Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

St. Anthony Church

Ceremony

Effingham Event Center | The Hall Bar & Patio

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

"Meet me at the St. Louis Statue"

On a warm sunny day in mid-September, Hannah and Peter set out to meet in Forest Park after they both swiped right on each other’s online dating profiles. The plan originally was to meet at the apex of Art Hill where the “Apothesis of St. Louis” more commonly known to some as the “St. Louis Statue” (as shown in the image above) sits. Hannah was shockingly five minutes early and chatting a total stranger's ear off while she awaited Peter’s arrival, hoping to recognize him from his profile. Soon after she struck up a conversation with the stranger visiting the statue, Peter arrived and asked Hannah for her name.After exchanging pleasantries, the two climbed the stairs to the art museum where they noted the operation hours on the door: “WEDNESDAY: CLOSED.” Realizing a plan B was needed, Peter to the rescue stated, “Well hey, that’s okay. How about we go on a walk instead?” Hannah agreed and the rest is history. The two went on a walk that lasted for three and a half hours! One of them, new to the St. Louis area thought they were lost, while the other knew exactly where they were going and pretended to be lost to keep the conversation going. :)The two swapped nursing school horror stories, talked about their Catholic faith, love for Star Wars, and even a mutual friend that they had both known from different schools, and any other topic two ADHD people could think of.After the date came to a close, Peter walked Hannah to her car, they exchanged cell-phone numbers and went their separate ways (with large calluses on their feet might they add). After that date, they realized there is a lot of truth to the saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” How exciting that their single step has led to this journey of the sacrament of marriage.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Abigail Buenker

Zoe Duduit

Jacqueline Forys

Lauren Siemer

Abigail Repking

Alex Constantin

Nick Reichmuth

Andrew Riddle

Micah Dubach

Mark Heitman

Seth Hinson

Bradley Forys

Shawn Forys

Henry Buenker

Vivian Buenker

Q + A

Home2 Suites By Hilton Effingham is a 3-star property located in Effingham. <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=MTOEFHT&amp;arrivalDate=2026-05-22&amp;departureDate=2026-05-24&amp;groupCode=CHTBUW&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=MTOEFHT&amp;arrivalDate=2026-05-22&amp;departureDate=2026-05-24&amp;groupCode=CHTBUW&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink</a>

Home2 Suites By Hilton Effingham

<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=EFFKDHX&amp;arrivalDate=2026-05-22&amp;departureDate=2026-05-24&amp;groupCode=CHHBUW&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=EFFKDHX&amp;arrivalDate=2026-05-22&amp;departureDate=2026-05-24&amp;groupCode=CHHBUW&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink</a>

Hampton Inn & Suites Effingham

Located across the street from our Reception location (The Event Center). Comfort Suites Effingham has accommodations in Effingham. With free WiFi, this 2-star hotel offers a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk. A buffet breakfast is available at the hotel. At Comfort Suites Effingham guests are welcome to use an indoor swimming pool. A business center and a gym are available at the property as well as free private parking. Decatur Airport is 70 miles from the property.

Comfort Suites Effingham Central

Next door to the Comfort Suites. Featuring a shared lounge, Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites - Effingham by IHG is located in Effingham. Featuring a garden, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Guests also enjoy access to the indoor pool and fitness center, as well as the sauna and hot tub. All rooms at the hotel come with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. The rooms will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine. A buffet, continental or American breakfast is served at the property. Guests at Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites - Effingham by IHG will be able to enjoy activities in and around Effingham, like hiking. Free private parking and a business center are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk. Decatur Airport is 70 miles from the property.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Effingham by IHG

The Quality Inn hotel is located off Interstate 70 and Interstate 57, close to several area attractions including Lake Sara, the Mid America Corvette Museum, K Square Outlet Mall and Eastern Illinois University. The Ballard Nature Center, an 80-acre wetland, is only a short drive way. A variety of restaurants and cocktail lounges can be found close to the hotel. Guests of this hotel are invited to enjoy a free hot, fresh and healthy breakfast with waffles and eggs. After a busy day of work or play, workout in the fitness center or relax by the cedar-paneled indoor pool. Pets are welcome; fees apply. Business travelers will find in this hotel: free high-speed Internet access, a free newspaper and fax and copy service. The on-site meeting room accommodates up to 30 people for a variety of functions. All rooms come equipped with LCD televisions, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards and safes. Some rooms include microwaves and refrigerators. Whirlpool suites are also available.

Quality Inn Effingham North

La Quinta by Wyndham Effingham is offering accommodations in Effingham. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business center. The hotel provides an indoor pool, fitness center and a shared lounge. Selected rooms include a kitchen with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet or an American breakfast. Decatur Airport is 57 miles away.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham

Travel

Where in the "Eff" are we?

Here are some fun places in the area to check out whether you're in between the ceremony and reception, or you plan to stay a few days. :)

Hannah & Peter

Hannah & Peter

Q + A

Where will the wedding take place?

What is there to do between the ceremony and reception?

Can I bring my children?

Dress Code?