ASK MURPHY
What is one sure way to make Ben & Melissa smile?
The happy couple wants to hear from you! Join their wedding text thread (don’t worry, it’s NOT a group chat!) to share memories, your own wedding photos, or snapshots as the big day unfolds.
Click the link below to get started, it’ll set you up on the text thread and let you upload photos directly to them!
When is then wedding, and where will it take place?
Our big day is on October 18, 2025 and we will be walking down the aisle at The Morris Estate Chapel. We can't wait to fetch some memories with you all!
How can I give a gift?
The easiest way is through our Honeymoon Fund with HoneyFund (linked below). It allows you to contribute directly to our future adventures and helps us avoid hauling items home after the wedding!
How do I RSVP?
We'd love to have you there! Please RSVP by September 19, 2025 using the link on this website. NOTE: The RSVP link will not be live until invites are sent out in June/July.
What should I wear to the wedding?
We kindly ask that all guests wear black formal attire—think suits, long dresses, or anything that says “I look amazing in black.” Please, no other colors! This isn’t a ruff request; we just want everyone looking sleek and stylish in our wedding photos. So fetch your best black tie look, and let’s pawty in style
How do I get to the venue, and is parking available.
Follow your nose (or just the signs) to 2007 Morris Dr, Niles, MI 49120, where parking is a breeze! There plenty of space to park your paws, so no need to chase around looking for a spot! The signs will direct you to the proper lot and a shuttle will escort you to the Chapel to be seated for the Ceremony.
Are there hotels nearby for out-of-town guests?
We’ve sniffed out some great options for you! While we didn’t reserve room blocks, there are plenty of hotels in Niles, MI, and South Bend, IN—but beware, with the Notre Dame game that weekend, hotel prices are fetching some crazy rates. To avoid chasing down sky-high prices, we recommend booking early and considering options in St. Joseph, MI, or Elkhart, IN for more reasonable rates. For a more relaxed stay, Airbnb or Vrbo could be your best bet—especially if you want extra space to curl up and recover after all the fun!
Check out the "Travel" section of our website for more details and to book your stay. We can’t wait to see you there!
Can I bring a plus-one?
If your invitation includes a +1, we'll be happy to see them join us for all of the fun! If not, no worries - we're still happy you're coming, and we can't wait to paw-ty with you!
What time should I arrive, what's the timeline for the day?
The ceremony will begin at 4:00pm, so make sure you arrive by 3:30 - the doors will close prior to the ceremony beginning and we don't want you to miss the big moment! After we say our "I do's", the party continues with a cocktail hour and a reception to follow.
Hey Murph, can I bring my kids to the wedding?
This is a no kiddo/doggo wedding. Turns out I'm not invited either. I guess slobber and dog hair don't pair well with mom's wedding dress.
Can I take photos during the ceremony?
We have hired professional photographers to capture all of the best moments (no slobbering on their equipment please!). We ask that you let them take care of the pics during the ceremony, but you'll have plenty of opportunities to snap some cute shots during the cocktail hour and reception!
Is there a wedding hashtag?
You bet! Use the hashtag #goinggardner25 on social media to share your best moments at and leading up to the big day! We'd love to see all of your photos - lets fill our socials with wagging tails and happy mems!
I have dietary restrictions/allergies. What should I do?
We don't want anyone going hungry (or sniffing around for scraps). Just let us know when you RSVP, and we'll make sure that your meal is tail-ored to your needs!