The Eden

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

Once upon a time - well, seven years ago - two people who definitely weren’t looking for anything serious stumbled into something truly extraordinary. Brandi and Benjamin were both 35, busy living life, raising kids, and minding their own business when the universe gave them a little nudge (okay, more like a loving shove). What started with a few texts and phone calls quickly turned into something much more - something undeniable.We didn’t rush it. In fact, we were both pretty sure we weren’t ready for a new relationship. But from the very beginning, there was something special. The connection felt like home. When we finally met in person, it was as if the world shifted just a bit - we both knew that life was never going to be the same. And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.We bonded over baseball (Go Cubs Go!), our grandmas’ shared devotion to the team, an uncanny overlap in music and food preferences, and - very importantly - our mutual adoration of pink Starbursts. Seriously, who knew that would be the real love language?Between us, we have six amazing kids (most of whom are now starting their own lives out of high school), a thousand inside jokes, and exactly zero days without talking to each other since that very first phone call. Communication, grace, laughter, and a whole lot of love are the cornerstones of our relationship. We truly are each other’s favorite person.Life hasn’t always been easy, but the road we each traveled brought us to the exact right place - right here, with each other. And now, after seven beautiful years, we’re so excited to officially tie the knot and keep choosing one another every day, for the rest of our days.We’re so happy you’re here to celebrate with us. Let’s do this thing!

Our Love Story

Our Story

Photos

Rather than a traditional wedding party, we’ve chosen to be surrounded by the people who matter most to us. We’ll each be walking with our children (our favorite humans and the heart of our family) as we start this next chapter together.

Wedding Party

Dressy-casual is perfect for the day. We invite you to look polished but comfortable... something you’d feel great wearing for a celebration that lasts all evening.For women, this could be a cocktail dress, jumpsuit, or a dressy skirt and blouse.For men, dress pants or chinos with a button-down shirt fit right in; a blazer is welcome but not required.We suggest skipping overly formal attire like tuxes and full-length gowns. This day is more about ease and connection than strict formality.

Dress Code

Q + A

Travel

Fern's Fairylight Express exhibit open every day except Mondays

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

Friday Night Vibes - live music and good food from 8:00PM-11:00PM

The Club Room at The Clyde

One of our favorite places to spend some time. So many booths with more items than you can imagine. Inside an old skating rink!

The Rink Antiques and Vintage

Our go to spot for dinner. Nothing fancy, just good Italian food and the best breadsticks in town! If you need a place for a bite to eat, give it a try!

Brandi & Benjamin

Brandi & Benjamin

Photos