8th Ward Pub

Welcome Reception

Embassy Suites Rockford

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Brunch

Our Wedding

Ben and Kylee met like all classic love stories: because of politics. In September of 2019 Kylee attended her friend Dave Vella’s campaign launch event at the Venetian. Dave had just hired Ben as his campaign manager. Ben was living in Elmhurst at the time and Kylee and her sister Rachel were moving in to a house in Rockford. Looking to volunteer Kylee gave Ben her business card. Ben was busy with the campaign, hiring staff, and training up Dave so they wouldn’t meet again until January 2020 at a Winnebago County Dems meeting. A few days later Ben sent Kylee a Facebook friend request, which Kylee accepted a bit too late at night. They talked for hours over the following days and weeks exchanging memes and stories – a habit that continues to this day. After a night of volleyball, Kylee joined Ben at Gene’s Place (Now Ernie's Midtown Pub) to watch the February 2020 Democratic Presidential debate. Their first official date was for lunch the next day at Omakase. Then March 2020 happened, and the world shut down. With Rachel’s permission, Ben joined their Covid “pod” and spent most of the spring and summer at the Miller sisters’ home when not at the campaign office. Kylee would bring food and fun to the Vella crew while they worked to get Dave elected. Ben rescued Kylee from a snake it the basement laundry… that the cat had already killed, gaining him approval from Rachel’s cat Phoebe. Dave won his campaign for State Representative later that fall. As the restrictions lifted and more events were allowed Ben and Kylee got to know each other’s friends and family, attended multiple music festivals and concerts, and traveled. They’ve gotten to see Tom Brady play in his last season, excursion off cruise boats, dance till 4am at Electric Forest, and work together on multiple winning local campaigns including Kylee's successful Township race earlier this year. With the continued support of their friends and family they are excited to celebrate their wedding.

Our Story

Photos

Emily Cannon

Chris Jackson

Rachel Miller

Chris Monaco (Jeffers)

Kaitlin Johnson

Andy Kelliher 

Ashlei Hides 

Jess Johnson

Adam Flemming

Arnie Arroyo

Anne Dorn

Doug Mayer

Adriana Ruiz

Jason Bernstein (Bernie)

Luke Miller

Audrey Donovan 

Wedding Party

Q + A

Located in Rockford, 19 miles from Logan Museum of Anthropology, Embassy Suites By Hilton Rockford Riverfront has air-conditioned accommodations and a bar. Offering a restaurant, the property also has a fitness center, as well as an indoor pool and a hot tub. The property provides room service and a 24-hour front desk for guests. All rooms at the hotel come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a safety deposit box. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Magic Waters Waterpark is 10 miles from Embassy Suites By Hilton Rockford Riverfront. Chicago Rockford International Airport is 4.3 miles from the property.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront

This hotel is 1.7 miles from Earl F. Elliott Golf Course and 7 miles from downtown Rockford, Illinois. It features an on-site restaurant, bar and spacious rooms with free WiFi. Free access to the indoor pool and gym is provided to all guests of the Hilton Garden Inn Rockford. The business center has fax/copy services and parking is free on-site. A made-to-order breakfast is offered each morning at the Garden Grille. Snacks and beverages can be purchased 24/7 at the Pavilion Pantry and drinks are available in the evenings at the Garden Grille Lounge. Each air-conditioned room at the Rockford Hilton Garden Inn is furnished with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Decorated with white linens, all rooms include a cable TV and work desk. Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Rockford Art Museum are both 7 miles from the hotel. Rockford International Airport is 12 miles away.

Hilton Garden Inn Rockford

Travel

Traveling to Rockford Early? Staying longer than the wedding? Check out these great Rockford locations that Ben and Kylee love!

Visit one of Ben and Kylee's favorite bars. Well known for it's Christmas Pop up decorations and Cocktails. Worth a stop for any out of town visitors or those looking to capture the Christmas vibe!

Another favorite bar of the couple as you can see from the engagement pictures! CJ's is an affordable cash only bar with a great vibe, heavy pours, darts, pool, bumper pool, and shuffle board. Try their famous Scewball Ice Cream shot!

CJs Public House

Enjoy a Screw City Light Beer with a lime at this staple of Downtown Rockford. Multiple in-house brewed beers on tap and a complete menu with a taste for everyone. Try a Rockford Burger while you're at it!

Prairie Street Brewing Co.

Rockford's Primary Karaoke Bar. Located in Downtown Rockford just off the main drag. A great stop for late at night on any Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. Karaoke is always better with friends!

Rue Marche

Looking for a great breakfast Sunday morning? Check out this casual breakfast diner. It is very popular most weekends and does not take reservations but is worth the wait! *They do not serve alcohol.

Stockholm Inn

Another great breakfast/ brunch spot with a Norwegian theme. Try their Æbleskiver (Danish Pancake Balls) with lingonberry jam or their mimosa flight. Full coffee menu and bar. Very popular location on weekends but you can make a reservation ahead of time online.

The Norwegian

Things to Do

Registry

Let us know if you will be joining us <a href="https://www.aisleplanner.com/app/v2/our-wedding/Donovan-Miller/rsvp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

Ben & Kylee

Ben & Kylee

Photos