Wedding Day

Ceremony

Le VENERÉ

Reception

Our Wedding

Kristen and Ben first met while attending High School together. They actually had a culinary class together, which that class worked out for Ben really well, Kristen not as much. Ben has told Kristen that he remembers her outside the classroom doing some crazy moves with friends and she fell on the floor... typical. As years went on it was random hang outs and parties when they got a little closer, but once college came around, they didn't see or hear much from each other. UNTIL... a few years later, we started talking again, and yes, it was Ben who hit the DM's. Both were nervous about seeing each other for the first time again in years, not knowing how it will go or what to even talk about. It turned out that wasn't the case at all, they both actually didn't shut up. After their first time hanging out, they saw each other almost every day and almost lived together by week 3. We officially started dating in February of 2019. (Side note, when you live in a small apartment during covid after only dating a year and making it work, that's how you know it's end game). Through the years and all of the memories of meeting each other's family, becoming a regular in family and friend events, and practically colliding worlds, it has been a surreal experience full of love. We would go out to dinner (thousands of times, we love a good restaurant), go out to parks, hammock, rollerblade, hang out with our 2 amazing kitties (thug and gary), go to concerts, and explore all of the fun adventures Minneapolis and St. Paul have to offer. In October of 2024 Ben took the next step and proposed in Minneapolis right off the water and of course Kristen said yes and we had to immediately get chicken wings to celebrate. There are about a million things to say about our story, but the most important part was taking a chance on reconnecting and falling in love to be able to get all the memories. We thank you all for being a part of it!!! We love you!!!

Our Story

Photos

Kara and Kristen have been best friends since they met in the 6th grade. I can not describe the amount of love I have for her and if you ask me to, I will cry. Anyone who knows Kristen knows Kara will tend to be by her side, anywhere from sleepovers, bar trips, bar trips that lead to sleepovers, working together, vacationing in Florida, you get the picture. Kara has consistently been there for Kristen (even the times Kristen may be a little or a lot annoying) I could write a book of all the reasons (literally a BOOK) why Kara is the Maid of Honor, needless to say this entire process would have been impossible without her. The couple want to say WE LOVE YOU KARA!

Kara Beller

Monique and Kristen have been best friends since they met in the 6th grade.  Monique is the friend who will always be by your side when you need her, probably with a dessert as well. The amount of love I have for her could reach the moon. Through shopping trips, slumber parties, movies and much more, Monique is consistently there for Kristen and is always willing to go out of her way to be the best human ever. These are only a few reasons she is the Maid of Honor, the list could fill this website quite frankly. The couple would like to say we LOVE YOU MOE MOE and THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!

Monique Beller

Tatiana is the bride's and now groom's sister in law! Tatiana is probably the most delightful person to talk to, with her sweet beautiful nature and whimsy, but don't be fooled... if you step out of line she is most certainly not afraid to bring you right back! The bride and groom love hanging with T whenever we get the chance, whether that be at one of our places or out and about trying a new restaurant! Thank you T for everything you have done for us, and if you want to just give us a wedding gift of a few macaroons that is totally acceptable. And if you did not know, T and Wes just had their first baby girl this year!! We love you all!

Tatiana Miller

Teresa is the bride and now groom's sister in law! Teresa is not only a very impressive cook who makes dishes from all around the world, but is also a wonderfully gentle, sweet and amazing human to be around. The bride has known her for many years and has always felt like Teresa is family immediately. Teresa thank you for your loving heart and kindess toward me always. I also have to note, that Teresa happens to have the voice of an ANGEL incase anyone wondered. One last note, thank you Teresa for giving me 2 amazing sweet nephews :')

Teresa Miller

Lexi is the groom's sister and bride's now sister in law which she couldn't be more excited for! Lexi is potentially one of the smartest women you will meet, just ask about her Cornell endeavors. Meeting Lexi and being included in the family has been a great feeling and it is always a fun time to be around her! Thank you Lexi for always being welcoming to me, we love you!!

Lexi Fresh

Julia and the bride go back to highschool times. When they met it seemed to click immediately, with similar music taste, movies, and our love of spooky and haunted things. Julia and the bride have been through so many adventures (applebees included), such as getting lost in the woods with our cellphones dying, but not caring too much cause at least it was fall and the trees were pretty. Julia is the one to call right when the first spirit halloween opens, Julia is the most witchy woman I know and that is probably why we connected immediately! Julia, we love YOU and thank you!!!!

Julia Wosje 

Fiona and the bride go back to highschool times when they first met. When the bride met Fiona it may have been under strange circumstances, BUT nevertheless, they clicked instantly. Being around Fiona is a magical feeling, she is full of whismy and is one of the most fun human beings around. Fiona lives in Oregon but the bride and her continue to talk every month and make sure life is going well for both. I am so grateful she has made the travels to the wedding shower and the wedding to be here for Ben and I. I will always remember my trip to Oregon to visit for a football game back in the day and it was one of the most fun trips I have ever had!! We love you Fi and thank you!!

Fiona Wenning

Shannon was the bride's college roommate at Stout in WI. They actually both did not have a roommate until probably a few weeks before even going to college, it was a last minute set up that they probably both were worried about until meeting. The first day, and I truly mean the first day, they talked for HOURS. They learned almost everything they could about eachother within a 24 hour period. After that, they barely left each other's side. Even when Kristen left Stout (lol) and knowing each other for a short period, we still would visit each other and talk all the time. Shannon is a lover girl, she is sweet, caring, and it's always a fun time to be around her. Thank you Shannon, for everything, we love YOU!!

Shannon Hillesheim 

Reli is the brides cousin AND goddaughter!! Don't let her try and fool you with that teenage angst, she is a beautifully kind human. One of our favorite things we liked to do was go to MOA, ride the rides, then of course go to Ikea and pretend the staged rooms were our own, and make sure they meet our high standards. I do have to also note, when Reli first met Ben, she let him know that I was prettier than him lol. We love you RELI!!! 

Aurelia Little

Wedding Party

This is where Kristen and Ben plan to stay. It is about .3 miles away

SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. Paul Downtown

Hyatt Place St. Paul/Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St Paul Downtown

Please visit the link for parking options: https://www.abulae.com/parking-levenere/

Parking 

Travel

One of Kristen and Ben's favorite pasta restaurants. Try the Manhattan Flight and start with the La Caprese!

DeGidio's Restaurant & Bar, St. Paul

Get the poutine and try one of their crazy hot dogs!

The Bulldog Lowertown

Great little coffee shop Kristen and Ben love, also right across from a huge thrift store!

Amore Coffee

A fun historic brewery and wurstery, grab a beer then head over to De Gidios!

Waldmann Brewery

Things to Do

Our ceremony starts at 4:00 p.m. Please plan accordingly to get there early and find parking. I have put additional parking information on the "Travel" page. Cocktail hour will begin right after the ceremony. Dress code is black tie (I know it is Halloween, but please don't wear a costume, we are going for classy Phantom of the Opera vibe lol. Kids can wear a costume though!) Additionally, there will be candy for any kids that attend since they might be bummed they can't trick or treat!! We will have way more candy than they could get out in the neighborhood!

Kristen & Benjamin

Kristen & Benjamin

Travel

SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. Paul Downtown

Hyatt Place St. Paul/Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St Paul Downtown

Parking