Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We have been long time family friends since our youth. Ben and his younger brother, Daniel, along with Sara and her older sister, Emma, went to grade school and middle school together. We would get together frequently as kids as well as seeing each other at school. Into high school and college, we would get together with friends every time a Marvel movie released. Ben went to Olivet Nazarene University where he studied computer science and played competitive ultimate frisbee. Sara attended Lincoln Christian University to obtain her associates in pre-nursing. Afterwards, she attended St. Francis College of Nursing to get her bachelor's in nursing and later passed her boards exam, becoming a registered nurse. We started to spend more time together after college when we both moved back to Peoria. We reconnected at the college ministry at church and started to hang out at Culver's afterwards. Many cheese curds later, we discussed a dating relationship while on a walk at church. We spend lots of time cooking, watching football, doing puzzles, playing Minecraft, and spending time with friends and family. Fast forward to February 2025, Ben proposed in the same spot where we decided to start dating. Surprise! (Sara knew it was coming and said yes hehehe.) Currently, we both work for St. Francis Medical Center and spend most of our time pampering Sara's miniature goldendoodle, Beau.

Our Story

Photos

Bridal Party: Emma Volkert - Maid of Honor Hannah Dobra - Bridesmaid Josie Mullens - Bridesmaid Abby Proctor - Bridesmaid  Eva Fischer - Bridesmaid     Daniel Mannaioni - Best Man Ike Acha - Groomsmen Jacob Griffith - Groomsmen Daniel Seybold - Groomsmen

Wedding Party

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?We would love our family and friends to join us in celebrating our special day in semi-formal attire. (Men: Dress pants and button-down. Women: Dress, dressy skirt, or dress pants.) We kindly ask that you do not wear white. CAN I BRING A PLUS ONE?&nbsp;Only the guests formally invited on your wedding invitation will be accommodated. If you received a plus one, they will appear when you RSVP. IS THE VENUE INDOOR OR OUTDOOR?The ceremony and the reception are indoors. I'M COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN, WHERE CAN I STAY?&nbsp;We have hotels in the area we recommend under the “Travel” section!&nbsp; WILL THERE BE AN OPEN BAR?&nbsp;There will be no alcohol allowed at the wedding and reception. WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time to find parking. We ask that everyone be seated 10 minutes before the ceremony starts.&nbsp; CAN I TAKE PICTURES?&nbsp;Please do not use cell phones during the ceremony. Afterwards, please feel free to take as many photos as you want!

Q + A

Use this link to book a room on our block with our special rate: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=PIEWEHX&amp;arrivalDate=2025-10-23&amp;departureDate=2025-10-26&amp;groupCode=MVW&amp;room1NumAdults=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=PIEWEHX&amp;arrivalDate=2025-10-23&amp;departureDate=2025-10-26&amp;groupCode=MVW&amp;room1NumAdults=1</a>

Sara & Ben

Sara & Ben

Photos