gift by their father, since he was born one day after the groom seven years later. Ryan is the quiet youngest brother of the groom but is known to break out of his shell as the night progresses. The groom grew closer to his youngest brother as he got older and is pleased to have him standby his side today and celebrate this great day together.

Ryan Cox

Wedding Party

Q + A

We have booked a block of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bettendorf, IA. One King, One Bedroom Suite with Living Room - $169 + taxOne King, Junior Suite with separate seating area - $149 + taxKing Room - $129 + tax2-Queen Room - $129 + tax Breakfast, Wi-Fi, and Parking Included in Rate. The onsite restaurant is also open for dinner. Reserve by 8/19/25. Click here for the direct booking link: Booking Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=MLIBQGI&amp;groupCode=90M&amp;arrivaldate=2025-09-19&amp;departuredate=2025-09-22&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=MLIBQGI&amp;groupCode=90M&amp;arrivaldate=2025-09-19&amp;departuredate=2025-09-22&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT</a> Located 26 miles from Shadow Lake. Hop on I-74 to I-80E to I-88 E and exit at Exit 6, IL 92, Joslin. Turn right and approximately 3.4 miles down the road is the Right turn into the venue. The road will dead end at Shadow Lake. The closet airport is <a href="https://www.qcairport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quad Cities International Airport </a>in Moline, IL (MLI).

Brenda & Chad

Brenda & Chad

Photos of Us Over the Years