Three Blondes Brewing

Rehearsal Brunch

Black River Barn South Haven

Wedding

Ceremony 

Cocktail Hour 

Dinner

Reception

Our Wedding

How We Met

I (Ben) grew up in Carmel, IN, which is a small town just North of Indianapolis. My parents were both Purdue Alumni as were both of my father's parents. You could say that Abbie and I grew up in a Boilermaker household, spending weekends in the Fall up in West Lafayette to tailgate and attend football games. The first jersey I ever owned was a Drew Brees number 15. I tore it into pieces the day I got it playing tackle football at the tailgate. Dad offered to buy me another one but naturally they were all out of my size so I never did replace it! I grew up an athlete, making many life long friends through Soccer and Wrestling, many of which will stand beside me in our wedding. Deanna grew up the exact opposite. She was a huge nerd as she was on the mathletes and marching band teams, played bowling, and was top 10 in GPA for her graduating class. She grew up in Frankfort, IL, which is a small suburb on the South Side of Chicago. She spent most of her childhood either attending Elvis night at the White Sox game or up at her cottage in Sister Lakes Michigan. We both ended up attending college at Purdue, though despite being involved in very similar activities and having quite a few friends in common, never ended up crossing paths while we were there! It's probably for the best, because I don't think Deanna would have agreed to date me in college! Let's just say I spent more time making friends at Harry's Chocolate Shoppe than studying. After college, I moved to Chicago and was introduced to Deanna through a mutual friend that we'll adoringly call Tito, though at the time I was actually dating someone else! So scandalous!! Well after some time, Deanna began to fall for me and thus began a long list of occasions that she fell in love with me. My favorite of those events would have to be when I taught Deanna how to eat an entire chicken wing in one bite on probably our third date! The rest is history, and Deanna and I have grown in to best friends over the last 3 years. We've had many more chicken wing dates, though now we make them ourselves in the air fryer at home. We visit her cottage often with various groups of friends, attend Purdue games, go to concerts, watch movies, laugh, cry, and snuggle. Deanna loves to snuggle.

Our Story

We have a 56 Passenger Coach Bus which will shuttle people both from the primary hotel blocks to the wedding venue and back home. We're expecting the bus to run in a loop from: Holiday Inn/Hampton InnHotel Nichols/Harbor Inn/Downtown South HavenBlack River Barn We're expecting each "loop" to take around 20-30 minutes and will start running at 2pm EST through 4:15pm EST to the venue and 9pm EST through 12 Midnight.

Affordable Limousine 

We have rooms blocked here. It's a standard hotel option which is relatively new and very close to the venue! Possibly even walking distance! Near South Haven Center for the ArtsMake yourself at home in one of the 62 guestrooms. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and complimentary newspapers, and housekeeping is provided daily.With a stay at Hampton Inn South Haven in South Haven, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of South Haven Center for the Arts and Michigan Maritime Museum. This hotel is 19.5 mi (31.4 km) from Oval Beach and 28.1 mi (45.2 km) from Silver Beach.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer. South Haven Center for the Arts - 2.3 km / 1.4 mi Warner Vineyards - 2.9 km / 1.8 mi Michigan Maritime Museum - 2.9 km / 1.8 mi South Beach - 3.5 km / 2.2 mi North Beach - 3.6 km / 2.3 mi South Haven Lighthouse - 3.7 km / 2.3 mi Lake Michigan - 4.4 km / 2.8 mi Michigan Flywheelers Museum - 4.6 km / 2.8 mi Van Buren State Park - 8.9 km / 5.5 mi Saddle Lake - 17.7 km / 11 mi Great Bear Lake - 24.3 km / 15.1 mi Virtue Cider - 25.9 km / 16.1 mi Fenn Valley Vineyards - 26.3 km / 16.3 mi Hutchins Lake - 27.3 km / 16.9 mi Saugatuck Brewing Company - 27.4 km / 17 mi The preferred airport for Hampton Inn South Haven is Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 88.3 km / 54.9 mi Enjoy recreational amenities such as an indoor pool and a fitness center.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in South Haven? This hotel has facilities measuring 135 square feet (12 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.Grab a bite from the grocery/convenience store serving guests of Hampton Inn South Haven. For your convenience, a complimentary breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Hampton Inn South Haven

We have this hotel blocked with 20 rooms as an affordable option! This is extremely close to the venue as well.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites South Haven

This is a nicer but slightly more expensive option right in the heart of downtown South Haven right across the street from Hotel Nichols. It has a great view of the Black River with great outdoor patios. There are a few options with multiple bedrooms, full kitchen, jacuzzi tubs, etc. You could save money by sharing with 4-6 people depending on the room! We don't have a formal room block here, so would recommend booking early!

Old Harbor Inn

Travel

Food: We recommend getting reservations early if you are looking to go out to eat! We can recommend Taste and Three Blondes Brewing. Clementines is their most well known restaurant. 
 
Uber: There are no/very few ubers so please plan accordingly! 
 
Bars: Captain Lou's is open late! 
 
Below are some things to do that we havent tried but look fun or have been recommend by our vendors!

Blueberry Acres

12 Corners Vineyards

Lake Arvesta Farms

Things to Do

Pat was my high school wrestling partner, chief partner in crime, and is often referred to as "The Tailgate Nazi". If I ever got in a fight, Pat would be the first one to jump in with me whether I was in the right or clearly in the wrong. We've been to Europe together twice and I would count on many more international trips to come. 

Pat Parham [Single]

Brad has been one of my best friends since middle school and is easily in the top 2 for smartest friends. My fondest memory is our little excursion over to Ireland where we missed our train to Killarney because he had made a mess in the sink in his bedroom the night before. Brad will likely win the Nobel Peace Prize some day.

Brad Ellis [Taken]

Josh and I met on our 6th Grade Football team, THE Chicago Bears. Our friendship began on the offensive line, back when we were much closer in size, and I was known to purposefully step on his foot mid play for fun. Our relationship hasn't changed much since.

Josh Rolsky [Taken]

David and I met in middle school as well and would also be counted in my top 2 smartest friends. We've played many years of soccer together, were roommates for like 7 years, and have competed in countless games of Catan. I might be as smart as David if it weren't for Mrs. Arnold and Miss Diamente. David prides himself on ensuring our country doesn't get Nuked.

David Larson [Engaged]

Tito is almost exclusively referred to by his last name, given its strong connection to Vodka. We met in college through BGR. I spent much of my junior and senior years at his houses which were the go to spot for a summer shandy and some spike ball on football game day. I once drove from Indy to Chicago to stay with him for an Avicci concert with about 2 hours notice. Tito is the definition of spontaneity. 

Chris Tito [Single]

Corbett is also typically referred to by his last name only. We met on the infamous spring break trip in Fort Lauderdale where he coined the phrase "Cops, No One's Home, Friends, Come on In". We've attended countless music festivals together, including the grand daddy of them all, Tomorrowland in Boom, Belgium. Corbett is the ultimate friend and prioritizes just being together over everything else.

Aaron Corbett [Engaged]

Cal and I met post-college when he came up for a music festival in Chicago. Little did we know at the time, but we would ultimately fall in love. Cal is the only person I know that can be an absolute gentleman one second, then rip someone a new one the next second while blasting just the dirtiest of dub step bangers.

Cal Murray [Single]

Jason and I actually became friends in Middle School as well, but only knew each other for a short time before he transferred schools. Little did I know, that he would re-enter my life at Purdue first at one of the infamous Snu's Days and then at the infamous Spring Break trip. Since then we've attended many music festivals, camping trips, and Indy 500s. Jason would do anything for his friends.

Jason Salguero [Taken]

EJ and I met at Purdue during BGR as well during Junior year. We've taken a multi-week trip to Europe, attended multiple festivals and Indy 500's, and many a boat trip. EJ's favorite place in the world is the water and will do anything in his power to find a vessel to captain. EJ enjoys bucking the system and finding the next great adventure. 

EJ Williams [Married]

Joey is another friend that I met at Purdue and attendee of the infamous spring break trip. He is a multi-talented individual who enjoys music, gymnastics, rock climbing, and getting into heated debates with his friends over a couple of beers. We've had many fun excursions throughout Chicago during his time here, though we can no longer go to the local German pub. Joey would ideally spend the rest of his days experiencing the outdoors through hikes, camping, and rock climbing - becoming one with nature.

Joey Frechin [Single]

Michael and I also met in BGR my junior year at Purdue. We enjoyed many an evening at various bars, apartments, and frats imbibing in our favorite beverages. We've been roommates since he moved to Chicago in 2016 and have spent many a brunch, house party, cubs game, super bowl, or poker night together. Michael has a heart of gold and would do anything for his friends or his family. His mother Carmen is also a saint and sends us chocolate covered Nutter Butter cookies a few times a year. 

Michael Gray [Single]

Mitchell is the brother of the bride, but also has many connections to the rest of the bridal party through Purdue's Glee club and PMO. Even outside of Deanna and I's relationship he already knew Cal and Corbett and will fit in just fine with this group of hooligans. I'm very excited to be his brother in law, and very much look forward to doing brother in law things like grilling, tailgates, fishing trips, cottage weekends, you know brother in law stuff!

Mitchell Esposito [Single]

I met Nghtmre with Corbett during the Lights All Night music festival where I asked if he would like to DJ the wedding. He immediately accepted since we're so chill and fun to be around!

Nghtmre

Bre and I have known each other since 1st grade, clocking in at 24 years! Bre is the best planner and has been such a huge help in everything wedding related. Bre and Ben bond over the marketing world they live in and are always teaching me about new music. Bre is always there as my perfect beer flight partner and overall adventure buddy in everything we do!

Bre Machay [Married]

For those that knew us in middle school, Mal and I were known to everyone as Twinkies! As adults you would never know, but as kids, we used to look like twins and were always together. Now, almost 700 miles apart, she is still one of my best friends and is still in my phone as MalPaigeGaskarth! 

Mallory Row [Single]

I met Stef through Ben. Ben and David have always been roommates and as girlfriends of the roommates, Stef and I started to see each other every week. Through brunches and game nights, we quickly became best friends! Stef is always there for a girls night with wine and Chinese take out, which have become more frequent as we are both planning weddings during quarantine!

Stefani Wade [Engaged]

Michelle still holds the record for my longest roommate with 4 years together at Purdue! I love getting to see her and her perfect family whenever we come home to visit Carmel. She is best known for her love of Lil Wayne and her mastery of April fools pranks!

Michelle Carter [Married]

Lauren was one of my very first friends at Purdue. Even though she lives in Houston/Philly, we have stayed close through annual visits, recurring zoom calls, and Animal Crossing game nights! Lauren has recently found a new love as a plant mama and she has the most creative eye for design! 

Lauren Berlin [Married]

Abbie is the sister of the groom, but Deanna is very excited to have a new sister! Abbie is the go to person in the family for anything and everything food related, and she will have another important role in the wedding. We won't make her trade in her bridesmaid dress for an apron though! :)

Abbie Sommer [Taken]

Wedding Party

Shout out to our AWESOME photographers, Josh and Andrea, for creating our BLOG!<a href="https://www.joshandandreaphotography.com/post/deanna-ben-downtown-chicago-engagement-session-chicago-il" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.joshandandreaphotography.com/post/deanna-ben-downtown-chicago-engagement-session-chicago-il</a>

Photos

Registry

Flying OptionsGerald R Ford International Airport (Grand Rapids, MI) (1hr Drive to South Haven) Midway International Airport (Chicago, IL) (2-2.5 hr Drive to South Haven) O'Hare International Airport (Chicago, IL) (2-2.5 hr Drive to South Haven) Indianapolis International Airport (Indy, IN) (3.5 hr Drive to South Haven)

Getting to South Haven

Attire

Semi-Formal/Dressy-Casual/Cocktail
Helpful Link:
<a href="https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet#cocktail-attire">https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet#cocktail-attire</a>
 
Bridesmaid dress color is sage green (greyish light green).

Schedule

2:00-4:15 EST: Shuttle/Drive to Black River Barn
4:30-5:00 EST: Ceremony
5:00-6:00 EST: Cocktail Hour
6:00-7:45 EST: Dinner/Pageantry
7:45-11:00 EST: Dance!
9:00-12:00 EST: Shuttle/Drive to Hotels
12:00 EST: Must be Out of Venue

Ben & Deanna

Ben & Deanna

Photos