The Vault

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Ringside Cafe

The After Party

Our Wedding

I had been living in Columbus for about 6 months before I met Sam. I was enjoying the single life, living in a new city with my best friend. It is not very easy meeting quality guys out at the bar so I figured I would try online dating. With very little expectations, I went on Tinder casually to meet new people, go on fun dates, and get free dinners. What could be better than that, right?? After talking for about a week, we decided to meet at Hofbrauhaus for a drink. The conversation and the beer kept flowing and the rest is history.

How we met- Jess's Version

When I met Jess, I had taken a break from the dating scene. Online dating sounded a little more promising then happening upon a person at a bar, so I signed up. When Jess and I met, I wasn't looking for anything beyond getting to know someone. But good things often come when you least expect it. On the first date, I didn't have any preconceived notions about where I wanted things to go. However, after a night of effortless conversation and lots of laughs, I knew I had to recalibrate my approach. I certainly hadn't stumbled on to just any old girl. She was a keeper and I knew it. So, I upped my game and got to know a wonderful person over the next couple months. We've been inseparable ever since.

How we met- Sam's version

The plan was simple...take her away, have a great dinner and pop the question as dusk settled over Lake Erie. That was the plan. However, Ohio weather had other things to say about it. We drove up to Geneva-on-the-Lake for a getaway. It was sunny, oh so sunny. But at 38 degrees and 30 mile an hour winds, the weather had put some serious strain on my simple plan. Reservations for dinner were at 7, then we would go on a walk and I would propose. Only one little problem with my simple plan; there is absolutely no reason to take a walk at 8 at night, when its 38 degrees with 30 mile an hour winds roaring off of Lake Erie. So I improvised and moved up the timeline. We arrived at the hotel and went down to the bar, where I hastily put away two glasses of red wine. "Let's take a walk" I say. "Why" she says, "it's cold and windy." "Yeah, but let's just take a walk." The lake was angry. The waves were seriously imposing with that much wind rolling off the lake. We walked around for awhile to throw her off the scent. I knew there was a gazebo up by the lake shore (do your homework guys). I walk into the gazebo and there is a painted rock the size of my hand sitting on the railing. "I wonder what that is," I said so she would walk up with her back to me. She picked up the rock and turned around while saying "I don't know what it is." She turned to find me on one knee with my arm outstretched holding the ring. The only words I could muster, "Well, I know what THIS is!" The rest of the speech was forever lost in the cacophony of the howling wind, but after what seemed like a lifetime, I was able to make out a distinct "Yes!" and that suited me just fine.

The Engagement

Our Story

Details

Andrew Ennen

Laura Backer

Allie Backer

Jimmy Earl

Carla Kestenbaum

Derick Backer

Nicole Farin

Rob Back

Warren Hayes

Heather Justus

Heather Aloi

Andy Carr

Rachel Davis

Drew Witchousky

Lela Backer

Hayden Earl

Rylan Earl

Brookelyn Lauyer

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Across the street from Venue. Free Breakfast! 
20 rooms total-  block is full

Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Downtown

The Columbus Airport is 8.2 Miles from the venue. You can take an uber for approximately $17 to the venue/hotels.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport

The easiest way to get around downtown. Cheaper and less sketchy than the traditional taxi. There are plenty available at all times day and night.

Uber

Standard King- $145 Standard Queen x2 - $165 Jr Suite- $195 (4 rooms left) Hotel is on the same block as the venue. If calling in, ask for Passkey Reservations and request the Backer Ennen Wedding to receive the group rate. Guests will not be able to receive the group rate by calling the hotel directly. I have 5 king and 5 queen rooms for Thursday for anyone arriving early! Last Day for reservations is April 27,2018- 3 rooms left for Saturday!!

Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel

A bike rental station located very close to venue and hotels. Very cheap option to explore Columbus if the weather cooperates.

CoGo Station

$219/night for the standard room. Reservations can be made following the link attached or by calling the number and mentioning the Backer Ennen Room Block. We have 10 rooms reserved. 1 block away from venue. May 2, 2018 @ 12&nbsp;pm is the last day to reserve a room.

Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection

The wedding block has ended. You may make regular reservations at this location.

The Lofts Hotel

Travel

<a href="http://assets.experiencecolumbus.com/docs/downtown_map.pdf?_ga=2.176707501.905250503.1505098457-488548347.1505098457">http://assets.experiencecolumbus.com/docs/downtown...</a><a href="http://assets.experiencecolumbus.com/docs/restaurants_in_downtown_columbus.pdf?_ga=2.176707501.905250503.1505098457-488548347.1505098457">http://assets.experiencecolumbus.com/docs/restaura...</a> <a href="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/things-to-do/must-do/">https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/things-to-do/mu...</a>

Some helpful links from Experience Columbus.com

A fun part of Columbus with cobblestone streets and great shops and restaurants. Get lost at The Book Loft and enjoy some Schmidt's Sausage Haus !!

German Village, Columbus, OH, United States

Right on Ohio State's campus. Great place to walk around and check out some of the campus.

Ohio Stadium

A lively part of Columbus with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and art galleries.

Short North, Columbus, OH, United States

A variety of food choices from all over the world. You have to check out Hot Chicken Takeover!!

North Market

A little drive but worth it for the shopping!!

Easton Town Center

COSI

Guided tours are offered Monday through Friday every hour on the hour with the first tour beginning at 10 a.m. and the last tour beginning at 3 p.m. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 12, 1, 2 , and 3 p.m. Tours are approximately 45-60 minutes in length.

The Ohio Statehouse

The Columbus Clippers are the minor league baseball team for the Indians. They were the Yankees minor league team for 28 years until 2006. Walk through the stadium to find the picture of 20 year old Jeter!!

Jessica & Samuel

Jessica & Samuel

Wedding Party