THE MAEWOOD JOURNAL

Sierra & Ben Olsson

Real Weddings

September 9, 2020

A Love Worth Traveling For

We first met Ben and Sierra in person as they walked into their rehearsal dinner at La Perla in Eugene, Oregon. Though we had traveled from Phoenix to capture their love story, from the moment they entered the room, it felt as though we’d known them for years. Their kindness, energy, and deep connection set the tone for a wedding weekend we won’t soon forget.

After stealing a few quiet moments outside for some engagement portraits, we returned to a room alive with laughter, last-minute updates, and the unmistakable joy of two families coming together.

Wisdom Passed Down

As the night settled in, Ben’s father, Ike, stood to speak. Though his father Ole—Ben’s grandfather, has passed, his legacy lives on. One of the most treasured pieces of that legacy is Ole’s “Recipe for Success,” a list of principles that hangs in their family-owned business and continues to guide their lives today.

With emotion in his voice and tears in his eyes, Ike shared these words with the room:

Ole Olsson’s Recipe for Success

Work hard—nothing worth having comes easily.
Be grateful—even when it doesn’t feel like enough.
Tell the truth—even when it’s hard.
Invest in people—you’ll get the best return.
Avoid debt—steward what you have wisely.
Nurture relationships—take the time.
Don’t be afraid to say no—boundaries matter.

And finally, with his hand raised, Ike extended his pinky finger and said, “If you take care of the little things…” then his ring finger, “…the big things will take care of themselves.”

A Foundation for Forever

This recipe wasn’t just words—it shaped everything about their wedding day. In the midst of a pandemic, it was love, family, and intentionality that made their celebration not only successful but unforgettable.

Congratulations, Ben and Sierra. Live boldly, love generously, and never stop investing in each other. Here’s to a love that lasts a lifetime.