Emma & Bishop

July 11th, 2026

This past winter 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 was standing in front of Bishop behind her. 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!”

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. Specific pick-up and drop-off times will be posted here once available as we get closer.

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.

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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.

    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.

  • 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!