The Gladstone Pub - https://gladstonestreetpub.com/

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 - Pajama Pre-Party

Thursday, March 24th, 2022 - Welcome Housewarming Party

Coopers Hall

Friday, March 25th, 2022 - Rehearsal - Wedding Practice

Firehouse Restaurant

Friday, March 25th, 2022 - Family & Friends Celebration Dinner

Loyal Legion

Friday, March 25th, 2022 - It's Jungle Friday Party

Saturday, March 26th, 2022 - Wedding Day

Hotel Eastlund

Saturday, March 26th, 2022 - Wedding Cocktail After Party

Our Wedding

The Legend of Skyler & Jojo: A Tale of Endeavors

It was cold but not so cold December 2016 day in Southern California as Skyler and Jojo matched on a little something called <a href="https://tinder.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tinder</a>. You could say it was a “Tind” for the ages. As Jojo was not much of a Tinder chatter, the 2nd message from Jojo to Skyler on Tinder was “Do you want to meet in person and talk?”. Skyler found that interesting (also wondering if this guy could be crazy) so they set their first date at Newport Beach for drinks, video games, and conversation. The rest was history …. A history so interesting one would say Gee-Wiz!

The Initial Years in The Big City (LA)

Then in 2017 – A year of opportunities and love – Skyler and Jojo were heaing towards officially being in a relationship on February 22nd, 2017. From there, it’s been a tale for the ages with every high and low one could imagine in a particular love story like this. Skyler and Jojo loved doing things from 4th of July festivals to underground wrestling matches to random explorations. There are two things in particular that they loved the most: Food &amp; Drinks + Games, especially Magic the Card Gathering. While there were low times, the bond of love and best friends is what always brought them back together. In the spring of 2018, Skyler and Jojo realized they both wanted to leave SoCal and move somewhere else. After many applications, Skyler received a job in Portland, OR that made the decision to move together to the city that keeps everything “Weird”.

Portland, Pets, Proposals – OH MY!

It was the summer of 2018 in San Diego, CA at Jojo’s 30th birthday. With a fantastic celebration with friends, Skyler and Jojo were inching closer to the big move from SoCal to Portland. Before you knew it, they packed their bags, got into two cars, and drove over 2 days to their new life. With their new corner 2 bed and 2 bath apartment that would be the place that grew this couple's love into what everyone sees today. Our first pet “Mitsy Benge” came into our lives in January 2019. Mitsy was the couple’s first dose of responsibility, which threw the couple into a frenzy when they found out 6 months later that her left eye needed to be taken out. This event became a pivotal moment that made Skyler and Jojo realize that as opposite as they were, they were a great team when the going gets tough. With their one eye kitty, they started to build the life that would set the foundation for the rest of the future. One thing to know about Skyler and Jojo (besides the fact of being avid Magic the Card Gathering players) is that they argue quite a bit. While they love each other, they challenge, push, and argue with each other to become the best versions of themselves. These arguments and debates would be the reason that Skyler falls deeper in love with Jojo. It helps him to see what is important in life: family, friends, and stepping out of your comfort zone. This led to two main events: (1) Echo Bravo Benge and, (2) the greatest day in the couple’s lives, engagement weekend. In a two-week period, two events would bring this couple deeper into the next phase of their adult lives. It was June of 2020, the world is burning down from a deadly pandemic AND other events that would change for the better. Did that affect Skyler and Jojo? Yes, but 2020 was turning out to be an important year for the couple. In fact, the couple would both agree that 2020 wasn’t the worst year they’ve had. Back to June 2020 – It was a month before Echo Bravo Benge would come home to meet Mitsy and be a part of this wild family. The weekend of June 12th was a normal weekend, and Skyler’s parents (Renee and Dave) were visiting to hang out over the weekend and nothing more (at least that is what Jojo thought). As Saturday came, Skyler’s grandparents happened to also come to go winetasting with the family at <a href="https://www.stollerfamilyestate.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stoller Winery</a>. The day was filled with laughter, stories, and A BIG SECRET kept from Jojo. Unnoticed by Jojo, it was almost time to leave the winery (new COVID policies), so Jojo goes to the bathroom and comes back to seeing Skyler’s grandma crying. Jojo thought it was odd and got worried that something happened in the bathroom to which Skyler’s mom, Renee, said “she is just happy we’re all together. Before we go, let’s go take some pictures outside.” Jojo taking that as fact, kept moving with the group outside to get the best surprise in the world…. Skyler in an open field with sprinkle of rain coming from the sky, gets on one knee and asks “will you marry me?”. Overwhelmed with confusion and happiness, Jojo says “Absolutely” to take this day to a new level of happiness. The rest of the day becomes a blur (partially due to the whiskey and champagne) that makes it feel like a dream. Two weeks later, the couple was engaged and picked up the newest member of the family Echo Bravo Benge. From there, 2020 became a year that while the world was burning, this little family of a one eyed cat, a Bernedoodle dog, a couple that pushes each other, and a wedding in the future would think of 2020 as something great. Fun Fact: Skyler and Jojo actually booked their wedding venue and date BEFORE even getting engaged. More to come about the details!&nbsp;

Coming to the Present

While this gives you a glimpse of the world of Skyler and Jojo, this tale of unexpected endeavors continues to bring new memories, arguments, happiness, and loved ones. The couple is excited to talk about more stories from the past while making new memories with everyone in their life and those still to come. Here are two quick updates to get you caught up: (1) We bought a house in Portland! Address: 3826 SE Liebe Street, Portland, OR 97202(2) We have a chicken now named Apricot! :) Get ready for the celebration of the century! Skyler and Jojo is excited to celebrate with everyone! Don’t forget your dance shoes!

Check Out Some Key Events & Moments 

Our Story

Wedding Agenda with Details

Pre-Welcome Pajama Party - Wednesday, March 23rd 

Dress Code: Pajamas (Comfy, Cozy, or Classy)Time: 6 pm to Who Knows (Probably 11 pm)Hosted?: No - BYOBRequired?: No - This is optional for those that want to celebrate with us!Location: Gladstone Street Pub - 373 SE Gladstone Street, Portland, OR 97202Directions Link: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/45.4947688,-122.6153706/the+stone+pub/@45.4936157,-122.6239792,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x5495a0798d5cc631:0x9eedc1d1829ef5fc!2m2!1d-122.6237908!2d45.4934665" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Directions to The Gladstone Pub</a>

Welcome Housewarming Party - Thursday, March 24th

Dress Code: Great Gatsby - 1920 Business CasualTime: 6 pm to Who KnowsHosted?: Yes!Required?: Not necessarily, but would love for you to come and see the new house and meet the animals (Cat, Dog, and Chicken)!Location:<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/45.4947688,-122.6153706/3826+SE+Liebe+St,+Portland,+OR/@45.4907865,-122.6235781,16z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x5495a0798d6a7745:0xf101a81295b3f418!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x5495a07606f8b1e3:0x8b340c61472360ac!2m2!1d-122.6230308!2d45.4872864" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> 3826 SE Liebe Street, Portland, OR 97202</a>

Skyler's After Party - Friday, March 25th 

Time: 9 pm to Who KnowsHosted?: NoRequired?: No - This is optional for those that want to celebrate with us!Jojo?: Only for the 1st hourLocation: Loyal Legion - <a href="https://loyallegionpdx.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>Directions Link: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/45.4947688,-122.6153706/Loyal+Legion,+Southeast+6th+Avenue,+Portland,+OR/@45.5041447,-122.6556074,14z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x5495a0798d6a7745:0xf101a81295b3f418!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x5495a0a731c090e9:0xbe761b29fb149550!2m2!1d-122.6594136!2d45.517789" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Directions to Loyal Legion</a>

Wedding Day - Saturday, March 26th

Ceremony Start: 3 pmReception Start: 4 pmLOCATION: Coopers Hall - <a href="https://www.coopershall.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS878US878&amp;sxsrf=AOaemvKt-VHDKfWOXcjTzwzlKry8B-dK2w:1633744292533&amp;q=coopers+hall+address&amp;ludocid=16321616182682011511&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj549bhm7zzAhUMv54KHY8RBswQ6BN6BAg4EAI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Address</a>:&nbsp;404 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214DRESS CODE: Bright Color Formal (PROM FORMAL) - NO BLUE'S, BLACK'S, BROWN'S, OR GREY'S for the whole outfit (besides shoes and belts)

Cocktail After Wedding Party

WEDDING AFTER PARTY - Saturday, March 26thAfter Party Start:&nbsp;10 PMLOCATION:&nbsp;Met Tavern @ Hotel Eastlund -https://mettavern.com/<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/45.4947688,-122.6153706/D%C3%B3ttir,+Northeast+Martin+Luther+King+Junior+Boulevard,+Portland,+OR/@45.508467,-122.6560597,14z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x5495a0798d6a7745:0xf101a81295b3f418!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x5495a175f3fb827d:0xf256ad6828c9c56e!2m2!1d-122.6615582!2d45.5238191" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Address</a>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/1021+NE+Grand+Ave,+Portland,+OR+97232/@45.5304521,-122.6609405,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x5495a0ad7dee318b:0x7113ea79673ab9a1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1021 NE GRAND AVENUE, PORTLAND, OREGON 97232</a>DRESS CODE:&nbsp;Bright Color Formal (PROM FORMAL) -&nbsp;NO BLUE'S, BLACK'S, BROWN'S, OR GREY'S&nbsp;for the whole outfit (besides shoes and belts)

Hotel Options

NEW HOST HOTEL - Happy Couple Staying Saturday Night!

Promo Code: "Direct" Instructions:- Call In to Hotel Eastlund at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Hotel+Eastlund&amp;source=lmns&amp;bih=937&amp;biw=2560&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS878US878&amp;hl=en-US&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjV36iYnJb1AhUEI30KHRiYCKgQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(503) 235-2100</a> and use promo code "DIRECT"! Mention the Skyler &amp; Jojo Wedding - Go to the website and then use the promo code "DIRECT"!

Closest Hotel To Wedding Venue

This is a brand new hotel that is around the block from the venue! It is a tiny room, but charming, close, cost-effective, and cute!

Hotel Grand Stark

Transportation Tips

Here are some tips for transportation: - Fly into PDX (airport code) and use Alaska (It's the best for Pac North West) - Uber and Lyft have the same level of service - Both very easy- Portland Areas that are close or safe to stay in: Buckman area, Division, Burnside &amp; Grand area, Lloyd center area, and Mount Tabor (Mount Tabor is a little far though)- SCOOTERS ARE EVERYWHERE - If driving, let us know on the RSVP, and can reach out to help with directions!

Agenda &Travel Details

Jojo's Wedding Party

Have you ever watched Grey’s anatomy? Danny is Jojo’s person and vice versa. Danny and Jojo met Danny’s freshman year of college at UC Merced. They’ve been a support structure for each other that is unexplainable. Overall, they are two cool kids that are kind of functioning in the real world that grew together in some form of “adulthood”. Does he like to dance? Yes, but not well. Does he want tequila shots from you at the wedding? YES. Danny is ready for a wild and happy time.

Danny Banuelos

See Logan's bio by Skyler below! Jojo's new sister and Skyler's older sister! Logan and Jojo met in Seattle for the first time over a long night of drinking, dancing, and KARAOKE! Logan is excited to meet everyone coming to this celebration!

Logan Creighton

Candice is a sister/BFF/cousin for the ages. While we’re cousins, we consider each other siblings since we’ve always been there for each other. There’s so much more to say but I’ll leave it at she’s amazing, you should meet her, and excited to celebrate with everyone. Oh, she likes tequila – so get her those shots! 

Candice Galik

Alisen has been through it all with me – We’ve danced together, partied together, cried together, lived together, yelled together, and loved together. Alisen and Jojo are a pair for the ages. While we’re cousins, we consider each other siblings as well and love each other as such (even though at times we bicker like siblings). Alisen likes all the drinks equally, so surprise her. 

Alisen Taxera

Joseph is the ying to Jojo’s yang. We are opposites and the best of friends. While Joseph at first did not like me at UC Merced, Jojo’s persistence finally pierced through his hard shell in college that made him realize that we are ying and yang.  After college, we’ve stayed together like Ying and Yang to be there for various events that needed each one of our strengths and weaknesses. We get each other to balance ourselves out. Without Joseph, Jojo would not have gotten to the place he is now. Joseph is excited to meet everyone!


Joseph De Sena

Samantha is exciting, dramatic, influential, and a blast to be around. She is a person that sees the world as art and expresses that as a positive force in Skyler and Jojo’s relationship through all of the ups and downs in the art of relationships. Her husband should tell her this stuff more (cough cough Joseph Desena). Samantha has to be a part of the wedding party to acknowledge all of the support she has given to the couple! Also, she is whiskey, not tequila, so please ensure she gets whiskey shots!

Samantha De Sena

Skyler's Wedding Party

Preston comes from one of those fictional events that you see in the movies but doesn’t happen in real life. Skyler and Preston at ASU as Fraternity party, which was the last time they saw each other until meeting again in Portland, OR (6 years later) at a sports bar called Spirit of 77  wearing a Pat Tillman jersey. Ever since, he’s been a great friend, always there for the couple with honest opinions, cigars, or a glass of whiskey. If you got any whiskey recommendations or need any, contact Preston!

Preston Orgel

See Blake's bio by Skyler below! Jojo's new sister and Skyler's younger sister! Jojo and Blake met when Skyler wanted to visit Arizona! Jojo was nervous to meet Skyler's first family member, but it was an awesome experience and welcoming to a glimpse of the Benge clan. :) 

Blake Benge

Scott is my new brother, entering the family in 2020. I have two awesome sisters, and it’s even greater to get a brother in the family. While we don’t see each other much on opposite sides of the world, it’s always great to get together for a beer or laughs. He’s from New Zealand and is the kiwi of a lifetime. I’ve always wanted a brother and hope to get closer to the new member of the family. Also, he loves whiskey so be generous with your whiskey shots (See more information below in his siblings bio).

Scott Creighton

 Jojo worked at his first Cannabis company in Portland, OR doing HR and Recruiting, it was during recruiting where Jojo would meet a vivacious candidate named CONRAD who was an all-star. Jojo knew he was perfect for the role, but didn’t realize how perfect he and his partner, Alex, would fit into the couple’s lives (ESPECIALLY ALEX for Jojo). Back to Conrad, Skyler and Conrad met at Cura Partners where Conrad worked with the couple. Skyler and Conrad were in the same office and got lunch together on a regular basis (leaving Jojo out of it – RUDE). Conrad’s been a loyal, dependable friend who is always there to help. Fun Fact – If you got some rose wine, CONRAD loves rose!

Conrad Byron

Adam Chase is a spectacular human, astounding friend, and one of the strongest support structures for Skyler and Jojo. With Jojo, he's always been there, created a ton of laughs, and was an amazing roommate! They've lived together and there's nothing that they don't know about each other! With Skyler, he's always been supportive and there to have a good time when going out on the town! He's a spectacular human that gets the honor of securing the two most important items at the wedding.... the rings! His preference is beer or whiskey if you're offering! 

Adam Chase

Kenny is a champion of burritos, an all-star in the Salesroom, and the man to play competitive board games with (even though he doesn’t win sometimes). Kenny is Candice’s husband and make a duo that goes in the books as “Legendary”. We’re honored to have him in our wedding party, especially since he has been like a brother to Jojo and now a future family member to myself. I am excited for more fun times with this guy. If you have are wondering what this champion enjoys to drink, tequila or whiskey is his choice! 

Kenny Galik

The Parents

Skyler's Parents

Renee is the matriarch and glue of the Benge Family. With her one liners and fabulous style, you can notice her in a full room. She's also the stylist of the century who's killing it in the OC. She met Jojo in 2017 after the first year of dating. She is excited to cheer on this special day with all of you (she loves fruity drinks or wine)!

Renee Benge

Dave is the natural born leader both in life and in business. With a hard work ethic and knows how to have a good time with anyone. Dave’s work ethic and family focused life is an inspiration that Skyler aspires to. Dave met Jojo a little after Renee, whom he immediately got along with over brunch. He is excited to celebrate on this special day and will always take a nice glass of whiskey.

David Benge

Jojo's Parents

Tom is the father and icon of Jojo Palacio. Tom and Jojo were the father and son duo that loved Disneyland trips, movies, and having a good time. Jojo learned work hard and play harder from his father. Tom and Skyler met and instantly knew that they would have a good time through sports and beer. He’s excited to celebrate with everyone, especially when the tequila comes out!

Tom Palacio

Dee is the godmother of Jojo and truly the matriarch of helping to raise the person Jojo has become. Through advice and honesty, she has given shape to the strong values and positive attitude that Jojo is today. Dee and Skyler met in 2019, which Skyler fell in love with her kindness and expertise in the kitchen. She is excited to celebrate with everyone, especially over wine and good food!

Dee Lesser

Skyler's Siblings 

Logan is Skyler’s older sister, who lives abroad. Logan is an inspiration in Skyler’s life and loves to go out with her. While he misses her a lot, he is excited to celebrate together over these events. Fun Fact: She loves tequila shots.

Scott Scott is the perfect picture of a Kiwi, both in attitude and adventure. He’s a great dancer, the best builder of houses, and a hoot of a time. Scott is married to Logan, and they are both excited to celebrate with everyone.

Blake is a lover and a fighter who will always go the extra mile to go after what she wants and help those she cares about. She has a huge future ahead of her, especially with the dancing at the wedding. While neither would admit it, they are more similar than they think. She takes a while to get going, but once she does, she is a firecracker at a fiesta!

The Animals

Echo was born in May of 2020 and first came into the couple’s lives in July of 2020. The friendliest, fluffiest, and biggest oddball doggie you’ll ever meet. He’s excited to bark throughout the day as his pawrents get married!

Echo Bravo Benge

Mitsy Benge came into the couple’s life in January of 2019 and has been a dream since then. She is a brave, sassy, and cuddly (at least to Skyler Jojo) kitty. While blind, she takes on the world in her apartment as the queen of this little family. She also loves her pawrents and sorta loves Echo.

Mitsy Benge

Wedding Hosts

Eva is a gem! Eva came into Jojo’s life 10 years ago at a company called Adconion Direct. They fell in love with late-night extravaganza's, positive vibes, and tons of laughter. Eva and Skyler bonded many times as well (including defending the fact that Jojo in fact is not “Chill”). Skyler and Eva became close when they went to an event together and talked about a slew of topics. There are so many memories that were easy to decide who the officiant would be – Eva: a fun, dynamic, genius, and caring person that has shaped the life of Skyler and Jojo.

Eva Laskowski

Ammar is an expert in the medical field, an all-star father, and, most importantly, a star on the stage. He's our Master of Ceremonies that will make our wedding dreams come true. He is one of the couple's closest friends, especially knowing Jojo for OVER A DECADE. He has comedy, class, and foresight to have all the dad jokes prepared to make this special day even better. He's excited to celebrate with everyone! (Zainab is his wife in the picture)

Ammar Mandvi 

What can I say? Chris & Kelsey Harris could not be two of the best people to represent the liveliness and excitement of flowers. It is an honor to have them as our flower people. Besides being amazing and supportive family members (Cousins) to the lovely couple, they are hip, fun, pretty, and all-around wonderful humans. They’re excited to spread floral joy across the ceremony and both ready to dance all night long! 

Chris & Kelsey Harris

Jojo's FAMILY - Cousins

"If you’re lucky enough to have a cousin or two, you know how precious they can be in your life. For those with and without siblings, they can act as a sort of surrogate sibling—either as an older mentor you look up to, a peer you relate to, or a younger sibling that you get to dote on. The best part about these semi-siblings is that you get to make memories with them over special holidays and vacations, but don’t have to, you know, share your toys with them day-to-day." - by Someone Somewhere at Sometime

Kenny & Candice Galik

Chris Padley & Ana Padley-Harris

Alisen & Ryan Taxera

Jake Harris

Courtney & Matt Lesser

JOJO'S FAMILY

"We may have our differences, but nothing’s more important than family." - Coco (Disney Pixar Movie)

S&J

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 - Pajama Pre-Party

Thursday, March 24th, 2022 - Welcome Housewarming Party

Friday, March 25th, 2022 - It's Jungle Friday Party

Saturday, March 26th, 2022 - Wedding Day

Saturday, March 26th, 2022 - Wedding Cocktail After Party