Badger Farms Wedding & Event Venue

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktails

Dinner

Party!

Winter

Our Wedding

I’ve re-written this several times and each time I just don’t seem to really capture the essence that is Ben. I’ll try, but just know that however amazing he comes off from this, he is easily 10x more caring and sweet and loving than that. I might be biased though…. Ben and I met online and during a pandemic - we have always followed our own path on our relationship. I think it was by date three that we both realized we would take a homemade picnic over a fancy dinner every time. So, we started exploring many of Cook and Lake County’s finest forest preserves as our dates. We started cooking meals together, trying to figure out the crossover of vegetarian and paleo (which is a lot more than you’d think).&nbsp;We watched movies (everyone knows Air Bud is the perfect first kiss movie!), we started learning about each other's sports and hobbies, we started talking about everything under the sun and just never really stopped. We lived about 20 miles apart, so we had to make an actual effort to see each other, but a blessing in disguise of this pandemic is that we could take one or two days each week and work from each other’s home so we’d get a mid-week visit! Weekends quickly turned into picking who is driving where each day so we can maximize our time together. There were a few times that we had to have virtual dates (thanks, COVID). Ben found these “would you rather” books and we would spend hours on zoom going through questions and getting lost in the answers. Ben and I took a few vacations together – this is when I was really thinking this could be my person because if we could spend 5+ straight days just the two of us driving miles and miles, almost getting lost on the side of a mountain, and not want the weekend to end …. Well than that might be real love. In December we found ourselves with some time to drive West and visit Ben’s Dad so we packed up for a 10 day road trip. Now this is the part when Ben’s sneakiness comes out to play. At some point on the drive there was a conversation about wedding rings or engagements (this was at the point that we both knew we’d be together forever it was just making it official). I made a face that Ben could instantly read and he responded “I didn’t buy you a ring so….” So that was that and he wasn’t going to propose on this trip, fine by me as I had no expectations, ready for a fun trip regardless. Now, you all know that this story ends with Ben and I hiking up a mountain and him proposing and my answer of yes. The best part of this is that Ben did not lie – the ring was his Grandma’s so he didn’t buy a ring! All of this to say, Ben is very honest and very clever!&nbsp; Saying “yes” that day to Ben was very easy – we’ve talked about our future plans and were on the same page on what we want in life and what our values are. Ben has grown from wonderful to tremendous and has my entire heart for ever and ever. I cannot wait to walk this life with him and continue to learn and grow together. I know Ben will always challenge me to think outside the box and reach for my goals. I also know, that he will be there in the highs and especially in the lows, just as he has been every day that I’ve known him.&nbsp;

Bridget's Version

Yeah, we met online instead of the good ole' fashioned ways like an office Christmas party, spotting some sets at the gym, or over cheap beer and fruity vodka mixers at a local bar. To be fair, we spent most of our time at our homes, jobs, and gyms. We didn't meet as roommates, I don't work for an accounting firm, and she doesn't like South American Pajama Wrasslin' (commonly referred to as "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu"), so we made the best of our predicament. I'm not apologizing, and neither is Bridget. Although our everyday lives weren't likely to intersect, I quickly realized that many of our values did. Curious, genuine, driven, and thrifty, Bridget was always trying to be the best version of herself and find ways to expand her potential. While she had a workout community in Crossfit Freedom, I had one in New Breed. While she took the paleo route to eat clean, I took the vegetarian route. While she sought to learn more by reading physical books, I did the same with audio books at 2x speed. As she kept her spending down to save for a home, I did the same to finish off my student loans before pivoting to a similar path. This came in handy in a major way for us, as it helped drive us to expand our culinary skills as we cooked nearly every meal we shared. In addition to being compliant with our dietary preferences, our meals were always healthier, tastier (Bridget is the Spice Queen after all), and cheaper than anything we would've gotten at a restaurant or frozen food aisle. It's hard to be a loser when you surround yourself with winners, and Bridget is an absolute winner. Our shared value of planning ahead for long term goals played a big role in us being engaged a little under 13 months into our relationship (without her being surprised that I wanted to take the next step when I went down on my knee), but there's much more that got us to this point. Shared values matter, but if we don't enjoy each other's company and treat each other right, they're not enough to sustain a relationship. Fortunately, Bridget is a joy to be around with her unique sense of humor that goes from goofy to witty to edgy at times. Through big accomplishments and challenges, Bridget has been there to make good times great and terrible times tolerable (while expertly navigating outside drama). Asking Bridget to marry me was an incredibly easy decision to make, and it has never been second guessed. The time we've shared so far has been tremendous, and I can't wait for what's ahead in the remaining time we have ahead of us on this planet. I love Bridget more than I could've ever imagined loving anybody, and can't wait to share the rest of my life with her.

Ben's Version

Our Story

Photos

Friends since Ben's final year of high school, Nick and Ben have shared several activities and remained in close contact ever since. From representing the CLC Lancers as student athletes, playing EA Sports NHL at an elite level, training jiu jitsu, and everything in between, Nick and Ben have enjoyed countless time together. Leisure aside, Nick has been a reliable friend through the ups and downs of life. Ben can trust Nick to be reliable and defend him should that be necessary. Defending the citadel is a separate issue though #KnowYourRoots.

Nick Robinson

Taylor and Bridget have been friends since 8th grade after bonding over Disney movies and sweatpants (which are still a foundation of their friendship today). As you can see from our silly picture (one of many), Taylor is Bridget's "partner in crime" - however, these two are rule followers and would rather spend the day watching movies and playing board games then doing anything even close to breaking any rule. Taylor is like a pseudo-Nee sister and has been considered family for many years. Always down for a chat and a laugh, Taylor has been there for all the big moments in Bridget's life and only makes sense to be right by her side for this big day. Ben and Bridget's guest room is named "Taylor's Room" for a reason - near or far, she will always be part of their lives. 

Taylor Ronne

Friends since 4th grade and close ever since. Jason was a consistent friend through the school years and has remained among Ben's best friends since. Both have a sense of humor that can be a bit much for most, but when together they feed off each other and feel comfortable saying the most ridiculous things their twisted minds can come up with. Although Jason and Ben have overlapped homes in Iowa and Illinois, they have still made the time to visit each other and be together for the big milestones in life. 

Jason Volk

Bridget's older (but shorter) sister, or 3 1/2-year older "twin". The more time these two spend together, the more they sound like the same person - they laugh and talk almost the same! Pretty much since birth, Bridget would get talked over by the chatter-box Julia. Julia is a laughter-palooza and always has a funny story to share - and the story usually gets funnier each time you hear it (in typical Nee fashion). Julia paved the way for Bridget to fly right under the radar as the middle sister. 

Julia Nee

Acquaintances in high school, Nate and Ben's relationship advanced to "ohana" after Ben began his jiu jitsu journey. In addition to sharing common interest on the mats, the two further developed their friendship over common interest of Battlefield and several other games they play together. Along with shared activities, Ben and Nate often share perspectives on current events and intellectually stimulating topics.

Nathan Jensen

Bridget's younger (but taller) sister, referred to as Mich to avoid confusion. When she heard of this wedding she responded with "when does the party planning start?" which explains a lot about Mich. Despite bickering for most of their childhoods... the two have grown since then and turned into great workout buddies and friends. Bridget is constantly amazed by the things Mich accomplishes - literally anything is possible with Mich at the wheel! 

Michelle Nee

Sharing common interests often lays the foundation of a friendship. Some bond over video games, interscholastic sports, or watching football. In this case, a shared enjoyment of beating other up for fun in MMA, boxing, muay thai, and jiu jitsu classes laid the foundation of Ben and Houston's friendship. In addition to being a great sparring partner and striking coach, Houston has been a reliable and genuine friend to Ben, supporting him through much of the challenging times that come along with the fight game.

Houston Dozier

This Michelle is sometimes referred to MG to avoid confusion with the many Michelle sisters. MG has welcomed Bridget into the Gordon family with open arms. MG and Ben are almost like alter egos (in that they are two wildly different people), but they both love their family. Bridget considers herself lucky to gain another sister and chaperone to the Gordon Family! 

Michelle Gordon

This lady needs no introduction but she is Ben and Bridget’s dog child and she is the sweetest most loving fluff monster in the world. She is very chatty and loves zoomies. Her favorite thing is going on walks with her parents or anytime they are both home at the same time! Ellie makes this new Gordon family complete and she needed to be included in her parent’s magical day. 

Ellie Nee-Gordon

Wedding Party

Q + A

About 10 minutes from the wedding venue and a shuttle service will be available. Mention that you are part of the Gordon/Nee wedding block and rates should be $125 a night for12/9 and 12/10. Booking link &gt; https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/HG67H0

Comfort Suites Cottage Grove - Madison

Say you are booking for the Gordon/Nee wedding, the price should be $85 a night for 12/9 &amp; 12/10. Location is a little further away, but price is lower and location is in Madison (home of the University of Wisconsin).

Bridget & Ben

Bridget & Ben

Registry