Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Our Story

In February of 2018, Sara was asked to sub on a volleyball team for the Monday Night Whirlpool League. She didn't know anyone on the team, but decided to take a chance. The captain of the team, Liz, asked her after the game if she ever played softball. Sara said no, but she would be willing to try. Liz said they might be looking for another girl for their team, starting in May and she would reach out. Fast forward to the end of April, Sara ran into Liz at Planet Fitness, and Liz asked if she would play. Sara agreed, even though she had never played before. It couldn't be that hard, right? So wrong. Ben had been a part of this team since it started, and typically played short stop, occasionally he would sub in for the pitcher. The team decided Sara would play catcher, since she had very little experience playing. So one day, Ben subbed in for the pitcher. While warming up, he threw some not so great pitches, which Sara responded to by saying "I'm gonna need you to do better." Ben responded by saying "It's practice and this is my first throw! Give me a break!" They continued to joke back and forth, trying to one up each other with sarcastic remarks. One day, Sara missed a game because she was at a design conference in Chicago. She decided to go down to the beach the next day when she got home, hoping to play some pick up volleyball. Ben showed up to play too, and asked Sara where she had been the day before. This surprised Sara, that he had actually noticed her missing. They chatted for a little while, played some games, and then Sara went home. Once home, she decided to send Ben a message on Facebook, asking him to grab a drink some time. Ben agreed that would be fun. Two days later, he sent her a message asking if she would be available in about 10 minutes to meet downtown. Normally Sara would need a lot more planning, but was intrigued by Ben, so she agreed. They bonded over sports, food, and sarcasm. And in August, he asked her to be his girlfriend, by bringing her flowers. Little did they know, this was the start of something great. Fast forward to August 29, 2021. Sara had won a free photoshoot from a photographer friend on Instagram. She and Ben planned to do the shoot for their 3 year anniversary, and would take pictures down at Silver Beach, one of their favorite places. Ben went behind Sara's back to communicate his plans with the photographer and mapped out the route to a small clearing in the dunes, near the pier. As they got close to the clearing, Ben tried to distract Sara so the surprise wouldn't get ruined. She's sometimes too observant for her own good. When she finally saw it, she froze, and Ben had to lead her into the clearing. He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Of course she said yes!

Photos

Lonnie Tutupoly

Matthew Lubbers

Celeena Vaughan

Levon Kotanko

Constanza Munoz Kotanko

Jason Schneemann

Amanda Thomas

Brandon Hebard

Wedding Party

Q + A

Near Lakeland Regional Medical CenterMake yourself at home in one of the 82 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. LCD televisions are provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites St Joseph, an IHG Hotel in Saint Joseph, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Silver Beach and Lake Michigan.  This hotel is 15 mi (24.1 km) from Warren Dunes State Park and 2.6 mi (4.3 km) from Box Factory for the Arts.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Lake Michigan - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi  Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 3.2 km / 2 mi  Silver Beach - 3.7 km / 2.3 mi  Box Factory for the Arts - 4.6 km / 2.8 mi  Harbor Shores Golf Club - 6.4 km / 3.9 mi  Grand Mere State Park - 9.3 km / 5.8 mi  Intercare Community Health Network - 9.6 km / 6 mi  Lake Michigan College - 13.2 km / 8.2 mi  Sarett Nature Center - 15.5 km / 9.6 mi  Dablon Vineyards - Winery & Tasting Room - 18.5 km / 11.5 mi  Weko Park - 18.7 km / 11.6 mi  Round Barn Winery - 19.8 km / 12.3 mi  Andrews University - 19.9 km / 12.4 mi  Warren Dunes State Park - 24.1 km / 15 mi  Lake Chapin - 24.2 km / 15 mi  The preferred airport for Holiday Inn Express & Suites St Joseph, an IHG Hotel is South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 53.4 km / 33.2 mi Don't miss out on the many recreational opportunities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and a picnic area.Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary breakfast is included.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites St Joseph

In Benton HarborMake yourself at home in one of the 104 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and separate sitting areas.Located in Benton Harbor, Courtyard by Marriott St. Joseph Benton Harbor is within a 10-minute drive of Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Lake Michigan College.  This hotel is 4.7 mi (7.6 km) from Harbor Shores Golf Club and 5.4 mi (8.7 km) from Silver Beach.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Intercare Community Health Network - 4.5 km / 2.8 mi  Lake Michigan College - 5 km / 3.1 mi  Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 5.5 km / 3.4 mi  Box Factory for the Arts - 7.3 km / 4.6 mi  Harbor Shores Golf Club - 7.6 km / 4.7 mi  Silver Beach - 8.7 km / 5.4 mi  Lake Michigan - 9.3 km / 5.8 mi  Grand Mere State Park - 13.1 km / 8.1 mi  Sarett Nature Center - 13.2 km / 8.2 mi  Andrews University - 16.7 km / 10.4 mi  Contessa Wine Cellars - 17.1 km / 10.7 mi  Karma Vista Vineyards and Winery - 18.3 km / 11.4 mi  Lake Chapin - 21.2 km / 13.2 mi  Dablon Vineyards - Winery & Tasting Room - 23.6 km / 14.7 mi  Weko Park - 26 km / 16.2 mi  The nearest airports are:South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 50.5 km / 31.4 mi Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 152.9 km / 95 mi Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 79.9 km / 49.6 mi Chicago, IL (PWK-Chicago Executive) - 188.9 km / 117.4 mi Chicago, IL (DPA-Dupage) - 208.5 km / 129.5 mi Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, a television in a common area, and a picnic area.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Benton Harbor? This hotel has 1893 square feet (176 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room.Satisfy your appetite at The Bistro, a bistro which features a bar/lounge. Dining is also available at the coffee shop/café. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee.

Courtyard by Marriott St. Joseph Benton Harbor

In Benton HarborMake yourself at home in one of the 88 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and microwaves. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.With a stay at Staybridge Suites Benton Harbor - St. Joseph, an IHG Hotel in Benton Harbor, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Silver Beach and Lakeland Regional Medical Center.  This hotel is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Intercare Community Health Network and 3.1 mi (5 km) from Lake Michigan College.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Intercare Community Health Network - 4.4 km / 2.8 mi  Lake Michigan College - 5 km / 3.1 mi  Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 5.5 km / 3.4 mi  Box Factory for the Arts - 7.4 km / 4.6 mi  Harbor Shores Golf Club - 8.1 km / 5 mi  Lake Michigan - 9 km / 5.6 mi  Silver Beach - 9.3 km / 5.8 mi  Grand Mere State Park - 13.1 km / 8.1 mi  Sarett Nature Center - 13.5 km / 8.4 mi  Andrews University - 16.7 km / 10.4 mi  Contessa Wine Cellars - 17.2 km / 10.7 mi  Karma Vista Vineyards and Winery - 18.3 km / 11.4 mi  Lake Chapin - 21.2 km / 13.2 mi  Dablon Vineyards - Winery & Tasting Room - 23.6 km / 14.7 mi  Weko Park - 26 km / 16.2 mi  The nearest airports are:Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 183.3 km / 113.9 mi South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 50.4 km / 31.3 mi Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 152.9 km / 95 mi Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 79.9 km / 49.6 mi Chicago, IL (PWK-Chicago Executive) - 190.2 km / 118.2 mi Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and barbecue grills.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary buffet breakfast is included.

Staybridge Suites Benton Harbor - St. Joseph

In Benton HarborMake yourself at home in one of the 92 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and Smart televisions. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed, and all rooms are furnished with sofa beds. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while iPod docking stations and Netflix are also offered to provide entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers.With a stay at SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. Joseph Benton Harbor in Benton Harbor, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Silver Beach and Lakeland Regional Medical Center.  This hotel is 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Intercare Community Health Network and 3.2 mi (5.2 km) from Lake Michigan College.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Intercare Community Health Network - 4.3 km / 2.7 mi  Lake Michigan College - 5.2 km / 3.2 mi  Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 5.3 km / 3.3 mi  Box Factory for the Arts - 7.2 km / 4.5 mi  Harbor Shores Golf Club - 7.4 km / 4.6 mi  Silver Beach - 8.4 km / 5.2 mi  Lake Michigan - 8.9 km / 5.5 mi  Grand Mere State Park - 12.9 km / 8 mi  Sarett Nature Center - 13.5 km / 8.4 mi  Andrews University - 16.5 km / 10.3 mi  Contessa Wine Cellars - 17.3 km / 10.8 mi  Karma Vista Vineyards and Winery - 18.5 km / 11.5 mi  Lake Chapin - 21.1 km / 13.1 mi  Dablon Vineyards - Winery & Tasting Room - 23.4 km / 14.5 mi  Weko Park - 25.9 km / 16.1 mi  The preferred airport for SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. Joseph Benton Harbor is South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 50.3 km / 31.2 mi Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and a picnic area.Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Benton Harbor? This hotel has 768 square feet (71 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. Joseph Benton Harbor

In the city centerMake yourself at home in one of the 106 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access is available. Conveniences include safes and microwaves, and housekeeping is provided daily.A stay at Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor/St. Joseph places you in the heart of Benton Harbor, within a 10-minute drive of Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Lake Michigan College.  This hotel is 4.7 mi (7.5 km) from Harbor Shores Golf Club and 5.3 mi (8.6 km) from Silver Beach.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Intercare Community Health Network - 4.4 km / 2.8 mi  Lake Michigan College - 5 km / 3.1 mi  Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 5.5 km / 3.4 mi  Box Factory for the Arts - 7.3 km / 4.6 mi  Harbor Shores Golf Club - 7.5 km / 4.7 mi  Silver Beach - 8.6 km / 5.3 mi  Lake Michigan - 9 km / 5.6 mi  Grand Mere State Park - 13.1 km / 8.1 mi  Sarett Nature Center - 13.2 km / 8.2 mi  Andrews University - 16.7 km / 10.4 mi  Contessa Wine Cellars - 17.2 km / 10.7 mi  Karma Vista Vineyards and Winery - 18.3 km / 11.4 mi  Lake Chapin - 21.2 km / 13.2 mi  Dablon Vineyards - Winery & Tasting Room - 23.6 km / 14.6 mi  Weko Park - 26 km / 16.2 mi  The preferred airport for Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor/St. Joseph is South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 50.4 km / 31.3 mi Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Benton Harbor? This hotel features 4200 square feet (390 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.Enjoy American cuisine at Garden Grill and Bar, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours).

Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor/St. Joseph

In the suburbsMake yourself at home in one of the 65 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your bed comes with premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished with double sofa beds. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers.Located in Stevensville, Comfort Suites Stevensville - St. Joseph is in the suburbs, within a 10-minute drive of Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Silver Beach.  This hotel is 7.6 mi (12.3 km) from Harbor Shores Golf Club and 9 mi (14.5 km) from Lake Michigan College.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Lake Michigan - 2.1 km / 1.3 mi  Grand Mere State Park - 3 km / 1.9 mi  Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 9 km / 5.6 mi  Silver Beach - 9.5 km / 5.9 mi  Box Factory for the Arts - 10 km / 6.2 mi  Harbor Shores Golf Club - 12.3 km / 7.6 mi  Dablon Vineyards - Winery & Tasting Room - 13.4 km / 8.3 mi  Intercare Community Health Network - 14.5 km / 9 mi  Lake Michigan College - 14.5 km / 9 mi  Round Barn Winery - 14.7 km / 9.2 mi  Weko Park - 17.2 km / 10.7 mi  Warren Dunes State Park - 19 km / 11.8 mi  Andrews University - 21.8 km / 13.6 mi  Sarett Nature Center - 22.7 km / 14.1 mi  Lake Chapin - 35.9 km / 22.3 mi  The preferred airport for Comfort Suites Stevensville - St. Joseph is South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 55.4 km / 34.4 mi Don't miss out on the many recreational opportunities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary buffet breakfast is included.

Comfort Suites Stevensville - St. Joseph

In StevensvilleMake yourself at home in one of the 97 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.With a stay at Baymont by Wyndham St. Joseph/Stevensville in Stevensville, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Silver Beach and Grand Mere State Park.  This hotel is 11.8 mi (18.9 km) from Warren Dunes State Park and 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Lake Michigan.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Lake Michigan - 2.3 km / 1.5 mi  Grand Mere State Park - 3.1 km / 1.9 mi  Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 8.9 km / 5.5 mi  Silver Beach - 9.4 km / 5.8 mi  Box Factory for the Arts - 10 km / 6.2 mi  Harbor Shores Golf Club - 12.1 km / 7.5 mi  Dablon Vineyards - Winery & Tasting Room - 13.3 km / 8.3 mi  Intercare Community Health Network - 14.4 km / 8.9 mi  Lake Michigan College - 14.4 km / 8.9 mi  Round Barn Winery - 14.6 km / 9.1 mi  Weko Park - 17 km / 10.6 mi  Warren Dunes State Park - 18.9 km / 11.8 mi  Andrews University - 21.7 km / 13.5 mi  Sarett Nature Center - 22.6 km / 14 mi  Lake Chapin - 26.1 km / 16.2 mi  The nearest airports are:Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 89.3 km / 55.5 mi South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 55.3 km / 34.4 mi The preferred airport for Baymont by Wyndham St. Joseph/Stevensville is Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.). Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a fitness center.Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily.

Baymont by Wyndham St. Joseph/Stevensville

Travel

Beach Volleyball

Hiking

Lumberjax: Urban Axe Throwing

Golf

Start here and visit Tabor Hill, Lemon Creek, Dablon, Domaine Berrien Cellars, etc.

Round Barn Estate

Visit Three Blondes, Watermark, North Pier, Silver Harbor, Ghost Isle, Beer Church, etc.

Brewery Hopping

St. Joseph River Canoe & Kayak Livery

Farmers Market

Visit a restaurant or winery downtown and carry your drink with you as you shop!Find Sara's jewelry designs for sale in A Little Collective and Bound for Freedom!

Ben & Sara