Wedding Day

Ceremony

Our Wedding

We are so excited to celebrate this union in Peoria Heights, Illinois! This is Stella's hometown, and it holds a special place in her heart. Our family is honored to welcome all our guests from around the world to experience this beautiful part of the Midwest.

A Brief History of Peoria...

Peoria is one of Illinois's oldest cities, established as a French fur trading post in the late 1600s. Over the centuries, it developed into a vibrant center of commerce, culture, and natural beauty. Peoria is nestled in the Illinois River Valley, which has been a significant feature throughout Peoria's history, offering fertile grounds for agriculture and a key transportation route that helped the city thrive. Peoria is also known for its historical role in whiskey production. By the late 19th century, Peoria had become a major hub for distilleries, producing more whiskey than any other city in the country. Peoria's place in American cultural lore is further cemented by the famous phrase, "Will it play in Peoria?" This saying originated in the early 20th century and became widely used in the 1920s vaudeville era, referring to the city as a litmus test for mainstream appeal. Because Peoria was seen as a typical American city, if a show, product, or idea was successful there, it was believed it could succeed anywhere in the United States.

Things to enjoy

If you are looking for something to do other than club activities...

Peoria Riverfront Farmers Market

Open Saturday Mornings8 am - Noon200 Block of Water Street(Walking distance from the hotel)<a href="http://visitdowntownpeoria.com/peoria-riverfront-market" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://visitdowntownpeoria.com/peoria-riverfront-market</a>

Riverfront Museum

Immerse yourself in the Peoria Riverfront Museum: a fun and accessible facility on Peoria's beautiful downtown RiverFront.222 SW Washington Street(Walking distance from the hotel)<a href="http://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/</a>

Forrest Park Nature Center

Seven miles of trails for hiking and nature enjoyment and is home to a gift shop that carries bird feeding and hiking necessities.﻿<a href="https://peoriaparks.org/places/facilities/forest-park-nature-center/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://peoriaparks.org/places/facilities/forest-park-nature-center/</a>

Grandview Drive Park

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Grand View Drive is a 2.52 mile meandering pleasure driveway constructed in 1903. The “world’s most beautiful drive,” as President Theodore Roosevelt referred to it in a visit to Peoria in 1910, offers visitors numerous panoramic scenic views of the Illinois River Valley.The country club is located on Grand View Drive, so if you do not wish to participate in golf or pickleball you can still hop in a sprinter from the hotel and walk the drive before grabbing a bite at lunch. It is gorgeous!

Shopping in the Heights

A Perfect Pear Boutique4544 N. Prospect Road The Nook Gifts &amp; Decor4601 N. Prospect Road The Bronze Frog1225 E Samuel Ave So Chic Boutique4605 N. Prospect Road I Know You Like a Book4707 N. Prospect Road Global Village1308 E. Seiberling Avenue

Yoga 

Jacaranda <a href="https://www.jacarandapeoria.com/schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.jacarandapeoria.com/schedule/</a> Yoga Projekt<a href="https://yogaprojekt.com/#schedule" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://yogaprojekt.com/#schedule</a>

Experience Peoria

The night they put a label on it.

The Beginning

Stella and Brett's love story began on the charming island of Boca Grande, Florida, during the quiet days of quarantine... which very quickly became some of the most fun days of their lives. They first crossed paths at a mutual friend's house, known amongst the group of about 20 kids in their "bubble" as the best late night hang-out. Here's to the Keller family! It was there, amidst laughter and good company, that a strong connection quickly blossomed. Surrounded by their closest friends, they realized their feelings were more than just a spark; it was love, and they didn't hesitate to put a label on it!Over the next year, Stella and Brett found themselves splitting time between Boca Grande, Wilmington, Delaware, and Peoria, Illinois. Despite the distance, they couldn't bear to be apart and always found a way to be re-united. It wasn't long before Brett encouraged Stella to make the big move to New York City after she graduated college. Following his own graduation the next year, Brett joined her in the big city.Now, Stella and Brett have made New York City their home, building a life together in the vibrant heart of the city that never sleeps.A beautiful detail woven into their love story is their shared fondness for gardenias. During their time apart, Brett would bring Stella a gardenia from his parents' garden each time he visited her, a gesture that became a cherished tradition. Stella still keeps the first gardenia, lovingly dried and preserved, as a symbol of their early days and the love that continues to grow.

Our Story

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

For those flying in, the closest airport is General Wayne A. Downing Peoria Airport (PIA), just a 15-minute drive from the weekend's activities and the most convenient airport to fly into. Alternatively, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a major hub and about a 3-hour drive from Peoria Heights. St. Louis Lambert International Airport and Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington are also viable options.

Stay

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Pere Marquette Hotel in downtown Peoria under the name "Khazzam Wedding Room Block". Located just a short drive from all the weekend activities, guests will enjoy modern amenities with a touch of local history. At this point the block is closed but if you still need help securing a room please email Matti at <a href="mailto:Matti@avanticapital.world" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matti@avanticapital.world</a>

<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1731363717947&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for the Khazzam Hobbs Wedding</a>The "Events" page includes details for the schedule of events throughout the weekend and can be helpful for deciding when to arrive to town.

Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette

getting around

Uber services are available in Peoria, but unreliable. We have arranged for a transportation service to assist throughout the weekend. This service will be available to transport guests to and from wedding activities. More details can be found on the Transportation Schedule shared with out-of-town guests upon arrival.

Rental Car Services

Peoria International Airport has the following rental car suppliersNational&nbsp;Enterprise&nbsp;AvisBudget&nbsp;

Things to Do

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honor us with a gift, we have registered for some things to outfit our home: <a href="https://littlehouseshop.com/apps/giftregistry/registry/378242 " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">﻿The Little House Shop</a> <a href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/registry/Stella-Khazzam-Brett-Hobbs/2514440" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bloomingdale's</a> <a href="https://overthemoon.com/apps/registry/khazzam-hobbs-45cb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Over the Moon</a> Locally in Peoria Heights: The Bronze Frog

Our Registry

THAT WAS A BLAST

Below are the links to the previews and full collection of wedding photos. To view them just make an account or view as a gust. No need to pay for them, you can download any of the photos to your device for free by clicking the downward arrow on the bottom left of any photo you want to keep. Go to the "more" tab for the rest of the events. Enjoy reminiscing!

<a href="https://forjustamoment.pic-time.com/-mrmrshobbspreview/gallery?inviteptoken2=AAAAAD8AAADdGnNxTlI_7G1A-2YybpXFkA%2C%2C" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PREVIEW</a> <a href="https://forjustamoment.pic-time.com/-mrmrshobbspreview/gallery?inviteptoken2=AAAAAF0AAAAJ44W-Nijxncf_2BXvu9hqxw%2C%2C" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FULL GALLERY</a>

Stella Grace Khazzam and Brett Seabury Hobbs

Stella Grace Khazzam and Brett Seabury Hobbs

S&B

Wedding Day