Our Story
Where does the story of Beth Carpenter and Jason Pyrz start? Let me take you back. Way back. All the way back to the official dismantling of the Berlin Wall, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and, most importantly, MC Hammer.
In 1990 we were in eighth grade at Orland Junior High, in Orland Park, IL. We had never crossed paths before we were assigned the same table in Mr. Lieb's science class. I (Jason) fell immediately for Beth. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever met, and I was dumbfounded when she returned the interest I was showing in her. We dated, on and off, the entire year. We were each other's first real kiss, and she was my first true heartbreak.
Not long after the photo below was taken at our eighth grade graduation dinner dance, Beth had finally had enough of my immature shenanigans and cut me loose. I used to believe that was the last time we ever spoke as kids, but Beth was able to bring receipts and prove to me that we were actually in some of the same classes in high school (I was so traumatized, I guess I blocked that from my memory). High school turned into college, which turned into adulthood - but I always looked back at Beth as the one who got away. I was an idiot for messing that up. I spent my entire life thinking Beth hated me.
Fast forward to the advent of Facebook. I had always been curious about Beth, and how she was getting on. I added Beth as a friend, hoping she'd forgotten what a little jerk I was, 18 years before, and was legitimately happy that she seemed to be living her best life. Was I jealous? Absolutely, just a tad. Did I ever expect that I would one day be marrying her? Absolutely not.
Over the years, Beth and I would try to get our families together because, we thought, our families were so similar in personality, beliefs, politics, etc.. That never ended up happening aside from a wake we attended, and the time I went to one of her "Sip n' Stretch" yoga classes - both well before we even began to realize that there would be something between us. Jump forward a few more years, to the time when our respective existing relationships started to deteriorate past the point of saving, and I received a message from Beth. I had been so open about my mental health struggles on Facebook, and how I had been seeing a relationship therapist since just before the pandemic, and she had a question about said therapists.
We ended up talking for seven hours that night.
It took a few more of those marathon chat sessions before either of us was willing to admit that there could be something between us. On the contrary, we each did our best to push each other away - sharing all of our dark and dirty secrets in a subconscious effort to end whatever this was before it started, to avoid getting hurt. Fortunately for us, and unfortunately for our subconsciouses, those admissions caused us to fall even harder for each other.
In time, both of our existing relationships came to their official end, and we were finally able to be together in the way it felt we were always supposed to be. We have often said that it feels like we've been trying to make our way towards each other for lifetimes - I'm thrilled we got to do this in this lifetime. I love you, Beth Carpenter - I'm not letting you go ever again.
Our Hotel
We are happy to announce that we have procured a discounted block of rooms at Hotel Indigo on the Naperville Riverwalk. Rooms within the block are limited, but they will offer the discount so long as there are rooms available outside of the block, so act fast if you would like one! The discounts are available up to three days before and after August 1, and you MUST BOOK BY JUNE 19. Click HERE to make your discounted reservations, or call the hotel directly at 630-778-9676 and use the code CPW. If you want to extend your stay beyond July 31 and August 1, first reserve within the block and then contact Sydni Swiderski in the sales department to have the reservation extended.
Hotel Indigo is 15-20 minutes directly north of the venue, and is in the heart of downtown Naperville which, for those unfamiliar with the area, is filled with restaurants, bars, shops, a paddleboat lake, beach (yes, really, look up Centennial Beach), and, of course, the Riverwalk. We really think you'll enjoy staying here.
Our Frequently Asked Questions
(Updated February 25, 2025)
Ok, nobody has asked these questions, but they might, so there.
First of all... how do you say his last name?
Easy. It's like Peers or Piers, but with a Z sound at the end. Also, despite your urge to do it the other way, the Y comes before the R (Pyrz). Beth's name is easy (Carpenter). I'm both honored and confused that she actually wants to change her name, for the first time ever, to my Polish eye chart of a last name!
Can I bring my children to the wedding?
If your kids are on the invitation, absolutely. Otherwise, we're tight on space (and budget) so we strongly prefer that you not. Also, please don't make it awkward by asking.
Can I bring a plus one?
Rest assured, we will not be inviting any singles and expecting them to come alone.
Are you registered anywhere?
Nope - we're old and have been at this life thing for a while, we have almost everything we need for domestic bliss, and limited space to store anything else.
When is the RSVP deadline?
Whoa whoa whoa... chillout... we just sent the save-the-date cards!
Do I have to mail my RSVP back or can I respond online or in person?
We're easy. You do you, boo.
Is there an official hotel?
Yes! See the section above about Hotel Indigo. If you want to stay slightly closer and don't mind interstate-off-ramp accomodations, there are a number of options right off of I-55 in Joliet at the Rt. 30 exit, and in Romeoville/Bolingbrook at the Weber Road exit.
Will there be a shuttle between the venue and the hotels?
No, but Ubers should be easy to get - especially from Hotel Indigo and other Naperville-area hotels. Please don't drink and drive - if you're going to party hard, make sure you've got a ride. Nothing ruins a wedding more than a dead guest.
What should I wear?
We're not expecting you to go full-on black tie here, it is a summer wedding with a BBQ dinner, but keep it classy. Collared shirts and a maybe a nice jacket (no ties necessary) paired with chinos or nice denim, cocktail dresses, whatever. Leave the ripped/distressed/torn jeans at home, and please, no shorts or t-shirts. You may want to bring a shrug or other light sweater/jacket/hoodie/whatever, if you plan on taking advantage of the outdoor firepits and seating areas after the sun goes down. Still confused? Refer to the adult folks in this random image I found while Googling "summer wedding guest dress code" for an example:
Where do we park?
The Farmhouse has onsite parking with parking attendants. It'll be obvious when you get there.
What time should we arrive?
Well... the invitation will have the start time of the ceremony - give youself enough time to get to the venue and find a seat so you're not walking down the aisle at the same time as Beth. We are planning to start the ceremony around 4:00 PM.
Can I take pictures during the ceremony?
We would strongly prefer you keep your phones in your pockets or purses during the ceremony. We have a professional who will be capturing the moment, and we would really love for you all to just enjoy the ceremony in real time. It won't be that long, we promise.
What food will be served, and what if I have a dietary restriction?
We're going to start the evening with a charcuterie spread from The Grazing Olive, to accompany the pre-dinner cocktails. Dinner will be a buffet of barbecue bliss, prepared onsite by a pitmaster from Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe, who will be whipping up a variety of meats from the fields, skies, and waters. There should be enough sides and starters to keep any vegetarians nicely full as well. Dessert will be provided by The Original Rainbow Cone, who will have one of their trucks onsite, and there will also, of course, be some late-night nibbles - nobody is going to leave hungry.
Will there be a bar?
Who do you think we are? Of course there will be a full open bar.
Is smoking allowed?
You can smoke, if you must, in the parking lot away from the reception. We trust that you'll be respectful and not smoke upwind of the reception areas.
What time does the reception end?
11:00 PM is when we need to vacate the premises, so stay as long as you want until then!
