Ralph's on the Park

Welcome Dinner

Southern Oaks

Wedding

Spring

Our Wedding

Growing up dreaming of her fairytale prince, Mari was always waiting for a dashing gentleman to sweep her off her feet. While she waited for him to come, she grew into the woman she had dreamed of becoming. Her passion, patience, and love of helping others led her to work with children who have disabilities.While Mari was discovering her passions, Ben was ready to take on the architecture world down in New Orleans, LA. Those who know Ben will tell you that he has a heart of gold to go right along with his brilliant mind. He longed to find someone who would help nurture his soft side and encourage him to reach for the stars.Fate would have it that these two spectacular people would meet each other at a small coffee shop, where their first date lasted over 2 hours! The spark between the two was undeniable.Over the next two years, the couple became inseparable. In their free time, they would host game nights, travel around the country, and hang out with their 4 adorable fur babies. Eventually, they decided to embark on home ownership together, so they bought their home in a small town called Madisonville.Ben decided to get down on one knee on the 24th of November to ask for Mari's hand in marriage, and of course she said, "Yes!" They are both ready to start their lives as a married couple and hope to start a family within the next few years where they all will live....Happily Ever Atchison.

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Photos

Wedding Party

Our wedding party is made up of our lifelong friends & family. Each person represents a special moment in time to us, and we are so thrilled to have them be a part of our special day. 

Mari and Megan met during their freshman year of college and became inseparable. 

Megan Holman

Mari and Lynsey have been friends for almost 20 years! Truly two peas in a pod!

Lynsey Wine

Mari met Erin while in the Girl Scouts! Mari, Lynsey, and Erin have been best friends ever since!

Erin Iler

Lindsey is the sister of the groom. Mari can't wait to officially become Lindsey's sister and lifelong friend!

Lindsey Atchison

Mari met Abbie through working at Arches, and they quickly became close friends! 

Abbie Petitto

Cody has been Ben’s right hand man for as long as he can remember. 

Cody Stegeman

Ben and Micheal lived down the street from each other growing up. Fun fact- They were called the 8th Street Gang!

Micheal Heitzman

Ben and Taylor have been friends since high school! They bonded over their love for board games!

Taylor Williamson

Aidan is Mari's younger brother. Ben is thrilled to instill all of his nerdy wisdom in his new brother-in-law!

Aidan Fayard

Andrew and Ben were roommates in college, and they bonded over their love of board games leading them to a lifelong friendship!

Andrew Froehling

Q + A

Lodging 

For your convenience once you click the website, you will be sent straight into booking your hotel! If you are looking to extend your stay please email Ebarber@hotelmonteleone.com for further assistance!

Hotel Montelone

Transportation

To our out-of-town guests, New Orleans is a beautiful city, however; as it is with any big city there is danger lurking around. We suggest using Uber or Lyft for transportation. If you do have a vehicle, we highly recommend NOT keeping any valuables in your car. A bit of wisdom from Mari's Nana "Don't look, smile, or take things from strangers, and everything will be fine!

Travel

Things to Do

Here you will find a few of our favorite eating spots and activities!

Experience a taste of MARDI GRAS! A St.Patrick's Day parade is happening on the 15th at 1 pm! The website attached will give you the parade map! Catch a cabbage for us!

NOLA St. Patrick's Parade

Take a trip down lovers lane because along with being the BEST bakery in NOLA it's also where our first date took place!

La Boulangerie

A lot of our favorite things to do are included in this article! We love Frenchman St. for great local music. The WW2 Museum is amazing, and if you love looking at beautiful homes the garden district is the PERFECT place to look.

Top 15 Things to Do

You won't find this one on Trip Advisor, but it is a GEM! Who doesn't love a good hole-in-the-wall restaurant? Poboys, red beans &amp; rice, and all sorts of NOLA staples!

Frankie & Johnny's

This article has a wide range of resturants to try out! We have eaten at most of the resturants on this list, and our waistline proves it-LOL!

Mari & Benjamin

Mari & Benjamin

Wedding Party

Wedding Party

Our wedding party is made up of our lifelong friends & family. Each person represents a special moment in time to us, and we are so thrilled to have them be a part of our special day.