Wedding Day

Oratory of St. Catherine

Ceremony

Powder Ridge Winter Recreation Area

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story began when we met in the college dorms in August 2021 at Bemidji State University. After we met, we spent every day together. Coby asked me to be his girlfriend in November 2021 after cooking me tacos in the dorm kitchen. We spent the first two years of college together but, Coby graduated from NTC in May 2023, while I still had another two years of college. Coby decided to move back home to start is career as a plumber at a company in Avon, while I stayed in Bemidji. We did two years of long -distance during that time as I was finishing college. Seeing each other as much as we could with busy schedules. In October 2024, Coby bought a house in Albany with plans for us to move in together when I finished school. In May 2025, I graduated from college with my BSN. I had accepted a job at the St. Cloud Hospital in February before I graduated. And then in June 2025, I moved in and we were finally able to be close together again! Then in October 2025, Coby surprised me with a proposal at the state park in Bemidji, where you could see the dorm that we met in across Lake Bemidji. Since getting engaged we have been enjoying living together and with our dog Lucie, and wedding planning of course! We are so excited for the big day and can't wait to celebrate with you all!

Our Story

Photos

Jennica

Ella's college roommate and friend in nursing school

Macey 

Greta

Tanner

Jaden

Austin 

Coby and Ella's friend in the college dorms

Jacob

Holly Snobl

Nora Mergen

Riley Becker

Luke Budish

Konnor Deiss

Steven Becker

Cora Mergen Lambrecht

Rose Mergen Lambrecht

Max Frie

Wedding Party

Budish - Mergen hotel blockThis hotel is 20 minutes from Powder RidgeTransportation will be provided for this hotel!

Ella & Coby

Ella & Coby

Wedding Party