Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Guest Arrival

Ceremony

We’re getting hitched at the family lake house, and we’re so excited to celebrate with you in a place that means so much to us. We can’t wait to relax together, enjoy the lake, and spend a joy-filled weekend by the water with all our favorite people.

Venue: Family Lake House

46610 Blue Star Hwy, Coloma, MI 49038

Our Wedding

A girl from California and a guy from Michigan met at a local brewery one sunny day in Denver. Here, they would connect over their love of music, dancing, volleyball, and the outdoors, while sharing laughs and smiles. After some persistance and a little luck, our girl, Janelle, would agree to meet our guy, Ben, for more.

Mile High Match Moves to Michigan

They had adventures aplenty, starting with classic Colorado things like camping, hiking, and skiing, before deciding to take what would turn out to be the most important adventure so far. Janelle and Ben would visit the Great Lakes State. Janelle had been there plenty of times before, as both of her parents were from Michigan, but Ben was convinced she hadn't seen the best spots. He took her on hikes on sand and in kayaks under rocks. Janelle would declare that Pictured Rocks was her favorite spot in the whole state.

After returning to Denver, our couple would travel the world and share a home, but were ready to move on from the mountains. The lakes and beaches in Michigan called to them more than anywhere else, so they packed their things and followed that call. Soon after, they would visit her favorite spot once more, and just as he had pictured for so long, he declared his love and put a rock on her finger.

Janelle and Ben are so excited to take the next step in their life together on the lakes that they love so much. They are ready to enjoy an amazing day with all of you, eating, dancing, swimming, and celebrating their love.

Our Story

Photos

Meet our wedding party soon!

Wedding Party

Dress Code

Closest Airports to the Lake House

South Bend International Airport- 45 minute drive to the lake house Grand Rapids: Gerald Ford International Airport- A 75 minute drive from the airport to the house Chicago O'Hare International Airport- 2 hour drive to the lake house Chicago Midway International Airport- 2 hour drive to the lake house

hotel block information

Spring Hill Suites Benton HarborBook Here: <a href="https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1773420133471&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1773420133471&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink</a> *There are some vacation rentals closer to the lake house. May be more cost effective for groups. Recommend booking asap.

Transportation

There is limited parking at the lake house, we ask that those who can carpool with other guests please do so.

Travel

Explore Nearby Towns of South Haven and St. Joseph

15 minutes north up Blue Star Hwy from the lake house you will find South Haven, a cute beach town with a great public beach and lighthouse. It has a very walkable downtown area filled with shopping boutiques and sweet treats. 15 minutes south on Blue Star Hwy will bring you straight into St. Joseph. A larger harbor town, it has more diverse restaurant choices and groceries.

Activities While You're In Town

- South Haven Farmer's Market on Saturday morning.- DeGrandchamp Farms store for locally grown fruit. Might be a little late in the season for blueberry picking, but they may still have some available to pick.- Spend a day at the beach!

Things to Do

What time should i arrive?

Please plan to arrive between 3:30-4pm to allow adequate time for parking, exploring the venue and grabbing a pre-ceremony beverage.

What is beach cocktail attire?

Some ideas include outfits in light, breathable fabrics like linen and coastal-inspired colors - natural tones of greens and blues, sunset hues, or soft florals. Suit jackets not needed, it could be a hot one. Short sleeve shirts absolutely acceptable. Recommend short wedges or opting for flat sandals, almost all of the venue is uneven. Don't forget sunglasses :)

Is there parking available?

Parking at the venue is limited, so we are requesting that guests carpool when possible. Our neighbors have been kind enough to let us use their driveways for parking. There will be signs for parking, please walk back down the driveways to the lane and come walk up our driveway rather than walking through neighbor's property. Please note that Uber/Lyft service in the area is not reliable.

ARE KIDS INVITED?

We love your little ones! However, due to limited space, we hope you understand that our wedding and reception will be adults-only. At our Welcome Party on Friday, kids are welcome!

CAN I BRING A PLUS ONE?

Due to limited space, we are only able to accommodate those guests formally invited on your wedding invitation. If you received a plus one, it will appear on your invitation and under your name when you RSVP. Thank you for understanding!

is the wedding outdoors?

Yes! Our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception will all take place outdoors. Consider bringing sunglasses and wearing comfortable, weather-friendly clothing. Late August usually brings high-70s temperatures, with a light evening breeze.

Can i swim?

Absolutely! For our Welcome Party on Friday we hope evryone brings a swim suit! On Saturday, once the dancing winds down, we’ll make our way to the beach for a swim and a bonfire. Bring your suit, towel, and a change of clothes—there will be a designated spot in the house for you to keep everything.

Can i take pictures during the ceremony?

To help create an intimate and distraction-free atmosphere, we will be having an unplugged ceremony. Our officiant will offer a brief photo moment at the beginning, and then we kindly ask that phones remain put away for the rest of the ceremony. We look forward to sharing our professional photos with you afterward.

Janelle & Ben