We're "Finally" getting married!

Megan and Bailey met as childhood neighbors at the corner of Luther Way & Carnelian Lane in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. They carpooled to preschool together, played with neighbors in the cul de sac, and attended each other’s birthday parties. One day in 1996, at four years old, they approached Megan's mom, Elise Pavelka, with a great idea – they wanted to get married (as the photo below attests!). As time went on, life took them in different directions. The Dodds family remained in Eden Prairie, while the Pavelka family moved to Omaha, Nebraska. During college, after 15 years without communication, Bailey sent Megan a Facebook friend request with the message, “is the wedding still on?” Though Megan enthusiastically replied “of course!”, their reconnection didn’t go any further. In 2016, 20 years after their "wedding" photo was taken, Megan and Bailey serendipitously crossed paths in person as young adults living in Chicago. They went out together twice, grabbing lunch outside a Cubs game (could't afford actual tickets) and visiting the Museum of Modern Art (Bailey swears this was his idea, Megan is certain it was hers). However, with Megan soon moving to Los Angeles, their relationship didn’t have the chance to bloom just yet. In the fall of 2021, Bailey traveled to LA for a job interview. The two reconnected for a third time and went on their first official date! They were both very nervous and chatty but had quite a lovely time getting reacquainted. Bailey wasn’t sure about the job opportunity, but he immediately felt certain about Megan, so he packed his bags and moved to California. Fast forward to 2024, Megan and Bailey got engaged on a picturesque beach in Naples, Florida. Bailey orchestrated a beautiful sunset picnic, surrounded by both their parents and Bailey’s Aunt Becky. After 30 long years, they’re “finally” getting married! Megan and Bailey will celebrate their wedding in Nisswa, Minnesota – a place close to their hearts, where Megan has cherished summers at her Grandma Pavelka's cabin (a family treasure for over 80 years!). Nisswa feels like home, and they can't wait to celebrate with all of you in this special place on July 25, 2025!