Claudia Reese
Peter Carey
Claudia Reese
Peter Carey
September 13, 2025
Benchmark and Blunders: The Night Claudia Met Steve
Spring bloomed in May 2017, and the Old Town bar, Benchmark, pulsed with the usual Saturday night energy. Steve was there celebrating his friend Nish’s birthday, while across the bar, Claudia and her friend Jess were raising a toast to a different kind of celebration—a year of her close friend's singlehood. Suddenly, a persistent young man loomed over the two ladies, his charm clearly lost on them. Sensing their discomfort, Steve swooped in like a hungry Indy gunning for table scraps. When his gaze met Claudia's baby blues, and Claudia's eyes sized up his 6'4 frame, there was interest from both parties ;). They decided to continue their banter at the now-closed Beaumonts. Before they knew it, last call was being hollered and the two exchanged numbers and eventually said their goodbyes. The next morning, Steve's alias gave way, revealing the Peter he truly was. Turns out, the name exchange over the loud bar hadn't quite landed. And that, dear friends, became the quirky origin story—a botched intro that would set the tone for a relationship full of benchmarks.
Schedule
Friday, September 12, 2025
Welcome Happy Hour
6:00 pm
93415 County Road 690, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Casual. Feel free to wear shorts, it’s going to be unseasonably hot!
If you arrive early, we’d love for you to join us for drinks at The Strand! We’ll be gathering in the outdoor area near the stage. Nothing formally reserved, just would love to see you all before the big day.
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Ceremony
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
6337 Snyder Rd, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Cocktail attire
Shuttle from the hotel block will depart at 3pm ET!
Reception
4:30 pm - 11:00 pm
6337 Snyder Rd, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Cocktail attire
Cocktail hour will commence immediately following the ceremony until 5:30 pm ET. The first shuttle departure will begin at 9pm ET, and will make intermittent trips until the final shuttle at 11pm ET. The last shuttle will make a pit stop at Dockside's Dinking & Drinks for the afterparty before continuing to the hotel.
After Party
11:00 pm
94376 Co Rd 690, Dowagiac, MI 49047
The final shuttle will make a pit stop at Dockside's for all who would like to keep the party going. Their late-night food menu will be served.
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Float Day
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
92318 Mariner Drive, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Ditch the wedding suit and slip into your bathing suit, we’re hitting the sand bar and gearing up for some drinking games!
Travel
Hotel
Courtyard St. Joseph Benton Harbor
Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor / St. Joseph
Registry
Wedding Party
Rachel Nowak
Maid of Honor
John Hayes
Best Man
Bob Yarmahmoudi
Officiant
Raeyn Nowak
Flower Gal
Judith Reese
Flower Gal
Landon Nowak
Ring Bearer
Jack Pieroth
Ring Bearer
Gallery
Things To Do
Silver Beach
Sister Lakes Brewing Company
Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course
Warren Dunes State Park
FAQs
Question
Can I bring my kids?
Answer
We love your little ones, but this will be an adults-only celebration.
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
The dress code is cocktail attire. Since the celebration will take place both indoors and outdoors, we recommend bringing a light jacket or shawl to stay comfortable throughout the evening.
Question
What will be served at the reception?
Answer
We’ll be serving a family style, seasonal menu with options for a variety of dietary needs.
Question
Do I need to use the hotel block?
Answer
You do not! There are many Airbnb’s available in the area that can accommodate larger groups. But, if you choose to stay elsewhere, please make travel arrangements for the wedding, as the shuttle picks up from the hotel. The shuttle will make a stop at Dockside Dining & Drinks on Round Lake for the afterparty, which can be used as return travel if your Airbnb is close to the bar.
Question
Is there a shuttle?
Answer
Yes! We will have a shuttle that picks up and drops off at the hotel block location. The shuttle will depart from the hotel block at 3:00 PM ET to bring guests to the venue. After the reception, return shuttles will run at 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Please note: the final 11:00 PM shuttle will stop at Dockside Dining & Drinks on Round Lake for the afterparty before continuing back to the hotel block.
Question
Will there be an afterparty?
Answer
Yes! We’ll gather at Dockside Dining & Drinks on Round Lake immediately following the reception. The last shuttle of the night will stop there to drop off everyone who wants to join the afterparty. For those who are staying at the hotel block and would like to stay later at the afterparty, we will have a taxi service available to use.
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.