Shady Elms Farm, LLC

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our storyThe story brings us back to 2017, at Elizabeth Forward High school. Ben was in his senior year and Claire was a junior.During the summer of ‘17 while Claire was on vacation, Ben sent her a message with a smooth pick up line and that, THAT was the beginning of their love story. Following Claire’s vacation, they went to a local ice cream shop for their first date. Although Claire did most of the talking that night, they both knew something was special about each other.&nbsp; They continued dating throughout high school, and college graduation. During the 4 years of college, they learned with long distance that the heart truly grows fonder. Spending countless hours on FaceTime and many weekends visiting one another, they’ve slowly watched each other become who they are today. Graduating from West Penn School of Nursing in ‘21, and IUP in ‘23, it was the summer after Claire’s graduation that Ben would decide to pop the question.While on vacation at Rehoboth Beach, when “family photos” were happening, Ben got down on one knee and asked “Claire Elizabeth Miles, will you marry me?” During their two year engagement, they bought their first beautiful home in April 2024. And as time continues to pass, their love for each other continues to flourish. Seven and a half years later, they cannot wait for all of the people they love to come to see them on their wedding day. They are eagerly counting down the days until they become Mr. And Mrs. Fanelli.

Our Story

Photos

Nate Casturo…I think that says enough. They’ve been friends since freshman year in marching band where he took Ben under his wing and protected him from bullies while bullying him himself. Nate has always been Ben’s go to for anything in life. From fixing his cars, fixing stuff around the house, spontaneous trips across the state to look at cars and buying guns, and just being there him and Claire when Ben traveled to Iowa for school. He has always been there for not only one but for both Claire and Ben.

Nate Casturo

Eli and Ben met when Ben was in nursing school. Over time through mutual meeting they come to realize how much they have in common. Although Eli is an EMS, firefighting, power lifter. The the bond they share between working together in a professional setting to spending those long nights just talking whether it be around a fire or while gaming, they’ve become very close. Eli is Ben’s right hand man to going out to do anything in his normal day to day life. Always encouraging each other to improve on themselves whether it be mentally or physically. Spending everyday talking about what they’re going to do the next time they hang out or what’s new in life.

Elijah Gray

Better known as Dingus. Ben and Dingus have been friends since Ben's sophomore year in high school. He's a year older, but they did everything from deck hockey to long nights of gaming together. They truly became close when Dingus went to school in Ohio and they would talk every night on video games to catch up how everyone was doing back home. The friendship only grew stronger when he came home, drinking beers every weekend and just being there for each other. 

Hunter Moore

Jbakes as we call him. We met through a mutual friend back in 2017. They met at first when Ben would go watch deck hockey back in high school where Jarod played on the same team as his friend. Through that friend they developed their friendship and became very close leaning on one another when things got tough. Enjoying their time together playing video games, talking about cars and trucks and golfing on the weekends. A reliable friend whom he can always come back to when things get tough.

Jarod Baker

Ben and Kyle have been friends since early high school. They had every class together for 3 of the 4 years in high school and there was never a dull moment. Now we spend our time  just hanging out getting dinner every few weeks to stay in touch, watching him play in his metal band, and gaming together. But someone who we can always count on to be there and have fun with.

Kyle Provins

Liane and Claire have been best friends since they were babies. Growing up with brothers the same age and living down the street from one another, they grew as close as any friends could be. No matter the length of time in between hangouts, it feels like they were together yesterday. Liane has been there for everything in Claire's life and continues to be a huge supporter. 

Liane Mooney

Zoe and Claire met freshman year at IUP before going to a sorority event. The two clicked instantly and become life long friends. Many moments spent hanging out together then the pair became roommates junior year of college. Everyday spent together laying in Zoe's bed watching tv and just talking. Late nights eating bad food and gym moments together. Together the pair would help Krystin hurry up since she would make them late. The roommates now bridesmaids are such amazing supporter in Claire's life. 

Zoe Shaffer

Rachel is Claire's sister in law. The two of them met at a coffee shop at IUP where they both attended school while Rachel dated Claire's brother Billy. The pair instantly clicked and knew they would be sisters for life. Rachel and Claire spent many nights together watching tv and hanging out during their time at IUP.  Now they spend a lot of time watching shows together and continue to make memories together. 

Rachel Miles

Becca and Claire met through Rachel many years ago. That night they knew right away they would be so close. Many nights spent together hanging out and just having fun. After meeting Becca, Claire felt like she had another sister in her life. The pair hangs out often with Rachel and watches the Bachelor and Bachelorette. Every time they are all together it feels like being at home with family. Becca is a huge supporter and has impacted Claire's life for the better. 

Rebecca Mlinek

Krystin and Claire have been best friends since freshman year of college. The pair met before going to a IUP football game and have been close since. The two become college roommates sophomore year and spent many moments together. Many mornings Krystin would be in the kitchen whipping up meals (taking up the whole kitchen). Throughout the day Krystin would just "check in" while Claire studied or did school work. Claire would have to rush Krystin out of the house since they were always behind. Now they see each other when they can and every moment is just as amazing as the last. 

Krystin Thomas

Wedding Party

Q + A

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1739279943001&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true&amp;app=resvlink Last day to book is May 30th If you will be checking in on the wedding day, please let the Marriott know you will need an early check in when making your reservations.

Ben & Claire

Ben & Claire

Travel

Courtyard Pittsburgh Washington/Meadow Lands