They met on a dating site… no shame. Chris and Ulli both worked tireless hours- Chris at her Vet Tech job, Ulli at his engineering job- and had no time to “go out and meet people”, as if that’s a thing anymore. On January 7th, 2020, after about a week of getting to know each other online, Ulli suggested meeting up in person at Hermann's Pub in Plymouth, Michigan. Chris was so nervous, she devised a plan for two of her friends to meet there and "bump into them" (shout out to Abby & Thomas!). The four had a great time together playing pool late into the night while a huge snowstorm brewed outside. Everyone made it home safely, and Chris and Ulli made plans to see each other again. The rest is history! JUST KIDDING! It was a shitshow! Keep reading...

Just a few months later, the world shut down because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, despite it all, they continued to see each other and social-distanced together. That summer, they took their first road trip together, traveling from Michigan to South Carolina, camping along the way. That’s when they knew it was truly meant to be—Surviving the Appalachian Trail during a global lockdown, and still wanting to spend time together!!!

In 2021, they decided to move in together and found a townhouse in Northville, Michigan. Just two humans, and five animals! Ulli officially became a dog/cat dad. In the spring of 2022, the motivation to get a little further away from city life developed, and house-hunting began. Eventually, they found the perfect home in Brighton, Michigan, and moved the following September. Moving the animals again was a little stressful, but the dogs, Howard and Little Homie, were so happy to have a huge backyard and the humans were so happy to have property to call their own. In May 2023, they sadly had to say goodbye to their beloved cat, Arabella. In her honor, Belly’s Acre Farm was born, and Chris & Ulli now have a seasonal business growing organic flowers and produce, selling it on a roadside stand, to florists and at farmers markets, and donating some of the proceeds to local animal rescues. After many wonderful trips together, including a month of traveling in Germany to introduce Chris to the rest of Ulli’s family, Ulli knew it was time to commit without any ultimatums from Chris...at all...none at all, you guys...

On December 26th, 2023, Ulli and Chris were having their morning coffee and talking about the days ahead- Chris' mom's birthday plans, Christmas day plans, etc. In his serious and non-sarcastic German way, Ulli said he needed to use the bathroom because that morning coffee was "doing its job". Suddenly, Ulli turned around, ring in hand, and popped the question, and of course, Chris said 'yes'!

After going back and forth about having a larger ceremony, and the logistics of most of Ulli’s family not being able to attend, they decided on a private elopement. Ull's parents, Hans and Sabine, were already due to visit in June, so just a few days before their arrival, Chris and Ulli surprised them with the updated plans. Needless to say, they were thrilled. On an absolutely perfect Sunday afternoon, Chris and Ulli eloped at Kensington Metropark.

Now, here’s where you come in. This party is the long-awaited reception to celebrate Chris & Ulli’s marriage. It means the entire world that they can finally do this. They cannot wait to see you and celebrate with you!

We want to say thank you to the following for making all this happen: Deb Hoffman - Chris' mom and an actual living saint Hans & Sabine Kraske - Ulli's parents, also living saints, who we hope to see in Germany soon! Eric Weihl & Mariah Palazzola - Eric was our wedding officiant and the best. Mariah was back up jack-of-all-trades. Stephanie Hoffman - for throwing an elopement ceremony together with literally no warning and making it beyond our wildest dreams! Katie & Ganesh Pariyar- for amazing photos of our big day that we will cherish forever. Callie Lawrence/ Callie Alexandria Photography - for her friendship, and pictures that bring us to tears (calliealexandria.com) To the rest of our family and friends (in U.S. and Germany): words really can't express how grateful we are for the love and support you've shown us. Now let's PARTY!