Craftwood Peak by Wedgewood Weddings

Rehearsal

TILL Neighborhood Bistro & Bar

Rehearsal Dinner

Ceremony and Reception

Ceremony

Reception

Susan & Neal's House

The Morning After

Spring

Our Wedding

Ella's Story

The first time I remember meeting Ben was in the elevator in our Freshman year dorm hall at Creighton – yay Kiewit! Ben and I shared mutual friends, but our real connection didn’t spark until after graduation. Not long after, I invited Ben to go skiing at Copper Mountain and that day was filled with laughter, glee and giggles. I knew then that I had a lifelong friend.&nbsp; Before long, that friendship blossomed into the greatest love. Our first date was the Coors Factory tour, and our first kiss was at the top of Lookout Mountain. From the beginning, our relationship has been rooted in friendship and mutual respect. During law school, Ben’s unwavering support and patience helped me through the toughest days – he took care of me, let me nap and cry through the hard times, and celebrated every success with me. Ben proposed in Tenerife, Spain, on the roof of our Airbnb. I know he was made for me because he makes me laugh endlessly, challenges me to be my best self and leads with love in everything he does.

Ben's Story

I first saw Ella in the elevator at Kiewit Hall (RIP) at Creighton University during our freshman year in spring 2019. I thought she was the cutest girl I had ever seen. We had a lot of mutual friends, but we didn’t start talking until after we had both moved back home to Denver after graduation. One day we decided to meet up at Copper Mountain to ski, and after that day I knew I couldn’t wait to spend the rest of my life with Ella. After two years of dating, I proposed to Ella on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. I knew Ella was made for me because she constantly challenges me and helps make me a better person every day. Ella is my favorite person in the entire world and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with her :)

Our Story

Hi! My name is Violet! I'm Ella's baby sister. I currently am studying early childhood education with a minor in writing at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. 

I know Ella and Ben are made for each other because they both have a gift for reading the emotions of the people they love, always check in on their partners and friends, and share a deep love for the outdoors -- always up for the next adventure together.

Violet Thompson

Hi! My name is Josie, I am Ella’s little sister. I am currently working as a cardiac nurse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

I know Ella and Ben are made for each other because they are both unapologetically themselves, never changing who they are to “fit in”, and always staying true to what they value, you’ll never meet a match quite like them. 

Josie Thompson

My name is Sam and I’m Ben’s younger brother. I’m currently working in finance out in Los Angeles. I know Ben and Ella were perfect for each other because they move through life the same way while sharing the same rhythm and way of showing up for people they care about. 

Sam Nielsen

I'm Ella's childhood bestfriend, I recently got married and now I'm Kate Mendes! Currently, I work at an Advertising Agency remotely from San Diego. I know Ella and Ben are made for each other because Ella has always been the most thoughtful and intelligent person I know, and Ben brings those qualities out in her. They're so lucky to have each other and I can't wait to celebrate their love story!

Kate Mendes

Hi all! My name is Miranda Silva, and I’m living in Denver, working in Real Estate. I met Ella freshmen year of high school in English class, but really became friends with her during sophomore year on the Cross Country team, where we ran together until graduation. I know that Ella and Ben are made for each other because of how relaxed and calm they are in each others’ presence. They are best friends, and it’s obvious.

Miranda Silva

Hi! My name is Jessica and I went to law school with Ella. I am a natural resources attorney in Alaska. 
I know Ella and Ben are made for each other because they are two of the kindest people I know with a calming presence you can’t help wanting to be around. They share a love of skiing and adventure and I know they will have lots of new memories together. 

Jessica Wright

My name is Maya Fairchild. I live in Denver and work in marketing for the Colorado Rockies. I've been friends with Ben for close to 10 years, and seeing him with Ella has been one of the sweetest parts of that friendship. I know they're made for each other because they bring out the best in one another, and are happiest by each other's side. These two make love look easy!

Maya Fairchild

When I met Ben on my first day at Creighton, I knew I had met a one of a kind person. I was lucky enough to start off college with a best friend right across the hall. Little did we know, one floor below, was Ben's perfect match. I am grateful for our four years together at school, but the best things in life are worth waiting for. Ben and Ella bring our the best in each other, and I know they have found a lifetime of happiness together.

Jacob Straub

I know Ben and Ella are meant for each other because they always match each others sense of humor. It's great to find somebody who will laugh at the same things as you, and Ben and Ella don't take themselves too seriously in that way, making life enjoyable. 

Bryan Cordutsky

Hi, my name is Jake and Ben has been one of my very best friends for nearly half my life! I am currently learning to fly aircraft and working at the Bozeman Airport in Montana. I know Ben and Ella are perfect for each other because they are each a very unique puzzle piece in the box. While three of their edges amazingly complement all their peers, the last edges remain uniquely perplexing. In my time getting to know Ella, just as one digs through a puzzle box, I've learned these two edges most certainly fit snugly together. These pieces may succeed in many spots within the complete puzzle, but they don't belong anywhere more than with each other. 

Jake Claeys

Hey! My name is Zak, I am Ben's longtime friend from elementary school! I am currently a professional photographer for high school and college athletics. I know Ella and Ben were made for one another because they bring out the best in one another, between laughter in the little moments or unwavering support when it really matters, they really are the perfect match!

Zak Rey

I know Ben and Ella are perfect for each other because if you put their first names together it's beautiful. 

Chase Schwartzman

Meet the Wedding Party

Registry

To make your stay as comfortable as possible, we have arranged a block of 20 rooms at a preferred discounted rate for the evenings of June 12th and 13th. Please use the link <a href="https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1763416025115&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE </a>to reserve your accommodation If the hotel block isn’t the right fit for you, no worries—here are some other great places to stay in the area:

This hotel offers a cozy, vintage vibe. It is located directly down the street from the venue and is nestled in the heart of downtown Manitou Springs. If you're looking for something traditional and accessible, this is a great spot for you.

The Cliff House at Pikes Peak

If you're looking for something that is still in Manitou Springs, but is off the beaten path, then this is a great option for you. The Buffalo Lodge is catered to those who love the outdoors scene as they host daily bike rides, yoga by the pool, and outdoor concerts. If you're looking for an eventful wedding weekend, this option is great for you.

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

If you're looking for a more traditional, yet still spunky, hotel experience then this boutique hotel is a great option for you. Kinship Landing is a boutique hotel that is located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. This is a great location for those looking to explore downtown, eat at various restaurants, but still easily access the venue with only a 15 minute drive.

Kinship Landing

Staying with a group and want to stick together? This air bnb may be the right fit for you. Not only is it close to the venue, but it will give you access to downtown Manitou Springs and, if you're brave, the Manitou Incline.

Mountain View Manitou -- Air BnB

If you're staying with a group and want to stick together, this air bnb may work for you! It's conveniently located in Old Colorado City, only a few minutes from the venue. By choosing this location you'll have access to charming restaurants, plenty of trails, and local shopping.

Old Colorado City air bnb

Lodging

Dress Code

Garden of the Gods features a network of scenic hiking trails surrounded by towering red rock formations. The park got its name in 1859 when two surveyors described it as a "capital place for a beer garden," with one remarking that it was truly a place "fit for the Gods to assemble." Whether you're interested in accessible hikes, jaw-dropping geology, or a dose of Colorado history, this iconic spot is a must-visit.

Garden of the Gods

Old Colorado City was the first permanent settlement in the Pikes Peak region, rich with frontier history. Today, it blends historic charm with boutique shops, art galleries, and a variety of delicious restaurants. If you're looking to eat, shop, or simply explore a walkable district with Colorado character, this is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Old Colorado City, Colorado

Love animals? How about feeding a giraffe at 6,714 feet above sea level! As the highest zoo in the United States, this unique destination offers unforgettable experiences in a stunning setting beneath Pikes Peak. With strong conservation programs and up-close encounters with wildlife, it's a must-visit for animal lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

This moderate six-mile hike rewards you with wildflowers, waterfalls, and sweeping views of Pikes Peak. With 1,700 feet of elevation gain, the trial offers a scenic challenge as it winds past two tranquil reservoirs -- perfect for a summer adventure in the mountains.

Catamount Trailhead

Whether you're a sports enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a great indoor activity, the U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Museum is a must-visit. It features a complete collection of Olympic torches and medals, along with interactive exhibits that let you experience the thrill of the competition firsthand.

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

Pikes Peak stands as one of the most iconic mountains soaring to 14,107 feet as the highest summit in the southern Front Range of the Rockies. Its breathtaking views famously inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful. On a clear day, you can see parts of six states from the summit of Pikes Peak: Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Wyoming, and Oklahoma. Not up to the 26-mile round-trip hike on Barr Trail? No problem -- you can drive to the top or hop aboard the historic Cog Railway for a scenic and effortless ride to the summit, where the panoramic views await.

Pikes Peak Highway Tollgate

Looking for a challenge? Try the Manitou Incline! This hike is a challenging 2,700 steps up the bed of a former railway. The trail gains 2,000 feet in elevation in less than a mile with an average of a 45% grade, so make sure you're mentally and you're carrying plenty of water and snacks.

Manitou Incline

Explore Manitou

$25-$40+

Co.A.T.I Uprise: A trendy food hall with numerous chef-partner concepts including cocktail bars and tasting-menu setups. Paravicini's: An upscale Italian favorite known for quality meals (mentioned as higher-end in local discussions). Swirl Restaurant, Shuga's Restaurant, Cork &amp; Cask, The Warehouse Restaurant, Trainwreck: These are sit-down venues that are not quick serve joints, they tend to fall into this moderate range, but they are all so charming and fun.

$15-$25

Sushi Row: A delicious sushi spot in downtown Colorado Springs. Cantina Verde: A casual Mexican/American-style eatery. The Pantry, Red Dog Coffee, Garden of the Gods Trading Post: Each of these are cafe/diner options that are budget friendly and charming.

Ella & Benjamin

Ella & Benjamin

Registry