Wedding Day

St John Catholic Church

Ceremony

Hocking Hills Scenic Weddings

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

Ben and Annie met for the first time in 6th grade while attending their first year of Catholic Youth Summer Camp... Annie made her mark on Ben while in the Gaga Ball pit when she accidentally slammed the ball into his face! By some coincidence, they continued to attend the same week of summer camp for the next 3 years, and when they were both old enough to have social media, they kept in contact. (Try to spot Annie and Ben in the picture below)!

In 2018, on Annie's 16th birthday, she received a warm message from her old summer camp crush. From there, they proceeded to catch up on all the updates in life and reminisce on past camp memories. A few days of texting and FaceTiming turned into weeks and then months, and finally, they worked up the courage to ask their parents to drive them to a movie date! It was an interesting year trying to navigate the distance as neither of the two had their license... as sophomores in highschool who couldn't drive, Columbus and Logan seemed like an eternity away.

After braving a year of having to be driven around by family for dates, Ben and Annie finally reached a point of more freedom in their junior year of highschool. Ben went to Fisher Catholic and Annie went to Bishop Hartley so they attended each other's dances, sporting events, and continued to make memories with friends in all the spaces in between. Everything got much harder when 2020 rolled around, and they again experienced the sadness of not being able to see each other for months on end due to the pandemic. Even when lockdown was lifted, their senior year of highschool was still plagued with extreme restrictions. However, Ben and Annie made the most out of this time. In the fall of 2020, they both had profound encounters with Jesus and dedicated their lives and relationship to the mission of the Gospel. To finish out their time in highschool, they were active leaders in their youth group and even committed to serving at the Catholic camp where they first met!

After a summer of mission at Damascus, Ben and Annie once again had to return to the life of long distance as Ben went to Ohio University for college and Annie moved to Michigan to work full-time in Catholic ministry. They visited each other as often as they could, and called constantly. The time of life transition was hard, and distance made it harder, but the grace and kindness of God showered their relationship. Ben entered nursing school and was an active leader in his Catholic campus ministry and Annie continued working for Encounter Ministries in Michigan for 2.5 years.

After almost 3 years of long distance, Annie felt a call from the Lord to return home to Columbus. She didn't fully know what was in store, but she knew that the waiting and sacrifice was definitely going to be worth it. Upon arriving home, Ben and Annie were inseparable. They finally got to enjoy the gift of having each other so close, and suddenly, Columbus and Logan didn't seem so far:) When Ben wasn't at school and Annie wasn't working or traveling, the two could be often be spotted at the St. Catharine adoration chapel, many different breweries, tennis courts, and family get togethers. Nothing was sweeter than being together for the two of them... the years of distance felt like a mere speck of time. Ben knew then more than ever that he wanted forever with Annie.

On May 31, the pair were scheduled to go on a double date with friends to a jazz speakeasy in the Short North... or so Annie thought. Without her knowing, Ben had asked for Annie's hand in marriage back in April and bought a ring soon after. (The greatest challenge was for Annie's dad not to spill the beans in the weeks following). Ben coordinated with their families and friends in pulling off the ultimate proposal! He picked her up and the two went to pray before the Blessed Sacrament as they did before every date. In a moment, the chapel was emptied of adorers and Annie started to become stressed thinking that they were going to miss their dinner reservation. Under the guise of calling someone to take their place in staying with Jesus, Ben exited the chapel and got everyone in place... Annie remained antsy per usual, but continued praying. The moment came and the doors of the chapel flung wide as Ben genuflected and proceeded in to ask Annie the question. She immediately began to weep as she realized what was happening, and melted when she exited the chapel to see the faces of every person she and Ben loved the most. In front of Jesus and their earthly and Heavenly families, Ben asked Annie to be his wife. Through flowing tears, Annie mustered out her "yes" and joy exploded into the room.

“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” Saint Clare of Assisi

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

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Holiday Inn Express Hocking Hills-Logan

The Hocking Hills offers hundreds of amazing rentals if you desire a different scene than a hotel! A cabin rental in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio is a getaway to nature, relaxation, and fun! Some of our favorites are <a href="https://www.hockinghills.com/members/Hocking_Hills_Tiny_Houses.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hocking Hills Tiny Houses</a>, <a href="https://www.hockinghills.com/members/Hocking_Hills_Cottage_Company.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hocking Hills Cottage Company</a>, <a href="https://www.hockinghillspremiercabins.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Premier Cabins</a>, &amp; <a href="https://www.hockinghills.com/members/Canopy_Ridge_Cabins.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canopy Ridge Cabins</a>.

Other Hocking Hills Rentals

Travel

Located in Southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is a national and internationally acclaimed State Park. Stunning in every season, Hocking Hills features beautiful towering cliffs, thrilling waterfalls, and deep, hemlock-shaded gorges. Enjoy a hike at one or more of the many parks!

Hocking Hills State Park

Wormburner Park Golf is only the second course of its kind in the United States! But what is Wormburner Park Golf? Wormburner Park Golf is a fun and simple sport that anyone can enjoy. Unlike regular golf, you only need 1 club and 1 ball to play. You hit the ball from a teeing ground towards a hole, counting the number of strokes you take until the ball goes into the cup. The object is to put the ball in the cup with the fewest number of strokes. Think BIG mini-golf… or smaller regular golf!

Wormburner Park Golf

Founded in 2013, Hocking Hills Winery is proud to be family owned and operated.&nbsp;Over the years HHW has been awarded for their quality wines and more recently recognized with the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor! Enjoy some amazing wine at a beautiful location!

Hocking Hills Winery

Stop by to grab your favorite brew and take in the relaxed ambiance—it’s the perfect place to recharge before the next celebration event!

Hocking Hills Inn & Coffee Emporium

Looking for an adventure? Take a traditional canopy tour along five to 11 ziplines through the tree canopy over caves and waterfalls. Pump up your adrenaline on a challenge course featuring 16 ziplines and 30 challenges. Zip under the light of the moon as you soar into darkness and land on dimly lit platforms.

Annalise & Benjamin

Annalise & Benjamin

Q + A

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Are kids allowed at the ceremony and reception?

What is the dress code?

Where are you registered?