Emma & Bishop

JULY 11th, 2026

The winter of 2024 turned out to be full of surprises and wonderful moments. It all began with a family trip to Florida, where both Bishop and Emma’s family happened to be traveling to the same place at the same time. Two days into their vacation, family pictures were scheduled to be done on the beach. This was nothing out of the ordinary as Bishop's family regularly took family photos. Emma’s family planned to meet up afterwards for dinner, so they waited nearby as the pictures wrapped up. Soon after the whole family gathered together for a group shot, the photographer prompted the different couples to take photos. Soon enough it was Bishop and Emma’s turn. They did the usual couple poses until the photographer had an idea for a new shot, one where Emma’s back was to Bishop. She followed the photographer’s direction to look toward the camera, and when she turned back around, there was Bishop down on one knee! Right there on the sandy shore, with both families watching, Bishop popped the big question.

Through happy tears, Emma said: “YES!”

Our Engagement Story

Greencrest Manor

6174 HALBERT ROAD E | BATTLE CREEK, MI

The wedding ceremony will begin promptly at 4:00pm, with cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing celebrations to follow.

Parking at the venue is limited, and we encourage all guests possible to use the complimentary shuttle service from the hotel, to the venue, and back at the end of the evening. Shuttles will pick-up from the hotel at 2:55pm, 3:15pm, 3:25pm, and 3:35pm EST. They will return guests to hotels every 45mins beginning at 8:30pm EST.

Accommodations

For your convenience, we have reserved a block of hotel rooms at the following hotel. The Blackford family will be covering the costs of all guest’s hotel rooms for Saturday night. Please make your reservations as normal with your own credit card for incidentals.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON - 50 Capital Ave SW | Battle Creek, MI

Reservations can be made online by following the link above, or by calling the hotel directly at 269-380-0320. Mention the “Blackford-Walters” wedding, or Group Code #91U, to receive the discounted rates.

Please note, reservations must be made by 5:00pm EST on June 26th to receive the discounted block rate.

*Typical check-in time is 4:00pm - if you would like more time to get ready before the ceremony, we recommend booking the hotel room for an extra night on Friday!

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F A Q ‘s

  • If you are flying in, there are a handful of airport options within driving distance to the venue.

    Grand Rapids (Gerald R Ford) International Airport is just over an hour drive to Battle Creek. It was just voted “Best Small Airport in the Country” by USA Today! Enterprise, Avis, and Alamo car rentals available here.

    Detroit Metro International Airport is just over an hour and a half drive to Battle Creek. Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Avis car rentals are available here.

    Kalamazoo / Battle Creek International Airport is just over half an hour drive to Battle Creek. Enterprise and Budget car rentals are available here.

  • We would love our guests to take the opportunity to dress up! Attire requested is summer formal - please avoid wearing white or ivory. Ladies are encouraged to wear floor-length dresses, and gentlemen may wear suits or dress shirts with slacks.

    Keep in mind that our venue features mixed surfaces of grass, gravel, cement, and many gardens. We recommend ladies wear wedges, block heels, or flats.

  • For your convenience, we have hired shuttles running to and from the hotel to the venue for the day. ALL guests will be required to use the shuttles, as parking at the venue is limited. If you have a specific concern or request, please denote this on your RSVP form.

    Shuttles will pick-up from the hotel at 2:50pm, 3:15pm, 3:25pm, and 3:35pm EST. They will return guests to hotels every 45mins beginning at 8:30pm EST.

  • Your presence on our wedding day is a gift in and of itself! If you choose to bless Emma and Bishop in addition to this, they are registered at Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, and Amazon.

  • If you have a dietary need, please make it clear on the RSVP form. Our caterer will accommodate!

  • RESTAURANTS: Cafe Rica, New Holland, Kitchen Proper, Hand Map Brewery

    GOLF: Marywood Golf Club, Medalist Golf Club, Stoatin Brae Golf Club, Gull Lakeview

    ACTIVITIES: Binder Park Zoo, Horrock’s, Brews ‘n Beats, Cricket Club

R S V P

RSVPs have now closed. Thank you!