Field Brewing

Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Party

Indiana

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church

Nuptial Mass

White Willow Farms

Cocktail Hour

Dinner

Dance the Night Away!

Wisconsin

St Pius X Church

Mass

Poplar Hall

Dance Like No One is Watching!

Hit the Ave!

Two states? Two dates! Claudia and Jake have broken up their wedding festivities into two different events so that they can celebrate in both of their home states! Below you can find all the ways they will be celebrating their matrimony. Go to the RSVP section to find out which events you are invited to!

Our Wedding

In the Summer of 2019, Jake and Claudia first crossed paths at the One Bread, One Cup Conferences in Saint Meinrad, Indiana. They lived alongside the monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and worked as interns for the One Bread, One Cup conferences. Claudia was the Intern for Liturgical Instrumental Music and Jake was an Intern for Cantor Development. Being two of the three music interns they worked closely that summer and quickly became friends. Highlights included playing Pokémon Go, leading Marian Shrine tours, and throwing up peace signs whenever they passed each other in the halls.

In 2020 Jake and Claudia were supposed to return to Saint Meinrad to be second-year interns, but the pandemic canceled the One Bread, One Cup conferences. In the Fall of 2020 Universities navigated bringing their students back to campus. Claudia’s university, Butler, only invited back students whose classes required them to be in person. This meant that she had to return to Indianapolis in the fall because music classes could not be taught virtually. Meanwhile, DePauw University, Jake’s alma mater, decided to only invite freshmen and sophomores to campus. This led Jake to spend the semester in the suburbs of Indianapolis.&nbsp; That fall Claudia and Jake ran into each other frequently because of their mutual friends. This rekindled their friendship. One night, Claudia spontaneously FaceTimed Jake, and this led to their “First Date”… even though Claudia had no clue it was a date. The two continued to hang out and got to know each other more, but at this point, Claudia was unsure of Jake’s intentions. At the end of September, one of Claudia’s friends asked her to pray the Saint Therese of Lisieux Novena. A novena is a Catholic form of worship that consists of praying special prayers nine days straight. This novena is commonly known for praying with a specific intention or question and receiving roses on the 9th day of the novena as an answer to your question. Claudia’s prayer intention was, “Lord, I know Jake is supposed to be in my life but in what capacity? Please send me red roses if he is supposed to be my friend or white roses if we are supposed to date.” The ninth day of the novena happened to fall on the same day as Claudia’s Senior Recital. All recitals at Butler University had to be completely virtual due to COVID-19, but Claudia had a handful of friends over afterward for an outdoor celebration. Jake showed up at her house and he was carrying a bouquet of white roses. By the end of the month, the two were officially dating.

Claudia and Jake spent the rest of the year growing in their friendship, faith, and relationship. They met each other's families and supported each other during BIG accomplishments.

Towards the end of Claudia's year, she discerned that the Lord was calling her on an eleven-month mission trip, The World Race. Through lots of prayer and a few challenging conversations, the pair decided to date throughout The World Race. They didn’t know what communication would look like the next year, but they knew that if they were patient, trusted one another, and relied on the Lord they could date long distance. Both look back fondly during the challenges of long-distance dating because the year apart helped them to grow as individuals and as a couple. They learned that through all the ups and downs they both wanted to fight for their relationship. It, also, taught them how to be better communicators. But most of all it solidified the fact that the Lord was the foundation of their relationship. Over that year the two were able to see each other twice! Jake flew to New York’s JFK Airport to visit Claudia during her seven-hour layover, and they met up in Athens, Greece for a few days.

After The World Race, Claudia moved to Indianapolis to start her first teaching job at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School— which happens to be the same grade school Jake attended and where he coaches football. This was an exciting time for both of them as they navigated first jobs, moving, and being in the same state again! Some highlights include vacationing in Cabo, concerts, weddings, and cheering each other on in races!

After months of prayer and planning, Jake pulled off his&nbsp;proposal to Claudia in Waupaca, Wisconsin on June 2nd. Claudia wrapped up her last day of school and then the couple drove right to Appleton. The morning of the 2nd, they had a nice breakfast at The Tempest and walked by the Fox River. After much negotiation, Jake convinced Claudia to stop by the Red Mill in Waupaca. Little did she realize, their sisters had been setting up the engagement scene since that morning.&nbsp; Upon arrival, Claudia excitedly shopped at the antique store, while Jake and their sisters eagerly waited for the two to walk across the covered bridge and see the chapel, fresh flowers, and handwritten notes set up for Claudia. Truly surprised, Claudia slowly pieced together what it all meant. After she read her note titled “Open if we get engaged,” Jake got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. With an enthusiastic “Yes. Obviously, YES!” from Claudia, the two were officially engaged! To sweeten the surprise, the Labus family drove up from Indianapolis to celebrate on the lake with the Gruett family.

Our Story

Photos

Mya Gruett

Olivia Labus

Janine Hald

Kendall Dreibelbis

Katrina Hochholzer

Abby Tschimperle

Luke Labus

Matt Labus 

Aaron Candiano 

Wyatt Metzger

Drew Thieme

Charlie Gruner 

Wedding Party

Q + A

There is a hotel block reserved at the SpringHill Suites. The hotel is perfectly located in between the ceremony and reception venues! The drive to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church takes about 11 minutes and the drive to White Willow Farms takes about 12 minutes. Last Day to Book: March 15th, 2024.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Westfield

Another great option is the Hampton Inn! This hotel also has a great location and is close to both venues. The drive to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church takes about 8 minutes and the drive to White Willow Farms takes about 13 minutes. Last day to book is March 12, 2024

Hampton Inn Westfield Indianapolis

This hotel is next door to Poplar Hall, the reception venue, and 10 minutes from St. Pius X Catholic Church! Check-in time to the hotel is 3:00 pm. Check-out is at noon. Early arrivals cannot be guaranteed until the day of check-in. Note: Courtyards by Marriott do not include free breakfast.The cutoff date for the group rate is Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Courtyard by Marriott Appleton Riverfront

Right off College Ave, this hotel is 6 minutes from both St. Pius X Church and Poplar Hall, the venue! Perfect if you plan to go to a bar with Claudia and Jake after.Use the "SRBLK" code before booking.

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley

Hotels

Hometown Aventures

Go on an adventure in the cities Jake and Claudia love the most! In between all the festivities check out some of the couple's favorite spots around their hometowns!

Go on an Adventure near Carmel, Indiana

Check out a one of Jake and Claudia's favorite spots to eat!Jake boasts Hoffa's as the best BBQ in Indiana! Claudia loves their ice cream. If you have some extra time, check out their antique stores behind the painted barn! Lots of local gems packed into one great space.

Big Hoffa's Smokehouse

A great coffee joint in Westfield, Indiana! Claudia recommends grabbing an espresso based drink and sitting on their large patio on a sunny morning.

RIVET Coffee Bar and Roastery

One of Jake and Claudia's favorite brunch spot! Enjoy a large cinnamon roll, fluffy pancakes, or grab a pastry from their counter. You can't go wrong with anything from Rosie's!

Rosie's Place

Check out this great distillery and restaurant north of Westfield's Grand Park sports complex. They have great food and even better drinks!

West Fork Whiskey Co. - Westfield

Go on an Adventure near Appleton, Wisconsin!

An iconic cocktail lounge in downtown Appleton. Founded in 1970 by Cleo Brown. The story goes that Cleo loved Christmas, so one year she left her decorations up. And the rest is history! Try their iconic "Dirty Snowball" or one of their legendary Old Fashions.

Cleo's 

Claudia's favorite coffee shop from her high school days! Copper Rock is known for their fun seasonal drinks and their fresh pastry items. They have a large vibey seating area, so grab a coffee and enjoy the Ave!

Copper Rock Coffee Company

If you're looking for a bite to eat head over to Tanner's! This laid-back sports bar has a great atmosphere and even better food. Claudia recommends getting the chicken tenders and a Spotted Cow!

Tanner's Grill & Bar

One of Claudia's favorite brunch spots that has fantastic espresso! They have a great atmosphere and some of the friendliest baristas ever. Enjoy a lazy laid back brunch or grab coffee and walk along the Fox River!

Tempest Coffee Collective

Adventures

Claudia & Jacob's Wedding Novena

Claudia &amp; Jake are asking for prayers as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage. Specifically, they ask that wedding guest join them in praying the following novena they wrote. A novena is a prayer that takes place over nine consecutive days (or weeks) to ask for a special intention. The tradition of praying a novena is an ancient Catholic prayer heritage that dates back over a thousand years. The novena is meant to be prayed for Claudia and Jacob every day starting on April, 4th 2023, and ending the day before their wedding. Heavenly Father,Thank you for the way you pursue our hearts and nourish our souls. We ask that, through the Sacrament of Marriage, Jake &amp; Claudia grow in holiness and selflessness. LORD, you gave us the saints as models of great faith on Earth. Like St. Francis of Assisi, may Jake &amp; Claudia authentically invite and inspire others to surrender to Christ. Like St. Thérèse of Lisieux, may they live lives of daily steadfast purpose. Pull Jake &amp; Claudia deeper into your font of grace so their spousal love may be perfect, pure, and generous as they strive hand in hand toward salvation. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for usSt. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for usJesus, we just want more of you.We love you. We trust you.Amen.

Pray With Us!

Claudia & Jacob's Wedding Novena