The Benison Event Center

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We had our first date on November 16, 2023 and filled the next couple of years with countless soccer matches, trying out every restaurant, celebrating all of life's moments with our extended families and friends, riding roller coasters, taking walks, and traveling.Travels prior to the wedding have included nine states: Hawaii, California, Washington D.C., Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee. We are excited to add Michigan and Europe to that list for our honeymoon!!We got engaged on May 17, 2025 and started all of that wedding planning. :) Yes, it took a little over a year...but that included getting Chris' youngest graduated from high school as well as getting two households ready to merge and putting Rupe's house on the market. Chris, the kids, and the dog are all excited to welcome Rupe to Fairfield!!

Our Story

Engagement Photos

D.J. Klefeker 

Olivia Klefeker 

Rupe's nephew, age 12 yrs (at the time of the wedding)

Tyler Mercado

Emma Mercado

Wedding Party

**We have a block of rooms for the wedding at the discounted rate of $189 per night! The rooms are held for both Friday and Saturday. To get this discounted rate please use this link to reserve your room: <a href="https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1765376857590&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mariott.com/sharma-bennett-reservation</a> Located in historic downtown Hamilton a short walk or drive from the wedding venue, The Marriott has accommodations including a pool and a 24-hour fitness room. Enjoy American cuisine at Plaza One Grille, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Full breakfasts are available daily for a fee. There is on site parking available and the hotel is located on the river and next door to Marcum Park and the river walking/biking trail. This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is 20 miles away and you are only 19 miles from Kings Island. The Cincinnati Museum Center is 22 miles from the hotel. Better yet you will be walking distance from a number of locally owned shops, eateries, breweries, and the above mentioned beautiful river front park and paved walking trail.

Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton

Travel

Things to Do

Honeymoon Trip Fund

Chris & Rupesh

Chris & Rupesh

Engagement Photos