Bennett Botanical Gardens

Wedding Day

Wedding

Bennet Botanical Gardens

Reception

Our Wedding

Bruce and Bethany&#8217;s story began years ago in high school, though God had different plans for their paths at the time. Life took them in different directions until Bethany relocated to the Tri-Cities, where the Lord gently brought their stories back together.
 
Bruce, an avid marksman, had shared a few shooting videos online. Bethany, curious and brave, reached out and asked if he would teach her. They decided to start with dinner and spent hours talking. There were no sparks at first, just easy conversation and a sense of comfort that felt familiar and safe.
 
Next came the shooting lesson. Bruce told Bethany to be ready promptly at 7:00 a.m. He picked her up, stopped for Dutch Bros, and headed to the range on a freezing cold December morning. Bruce came prepared with gloves, patience, and a warm truck so Bethany could thaw out between rounds. In those quiet hours, Bethany noticed Bruce&#8217;s kindness, steadiness, and servant heart. His encouraging nature put her at ease, and she quickly discovered she not only enjoyed shooting, she was actually pretty good at it.
 
After a few chilly hours, they warmed up with food. Bruce took Bethany to his new favorite taco spot, Pupuseria Salvadore&#241;a Restaurant. It was there she learned two things. Bruce cannot roll his &#8220;r&#8217;s,&#8221; but he does have excellent taste in birria tacos!
 
When Bruce dropped Bethany off that day, neither of them wanted it to end. Time had passed quickly, and being together felt easy and joyful. From that moment on, they continued to spend time together and began to see God&#8217;s hand at work. What started as friendship slowly and faithfully grew into something more.
 
Together, they found a church home and intentionally built a relationship grounded in prayer, mutual respect, and a shared love for Christ. They chose to move forward with patience and purpose, trusting God to guide each step.
 
On Christmas Eve 2025, Bruce asked Bethany to marry him in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, with a little help from Dozer, Bethany&#8217;s mom Shannon, and Bruce&#8217;s mom Toni.
 
Bruce and Bethany are deeply thankful for the way God brought them together and look forward to celebrating His faithfulness as they begin this new chapter surrounded by family and close friends.
 
God is faithful. God is good. &#10084;

Our Story

The CelebrationVenue | <a href="www.bennettgardens.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bennett Botanical Gardens</a><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/AjB6zzBzzB4kW3Gi8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">32632 E Punkin Center Road</a><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/AjB6zzBzzB4kW3Gi8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hermiston, Oregon 97838</a>3:00 PM | CeremonyJoin us as we say “I do.”3:30–5:00 PM | Cocktails, Appetizers &amp; Yard GamesGrab a drink, enjoy some bites, and have a little fun while we mingle.5:00 PM | DinnerTime to eat, drink, and enjoy a delicious dinner together!After Dinner | Cake Cutting, Toasts &amp; First DanceThen it’s time for sweet treats, a few words from loved ones, and our first dance as newlyweds.8:30 PM | Last Call9:00 PM | Music &amp; Dancing EndsThanks for being part of our special day!Dress CodeGarden Cocktail AttireWe’re going for a polished but comfortable garden setting. Dresses, jumpsuits, dress pants, button-downs, and other cocktail-appropriate attire are welcome.Our festivities will take place outdoors, so we recommend choosing shoes and attire that are comfortable for walking on grass.Venue NoteSmoking of any kind, including vaping, is strictly prohibited anywhere on the property. Thank you for helping us respect the venue and keep the grounds comfortable for everyone.With the exception of immediate family, this will be an adults-only celebration.

Wedding Day Details

<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/AjB6zzBzzB4kW3Gi8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">32632 E Punkin Center Road</a><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/AjB6zzBzzB4kW3Gi8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hermiston, Oregon 97838</a>

www.bennettgardens.com

A Garden SettingOur wedding will take place at Bennett Botanical Gardens, a beautiful outdoor garden venue in Eastern Oregon.The gardens feature lush greenery, mature trees, flowers, water features, a wooden gazebo, unique statuary, and plenty of charming spaces to explore. As the evening sets in, the gardens come alive with soft path lighting and Edison bulbs throughout the trees and around the water.A Few Things to Keep in MindThe wedding is outdoors. Please plan for changing temperatures throughout the afternoon and evening.We’ll be walking on grass, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended.Bring a light layer for later in the evening.The gardens are home to pollinators and plenty of natural plant life, so guests with sensitivities may want to plan accordingly.Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited anywhere on the venue property.The venue's music ends at 9:00 PM, so we'll wrap up the evening at that time.

The Venue

Photos

Mike, known as Brownie, met Bruce in 1998 while working at Safeway, and they quickly became close friends. They spent countless hours together playing guitar, often jamming to Collective Soul, along with golfing, playing basketball, and just hanging out. Over the years, they have been to many concerts together, including five Collective Soul shows. After graduating high school, Mike became Bruce’s first roommate, adding even more great memories.

Through all of life’s challenges, mixed with unforgettable memories, fun, and plenty of laughs, Mike has always been there. Even miles apart, he is never more than a phone call away, and they always pick up right where they left off. Loyal, steady, and always there when it matters, Mike is the kind of friend everyone hopes to have. Bruce is proud to call him his best man and is truly grateful to have him by his side on this special day.

Mike Brown

Megan and Bethany’s friendship began in the most romantic way possible: a Craigslist roommate finder inquiry in the 2000s. Against all odds, the connection was instant, easy, and ridiculously fun. What started as a practical housing situation quickly became a lifelong friendship.

Because their bond began long before smartphones and social media, they have no photo proof of their shenanigans. All their stories are permanently etched in their memories, safe from the internet. Life sent them down different paths, but no matter the distance or season, they always made time for each other. Megan is the friend you can call at any hour, and she will answer with zero judgment, endless encouragement, and exactly the words you didn’t know you needed.

Through every high, low, heartbreak, and a few questionable decisions, Megan has stood firmly by Bethany’s side for 20+ years. Having her stand beside her on one of the most important days of her life just feels right, and Bethany could not be more honored.

Megan Rose

Phil, known as “The Beard,” came into Bruce’s life in 2015 on the Kennewick city league softball field. What started as teammates quickly turned into a strong and lasting friendship. Over the years, they have spent countless weekends shooting pool, throwing darts, golfing, and hanging out like friends. Their time together is always filled with laughs, friendly competition, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Phil has been there for so many family functions, holidays, and birthdays that he has truly become part of Bruce’s family. He is the kind of friend who stays true to who he is, shows up when it matters most, and never lets you down. He is always just a phone call away and someone Bruce can count on no matter what. In a world where close friends are rare, Phil is one of the irreplaceable ones.
Bruce is honored to call him his friend and is proud to have him standing by his side on this special day.

Phil Liniger

Bethany and Cacey first met in grade school, but their real friendship took shape over time. Even after Cacey moved to the Tri-Cities, she somehow always ended up back in Hermiston, usually at a Campus Life event or hanging out with friends. When Cacey eventually moved to Hermiston and lived with her future in-laws while Justin was away on a YWAM mission, their friendship grew into something truly lifelong.

Their bond was built on all the important things: Jesus, cookie dough, trash TV, and endless shenanigans. Many of their core memories include each other. Campus Life lock-ins, snow days, late-night nachos, rat-stomping adventures, midnight runs to the Tri for gas station cappuccinos, and serious America’s Next Top Model poses. Bethany is so honored to have Cacey standing by her side on this day, a constant source of faith, laughter, and love.

Cacey Knight

Caleb is Bruce’s only son and his greatest gift. From the earliest days, they have faced life’s ups and downs together, learning from one another and growing closer with each challenge. Caleb is smart, witty, kind-hearted, and full of positivity, bringing out the best in everyone around him. Bruce has treasured the bond they share, built on shared laughter, lessons learned, and countless moments that have shaped both of their lives. Having Caleb stand as a groomsman makes this day truly special. Bruce couldn’t imagine celebrating one of life’s most important moments without his son by his side.

Caleb Walton

Deanna, or “Nan” as Bethany calls her, has been part of Bethany’s life since kindergarten. They bonded over the important things: balloon pants, shoelace hair clips, and perfectly mismatched socks. Seventh grade stuck them on the dreaded "Mixed Team," and from that moment on they were inseparable through junior high and into high school. Sophomore year brought a big change when Deanna moved to the rival town of Pendleton, but no distance, state, or continent would break their connection. Deanna has a heart of gold and always knows how to make people laugh and feel loved. She is one of Bethany’s truest, longest friendships, and Bethany can’t imagine celebrating this day without her by her side.

Bethany & Bruce

Bethany & Bruce

Travel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hermiston Downtown by IHG

Oxford Suites Hermiston

Airbnb