Ceremony

Reception

Knights of Columbus Hall

Our Wedding

Benny and I both swiped right on each other! Ben's main picture made me laugh, and I was intrigued to learn more about him. We met up for food a couple weeks later and immediately hit it off. I told myself if the chemistry was solid I would invite him on a hike to the Natures Megaphone in Afton! On 12/01 Ben called me his "special friend" to someone, and it only took about 20 minutes to tell him I was not pleased, and we were more than just friends. That afternoon we both deleted Tinder and started dating. We have loved, laughed and experienced the best times, we hope you join us on April 25th to feel the love we have been feeling for one another.

How we met! 

On Mother's Day Weekend 2025, his parents and my parents met at Audie's for Dinner. My mom was being weirdly quiet, but had a reason to as she had injured herself the day before. I had NO idea why Ben wanted me to wear blue, but it is my favorite color so why not? I had my nails done as I wanted to feel fancy for dinner. The start of dinner included me going to the bathroom and getting a salad from the salad bar, which is great, because Ben's mom passed him the ring at that time. After I ate my salad I held Ben's hand and pointed to my empty ring finger as a joke, not knowing what was ahead. Ben seemed completely normal, not nervous at all. After dinner my mom asked for the Dessert Menu (Red flag I did not notice until later) and then a Turquoise cake hit my eye view and "Rita, Will you marry me?' was written on top. I could not believe it, everything fell into place, and I could not stop crying, and tear up every time I think about it. It was the best night! (the cake was delicious by the way)

When he asked...

Our Story

Photos

Marke and I met in 2011, during Drivers Training, my calendar days to drive worked perfectly for hers. The fact that she stayed friends with me even after seeing and experiencing my driving is a miracle. We have been through tears, turmoil, and struggles, but there is no one like her. Marke has been a genuine friend, and person I could not live without. 

Markeala Drier 

Justine and I met at work! We have been good gal pals since then. I always laugh the hardest when I’m with her. We understand each other and there’s no one else I’d rather party with! 

Justine Ness

Whitney and I met soon after Ben and I started dating. She brought a calm presence to the room and made me feel welcomed. I am happy to have her stand beside me as I marry into the Forbes clan 

Whitney Forbes

Abby and I met when my brother was in college. At that time I had no clue she would become my SIL. Throughout the years she became not only my friend, but someone I could call on for help, and someone to go to brunch with. Now she is family, and it is the best feeling. 

Abby Jones

Vivi is Ben's niece and will be carrying the weight of the petals down the aisle. 

Vivi

Jared Forbes

Preston Ness

Eric Forbes

Doug Jones

Wedding Party

Q + A

A lovely place to stay, about 5 min from the Venue. 

<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/936902465609261221?check_in=2026-04-24&amp;check_out=2026-04-27&amp;guests=1&amp;adults=1&amp;s=67&amp;unique_share_id=94ccc34c-9985-403c-a503-33cdf5107a5d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/936902465609261221?check_in=2026-04-24&amp;check_out=2026-04-27&amp;guests=1&amp;adults=1&amp;s=67&amp;unique_share_id=94ccc34c-9985-403c-a503-33cdf5107a5d</a>

Here is the link to the rooms we have reserved for the Jones &amp; Forbes Wedding. Please make sure before reserving you see our last names on the info page. There are 3 different types of rooms to choose from.

Best Western River Terrace

Travel

This was where Ben and I hiked on our first date. It is hilly but after 1.5 miles you will find the beautiful amplifying structure in the woods. There is also 8 miles of surrounding beauty to explore.

Nature Megaphone

A place to unwind and watch the city go by. Highly recommend the roof top for viewing

Cheboygan Brewing Company

This is a great place for the kiddos! Creation Station has ceramics and painting opportunities for all ages. Also, there are enjoyable items to purchase that all kids and adults can love.

Creation Station & Right Brain Toys

Ben and I's favorite restaurant. Ben's favorite is the pulled pork, and I love their hot wings and salads.

Rita & Benjamin

Rita & Benjamin

Registry