It all began with a Hawaiian shirt and a bit of fate.

Brant Stewart was visiting Louisville from Detroit on a business trip, enjoying a quiet meal at the Marriott downtown bar, when Meredith—then working a corporate event upstairs for Brown-Forman—slipped away in search of a break from the crowd. Dressed in a brightly patterned Hawaiian shirt (part of the themed work event), she happened to take the only empty barstool... right next to Brant.

What followed was a conversation that neither of them wanted to end. That chance encounter soon turned into regular weekend visits, just one month before the pandemic shut the world down. What started as a spontaneous connection grew into a long-distance romance—and eventually, a lasting love.

Brant and Meredith were married in 2022 in beautiful St. Thomas, officially joining their lives—and their families—into one incredibly special, perfectly imperfect, and beautifully complete new beginning. The blended family includes Hadley (14) and Henry (11), and their beloved Goldendoodle, Cooper. The family moved to Lake Forest in January of that same year and quickly settled into neighborhood life.

Brant, originally from a small farming town in Missouri, now serves as the General Manager for Maeser, a respected local company offering plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and remodeling services. He takes pride in spotting Maeser trucks throughout Lake Forest—proof that his work is making an impact close to home.

Meredith, a Louisville native, is a Director for a company that provides hotel accommodations and logistics support for sports teams and event organizers. Her fast-paced career pairs well with the family’s active lifestyle—and there’s always something going on.

Hadley, a student at St. Margaret Mary, is passionate about sports. She plays club soccer, basketball, runs track, and even gives flag football a try. Henry, who attends Meredith-Dunn School, just started his first season of tackle football and also enjoys playing basketball and soccer. Whether it's a game, practice, or scrimmage, the family's calendar is rarely empty.

Their dog, Cooper, has been with them since September 2020, joining the household during the height of the pandemic. Now five years old, he’s known for his sweet temperament, love of tennis balls, and devotion to his people. He’s a fixture on long walks through the neighborhood and a key member of their crew.

The Stewarts have built meaningful traditions together—one of their favorites is spending the Fourth of July at Kentucky Lake, where Brant’s family owns a lake house. Each year, they also make a trip to cheer on the University of Kentucky Wildcats, and Meredith and Hadley have recently started a fun new tradition of attending country concerts together. This summer, they traveled to Chicago to see Megan Moroney live and are already planning the next show.

When it comes to food, the family keeps it simple and satisfying. Pizza nights are a regular staple, as are Sunday dinners featuring steak and potatoes. Favorites like Fiesta Time Amigo, Chipotle, Raising Cane’s, and Tropical Smoothie round out their go-to spots for busy weeknights.

While Brant and Meredith enjoy traveling, it’s the kids who have cast their vote for favorite vacation: cruises. After a family cruise a few years ago that made a big impression, the kids begged for another—and got their wish this year. It’s safe to say the cruise tradition may be here to stay.

Community involvement is another shared value in their household. Meredith and Hadley volunteer together at the Franciscan Kitchen, serving meals to those in need. Brant and Meredith also give back through their children’s schools and events that benefit local nonprofits, including partnerships with Blessings in a Backpack.

As for life in Lake Forest, the family couldn’t be happier. Brant and Meredith appreciate the strong sense of community. They’ve found wonderful friendships, especially among a close-knit group of neighbors. “I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a special community,” Meredith says. “Huge shoutout to "Grove Life"—our amazing neighbors and friends who make everyday life more fun and are always there when you need anything in a pinch.” The family enjoys everything the neighborhood offers—from pool days and scooter rides to seasonal events and peaceful walks with Cooper.