Together with their families

Ella&John

Saturday, January 2, 2027

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

How it began

Our Story

A favorite photo of us goes here

Our story began in the most ordinary way — and became the best thing that ever happened to us. What started as friendship grew, season by season, into a love we both knew was meant to last. Through every chapter, we've felt God's quiet hand guiding us toward each other, and we are endlessly grateful.

Now, surrounded by the people we love most, we can't wait to begin our greatest adventure yet — as husband and wife, on a snowy January evening in the town we call home.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:14

Our favorite people

The Wedding Party

Bridesmaids

M
Maid of Honor
Sister of the Bride
B
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride
B
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride
B
Bridesmaid
Cousin of the Bride

Groomsmen

B
Best Man
Brother of the Groom
G
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom
G
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom
G
Groomsman
Cousin of the Groom

Saturday, January 2, 2027

The Day

The Ceremony

Renew Church

3:00 PM

Doors open at 2:30 PM

416 Niagara St, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Open in Maps

The Reception

West Creek Event Center

Cocktails at 5:00 PM

About a 15-minute drive from the church

S7650 WI-37, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Open in Maps

Order of the Evening

2:30 PM
Doors open at Renew Church
Come warm up — coffee & cocoa in the lobby
3:00 PM
Ceremony
Renew Church
3:45 PM
Travel to West Creek
About a 15-minute drive — carpool if you can
5:00 PM
Cocktail hour
West Creek Event Center
6:30 PM
Dinner & toasts
8:00 PM
First dance & open dancing
11:00 PM
Last song & sparkling send-off
Drive safe — it's January!

Attire

Winter Formal — suits & ties, cocktail dresses or long gowns. January in Wisconsin is beautifully cold, so bring a warm coat and consider boots for the walk from the parking lot; there's room to change into dress shoes inside.

Getting here & staying

Travel & Accommodations

Most of our guests are traveling from the Twin Cities or Madison — everything below is written with you in mind. If anything is unclear, just ask us!

Driving In

From Minneapolis–St. Paul
About 1.5–2 hours east on I-94. It's an easy, well-maintained interstate drive the whole way. Leave a little extra time in January — WisDOT plows I-94 aggressively, but check 511wi.gov for road conditions before you head out.
From Madison
About 2.5–3 hours northwest — take I-90/I-94 W toward Eau Claire. The Osseo exit Norske Nook (world-famous pie) is a beloved halfway stop if you want to make an afternoon of it.

Flying In

Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) — recommended
The best option for most travelers: a major Delta hub with nonstops from nearly everywhere and the widest choice of flight times and fares. Rent a car and enjoy a straightforward ~90-minute drive east on I-94 to Eau Claire.
Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
Eau Claire's own airport, 10 minutes from both venues, with connections through Chicago (O'Hare). Fewer flights, but wonderfully convenient if the schedule works for you.

Where to Stay

The Lismore Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton)

Downtown Eau Claire

Our recommended home base — a stylish downtown hotel with a rooftop bar, about 5 minutes from Renew Church. Mention the Ella & John wedding block when booking (block details coming with your invitation).

The Oxbow Hotel

Downtown Eau Claire

A cozy boutique hotel with a great restaurant (The Lakely) and a warm, artsy vibe. Books up fast — reserve early.

Hampton Inn Eau Claire

South side, near I-94

Reliable and comfortable, with free breakfast and easy interstate access — the closest cluster of hotels to West Creek Event Center.

Holiday Inn South I-94

South side, near I-94

Family-friendly with a pool for the kids, minutes from the reception venue.

Winter driving

Roads are plowed and salted, but give yourself an extra 30 minutes on wedding day, keep your gas tank above half, and toss a blanket in the trunk — standard Wisconsin wisdom.

Parking

Free parking at both venues, plowed and lit. The lots are close to the doors, so the cold dash is short — promise.

Make a weekend of it

Downtown Eau Claire is lovely in the snow: coffee at SHIFT or ECDC, dinner at The Informalist or Mona Lisa's, and a walk along the Chippewa River bridges.

If you feel so inclined

Registry

Your presence on a snowy January evening is truly the greatest gift. For those who have asked, we're registered at the places below.

ZolaOur main registry — a little bit of everything TargetThe practical stuff

Good to know

Questions & Answers

What should I wear in January?

Winter formal! Suits & ties, cocktail dresses, or long gowns. Both venues are warm and cozy inside — just bring a good coat for the walk in. Many guests bring dress shoes to change into and wear boots for the trek.

Can I bring a date?

Because of venue capacity, we can only accommodate the guests named on your invitation. Your RSVP page will show exactly who's included — if you have a plus-one, you'll see a spot to add their name.

Are kids invited?

We love your little ones! Your RSVP page lists everyone invited from your household. A kids' meal is available on the RSVP form.

What if it snows?

It's Wisconsin in January — it probably will, and it'll be beautiful. Both venues are fully indoors, and we'll share any weather updates here and by email. Please allow extra drive time and travel safely.

Is there parking?

Yes — free parking at both Renew Church and West Creek Event Center. Lots are plowed and salted. If you'd rather not drive between venues, carpooling is easy: the drive is about 15 minutes.

When should I RSVP by?

Please RSVP by December 1, 2026 so we can finalize meals and seating. You can update your response any time before then using the same link or code.

Will there be an open bar?

Yes! Beer, wine, and cocktails are on us at West Creek. Please plan a safe ride back to your hotel.