Shane & Hillary

September 3, 2022

Welcome

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We are so excited you're here! Please RSVP to our Wisconsin (drive-in theater Oct. 1st) reception by 9/24/2022. This will be a very casual picnic and double feature. We hope you can make it!

The access code on the appycouple app is: shanehillary

Events
Travel Info
Flights

Closest Airport

The closest airport is in Knoxville (airport code TYS) which is about a 45 minute drive from Walden Lodge Resort.

Using GPS

Using GPS to get to Walden Lodge Resorts

GPS will likely cut out 3-5 minutes before arriving at Walden Lodge resort, so be sure to look ahead at the directions.  They do have some small signs located lower to the ground as you get closer, so watch for those too!

Please see "Hotel" section for lodging recommendations

Please see "Hotel" section for lodging recommendations

Staying at Walden Lodge Resort or Mountain Falls Resort will put you closest to all the action, but we've compiled a list of hotels recommended by resort staff as well as a few we found on Tripadvisor.

Key People
The Couple
Shane Castilo
Shane Castilo
The Groom
A Southern gentleman, wonderful father, partner, son, brother, and friend. Shane is funny, smart, kind, compassionate, faithful, and full of life. When he’s not chasing down middle schoolers, he enjoys spending time with his sweet and sassy 7 year daughter Charlotte and his beautiful bride-to-be Hillary. When he’s not with his two favorite gals, Shane enjoys watching college and NFL games and listening to music. He’s a huge movie buff and loves talking trivia and history. He can make his bride-to-be laugh so hard that she's afraid she might wet her pants, and he even knows how to place a semicolon properly. He's the whole package!
Hillary Baird
Hillary Baird
The Bride
A girl that can stand out in a crowd...literally, just look above everyone else and you'll probably find her.  Born and raised in Wisconsin, Hillary is a miwesterner through and through.  She loves to travel, spend time with friends, play board games, read do puzzles, sing karaoke, and get her craft on.  A movie buff like her paramour, Hillary and Shane have been known to dominate at trivia (although Shane was definitely the team ringer at AARP trivia night)!  Shane and Charlotte are two people that can always put a smile on her face.
Bridesmaids
Bridget Nsibirwa
Bridget Nsibirwa
Maid of Honor, Bride's Friend & Eldest Sister
Bridget is Hillary's oldest sister, one of her best friends, and an overall amazing human being.  She's super wife to Sira, super mom of three - Gavin (13), Gabby (8), and Angelina (forever 23 and watching down on us from heaven), and third grade teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Fort Atkinson, WI.  Bridget and Hillary have gotten to work together twice in their adult lives.  You know you really love one another when you can work together all day and still want to hang out with one another in the evening and on the weekends! :)  The couple is honored that Bridget agreed to act as Maid of Honor on their big day (which she agreed to as long as she didn't have to talk LOL)
Lesley Chapin
Lesley Chapin
Bridesmaid, Bride's Friend & Older Sister
Lesley is Hillary's older sister.  She is an amazing wife to her husband Peter, amazing mom of three - Eli (14), Archer (5), and Addy (2).  When she's not wrangling kiddos, Dr. Lesley runs a thriving psychology practice, gets involved in her Windsor, WI community, still finds time to tackle ever-present piles of books, and has recently taken up cross stitch as a hobby.  She's one of the funniest gals around and has a heart of gold.  Only 18 months older than Hillary, the two have been pretty close their whole lives.  Sisters, confidants, and friends 'til the end.  The couple is honored to have Lesley as a bridesmaid!
Shawna Helton
Shawna Helton
Bridesmaid, Groom's Li'l Sister, & Overall Force of Nature
Shawna is the hilarious, fun-loving, and super sweet younger sister of the groom. She is the wife of groomsman Brian Helton and super mom of her full of life 9 year old son Sam and her amazingly creative 14 year old daughter Madeline. Shawna is a cancer survivor and loves teaching first grade at their local public school. When she’s not corralling first graders, she’s usually taking the kids to dance or baseball or cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Kristi Milbourn
Kristi Milbourn
Bridesmaid, Bride's Friend & Cousin
Kristi is not "just" a cousin to the bride, but probably Hillary's first friend aside from her sisters, and has been one of her very best friends their entire lives.  She is likely the most enthusiastic person you'll ever meet and her positivity is contagious.  A devoted wife to Michael and mom to Kai (5), Kristi is an absolute joy.  She cares deeply for the people in her life and loves so deeply, it's an honor to call her a friend.  Kristi is Hillary's friend, confidant, and sister from another mister :)  They really get one another and those two have more fun together than should really be allowed.  Between their love of music, movies, games, accessorizing, and more, they never run out of things to talk about or fun to have.  You can typically find them paired off at family functions (and chasing kids around these days too!) because they just love spending time together and are usually laughing about SOMETHING.  Their relationship is very special to both of them and they do their very best to make time for one another despite how busy life gets.  From the start, Kristi very excitedly welcomed Shane into the family.  The first time they met, she told Hillary multiple time, "OMG I LIKE him!!" She is an excellent judge of character :) The couple feels very blessed to have Kristi in their lives and standing by them as they say, "I do."
Lisa Welk
Lisa Welk
Bridesmaid, Bride's Friend & Former Roommate
Lisa is one of Hillary's dearest friends.  An incredible wife to Kiel and mother of two - Auggie (3) and Norah (6-months), Lisa is a force to be reckoned with.  After meeting in college, the two became two peas in a pod.  Hillary even had the honor of accompanying Lisa and Kiel on their first date (Sorry, Kiel! Didn't mean to make it awkward!).  Lisa is funny, smart, strong, beautiful, a straight shooter, and fiercely loyal.  She is a true blue friend who Hillary would be lost without.  They've seen each other through it all, and although Lisa and Kiel live in Minnesota now, they still maintain a strong bond.  Sorry, folks!  A friendship like theirs can't be summed up in short bio; maybe a novel...an epic novel...approximately 872 pages long and impossible to put down. :)
Elizabeth Cuevas
Elizabeth Cuevas
Bridesmaid,, Bride's Friend & Former Roommate
Beth, Elizabeth, Bethany...this girl goes by many names.  A dedicated wife to Josh and mother of two - Lily (12) and Justin (10).  Even with all the running around she does, she still finds time to nurture her relationships.  Beth cares so deeply and so genuinely for the ones that she loves; it truly is a joy to witness.  She and Hillary grew incredibly close the fateful summer they roomed together after Beth graduated from UW-Whitewater (Thank you, Amber for subletting your room so this friendship could blossom!), and they just kept that train rolling.  Friendships like this don't come along every day.  Beth knows all Hillary's SSB (Secret Single Behavior) and has been there for it all.  She's fiercely loyal, funny, intelligent, and a bit of a spitfire!  Hillary is so blessed to have a girlfriend like Beth in her corner who is cheering at the top of her lungs that the bride found her Mr. Big (TV reference). :) :) :)  The couple is thrilled to have Beth standing with them on their wedding day.
Kara Lowrey
Kara Lowrey
Bridesmaid, Friend, & Former Roommate
Kara is one of Hillary's nearest, dearest, oldest friends (in length of friendship, not age).  She is a super wife to Tyler and super mom of two - Dominic (11) and Amaya (5) who all keep her INCREDIBLY busy, but she still makes time to connect with Hillary regularly.  After meeting in a summer school creative writing class in junior high, those two nerds became fast friends.  Kara is smart, funny, kind, and an amazing friend.  She's always their to lend a shoulder or a helping hand.  The first time she met the groom, she texted Hillary from the driveway, "OMG I LIKE HIM! DON'T MESS IT UP! LOL"  It's fair to say Kara tells it like it is. :)  She and Hillary have a million inside jokes and have some of the most animated conversations you'll ever see...seriously, when they go for walks, passers-by probably think they're arguing because facial expressions are strong and hands are flying!  Hillary is so lucky to have a friend like Kara and the couple is blessed to have her by their side as they say, "I do."
Megan Repp
Megan Repp
Bridesmaid, Friend & Former Coworker
Megan and Hillary...Hillary and Megan.  Often referring to the other as their "hetero life partner," these two are a fantastic duo.  After meeting in college, the two got close and the friendship just grew from there!  Megan can always make Hillary smile and the two can have a day of fun just hanging out and talking or hitting up a festival...although Hillary is determined to make Megan more of a movie person one day.  They may look like an odd pairing (probably about a foot difference in height between them), but when it comes to friendship, these two know what it's all about.  Megan is smart, funny, sassy, and has the biggest heart.  She has been there for Hillary through thick and thin, and is everything a girl could ask for in a friend.  An "over the cliff," Thelma & Louise" kind of friend, Megan is a whole lot of awesome wrapped in a tiny package :) The couple is so lucky to have a friend like her in their lives and standing with them on their special day.
Groomsmen
Sira Nsibirwa
Sira Nsibirwa
Best Man

Sira is one of those guys who is impossible not to like.  Devoted husband to Bridget (Hillary's sister) and father of three - Gavin (13), Gabby (8), and Angelina (forever 23 and watching down on us from heaven), Sira travels several days/week for work, but still manages to be there for all the important things.  He's got a huge heart, a great moral compass, is very family-oriented, and loves to grill and watch football...it was no surprise when the bromance between Sira and Shane began.  They would bond by Sira's nightly fire while Hillary and Bridget had their dedicated Grey's Anatomy night.  The two got to know one another pretty quickly and Sira welcomed Shane into the family with open arms.  The couple is so lucky to have Sira always in their corner and standing by their side on their wedding day.

Rob Hansen
Rob Hansen
Groomsman
Rob is the best friend of the groom and was also Shane’s longtime roommate. This Michigan native moved to Chicago shortly after high school where he has now lived for over 20 years. Rob worked for many years at the DuPage Children’s Museum in the western suburbs of Chicago. The Children’s Museum was where Shane and Rob first met. And yes, he’s a Bears fan as well as the groom. Don’t hold it against them. When he doesn’t have his nose to the grind, Rob likes to scream at the TV watching NFL games. Rob has the driest sense of humor that you’ll ever see and loves a good pun. Don’t let his quiet exterior fool you. He’ll talk your ear off once you get to know him.
Brian Helton
Brian Helton
Groomsman
D
Darren Daniels
Groomsman
Peter Chapin
Peter Chapin
Groomsman
Peter is a jack-of-all trades and awesome husband to Lesley (Hillary's sister) and father of three - Eli (14), Archer (5), and Addy (2).  He's the kind of guy that Shane loves to surround himself with because they share similar family values and are both very laid back.  He's smart, funny, and has a tendency to pick up skills very quickly that are a mix of random and awesome (ex. woodworking, leatherworking, Hamm radio, beer brewing, scuba diving, etc.) and it's cool to converse with him about whatever his new obsession is and see the excitement bubbling up!  Peter has welcomed Shane into the fold from the start and Shane is thrilled to be joining the ranks.  The couple is honored Peter will be standing with them on their wedding day...especially because he doesn't love being in the spotlight.
Little People, BIG Wedding Party
Charlotte Castilo
Charlotte Castilo
Flower Girl, Groom's Daughter & Joyful Soul
Charlotte Grace is such a cute, sweet, spunky little girl!  Shane and Hillary can't believe how much she's grown even in the last two years since they met.  She's the apple of her daddy's eye and Hillary's favorite little sidekick.  She also LOVES ice cream and has never met a bowl of popcorn she didn't like.  Charlotte loves movies, dancing, swimming, karate, going to parks and children's museums, and listening to music.  While hesitant at first about the Amazon Echos Hillary had throughout the house, she and Alexa became fast friends after Charlotte learned she could ask Alexa to make animal sounds and basically act as her personal DJ...she has yet to warm up to the Roomba :)  
Gabriella Nsibirwa
Gabriella Nsibirwa
Flower Girl, Bride's Niece & Girl with a Plan
Gabby (Hillary's niece and daughter to Bridget & Sira) has a light that shines incredibly bright.  She's smart, cute, sassy, funny, and is upside down about half the time doing handstands and other gymnastic-type moves.  She loves swimming, playing with her babies, and has a sweet tooth that rivals Buddy the Elf.  She is a born leader and confident enough to share her ideas.
Adaline Chapin
Adaline Chapin
Flower Girl, Bride's Youngest Niece & Freelance Demolition Agent
Adaline (Hillary's niece, and daughter to Lesley & Peter) usually goes by "Addy" or "Adzilla" and is a sweet, sassy, strong-willed, force to be reckoned with.  She may be small, but she's mighty.  Addy sets her sights on something and the determination is clear as day.  She has big ideas and isn't afraid to let you know what they are.  Half the time you don't know if you're dealing with a toddler or teenager.
Archer Chapin
Archer Chapin
Ringbearer, Bride's Youngest Nephew, & Negotiation Specialist
Archer (Hillary's nephew, and son to Lesley & Peter) is a smart, sweet, highly entertaining little guy.  Lesley sends "Archer-isms" multiple times per week to her mom and sibling, and they cannot figure out where he comes up with some of the things he says.  Archer loves wrestling around, playing with trains, building things with blocks and Legos, swimming, climbing, and watching penguin documentaries.  He doesn't have much volume control, so don't worry about not being able to hear him! :)
Parents of the Couple
Kris Baird & Mark Dziewior
Kris Baird & Mark Dziewior
Bride's Mother & Step Father

Kris and Mark have been married since 1999.  Mother and step father to the bride, they keep fun and interesting!  You'd have to be out of your gourd to not love these two...is that corny :)  Both grew up in the midwest, mainly in Wisconsin.  Kris owns a healthcare consulting firm and Hillary is lucky enough to get to work with her mom every day!  Mark is a talented sculpture who makes the most incredible works of art out of bronze.  These two are a great example of a couple that encourage one another to pursue their passions and be the best versions of themselves.  They are both so excited to welcome Shane and Charlotte into the family and are very happy to spend the wedding weekend making memories to last a lifetime!

**Note: Hillary did request that these two provide a nice picture of themselves, but eventually she found this gem on Mark's Facebook and the rest was history :)

Steve & Lois Baird
Steve & Lois Baird
Bride's Father & Step Mother
Steve and Lois are Hillary's dad and step mom, and they are a couple who know how to have a good time! Whether it's going to a sporting event to root on one of their grandkids, going up to the cabin to fish and relax, meeting Shane and Hillary for a corn boil, or hosting a fish fry at their house...they are always game. They enjoy beach vacations and fly-in fishing trips, but they both like to keep themselves busy, so you won't find either of them sitting still for too long. There is always another project to embark upon...and seriously, the organization skills these two share is insane. They should have their own show on HGTV or something. They are a great example of a couple that knows how to balance work and play, and have fun together! They are so excited to be welcoming Shane and Charlotte into the Baird fold and look forward to all the love and laughter we will share together!
Gerald & Caroline Castilo
Gerald & Caroline Castilo
Groom's Father & Mother
Honorable Mention
Angelina Nsibirwa
Angelina Nsibirwa
Bridesmaid in Heaven & Hillary's Eldest Niece
Angelina is Hillary's oldest niece and beautiful soul.  The eldest daughter of Sira and Bridget, Angelina is an angel watching from heaven whose light shines bright.  Beautiful inside and out, funny, loving, smart and kind, she is missed by all and the couple knows she would be standing with them if she could.  Her presence is felt every day.
Tamsie Lamoreaux
Tamsie Lamoreaux
Wedding Photographer, Honorary Bridesmaid, & Bride's Friend
Tamsie is one of Hillary's dearest friends and although it was embarrassing at the time, Hillary has zero regret about completely dousing her with water as Tamsie filled out her work application at Red Robin.  That ridiculous encounter was just the beginning of a beautiful friendship!  Tamsie is an absolutely amazing mother to her daughter Aria (8) and wife to her husband Casey.  A fellow Disney and Harry Potter fan, Hillary and Tamsie are basically 8 years old when let loose in Orlando.  Hillary loves watching Tamsie's family have so much fun together.  They are the epitome of a kind, loving, supportive, nerdy crew.  And because Tamsie is such a talented photographer, we are lucky enough to get to see a fair amount of it documented in film!  Shane and Hillary are so incredibly lucky to have a friend like Tamsie in their lives.  And the fact that she offered to photograph the wedding for the couple is just so incredibly generous!  Thank you, Tamsie for your love, friendship, and willingness to share your talent with us to document our special day!
Sarah Michelle Collier
Sarah Michelle Collier
Wedding Caterer, Honorary Bridesmaid, & Bride's Friend
Sarah Michelle is an amazing human and overall delight.  She is the long-time best friend of Tamsie Lamoreaux and met Hillary while waitressing at Red Robin.  The two didn't really hit it off while working together, but bonded while celebrating Tamsie and Casey's nuptials.  Sarah is one of a kind, hilarious, and is crazy enough to have five dogs!  She seems to have boundless energy and is an amazing cook!  I know you will all enjoy her culinary abilities over the wedding weekend, as Sarah and her partner Jordan cater the event!  How lucky are the bride and groom to have friends willing to cater an entire weekend to help them celebrate?!  Thank you for your friendship and for sharing your talents with us, jumping at the opportunity to pick up a whisk instead of a bouquet, Sarah!
Amber Jansen
Amber Jansen
Honorary Bridesmaid

Amber is one of Hillary's dearest friends in the world.  An amazing wife to Joel and mother of two - Isabelle (3) and Niklaus (6-months), Amber has a passion for life and loved ones.  Hillary is beyond lucky to have Amber as a friend.  Since meeting at UW-Whitewater in 2004, only one thing has come between them...Florida.  Amber participated in two Disney internships in college and then officially moved to Florida back in 2014.  While Hillary loves to visit, she misses Amber very much and wished they lived closer (although getting to visit AND go to Disney is an awesome perk)!

Arrow Milbourn
Arrow Milbourn
The Couple's Own Personal Cupid
Arrow (the larger of the two dogs shown) plays a very special part in Shane & Hillary's relationship.  While both Hillary and Shane had been online dating at the same time, they had never come across one another's profiles because of the distance between their homes/work.  Hillary was dog-sitting for Arrow one weekend (in Sun Prairie, WI) and that happened to be only a few miles away from Shane's house.  As a result, the two crazy kids found one another and the rest is history.  They like to say, "Arrow was our Cupid!"
Hotels
Wedding Venue Lodging

Walden Lodge Resort & Mountain Falls Resort by Bluff Mountain Realty

We are having the wedding at Walden Lodge resort.  If you would like to stay on site, contact Bluff Mountain Realty to check remaining availability!  They also have Mountain Falls resort only about 5 miles from Walden Lodge Resort.  Please note that Walden Lodge Resort does not have Wifi or cell phone reception, where cell service is available at Mountain Falls resort.

Margaritaville

Alternative Hotel Accommodations

There are two Margaritaville locations recommended by staff at Bluff Realty.

Margaritaville Island Hotel (131 Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-5283)

Margaritaville Island Inn (2735 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-3211

Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge

Alternative Hotel Accommodations

Another suggestion from the Walden Lodge Resort is Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge (120 Community Center Dr., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-6219)

Music Road Resort Hotel

Alternative Hotel Accommodations

Another Recommendation from Walden Lodge Resort staff is Music Road Resort.  They have a hotel option (303 Henderson Chapel Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863) as well as an inn (314 Henderson Chapel Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)

Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center

Alternative Hotel Accommodations

Another Walden Lodge Resort staff recommendation is Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center (3230 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)

Clarion Inn Near Island Drive

Alternative Hotel Accommodations

Clarion Inn Near Island Drive (124 Waldens Main Street, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-4270) also gets great reviews on Tripadvisor.

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort

Alternative Hotel Accommodations

Tru by Hilton Pigeon Forge

Alternative Hotel Accommodations

Another suggestion is Tru by Hilton Pigeon Forge (2815 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)

Gifts
A quick plug for Amazon Smile :)

Amazon smile

Just a PSA - wanted to spread the word that you can log into smile.Amazon.com and sign in/place orders like usual, but Amazon will donate a portion of the profits to a non-profit of your choosing!!

To Disney and beyond!!

Disney

We decided to add a link for Disney because Shane has never been to Disney OR Universal Studios! We are planning to get down there this fall for a couple’s trip and then hopefully come back again in 2023 as a family so Charlotte can experience the magic of Disney too!

Disney Bound - how to get there

Leaving’ on a jet plane

We also decided to add Southwest Airlines to the mix because that’s the airline we will likely be talking when we head to Disney. :)

Gallery