Pieper Mansion

Klenofsky Wedding

Cabins on Main at Pieper Mansion

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Please RSVP using the full name listed on your invitation. If a guest is included in your invitation, the RSVP page will prompt you to add their name. Please note that we have limited space and are keeping the celebration intimate with our closest family and friends. If your name does not prompt you to add a guest, it means the invitation is for one person only.We understand that many of our family and friends will be traveling, and we completely understand if attending is not possible. Please know we will feel your love and support as you celebrate with us from afar.We kindly ask that you RSVP by May 15, 2026, as we will be finalizing the catering and guest count shortly after.We are so excited to celebrate this special day with you!

Our Wedding

Sometimes love hides in plain sight—it just takes the right timing (and maybe a little help from Facebook). Michele first met Ben back in high school through his sister, Tarin, who was one of her closest friends. At the time, Michele was a senior and Ben was the “little brother freshman,” so their worlds didn’t really overlap. Over the years, Michele and Tarin stayed connected, and eventually, fate gave Michele and Ben another chance to cross paths. In 2023, Michele hosted a high school reunion, and there was Ben—grown up and definitely catching her attention. A few months later, on New Year’s Eve, Tarin invited Michele out…and just so happened to invite her brother too. That night, Michele and Ben talked for hours, laughed endlessly, and shared a connection neither of them saw coming. On April 27, 2024, they went on their first official date and have been inseparable ever since. Together, they discovered a love for golf (and some friendly competition on the course). On February 22, 2025, Ben proposed at one of their favorite courses, Wigwam Country Club. The moment was perfect…until Michele managed to dislocate her knee later that night. Not exactly the fairy-tale ending, but it’s a story they’ll be laughing about forever. By August 17, 2025, they had chosen their wedding venue and began planning their dream day. Now, with their kids, family, and friends by their side, Michele and Ben can’t wait to tee off their forever on July 18, 2026.

Our Love Story

Our Story

Photos

Dr. Marci Macaraeg is my built-in best friend. We met on January 18th, 1988, and from that moment on, we were destined to be inseparable. Even though we’re only 11 months apart, you might expect a little rivalry—but not with Marci. As my Ate (older sister in Tagalog), she has never been anything but steady, loving, and supportive.

She has always been my safe place, the person I confide in, and the woman I’ve looked up to my whole life. I am who I am because she loved me through every version of myself.

Marci’s escort is her husband, Dr. Jason Patel.

Dr. Marci Macaraeg 

Kay Jones, Esq. and I met in seventh grade at Hillcrest Middle School in drama class. We invented “Geek to Chic,” a little closet you could step into to transform your nerdiest self into a full fashionista. Kay is truly one of the smartest people I know. Even though she was in all the advanced classes and I was in the regular ones, it never stopped her from being one of my closest friends.

Kay and I have been through every stage of life together. We’ve seen each other in our most stressful, questionable moments and celebrated one another through our happiest and most successful milestones. I had the honor of being her maid of honor, and it was a privilege I’ll always cherish.

Kay’s escort is her husband, Jeff Jones, PharmD

Kay Jones, Esq.

Melinda Tsang, MBA, and I have one of the funniest friendship origin stories. We met in eighth grade, and I’ll admit—I was secretly jealous of her because she was close family friends with another childhood friend of mine. I used to hate that she got to hang out with her every weekend while I didn’t.

But everything changed in high school when Melinda became part of our group, and we laughed together about my past “rivalry.” By college, she had become one of my closest confidants. During some of my hardest relationship moments, she never judged me—she simply supported me, lifted me up, and reminded me of my worth.

I watched her pursue her Master’s program in Madrid, and we talked every single day on Google Messenger. Melinda has always been the logical one while I’ve been the chaotic friend. She never turned down a good time, but she was also the protector—the steady voice when I needed grounding.

Melinda’s escort is her fiancé, Dustin Padua.

Melinda Tsang, MBA

Kimberly Barnes is the best kind of friend—the one you meet later in life and immediately wonder how you ever existed without them. Kim and I first met working at Fitness 1 in 2018. I took her spin class, and she was such an incredible instructor that she inspired me to get my own spin certification. We weren’t close then, but fate clearly had plans.

Our friendship truly blossomed in November 2023 when I ran into her while country line dancing. Through the crowd I heard, “Michele, is that you?” I turned around, saw Kim, and we hugged like no time had ever passed. In that moment, it felt like the invisible string theory of friendship—like we were always meant to find each other again.

Looking back at our lives from 2018 to 2023, we both ask ourselves, what were we thinking? Because when 2024 began, that invisible string pulled tight. Our friendship carried us through some of the hardest, most emotional moments—through tears, anger, healing, growth, and ultimately discovering we were soulmates in friendship and even MEETING our soulmates that year!

I had the honor of watching her get married, and now I cannot wait for her to stand beside me on my wedding day.

Kim’s escort is her husband, John Barnes.

Kimberly Barnes

Jennifer Macaraeg, Realtor®, and Jimmy Macaraeg, Paramedic-Engineer, Los Angeles County Fire Department, are truly a couple I look up to.

Jimmy is my brother, and I like to call him both my inspiration and my greatest test of patience. Growing up, I wanted to be just like him—he was always the “cool” one. Did he bully me? Absolutely. But even then, he had a tenacity and confidence I knew I wanted to carry into adulthood.

I’ve watched my brother evolve through every era: the “IDGAF, I love my Honda Civic stick-shift” era, the mysterious Matrix-style leather jacket and slicked-back hair era (which is somehow when he met his future wife), the “time to take life seriously” era of school and the fire academy, and now my favorite era of all—devoted dad, loving husband, and Fire Paramedic-Engineer. He is still the coolest man I know, and I’ve always been so proud to call him my brother.

Jennifer is my beautiful sister-in-law, and yes—she met my brother during his Matrix phase. When I first saw photos of her, I thought, “She looks like a Barbie… how did he get her?!” Thankfully, she took the blue pill and gave “Neo” a chance.

She held my hair on my 21st birthday in Vegas, taught me how to sling drinks while dodging creepy guys, and was the one who answered the phone—and got my brother—whenever I got myself into trouble in college. I’ve watched her become an absolute rockstar Realtor® in Southern California. Honestly, she belongs on Selling Sunset.

She is the best mom to my niece and nephew, the loudest cheerleader at every softball and baseball game, and always down for a margarita. I’m so grateful for her.

I am beyond excited to have both Jennifer and Jimmy standing beside Ben and me on our big day.

Jennifer Macaraeg, Realtor® & and Jimmy Macaraeg, Paramedic-Engineer, Los Angeles County Fire Department

Jeremy Robertson and Nikole Labonte are the dynamic duo we had the pleasure of meeting—and growing incredibly close to—through Ben and his hockey league, Only Dads.

Jeremy is one of Ben’s groomsmen, and while he’s known for scoring goals on the ice, his greatest score of all was winning the heart of an amazing woman like Nikole. Nikole is one of our bridesmaids and will be accompanying Jeremy down the aisle. We are thrilled to celebrate not only our wedding, but also theirs—these two are getting married in November 2026!

Nikole is a woman to admire. She thrives in her career as a surgical tech (and soon to be RN), and she is an incredible bonus mom to Jeremy’s girls. She even taught me how to cook “Marry Me Chicken”—and clearly, it worked!

Jeremy Robertson and Nikole Labonte

Tarin Willett, M.Ed., is our officiant and Maid of Honor. Not only is she Ben’s sister, but she is also one of my closest and longest friends. We first knew each other back at Hillcrest Middle School, but we truly became friends in high school when we shared classes together. Even though we didn’t hang out much back then—she was definitely one of the “cool girls” getting invited to parties while I was in band living my best MySpace and Live Journal life—we always had a mutual respect for one another.

As we grew older, we continued to follow each other’s lives through Facebook. In 2022, when my daughter Juliet was struggling in school after COVID and was placed on an IEP, I was scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what any of it meant. I posted about it on Facebook, and among hundreds of comments, one stood out—Tarin’s. She reached out, comforted me, and assured me my concerns were valid. She even began tutoring Juliet and helped me understand her IEP. Over time, we became incredibly close, reminiscing about high school and bonding over our shared love of family and education. She inspired me to go back to school for Special Education and even guided me toward the TPP program in DVUSD. I would not be where I am professionally without her.

As for Tarin and Ben—they like to joke that they had no choice but to be sidekicks in life. While Ben played hockey, Tarin figure-skated and managed to steal the hearts of everyone on his team. Through their fun rivalry, they grew extremely close as adults. Tarin supported Ben during his lowest moments and then watched him rebuild his life, become the most devoted father to two girls, and—thanks to her—meet the love of his life… me.

Tarin means the world to both of us. She is the neutral ground when life gets complicated, the forgiving heart when many wouldn’t be, and the steady support in our growing family. We are deeply honored that she not only said yes to being my Maid of Honor, but also agreed to officiate our wedding. There is truly no one who knows our story better or who has watched our lives grow—separately and now together as a family.

Tarin WIllett (Klenofsky) M.Ed

Vivian is not only my former boss—she is my accountant and one of my longest and most trusted adult friends. We met in 2015 when I was hired as the Marketing Director for Sexton Pest Control. Vivian, the company Controller at the time, was the woman I reported to and quickly became someone I admired deeply.

She would even watch Juliet in the office on days when I didn’t have a babysitter, all while I was out in the community marketing the company. When I eventually left the job, our friendship didn’t fade. We stayed connected through calls, texts, and of course our yearly tax meetings. She is truly the BEST tax person you could ever hope to have.

Vivian has always given me honest advice, especially about not settling—in life, in love, or in my goals. She pushed me to expect more for myself when I didn’t always see it on my own.

I can’t imagine our wedding day without her by my side.

Vivian Prentise

Katie is my bestie both in and outside of work. We met as brand-new teachers at Deer Valley High School in 2024, and wow—have we both grown since then, professionally and personally.

Katie is Deaf, and she has inspired me to learn and sign more. Even though she does everything she can to accommodate me in the hearing world, she’s patient with me as I sign… even when my signing is a hilarious mix of real ASL and whatever I’m trying to make up in the moment. In the Philippines, when someone mixes Tagalog and English together, we call it “Taglish.” My signing with Katie? Definitely Slangish!

Katie isn’t just the friend who helped me grow as a teacher—she is the friend I needed for emotional support, the person I can trust with every wild story, and the one who never judges me. Our friendship has been such an unexpected blessing, and I’m so grateful she’s part of my life.

Katie Engelbercht

Daniel Chumpala

Brandon Volksman

Jason Cooper

Juliet, I don’t know if “Junior Maid of Honor” is an official title, but no other title fits you better. You are my mini best friend, the one who made me a mommy, and the person who has walked beside me through every chapter of life.

You have witnessed my highest highs and my hardest lows. You’ve grown with me through every love story and every heartbreak. And through it all, you’ve become such a mature, thoughtful, and incredible young woman.

It is the greatest honor of my life to be your mom, and having you right next to me on this day means everything to me.

Juliet

Oh, Lil Bean,
Dad’s little mini-me. From the sarcasm, the gaming expertise, and the love for anime and comics—nobody could be more perfect as your dad’s Best-Woman. We don’t even know if that’s an official wedding title, but it doesn’t matter. There is no title more fitting for you than Dad’s best friend.

Dad’s entire life changed the moment you were born. You saved him. You motivated him to build the life he has today. You were his guardian angel— and in many ways, mine too. Because without you, Dad wouldn’t have become the man I fell in love with.

These past few years, I (Michele) am so grateful for the trust you’ve given me. It is an honor to be your bonus mom and an even bigger honor to watch you grow into the incredible person you are becoming.

We love you so much, Lil Bean.

LilyAnn

You’ll see Kelsey’s face all over All-Star softball championships, D1 colleges, and honestly—probably the Olympics someday. But to me, she will always be my very first niece.

This little girl is one of the most competitive, driven, and fastest learners you will ever meet. Whatever athleticism came from the Macaraeg side… I’m convinced she got all of it, because the rest of the girls (my girls!) are definitely not this motivated!

Kelsey, you have grown into such an incredible young woman, and I am so proud to have you by our side on our special day.

Kelsey Macaraeg

Gavin is our special guest of honor—the one we will absolutely have dino nuggets and pepperoni pizza on standby for. He might be the pickiest eater I’ve ever met, but God was even pickier… because He placed Gavin in the best family ever!

I may be biased, but we truly have the best ring bearer in the world, and we cannot wait to see what attitude, confidence, and charm he brings down that aisle!

Gavin Macaraeg

Little Astrid you were the BEST surprise our friend group could have ever imagined. We were all so unbelievably happy when your mommy announced she was pregnant with you!

As much as I would love the hilarious moment of you freezing, crying, or refusing to walk down the aisle, I think you’ll feel most comfortable walking right alongside your mom and dad—and it will be the cutest thing ever.

We are so excited to have you as part of our special day, sweet girl!

Astrid Padue-Tsang

Charlize
Our fierce little firecracker. You keep this family accountable, and you’re not afraid to tell the truth—even when it makes us low-key cry. But to me, you will always be my sweet, innocent little girl.

Thank you for being Mommy’s protector and the best friend to your bonus sisters. Ben and I are so proud of your leadership… even though we’re also a tiny bit afraid of it!

Charlize has insisted on making our wedding favors to share her talent as a jewelry maker, and she has been excited about every detail of the wedding aesthetic. She truly has an artistic eye and so much creativity.

You are going to make the most beautiful Junior Bridesmaid, and we are so lucky to have you by our side on our special day.

Charlize

Daisy Mae… where do we even start?

You are the very best kind of chaos in our lives. No matter how you shake up our world, nothing ever takes away the love you bring or the way you complete our family of six. We are so incredibly proud of all the growth you’ve made in kindergarten and the growth you’ve made at our home — every step has been amazing to watch.



You are Daddy’s little shadow, and even when you’re screaming through a meeting, he will always drop everything to come to your side. And you, my girly girl… my gossip queen… my partner for shopping trips, baking days, and all things sparkly — you bring so much joy into our home.



One day, you will share our last name, and we dream of that day with full hearts. We are beyond excited, and we cannot wait to see you walk down that aisle with us on our special day.

Daisy Mae

Wedding Party

Don’t let “semi-formal” scare you! It will be summertime in Arizona, so we know it will be warm. We want you to feel comfortable while also looking and feeling your best.Payson, AZ is a bit cooler due to the elevation, but please plan for summer temperatures. (Do not worry the reception is in AC)The bride kindly asks that guests avoid wearing white, silver, or black, as these colors will hold special meaning on our wedding day.We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Dress Code

Do I get a plus one?If your invitation says “and Guest,” then yes—you are welcome to bring a plus one. Due to limited space, we are keeping additional guests to a minimum. After we receive our RSVPs and have a confirmed headcount, we may be able to extend additional plus ones to guests who did not originally receive one. What should we do with the Save the Dates?Please hang it on your fridge and think of us every time you grab a snack! Also, make sure to visit the RSVP section of our website to complete the questionnaire and let us know if you plan to attend. Are children allowed at the wedding?We kindly ask that no children under 9 years old attend. Our daughters and the children of our wedding party will be onsite, but they will be with our nannies and not part of the reception. If childcare is the only reason you would not be able to attend, please let us know—we can reserve a spot for your child with our onsite childcare team. What does “semi-formal” attire mean?For Men: We would love to see traditional Barong Tagalog with dress pants, or semi-formal attire such as dress pants with a button-down shirt and tie. The wedding is outdoors in July, but Payson evenings do cool down—comfort is important!For Women: Please refrain from wearing black, silver, gold, white, or off-white tones that may resemble bridal colors in photos. Attire can include:3/4 length dressesFull-length dressesDressy women’s suitsWe want everyone to feel beautiful, comfortable, and ready to celebrate with us!

Q + A

Please Contact Carolina Macaraeg (623)570-9018, if you are interested in renting a cabin, she has a contact that owns rentals in Strawberry Arizona.

Located off Highway 87, this Arizona motel offers simply furnished rooms with free WiFi and free local calls. Payson town center attractions, such as Zane Gray Cabin and the Payson Event Center are a 5-minute drive away. A cable TV, a microwave and a fridge are featured in all guest rooms at Rim Country Inn Payson. For convenience, the air conditioned rooms include tea and coffee-making facilities. 24-hour reception is offered at Rim Country Inn Payson. Fax and photocopying services are available. Within 5 minutes’ walk from this hotel, guests will find Sawmill Theaters and Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Information Center.

Rim Country Inn

The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite. Make yourself at home in one of the 24 guestrooms featuring microwaves. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms with bathtubs or showers are provided. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometer. Tonto National Forest - 0. 1 km / 0. 1 mi- Banner Payson Medical Center - 1. 2 km / 0. 8 mi- Rim Country Museum - 2. 8 km / 1. 7 mi- Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout - 3. 1 km / 1. 9 mi- Mazatzal Casino - 3. 2 km / 2 mi- Payson Golf Course - 3. 6 km / 2. 3 mi- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park - 21. 2 km / 13. 2 mi- Bishop Park - 24 km / 14. 9 mi- Myra's Art Gallery - 24 km / 14. 9 mi- Pine-Strawberry Museum - 24. 5 km / 15. 3 mi- Isabelle Hunt Memorial Library - 24. 7 km / 15. 3 mi- Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery - 28. 4 km / 17. 7 mi- Barnhardt Trailhead - 28. 7 km / 17. 8 mi- Rock Creek Trailhead - 29. 1 km / 18. 1 mi- Mongollon Rim Visitor Center - 47. 7 km / 29. 6 mi. The nearest airports are: Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) - 144. 1 km / 89. 5 mi Mesa, AZ (MSC-Falcon Field Municipal) - 118 km / 73. 3 mi Phoenix - Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) - 132. 5 km / 82. 4 mi Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport (PHX) - 134. 8 km / 83. 8 mi With a stay at Payson Inn & Suites in Payson, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Tonto National Forest and 15 minutes by foot from Banner Payson Medical Center. This hotel is 1. 4 mi (2. 3 km) from Mazatzal Casino and 1. 8 mi (2. 8 km) from Rim Country Museum.

Payson Inn & Suites

Featuring a heated indoor pool and hot tub, this hotel is 13 miles from Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Payson, Arizona. It serves a free full breakfast and offers guest rooms with free Wi-Fi. Each air-conditioned room at Best Western Inn of Payson features a cable TV with extended film channels, a microwave and a refrigerator. All rooms include a table and seating area and tea and coffee-making facilities. 24-hour reception is offered at Best Western Inn of Payson. A business center and a guest launderette are available. Vending machines featuring snacks and drinks are located on site. Mazatzal Casino is 5 minutes’ drive from this hotel. Zane Gray Museum is 2 miles away.

Best Western Inn of Payson

Motel 6-Payson, AZ is offering accommodations in Payson. Featuring a casino, the 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. The property provides a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available. Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a TV with cable channels. Scottsdale Airport is 75 miles away.

Motel 6 Payson, AZ

Amenities Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a spa tub. Dining Satisfy your appetite at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Business Amenities Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite. Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 40 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include complimentary weekday newspapers and coffee/tea makers, as well as phones with free local calls. Attractions Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer. Mazatzal Casino - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi Banner Payson Medical Center - 2 km / 1.3 mi Rim Country Museum - 2.9 km / 1.8 mi Payson Golf Course - 3.8 km / 2.4 mi Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout - 4.8 km / 3 mi Rock Creek Trailhead - 17.5 km / 10.9 mi Barnhardt Trailhead - 22.8 km / 14.2 mi Tonto Natural Bridge State Park - 23.4 km / 14.6 mi Tonto National Forest - 24.1 km / 15 mi Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery - 25.2 km / 15.7 mi Myra's Art Gallery - 26.3 km / 16.3 mi Bishop Park - 26.4 km / 16.4 mi Pine-Strawberry Museum - 27 km / 16.8 mi Isabelle Hunt Memorial Library - 27.1 km / 16.9 mi Mongollon Rim Visitor Center - 50.1 km / 31.1 mi The preferred airport for Mazatzal Hotel & Casino is Show Low, AZ (SOW-Show Low Regional) - 149.2 km / 92.7 mi Location With a stay at Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson, you'll be steps from Mazatzal Casino and a 3-minute drive from Banner Payson Medical Center. This hotel is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Rim Country Museum and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Payson Golf Course. Headline Near Mazatzal Casino

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

Travel

Whether you’re arriving early or staying a bit later, there are some wonderful ways to enjoy Payson and the surrounding Rim Country. Here are a few favorites: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – A stunning natural travertine bridge and trails just north of town. <a href="https://azstateparks.com/tonto/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit their website &amp; get directions</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonto_Natural_Bridge?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wikipedia+2Tripadvisor+2</a> Mogollon Rim – Gorgeous vistas and forested views offering hiking, photo ops and quiet time in nature. <a href="https://adventurepayson.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Explore the Rim Country area</a> <a href="https://adventurepayson.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Payson Tourism &amp; Recreation+1</a> Green Valley Park – A relaxing park in town with trails and riverfront space, perfect for a stroll or picnic. Learn more and directions <a href="https://www.expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Payson.d9417.Travel-Guide-Activities?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">expedia</a> Noley’s Book, Art &amp; Coffee (103 AZ-260, Payson) – A local favorite for books, art, coffee and artisan gifts in a relaxed atmosphere. <a href="https://noleys.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check it out</a> <a href="https://noleys.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Noley's</a> Want a full guide? Check out the “Ultimate Day Trip Guide to Payson” which lists coffee spots, the farmer’s market, nearby towns and more. <a href="https://blog.wildjoy.com/payson-arizona/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read the guide</a> <a href="https://blog.wildjoy.com/payson-arizona/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wildjoy</a>

Michele & Benjamin

Michele & Benjamin

Q + A